Sports bring people together, whether it be the players on the field or the viewers in the stands (or on their couch at home), and sports movies do the same thing. The beautiful thing about the latter is that even those of us who really don’t care about watching sports can still enjoy them in the form of narrative tales exploring the highs and lows experienced by athletes at all levels. That’s because, ultimately, sports movies are human stories. Even better? Most of them are underdog tales too.
We love a good underdog film, and sports movies offer ample opportunities for scrappy amateurs and down-on-their-luck pros alike to step up and beat the odds. Done well, these films can be all manner of thrilling, entertaining, and inspiring, and the films below are among the best at holding our attention and earning our affection. The specific sports in each film play an integral role, but they’re never more important than the people playing.
Now keep reading for a look at the 15 best sports movies ever made, ranked.
15. The Bad News Bears
Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau) has known the scuffed-up glory of baseball’s minor leagues, but he’s all about the cash and booze these days. That just might change, though, when he takes on coaching duties for the worst Little League team around.
This 1976 classic, directed by Michael Ritchie, is a cheer-worthy romp and one of the greatest baseball movies ever. Matthau shines as the grumpy coach, and the kids, including Tatum O’Neal and Jackie Earle Haley, bring an irreverent charm that’s hard to resist. The film tackles serious themes, exploring the pressures adults place on children in sports, all while keeping things fresh with humor and heart.
14. The Iron Claw
The Von Erich family is synonymous with professional wrestling, and their story takes an emotional turn as success comes paired with tragedy. “The Iron Claw” delves into their rise in the sport while documenting the immense toll it takes on them personally.
This film highlights not just their victories but also the dark side of ambition and the impact of mental health struggles, making for a poignant narrative that resonates. Sean Durkin captures a gripping slice of life here, crafting a tale that doesn’t shy away from the stark realities of ambition overshadowed by tragedy.
13. A League of Their Own
When men went off to fight in World War II, baseball found new life in an unexpected place: women’s all-league teams. Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own” follows the journey of two sisters, Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty), who join the league, showcasing fierce competition and sisterly rivalry.
Adding depth to a story grounded in history, Tom Hanks delivers a memorable performance as a grumpy coach, navigating gender dynamics with humor and warmth. The film remains a celebration of female athletes and the legacy they left behind in a male-dominated sport.
12. Borg vs. McEnroe
Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Wimbledon Championship, “Borg vs. McEnroe” captures one of tennis’ most gripping rivalries. The film explores the contrasting personalities of Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf), blending sports storytelling with deep psychological examination.
The cinematic approach draws audiences into the world of competitive tennis, showcasing the players’ journeys while strategically weaving in their histories. As they prepare for a legendary match, we witness the emotional stakes rise, engaging viewers even beyond the world of sports.
11. Moneyball
In “Moneyball,” Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the Oakland A’s general manager who revolutionized baseball management with data analytics. Facing a limited budget, he hires a young statistician (Jonah Hill) to help him build a competitive team based on on-base percentages.
This adaptation of a true story emphasizes the importance of strategy in baseball, showing how analytics can systematically challenge traditional methods. The film’s clever script and dynamic performances reveal how the game can be as thrilling off the field as it is during play.
10. Tin Cup
Kevin Costner plays Roy McAvoy, a washed-up golfer aiming for redemption by qualifying for the U.S. Open. “Tin Cup” is a blend of humor, romance, and rivalry that showcases not just the game but the quirks of its characters.
The film brilliantly captures the thrill of golf while examining themes of integrity and authenticity. Roy embodies the underdog spirit as he tactically fights societal expectations, reminding audiences that success can also mean staying true to oneself.
9. Love & Basketball
In “Love & Basketball,” Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) navigate the complexities of love and ambition through basketball over a span of years. The film shuns traditional romantic tropes and instead blossoms as a story of personal growth.
Gina Prince-Bythewood offers a nuanced portrayal of the challenges female athletes face, showcasing both characters’ conflicting desires as they strive for greatness in their sport and relationship. The authentic representation continues to resonate today, reflecting the ongoing evolution of women’s sports.
8. Breaking Away
“Breaking Away” is a love letter to cycling and adolescence, as Dave (Dennis Christopher) strives to bond with the celebrated Italian cycling team while navigating his working-class roots. The film is as much about friendship and identity as it is about racing.
Peter Yates crafts an engaging coming-of-age tale, capturing the joys and challenges of youth. With a colorful supporting cast, the film explores class and aspiration, leaving viewers cheering for Dave as he navigates both personal growth and the sport he loves.
7. Hoosiers
In “Hoosiers,” Gene Hackman shines as a coach assigned to an underdog high school basketball team. His journey towards redemption parallels that of the players he guides and embodies the classic spirit of sports narratives.
The film expertly weaves themes of resilience and teamwork, ultimately culminating in a victory that resonates far beyond the court. The chemistry among the cast and Hackman’s passionate performance create a rich, motivational atmosphere that speaks to the heart of what it means to play.
6. Friday Night Lights
“Friday Night Lights” focuses on the Odessa high school football team in 1988, concentrating on the pressure to perform in a town where sports reign supreme. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a compelling performance as the coach, embodying the struggle to encourage his players amidst overwhelming expectations.
The film captures the tension, hope, and heartbreak uniquely tied to small-town life while deftly balancing the excitement of high school football with the darker realities faced by its players.
5. Field of Dreams
“Field of Dreams,” featuring Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, combines the supernatural with the emotional weight of family, tradition, and baseball. The narrative about hearing a voice and building a baseball field serves as a metaphor for reconnecting with lost connections and cherished memories.
The film’s charm lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia, leading viewers through a beautifully cinematic exploration of hope, love, and the timelessness of the experiences we share with those we care about.
4. Warrior
In “Warrior,” two estranged brothers clash in the octagon while navigating personal demons and family history. The MMA film melds brutality with profound emotional depth, showcasing the characters’ struggles and resilience against their pasts.
Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton deliver powerful performances, effectively conveying the turmoil encapsulated by their rivalry. This sports film stands out by inviting audiences to empathize with both brothers, revealing the layered complexity beneath their motivations.
3. Raging Bull
Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull” offers a raw look at the life of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro). The film vividly depicts Jake’s tumultuous journey, showcasing not only his professional successes and failures but also the personal battles that defined him outside the ring.
The powerhouse performances and intense direction create a haunting portrait of a man grappling with flaws that extend far beyond the boxing arena, solidifying “Raging Bull” as one of cinema’s great sports dramas.
2. Bull Durham
“Bull Durham” delves into the lives of minor league baseball players, centering around experienced catcher Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) and cocky pitcher Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). The film masterfully juxtaposes the romantic nuances of the game with the realities faced by those who chase their dreams.
The chemistry between Costner, Robbins, and Susan Sarandon creates an engaging mix of humor, heart, and insight into the struggle to maintain passion in a world filled with uncertainty and pressure.
1. Rocky
At the pinnacle of sports cinema sits “Rocky,” a quintessential underdog story about a blue-collar boxer who gets a chance at the heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed. Sylvester Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa encapsulates determination and resilience, attracting audiences from all walks of life.
This iconic film is more than just a sports story; it’s about self-belief and the pursuit of dreams, reminding us that true victory lies in taking life’s punches and fighting back. “Rocky” resonates as a timeless tale of courage that continues to inspire generations.