By Randy Tyler OK, let's start off with some ground rules. First, Randy Tyler (me I often refer to myself in the third person) is an accomplished lawyer/academic that gets paid $400 per hour for his thoughts and thus chances are I am, when it comes to evaluating the merits of these movies, far better than you, so pay attention. I promise not to heel on you in the process as I am sure, as a wrestling fan, you've had a hard enough life already. Second, I'm not one of those snobby film critics that somehow finds soulful art in movies that were made with poor technology. You won't find movies like Alias the Champ (1949), The Big Show-Off (1945), Catch (1967), Deception (1932), Flesh (1932), Grips, Grunts and Groans (1937) or Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962) on this list. They're old, and crappy as a direct result. Hope I haven't offended anybody. Having said all that, finding the top 5 wrestling movies of all time is still an exercise in sorting through a remarkably shallow gene-pool. For whatever reason, not many have been made, and many of the ones that were made are, well, shit. Originally, I envisioned doing a top 10 list - impossible. However, I think the top 5 listed below are all strong movies, brilliant in their own unique way, and I'd recommend them to anyone as an enjoyable rental, wrestling fan or not. I'll also proudly say that our movie, Kayfabe, easily belongs somewhere in these top 5. I won't put it there now at the risk being accused of extreme bias (or, as most wrestling fans would put it to me, hey, that's not fair, but perhaps a follow up blog by one of the punters (i.e. you) will aptly slot Kayfabe in its proper place among the list. Here goes, and in no particular order: Beyond the Mat (1999, Starring: Mick Foley, Terry Funk, Jake Roberts, Written and Directed by: Barry W. Blaustein) No movie yet has simultaneously captured the mainstream and indie wrestling scenes so accurately. A great mix of three very different characters (both in the ring and out) really helps keep the material fresh where it otherwise might have become stale over its feature length running time. Also, some priceless quotes caught from wrestlers, fans, and those caught in the middle makes this film a time-capsule-like experience that will perhaps get more interesting when re-watched years from now. Hook: Most insightful wrestling movie of all time. The One and Only (1978, Starring: Henry Winkler, Kim Darby, Gene Saks, Directed by: Carl Reiner) Might be the funniest wrestling movie ever made, although Jack Black may disagree. Classic Reiner humour (he made it right after he made Oh God), coupled with a fantastic, hilarious and soulful performance by Henry Winkler (that's right, I said it, soulful). One of those rare buried-treasure-type movies that's so hard to find on video - but after watching it, you honestly wonder why every store doesn't have 10 copies. Hook: As said, possibly the funniest wrestling movie of all time. Grunt! The Wrestling Movie (1985, Starring: Magic Schwarz, Dick Murdoch, Adrian Street, Director: Allan Holzman) One of those so bad is good movies, so it might not be for everybody. There are scenes that are so badly done, and so unfunny, that you'll feel physical pain when you watch them. Having said that, there's just something about it... and some scenes are genuinely hilarious. The movie is such good campy fun, and it brilliantly unfolds (whether intended or not) just like a cheesy wrestling angle. I dare you not to be sucked into the movies climax, where, during a battle royal featuring Dan Spivey, Wahoo McDaniel, Adrian Street and others, the big mystery behind the disappearance of Mad Dog Joe DeCurso is revealed! Classic stuff. Grunt was also slightly ahead of it's time as a mockumentary, one of the first ever, which scores big-time points with me. Hook: Campiest wrestling movie ever made. All the Marbles (1981, Starring: Peter Falk, Vicki Frederick, Laurene Landon, Burt Young, Tracy Reed, Directed by: Robert Aldrich) OK, not so good on the accurate insights of pro-wrestling more like the Hollywood thoughts on what wrestling must be like even though we don't know, nor do we care to find out what it's really like. Nevertheless, Peter Falk as a sleazy promoter and 2 of the hottest chicks of the time in a big budget production? Forgetaboutit. Thoroughly watchable. Remade today I think it's a guaranteed winner and I want a cut for having thought of it. Hook: Best classic Hollywood matinee wrestling flick of all time. Nacho Libre (2006, Starring: Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Hector Jimenez, Directed by: Jared Hess) What more can you say but it's the highest grossing pro-wrestling film of all time. It's not the Deer Hunter, sure, but's it's a pretty damn funny show with a high production value and that, coupled with all that financial success, has got to be enough to crack our top 5. Again, it's not giving us any accurate insight into the world of wrestling (not even Lucha wrestling, sorry to say) but hey, I'm not sure that Lethal Weapon gave us an accurate accounting of life as a member of the LAPD either. At the end of the day, the hats must tip to a winning movie formula revolving around our favorite sport, accurate or no. Hook: Highest grossing wrestling movie of all time. There you have it, the big 5. Now cue the masses, with calls of injustice for my thoughtless snubbary of Wrestling with Shadows (1998), No Holds Barred (1989) and other timeless masterpieces (sarcasm intended). Seriously, please feel free to comment and make your case as convincing as you can. After all, just because you only make $10 per hour (if you work at all) it doesn't mean your opinion doesn't count. Well, wait, actually, it sort of does doesn't it. Ouch.