Best MMA movies ranked after ‘The Smashing Machine’ is branded a box office flop

5. Here Comes the Boom

Released in 2012, Here Comes the Boom falls under the comedy/action genre despite its mixed martial arts-themed plot.

Featuring a notable cast, Kevin James plays the protagonist role of Scott Voss — a biology teacher who decides to pursue a career in combat sports.

Boasting a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, James is joined by a notable cast including the likes of Henry Winckler, as well as Salma Hayek — while UFC color commentator Joe Rogan makes a brief cameo in the movie.

4. Never Back Down

As part of a series of combat sports films boasting the same name, the original Never Back Down, released in 2008 and features in the action genre of film.

Starring Sean Faris as lead character Jake Tyler, the plot centers around Tyler’s training in mixed martial arts to defeat a high-school rival who boasts an MMA championship.

Boasting a dismal 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the flick also features the likes of Amber Heard and Cam Gigandet in supporting roles.

3. Fighting

Released a year later than Never Back Down in an age of combat sports-related movies, Fighting stars Channing Tatum in the lead role as Shawn MacArthur.

Not the most typical of combat sports pics, Fighting details the rise of MacArthur, who makes his profits while fighting in an underground mixed martial arts fighting sphere.

Performing slightly better than Never Back Down with audiences, Fighting holds a 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and stars Carlito’s Way and Narcos star Luis Guzmán in a supporting role.

2. The Smashing Machine

Boasting a sizable cast of notable combat sports stars, former Pancrase icon Bas Rutten stars as himself in The Smashing Machine alongside the above-mentioned Johnson.

Furthermore, current undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk stars, as does former UFC light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader, who plays Kerr’s close friend and UFC icon Mark Coleman in the biopic.

Breaking out of the gates with an impressive 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes so far, The Smashing Machine details the life and trials of Kerr during his rise in combat sports, with Johnson heralded for his performance in the serious role.

1. Warrior

Considered one of the best portrayals of combat sports on the big screen, the 2011 release of Warrior remains top of the list when it comes to this genre of flicks.

Starring award-winning actor Tom Hardy in a lead role, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler plays Tom Conlon as the protagonist, a former Marine who competes in mixed martial arts under the guidance of his father, played by Cape Fear and The Prince of Tides star Nick Nolte.

Considered a must-watch for fight fans, on rating website Rotten Tomatoes, Warrior boasts an impressive 81% approval rating, amid supporting roles from the likes of pro wrestling star Kurt Angle and Prison Break star Frank Grillo.