Moneyball (2011)

In my opinion, Moneyball is the best sports movie ever and it’s not even close. Based on the novel by Michael Lewis and adapted by four-time Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin, Moneyball follows the story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics and their front office’s re-invention of scouting and player evaluation in baseball. Starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Chris Pratt, Moneyball is packed with star power. I believe Moneyball is not just one of the best sports movies, but one of the best films in general. The tension built throughout is intense and allows the film to essentially play as a thriller in traditional Sorkin fashion. It’s edited wonderfully, with multiple captivating sequences that will likely never leave my mind. There are moments in this movie where I am nearly moved to tears. The 2002 Oakland A’s season is already one of the most interesting stories in sports, and the dramatization of the journey that is depicted in Moneyball is even more exciting.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Although its depiction of racism as an issue is very cookie-cutter and surface-level, not to mention the countless historical inaccuracies in the film, I’m always a sucker for an inspirational sports movie, and Remember the Titans is exactly that. The story follows a high school football team racially integrating for the first time ever, leading to tension and tribalism amongst the two groups of boys. Denzel Washington stars as the head coach of the team, attempting to bring them together and field a winning squad while surrounded by hate and doubt. This film is so easy to love, and the story will never fail to make my heart swell.

Rocky (1976)

The Rocky franchise is iconic for a reason. The inaugural entry to the series is one of the best depictions of the underdog story in film history. Rocky Balboa, played to an iconic degree by Sylvester Stallone, is an everyday man. Everyone feels down on their luck like Rocky sometimes, and it’s so satisfying to watch him be built up into a champion on-screen throughout the series. From the original rags-to-riches story of the first to the fourth installment’s Cold War era international battle, the Rocky franchise is an American treasure.

Warrior (2011)

As an avid MMA (mixed martial arts) fan, it’s saddening that there are little to no films about the sport, especially in comparison to other combat sports like boxing or individual martial arts. Warrior might just make up for all of that though. The film follows the story of two brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, who both compete as MMA fighters. The brothers have a troubling relationship with their father, an alcoholic ex-boxer. This drives a wedge between them, causing them to be estranged. The two brothers end up competing in the same tournament, one carrying a large cash prize and broad media coverage where they will likely reunite. This film made me tear up. Beyond the fighting, it’s an extremely emotional story about family. Both protagonists have their own individual stories and journeys to the tournament, making every moment of the film special. 

Challengers (2024)

I think many people tend to forget that Challengers is technically a sports movie. Given, it’s definitely not a traditional sports flick, but tennis does drive the film. Director Luca Guadagnino is known for creating sensual, tense films, and Challengers does not stray from this despite its appearance on the surface. The real core of the film beyond just the tennis is the relationship between the three main characters. The idea of a love-triangle entangled with sport is fascinating and creates an extremely entertaining and intriguing film. The technical aspect of the movie is also masterful, with some extremely stunning cinematography and editing, along with one of the best soundtracks of the year.

Speed Racer (2008)

I’m considering Speed Racer a sports movie, and there is nothing you can do about it. Loosely based on the 1967 cartoon series, 2008’s Speed Racer is a visual masterpiece from the Wachowski sisters, known for also writing and directing The Matrix. Beneath all the vibrant colors and flashy CGI, Speed Racer is an intense drama about corruption in sports and fighting for your family. The story is surprisingly emotional, staying on par with the spectacular visuals and effects. Don’t set this aside just because it seems like a kids movie. Speed Racer is a true classic.

The Iron Claw (2023)

First and foremost, The Iron Claw will make you cry. Based on the absurdly heartbreaking true story of the Von Erich family, this tragedy follows four brothers as they try to rise the ranks of professional wrestling under the guidance of their father. Led by the oldest brother Kevin, played by Zac Efron, the boys undergo a grueling journey to the top. The Iron Claw is all about family and hardship, and will no doubt leave you an emotional mess by the time the credits roll.

42 (2013)

Jackie Robinson is arguably one of sport’s most influential figures ever, and a film capturing his story is an important piece of media. 42, directed by Brian Helgeland, attempts to do exactly that, and it succeeds. With Robinson portrayed by the late Chadwick Boseman, the film captures the integral parts of Jackie’s story and his character. The film stays true to the tale of resilience and determination, and creates the perfect atmosphere to put you in the time period. 42 is a great biopic and a really good film in general.

The Sandlot (1993)

Growing up, The Sandlot, directed by David Mickey Evans was my favorite movie, and I still watch it every year on The Fourth of July. The film creates a sense of nostalgia for a time most people watching it were not even alive for. Every character is unique and brings different traits to the film, creating a fun and diverse atmosphere. The story is so magical, transcending just being a baseball movie. The Sandlot is the perfect coming of age story and will forever be iconic.

Fighting in the Age of Loneliness (2018)

Fighting in the Age of Loneliness is not a traditional feature film like the others on this list. A two-hour docuseries released on YouTube, Fighting in the Age of Loneliness tells the story of mixed martial arts, paired with the story of America. Using charts, graphs and old footage, the documentary details the United States’ fall into late-stage capitalism alongside the commercialization of the sport of MMA. Interweaving sports and politics, this is my favorite documentary ever and is just as good as the other films on this list.