Movies Similar to The Bends

Underdog(2019)

A young girl meets a MMA coach and they quickly form a bond based on their mutual struggles with their own addictions.

I'm Not Gay : A Musical(2023)

Plagued by a hidden childhood trauma that is destroying his life, an obsessive-compulsive MMA fighter moves to Fire Island and pretends to be gay in order to buy the house of his dreams and exorcise his demons.

Fight Church(2014)

A documentary about the confluence of Christianity and mixed martial arts, including ministries which train fighters. The film follows several pastors and popular fighters in their quest to reconcile their faith with a sport that many consider violent and barbaric. Faith is tried and questions are raised. Can you really love your neighbor as yourself and then punch him in the face?

Money Fight(2021)

A group of friends decides to escape their mundane life by documenting their lives as they search for an underground fight club within in the dark web. They put everything on the line for money, respect, and friendship. But when is the point of no return? And will they find their silver lining?

Soul Cage(2022)

Up and coming MMA fighter Sloane Zaro is on her way to super-stardom when she comes home to witness the brutal murder of her mother. As Leonard Zaro goes on trial for killing his wife, Sloane trains for the fight of her life.

Takedown: The DNA of GSP(2014)

A look at the life and career of Ultimate Fighting Champion's welterweight world champ Georges St-Pierre, also known as "GSP".

Tapped Out(2014)

A disgruntled teenager, sent to do community service at a rundown Karate school, enters an MMA tournament to face the man who killed his parents.

Bloodsport(1988)

An American Army Major goes AWOL to Hong Kong for an outlawed martial arts contest called the Kumite.

Fight Life(2012)

Chronicles the daily lives of professional MMA fighters from all different levels over the course of one year.

Shaolin(2011)

China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan or rescue and escape.

One-Armed Boxer(1972)

A martial-arts student learns the iron fist and death grip techniques to avenge his teacher's death.

VENUM(2023)

A reality movie on VENUM Muaythai Training Camp center in Thailand where the best fighters are coached and trained to compete in tournaments and competition.

Unrivaled(2010)

On these streets everyone is fighting for a way out, but after a lifetime of hard knocks, a down-on-his-luck cage fighter gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he is chosen to compete against the MMA world champion during a massive competition. The stakes are high and the reward great...but should he lose, it will cost him his life.

The Smashing Machine(2002)

An unflinching look at the life and story of Mark Kerr between 1999 and 2001, an intelligent, articulate, and emotionally vulnerable athlete, considered by many at the time to be the most dominant ultimate fighter in the world. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr easily dominated all his opponents, earning him the nickname "The Smashing Machine." With the promise of big money and the euphoria of his early victories, Kerr must battle his injuries and inner fears. The shock of these fights takes a heavy toll on his body and mind, and Kerr attempts to overcome these physical and psychological traumas by turning to painkillers. Kerr's addiction is shown in its raw form, with the camera capturing him desperately soliciting drugs from friends and staff, and injecting painkillers into his veins. His shocking defeat to Fujita in Japan shows us a story that is sometimes difficult and heartbreaking to watch.

Choke(1999)

Welcome to the world of no-holds-barred freestyle fighting...the fastest growing "sport" in the United States, Brazil, and Japan. CHOKE follows undisputed World Freestyle Fighting Champion Rickson Gracie as he prepares to defend his title in a one-night, single elimination tournament where the winner will fight 3 separate fights over five hours. The World Cup finals of hand-to-hand combat.

UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria(2024)

UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on February 17, 2024, at the Honda Center, in Anaheim, USA. A UFC Featherweight Championship bout between current champion Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria headlined the event. This bout was originally expected to headline UFC 297 one month prior but was pushed back after Volkanovski was pulled to face UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

Gina Carano in Training(2012)

Shadow Boxing(2024)

By delving into the life of the girl behind the fighter, Shadow Boxing illuminates the heart of a true warrior, showcasing her courage and resilience long before she enters the ring.

Perfect Addiction(2023)

A female boxing trainer discovers that her champion cage-fighter boyfriend has been cheating on her with her sister and decides to seek revenge by training up his arch-rival to challenge him.

The Martial Artist(2025)

When MMA rising star Ibby 'The Prince' Bakran shines in a local fight, the world’s largest promotion company offers him a deal he can’t refuse. Now aligned with the sport’s top developing athletes, Ibby has a clear path to becoming great.