The 34 Best Sports Movies of All Time: Must Watch Movies

Discover the best sports movies of all time with this comprehensive list featuring 32 inspiring and entertaining films.

Sports movies are a genre beloved by millions, capturing the triumphs and tribulations of athletes as they pursue their dreams both on and off the field. Whether it’s the underdog story of a scrappy team rising to greatness or a biopic of a real-life sports legend, these movies have the power to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. With so many classic sports movies to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 32 best sports movies of all time. From baseball to basketball, football to hockey, and everything in between, these movies have captured the hearts of fans around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fanatic or just looking for a good movie to watch, this list has something for everyone.

In the following paragraphs, we’ll break down each of these 32 movies and provide a brief synopsis of their plots. From timeless classics like “Rocky” and “Hoosiers” to modern favorites like “Moneyball” and “Creed,” these films showcase the best of what the sports movie genre has to offer. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be inspired by these unforgettable tales of triumph, teamwork, and perseverance.

The Best Sports Movies

1. Rocky (1976)

Sylvester Stallone stars as an underdog boxer who gets the chance to fight the heavyweight champion of the world.

2. Hoosiers (1986)

Based on a true story, a small-town basketball team makes an improbable run to the Indiana state championship.

3. The Karate Kid (1984)

A teenager learns karate from a wise mentor in order to defend himself against bullies.

4. Remember the Titans (2000)

A high school football team overcomes racial tensions to become a championship team.

5. Rudy (1993)

A high school football team overcomes racial tensions to become a championship team.

6. The Blind Side (2009)

A wealthy family takes in a homeless teenager who goes on to become a star football player.

7. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A female boxer fights her way to the top of her sport with the help of her trainer.

8. A League of Their Own (1992)

During World War II, a women’s baseball league is formed and a group of women become unlikely heroes.

9. Miracle (2004)

The true story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, which defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union.

10. Chariots of Fire (1981)

The story of two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics.

11. The Natural (1984)

An aging baseball player attempts to make a comeback and lead his team to the World Series.

12. Field of Dreams (1989)

A farmer builds a baseball field in his cornfield after hearing a mysterious voice say “If you build it, he will come.”

13. Caddyshack (1980)

A group of misfit golfers compete against each other at an exclusive country club.

14. Happy Gilmore (1996)

A former hockey player becomes a golfing sensation with his unorthodox swing.

15. The Mighty Ducks (1992)

A group of misfit kids learn to play hockey and become a winning team.

16. Cool Runnings (1993)

A Jamaican bobsled team competes in the Winter Olympics for the first time.

17. The Fighter (2010)

The true story of boxer Micky Ward and his struggles to become a champion.

18. Moneyball (2011)

The story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, who uses data analysis to build a winning team.

Moneyball offers an insight into the front office process of a Major League Baseball team.

19. Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)

A group of misfits enter a dodgeball tournament to save their gym from being taken over by a corporate gym chain.

20. Seabiscuit (2003)

The true story of a small, scrappy racehorse who becomes a national sensation during the Great Depression.

21. The Wrestler (2008)

A former pro wrestler tries to make a comeback while dealing with personal and health problems.

22. Raging Bull (1980)

The true story of boxer Jake LaMotta and his turbulent life both in and out of the ring.

23. Bull Durham (1988)

A minor league baseball team deals with the ups and downs of the season, while a veteran player mentors a young pitching prospect.

24. Eight Men Out (1988)

The true story of the 1919 Chicago White Sox, who conspired to throw the World Series.

25. A River Runs Through It (1992)

The story of two brothers growing up in Montana and their love of fly fishing.

26. The Rookie (2002)

A high school baseball coach gets the chance to fulfill his dream of playing in the major leagues.

27. The Bad News Bears (1976)

A former bowling champion coaches a young Amish man with natural talent, leading to a hilarious cross-country tournament.

28. Major League (1989)

A ragtag group of baseball players is assembled to play for the Cleveland Indians, with hilarious results.

29. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

A young girl defies her traditional Indian family to pursue her passion for soccer in London.

30. Remember the Goal (2016)

A new coach takes over a girls’ cross country team and helps them find success on and off the field.

31. We Are Marshall (2006)

After a tragic plane crash kills the majority of the Marshall University football team, the school must come together to rebuild and honor the fallen players.

32. The Replacements (2000)

During a pro football strike, a team of misfit replacement players band together to prove they have what it takes to win.

33. Space Jam (1996)

Michael Jordan teams up with the Looney Tunes to play a basketball game against alien invaders in this animated classic.

34. Rookie of The Year (1993)

Follows the story of a young baseball fan who unexpectedly becomes a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs after a freak accident gives him an incredibly powerful throwing arm.

Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just enjoy a good underdog story, the 34 sports movies on this list represent some of the best that Hollywood has to offer. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, these films have the power to inspire and entertain audiences with their compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and stunning cinematography. From feel-good underdog stories to intense biopics, there’s something for everyone on this list.

At their core, these movies remind us of the power of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork in achieving our goals. They show us that no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, anything is possible if we’re willing to put in the effort and work together. So whether you’re looking for a movie to watch with friends or just need a little motivation to help you tackle your own challenges, these sports movies are sure to do the trick.