Sports movies have been a hit amongst moviegoers since the 1940s. People love sports movies because they evoke emotions of passion, tenacity, and rivalry. Not only are they fun to watch, but they also make us dream of achieving greatness.
Some of the best sports movies of all-time represent a variety of different real-world sports, from football to cricket, from boxing to basketball. There are comedy sports movies that are sure to bring out the laughs as well as more serious ones that will cause you to pause and ponder.
No matter what type of movie you’re in the mood for, one thing is certain – you’re sure to find something that fits the bill in our list of the top sports movies of all time. Let’s take a look.
Top 3 Feel Good Sports Movies
- The Sandlot (1993)
Directed by David Mickey Evans, The Sandlot follows the adventures of nine kids in the summer of 1962. Starring Tom Guiry and Mike Vitar as the two main characters, this movie is a delightful mixture of wholesomeness, adventure, and love for the game of baseball.
- Rudy (1993)
Based on a true story, Rudy follows an undersized kid from a small town in Indiana as he pursues his dream of playing football at Notre Dame. Featuring a star-studded cast and emotional scenes of triumph and heartache, Rudy is one of the most beloved sports movies of all time.
- Miracle (2004)
The Miracle tells the story of the 1980 USA Men’s Hockey team and their inspiring victory over the USSR in the Winter Olympics. Starring Kurt Russell as the inspiring (and truly legendary) Coach Herb Brooks, this movie perfectly captures the raw emotion of the time.
Top 3 Inspiring Drama Sports Movies
- Hoosiers (1986)
Hoosiers, directed by David Anspaugh and starring Gene Hackman, follows a small-town basketball team as they pursue their dream of winning the state championship. This movie has inspired millions with its stirring story and is considered one of the greatest sports movies ever made.
- Rocky (1976)
Widely regarded as one of the best sports movies of all time, Rocky follows the journey of a small-time boxer as he rises to the rank of heavyweight champion of the world. Starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky and Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, this film exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and determination.
- Remember the Titans (2000)
This film tells the inspiring story of a newly-integrated football team in Virginia during the early 1970s. Featuring an all-star cast and topped-off with a powerful message, Remember the Titans has become a modern classic. Whether you’re a football fan or not, this movie is sure to touch your heart.
Top 3 Biographical Sports Movies
- Moneyball (2011)
Starring Brad Pitt and based on the true story of Oakland Athletics’ GM Billy Beane, Moneyball tells the story of how Beane, with the help of a statistician, was able to use advanced analytics to build a championship-level baseball team with a limited budget.
- Jerry Maguire (1996)
Tom Cruise stars in this movie based on the real-life story of sports agent Leigh Steinberg. Featuring a star-studded cast and a memorable soundtrack, Jerry Maguire is considered one of the quintessential sports movies and is sure to stay fresh in viewers’ hearts for years to come.
- I, Tonya (2017)
This biographical movie tells the story of figure skater Tonya Harding, played by Margot Robbie. I, Tonya takes a new look at the back-story of one of the most controversial moments in figure skating history and features plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments.
Top 3 Cult Favorite Sports Movies
- The Bad News Bears (1976)
Directed by Michael Ritchie, The Bad News Bears follows a rag-tag little league team as they seek redemption against their more talented opponents. This movie is well-known for its outrageous antics and excellent comedic timing. If you’re looking for a classic movie with a comedic touch, this is a must-see.
- Slap Shot (1977)
Slap Shot is a classic hockey movie starring Paul Newman as a struggling minor league coach trying to inspire his team. Featuring plenty of off-the-wall antics, Slap Shot is sure to keep you entertained throughout. If you haven’t seen this classic, it’s a must for your list.
- D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
This is the sequel to the widely popular first movie in the Mighty Ducks series. The movie follows the now-famous team of misfit hockey players as they embark on a mission to win the Junior Goodwill Games and prove they really are the mighty ducks.
Sports movies have been a staple of the film industry since the 1940s. There are a wide variety of sports movies out there to choose from, from comedy to drama to biopics.
We hope this list of the top sports movies of all time has given you a good starting point for picking out your next feature to watch. Whether you’re looking for a feel-good family classic or a raunchy hockey movie, there’s something on this list for everyone.
