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DramaRomance Venice 2008 · Golden Lion Editor's Pick

The Wrestler Review (2008) — 84% Celluloid Score

Directed by Darren Aronofsky · 2008 ·

Short answer

Is The Wrestler worth watching?

Yes. The Wrestler (2008) earns an 84% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics (98%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (88%). See the 4 inputs.

84%
Celluloid Score Recommended

4-input transparent breakdown

98% Editorial Rating
88% Audience snapshot · excluded
80 Metascore
★★★½☆ Letterboxd 3.9
7.9 IMDb /10
0
Watch Trailer
Released
Runtime
1h 49m
Age rating
R (US) · 15 (UK) · MA 15+ (Australia) · 18 (South Korea)
Cast
Mickey Rourke , Marisa Tomei , Evan Rachel Wood , Mark Margolis , Todd Barry , Wass Stevens , Judah Friedlander , Ernest Miller , Dylan Keith Summers , Tommy Farra
Language
English

Also known as El Luchador O Lutador レスラー 더 레슬러 摔角王 力挽狂瀾 Şampiyon เพื่อเธอขอสู้ยิบตา

Where to watch

Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists StudioCanal Presents in the United Kingdom. Check local listings for your region.

Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango at Home

Where to watch The Wrestler by country

Country Streaming on
South Korea Wavve
United Kingdom StudioCanal Presents

Subscription availability, refreshed from TMDB. Rental and purchase options may differ.

Why this score?

  • Celluloid's editorial rating is exceptional (98/100).
  • General viewers mostly liked it (88%).
  • Metascore is generally favorable (80/100).
  • Celluloid Score 84% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.

Best for

  • Viewers who want a well-regarded drama, romance pick
  • Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
  • Critics' darlings — stronger with reviewers than general viewers

Not ideal for

    Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy

    Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.

    Is The Wrestler worth watching?

    Yes — The Wrestler earns an 84% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits viewers who want a well-regarded drama, romance pick.

    Celluloid verdict

    The Wrestler — Golden Lion at Venice 2008. A landmark festival winner on Celluloid.

    , Founder & Editor

    Critics (98%) were notably more enthusiastic than audiences (88%).

    What is The Wrestler about?

    Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper, and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter. But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.

    Watch the Trailer

    The Wrestler stills

    Official production imagery supplied through TMDB, kept with the movie instead of split into a thin gallery page.

    The Wrestler production still 1
    The Wrestler production still 2
    The Wrestler production still 3
    The Wrestler production still 4
    The Wrestler production still 5
    The Wrestler production still 6

    Images courtesy of TMDB. TMDB does not endorse or certify Celluloid.

    Reader takes

    No reader takes published yet. Send yours and we may publish it after editing.

    The Wrestler: frequently asked questions

    Is The Wrestler worth watching?

    Yes. The Wrestler (2008) has a Celluloid Score of 84%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.

    Where can I watch The Wrestler?

    In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube. Elsewhere: Wavve in South Korea; StudioCanal Presents in the United Kingdom. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.

    How long is The Wrestler?

    The Wrestler runs 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

    What is The Wrestler rated?

    The Wrestler is rated R in the United States, 15 in the UK, MA 15+ in Australia and 18 in South Korea. These are the official classifications as recorded on TMDB; check your local classification board for content advice.

    Who stars in The Wrestler?

    The Wrestler is directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry.

    What is the Metascore for The Wrestler?

    Metacritic's Metascore for The Wrestler is 80 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.

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