Professional wrestling has always been a captivating form of entertainment, but documentaries on WWE and beyond are just as interesting.
The WWE has produced some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history, and their documentaries offer fans an in-depth look into the lives of their favorite wrestlers.
In this article, we will rank the 11 best WWE documentaries (this one goes to 11!):
11. The Last Ride (2020) – WWE
The Last Ride is a five-part documentary series that chronicles the final years of The Undertaker’s career.
This documentary provides an inside look at the man behind the character and the physical and emotional toll that wrestling took on him.
It’s a fascinating look into the life of the Deadman and well worth getting through the few episodes of the series.
10. WWE 24: WrestleMania Orlando (2017)
WWE 24: WrestleMania Orlando is a behind-the-scenes look at WrestleMania 33.
This documentary provides a unique perspective on the event and showcases the hard work and dedication of the wrestlers, production crew, and staff who made it all possible.
9. WWE 24: WrestleMania New Orleans (2018)
WWE 24: WrestleMania New Orleans is a behind-the-scenes look at WrestleMania 34.
This documentary provides a unique perspective on the event and showcases the hard work and dedication of the wrestlers, production crew, and staff who made it all possible.
8. The Self-Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior (2005) – WWE
The Self-Destruction of The Ultimate Warrior is a documentary that explores the life and career of The Ultimate Warrior.
This documentary provides a detailed look at the controversial wrestler and the events that led to his departure from the WWE.
Warrior himself was NOT happy at the documentary, as he believed it was essentially a hit piece on his character. Despite that, it’s well worth the watch, even if you weren’t a fan of the iconic wrestler back in the day (the less said about the man behind the character the better).
7. The Rise and Fall of WCW (2009) – WWE
Although not as good as another Rise and Fall documentary (we’ll get to that later!), The Rise and Fall of WCW is a great look into the company and their rise during the mid to late 90s.
It’s worth noting that this IS a WWE production, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when you dive into it as it will have some revisionist history.
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of All Time (2011) – WWE
Stone Cold Steve Austin: The Bottom Line on the Most Popular Superstar of All Time is a documentary that explores the life and career of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
This documentary provides an inside look at the man behind the character and the impact he had on the wrestling industry.
5. CM Punk: Best in the World (2012) – WWE
CM Punk: Best in the World is a documentary that follows the career of former WWE wrestler CM Punk.
This documentary provides a detailed look at Punk’s rise to fame and his decision to leave the WWE and resign before the Money in the Bank 2011 event.
At the time, there was NOTHING like this from the company being released, so it’s a great look into the indie story and rise of the former WWE Champion.
4. Wrestling With Shadows 1998 – non-WWE
This documentary would first start as a look at Bret Hart’s career in 1997, and during the course of filming it would end up becoming on of the most important documentaries of all time in sports entertainment.
The Montreal Screwjob is covered in fascinating detail here, and if you’ve never seen the film then it is an absolute MUST WATCH.
3. The Resurrection of Jake the Snake (2015) – non-WWE
The Resurrection of Jake the Snake is a documentary that follows the life of former wrestler Jake “The Snake” Roberts.
This documentary provides an inside look at Jake’s struggles with addiction and his journey to overcome his demons.
Resurrection isn’t a WWE produced documentary, so you’ll get a less sanitised and more gritty and real look into the downfall and comeback of Jake.
2. Beyond the Mat (1999) – non-WWE
Beyond the Mat is a documentary that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional wrestling.
This documentary explores the lives of several wrestlers, including Mick Foley, Terry Funk, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and the physical and emotional toll that wrestling takes on them.
In terms of massively important documentaries in the world of professional wrestling, it doesn’t get much bigger than this.
It’s worth noting that this was not an official WWF/WWE production, so you’ll get some fascinating glimpses into the backstage world of the company in the late 90s.
1. The Rise and Fall of ECW (2004) – WWE
The Rise and Fall of ECW is a documentary that tells the story of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
This documentary explores the rise and fall of one of the most influential wrestling promotions in history and the impact it had on the wrestling industry.
Featuring the likes of Paul Heyman, Tommy Dreamer and Taz, this is a FANTASTIC documentary and sits here at the top of our list as it is a great way for non-ECW fans to get background on the promotion.
