The best films know how to balance captivating cinematography, memorable characters, and an enthralling plot into a dynamic story. Many filmmakers have found that balance in sports films, creating narratives that compel and draw in viewers. Sports films can be made in a number of genres, including comedies, dramas, biographies, and more, allowing filmmakers to fully explore and tell the story they’re driven to tell. Some of the best sports movies, including Rocky (1976), Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Fighter (2010) have gone on to win Oscars, proving that inspiration can be found everywhere, even on ESPN.
The Best Sports Movies Every Storyteller Should Watch
Sports have inspired numerous iconic movies over the years. Recently, sports movies have exploded in Hollywood, with Challengers, featuring Zendaya as a fallen tennis star, Sixty Minutes, about a mixed martial arts fighter, and The Fire Inside, based on the experiences of Olympic gold medalist Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, coming out in 2024.
From stories of underdogs to films about diversity and inclusion, themes of hope and teamwork can resonate deeply with audiences, even if they’re not sports fans. These films delve into themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the pursuit of greatness, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with every swing, tackle, punch, and knockout.
Soccer
Bend It Like Beckham (2002) – Bend It Like Beckham (2002) is a popular British comedy-drama about a young Indian girl in London, played by Bird Box star Parminder Nagra, who defies her conservative parents to pursue her dream of playing soccer. Named after the famous soccer player David Beckham, the film also stars Keira Knightley.
Kicking & Screaming (2005) – This comedy starring Will Ferrell as a dad who coaches his son’s soccer team and becomes increasingly competitive and intense, is a fun and refreshing take to the modern sports film. The movie co-stars Hunger Games actor Josh Hutcherson, Robert Duvall, and Kate Walsh.
Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016) – Pele, a Brazilian professional footballer, had a meteoric rise from the slums of Sao Paulo to leading Brazil to its first World Cup victory. He was only 17. This biographical drama shares his astonishing story.
Baseball
The Sandlot (1993) – The Sandlot is a beloved coming-of-age story about bonding over baseball during a memorable summer. Directed by David Mickey Evans and with NYFA’s very own Cinematography chair Anthony Richmond as the Director of Photography, the film is a classic part of sports cinematic history.
A League of Their Own (1992) – Based on the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II, A League of Their Own (1992) is one of the most iconic baseball movies. Starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, and directed by Penny Marshall, the film is an inspirational tribute to the hard-working women of that time. Writer, producer, and actor NYFA Guest Speaker Garry Marshall also appeared in the film.
Moneyball (2011) – Moneyball, based on the true story of Oakland Athletics’ general manager Billy Beane, showed how he used statistical analysis to build a competitive team on a tight budget. Starring Brad Pitt as Billy Beane and NYFA Guest Speaker Jonah Hill, the film told one of the most creative stories in baseball history.
Wrestling
The Iron Claw (2023) – The Iron Claw is about the famous Von Erich brothers, who were wrestling icons in the 1980s. Starring Zac Efron and The Bear’s Jeremy Allen White, the film takes from the real-life experiences, successes, and tragedies of the family to tell a compelling story of family, loss, and strength.
The Wrestler (2008) – Directed by Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler stars Mickey Rourke as an aging professional wrestler. Struggling with the physical and emotional toll of his career, Rourke brings the character of Randy “The Ram” Robinson to life. The film also stars Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, and Judah Friedlander.
Foxcatcher (2014) – This intense and gripping biographical drama is based on the true story of Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz, played by Channing Tatum. The film reveals his tragic relationship with eccentric millionaire John du Pont, a stoic and grim Steve Carell.
Boxing
The Fighter (2010) – This biographical drama stars Mark Wahlberg as boxer Mickey Ward and Christian Bale as Dicky Eklund, his brother and trainer. The film, which also stars Amy Adams and NYFA Guest Speaker Melissa Leo, got Christian Bale the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Rocky (1976) – Rocky is quite likely the most famous boxing movie of all time. The timeless classic tells the tale of the underdog Italian boxer, Rocky Balboa, who fights towards a shot at the heavyweight championship. Directed by NYFA Guest Speaker John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone, as well as the late NYFA Guest Speaker Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed, the film is considered one of the greatest of all time. It was followed by several sequels, as well as the spin-off Creed, which follows Adonis Creed, the son of Rocky Balboa’s rival-turned-friend.
Bleed for This (2016) – Bleed for This is another biographical sports drama telling the inspiring true story of a boxer. This film tells the unbelievable story of boxer Vinny Pazienza, who makes a remarkable comeback after a near-fatal car accident. Struggling with a broken neck, Pazienza defies logic and makes a full recovery. The film stars Miles Teller as Pazienza, who starred in the Paramount Plus series The Offer and is set to appear alongside NYFA Guest Speaker Elizabeth Olsen in an upcoming A24 film.
Golf
Caddyshack (1980) – This famous comedy is set at an exclusive golf club, and features an all-star ensemble cast including Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray. Directed by the late Harold Ramis, the film is considered a cult classic, with audiences still quoting it almost 50 years later. It may not be the greatest depiction of film, but the movie is definitely one of the most entertaining sports movies out there.
Happy Gilmore (1996) – Similar to Caddyshack, Happy Gilmore may not solely be focused on golf, but is a loved movie due to its comedy and cast, which includes Adam Sandler, NYFA Guest Speaker Carl Weathers, and Christopher McDonald. The movie follows a failed hockey player (Sandler) who discovers he has a talent for golf and competes in tournaments to save his grandmother’s house. As of 2024, there’s a rumor of a sequel.
The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) – Directed by the iconic Robert Redford, The Legend of Bagger Vance follows a struggling golfer who receives spiritual guidance from a mysterious caddy. The film stars Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and Bruce McGill.
Football
Little Giants (1994) – This a heartwarming family comedy follows a group of misfit kids who form their own football team to challenge the town’s elite squad. Through teamwork, the underdog team learns valuable lessons about self-confidence, friendship, and the true meaning of success both on and off the field. The film was directed by Duwayne Dunham, with NYFA Guest Speaker Janusz Kaminski as the Cinematographer.
The Longest Yard (1974) – The Longest Yard, is a film about a former professional quarterback who leads a team of inmates in a game against the prison guards. The film was another passion project of NYFA Guest Speaker Al Ruddy, who famously produced The Godfather alongside director Francis Ford Coppola. Although a remake came out decades later, the original starring Burt Reynolds is one of the greatest sports films of all time.
Any Given Sunday (1999) – This drama directed by Oliver Stone explores the inner workings of a fictional professional football team. The film stars NYFA Guest Speaker Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, James Wood, and Cameron Diaz.
Hockey
Miracle (2004) – Based on the true story of the 1980 United States men’s Olympic hockey team, Miracle follows the team’s stunning victory against the Soviet Union. Starring Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks, the film won an ESPY award for Best Film.
The Mighty Ducks (1992) – This iconic sports comedy was about a youth hockey team coached by a lawyer Emilio Estevez. Sentenced to community service, Estevez’s Gordon Bombay teaches the misfit kids (including a young Joshua Jackson) about teamwork and perseverance.
Youngblood (1986) – Youngblood, a coming-of-age sports drama, tells the story of a talented young hockey player (Parks and Rec’s Rob Lowe) who joins a Canadian junior hockey team and faces challenges both on and off the ice. The film includes a rivalry with a veteran player who was played by the late Patrick Swayze.
Basketball
The Last Dance (2020) – While not a film, this 10-part documentary series chronicles the career of basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a sixth NBA championship in the 1997-98 season. The series features behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key figures including Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Bob Costas, Magic Johnson, and many more.
He Got Game (1998) – Directed by Do The Right Thing’s Spike Lee, this drama stars Denzel Washington as a father temporarily released from prison. In the film, Jake Shuttlesworth (Washington) tries to persuade his highly recruited basketball star son, Jesus, (played by Ray Allen), to attend a specific college.
Love & Basketball (2000) – This romantic drama follows the lives of two childhood friends who share a love for basketball as they navigate their personal and professional lives. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, covers an area of basketball that Hollywood hasn’t visited often – women’s basketball. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, the film is now a cult classic, winning Lathan a NAACP Image Award and a BET Award.
Skating
I, Tonya (2017) – The Oscar-winning I, Tonya is a biographical dark comedy-drama starring Barbie star Margot Robbie, who also served as a Producer on the film. The movie chronicles the life of figure skater Tonya Harding, focusing on her career, connection to the infamous attack on fellow skater Nancy Kerrigan, and her tumultuous personal life. Allison Janney, who played Harding’s mother LaVona, won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.
The Rink (1916) – A silent film starring Charlie Chaplin as a waiter, this black and white movie shows the hilarity of Chaplin’s physical comedy as he visits a local roller skating rink. The short film was restored by Lobster Films in 2014.
Ice Princess (2005) – Starring Michelle Trachtenberg and NYFA Guest Speaker Kim Cattrall, Ice Princess tells the story of Casey, played by Tractenberg, who is determined to be a champion figure skater. Written by Meg Cabot of The Princess Diaries,
Martial Arts
The Karate Kid (1984) – The Karate Kid is a coming-of-age drama about a teenager (a young Ralph Macchio) who learns martial arts from a wise mentor in an effort to defend himself against bullies. The film is iconic and inspired several sequels, as well as a spin-off series on Netflix titled Cobra Kai. NYFA Guest Speaker Robert Mark Kamen wrote for 50 episodes of Cobra Kai, as well as Taken, The Fifth Element, and The Karate Kid.
Kill Bill 1 (2003) & 2 (2004) – Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill 1 & 2 are considered two of the best movies in the famed director’s film collection. Starring Uma Thurman, the film features protagonist/anti-hero “The Bride” who sets out on a mission of revenge against her former crew of assassins. The films were nominated for several BAFTAs and Saturn awards.
Cheerleading
Bring It On (2000) – Bring It On was legendary for anyone who ever tried out for the cheerleading team. The film focuses on two rival cheerleading squads competing for the national championship and stars Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union. The film inspired several sequels, spin-offs, and parodies, and was directed by Peyton Reed.
Rock Climbing
Free Solo (2018) – This Academy Award-winning documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to free solo climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park. Without the use of ropes or safety equipment, the daunting task showcases his incredible skill and determination. The film was edited by New York Film Academy (NYFA) instructor Bob Eisenhardt.
Running
4 Minute Mile (2014) – In 4 Minute Mile (2014), a track coach trains a naturally gifted student, Drew. Drew finds himself in running and uses it to work toward the goal of a four-minute mile, helping him to build self-confidence. The film stars Richard Jenkins, Kim Basinger, Cam Gigandet, and NYFA film camp alum Lio Tipton.
Tennis
Wimbledon (2004) – Wimbledon (2004) is a romantic comedy about a struggling tennis player who finds love and success at the Wimbledon Championships. The charming film starred Civil War star Kirsten Dunst, Marvel star Paul Bettany, and NYFA Guest Speaker Jon Favreau.
Additional Sports Films
Major League (1989)
42 (2013)
The Rookie (2002)
Cinderella Man (2005)
Ali (2001)
Whip It (2009)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Rudy (1993)
The Waterboy (1998)
Friday Night Lights (2004)
We Are Marshall (2006)
Boogie (2001)
Champions (2023)
Space Jam (1996)
White Men Can’t Jump (1992)
Glory Road (2006)
Like Mike (2002)
Coach Carter (2005)
Hoosiers (1986)
Meru (2015)
The Summit (2012)
Blades of Glory (2007)
The Cutting Edge (1992)
Stick It (2006)
Field of Dreams (1989)
Bull Durham (1988)
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Raging Bull (1980)
Invincible (2006)
Remember the Titans (2000)
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
Tell Your Story at NYFA
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