Sports films have long been a staple of cinema. The very nature of sport lends itself so wonderfully to the art of film. It is the perfect medium to capture the unique blend of action, drama and inspiration that runs through the storylines we so often see in real life.ย
Sports movies can range from iconic true-to-life underdog stories to poignant explorations of the human spirit. They transcend the playing field because it resonates with the innate love for competition that people from all walks of life feel.ย
The following 10 movies have become ingrained in our collective consciousness and left an indelible mark on not just the cinematic landscape, but popular culture as a whole. Understandably, many films missed the cut, many films that probably deserved to be included, but these are AllSport's top 10 sports movies.ย
10: Remember the Titans
The commanding Denzel Washington is no better example of an actor primed to lead a sports film. Whether that be his performance in something like "The Hurricane" or "He Got Game" or our pick for number 10, "Remember the Titans."
The film tells the true story of a 1970s high school football team's journey to integration, highlighting the challenges and successes of coach Herman Boone and his players as they overcome racial divisions and become a unified force on and off the field.
Whether it's Ryan Gosling singing "Ain't no Mountain High Enough," Washington's iconic performance, or the overall inspiring true story of integration, "Remember the Titans" remains to this day one of the most memorable and best sports films.
9: Happy Gilmore
After Adam Sandler's success with "Billy Madison," one year later came the smash hit that was "Happy Gilmore." While some may argue that "Caddyshack" is your premier golf movie, what could be drawn up to a generational difference is that this is the hole-in-one we were after with our number nine spot.
The story of this hockey player turned golf pro is an eternally funny tale that has etched itself in golf and sports movie lore with its shocking course antics. It is a film that has changed modern vernacular by making Shooter McGavin a household name and provided us with quotes like "That was so much easier than putting. I should just try to get the ball in one shot every time."
8: Coach Carterย
A film that almost makes its way onto our list based purely on the back of an amazing performance from Samuel L. Jackson. Once again based on a true story, Ken Carter famously benched his undefeated Richmond High School basketball team due to their poor academic results. This sometimes slight but always inspiring story is so hard not to like that it deserves a spot in the best sports movies of all time.
"Coach Carter" resonates so deeply with people because it's more than just a sports movie. It's a story about character, perseverance, and the impact one person can have. Samuel L. Jackson gives Coach Carter a sense of gravity and shows heart, making his dedication to his players feel genuinely inspiring. "Coach Carter" was released in 2005 and to this day continues to inspire audiences, proving its lasting impact.
7: I, Tonya
One of the most famous Olympic stories of all time was most recently brought to life in 2017 with "I, Tonya." Figure skater Tonya Harding is a troubled yet ambitious athlete wonderfully portrayed by Margot Robbie who earned herself an Oscar nomination for the performance. As this biopic sees Harding navigate issues of classism and the abuse from her unsupportive mother to which Alison Janney won the Oscar for her portrayal, we the audience can't help but be enthralled with the cutthroat world of figure skating.
"I, Tonya" offers a truly thought-provoking examination of truth and the reality of media manipulation, and as well as being purely entertaining, poses the question as to whether Tonya Harding was treated too harshly.
6: Raging Bull
"Raging Bull" often finds itself toward the top end of the list of the best movies of all time so it is no surprise that it earns a spot on the top ten sports films of all time. Auteur Martin Scorsese tells the real-life story of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro) in a film that is as brutal as any. It is a blunt and unloving portrayal of boxing that is as dark as the black and white colour tone of the film.
De Niro took home his one and only Oscar for Best Actor with his portrayal of LaMotta, but aside from the transformation of his body to look like a boxer, he was given many heavy themes to work with. The destructive nature of masculinity and the corrosive effects of jealousy give this boxing film an edge that makes it hit as hard as a right jab to the face.
5: The Big Lebowski
Undoubtedly one of the best films on this list, yet it will inevitably be one of the most controversial. In the same way many argue over as to whether "Die Hard" is or isn't a Christmas movie, a similar debate surrounds "The Big Lebowski" as a sports film.
The Coen Brothers comedy classic has earned itself cult status for good reason, but beneath all of its other great qualities, is simply a great bowling movie. While bowling might not be as essential to the plot as basketball is to something like "Space Jam" or baseball is to "Field of Dreams," it uses the sport as an integral part of the narrative, driving character choices, conflicts and resolutions.
4: Million Dollar Baby
Quite possibly the saddest film on this list, "Million Dollar Baby" is a masterclass in filmmaking. It packs an incredible punch and came home with an array of Oscar wins to back it up including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Director.
Clint Eastwood's direction gives the film a tangible sense of patience, there is no rush for anything to happen, yet he knows when to make something hit, and when it does, it hits hard. Hillary Swank, Morgan Freeman and Eastwood all give outstanding performances considering the task of carrying such heavy themes on their back. It is absolutely devastating and when the most impactful part of a sports movie is when it goes beyond the sport itself, you know you have something special on your hands.
3: The Wrestlerย
In a film that revitalised Mickey Rourke's career, it seemed only fitting that a story about a long-forgotten wrestling star living a bleak existence would be the project to bring him back to life. The casting of Rourke gives the film a real sense of self-awareness in its exploration of the struggles of ageing and coming to terms with the dwindling fame that comes with it.
Rourke plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a semi-pro wrestler who lives a sorrowful existence of isolation and addiction. But when he begins to suffer a severe identity crisis about who he is and his life beyond wrestling, he must grapple with the fact he has committed his life to a craft that has got him nowhere. It is a story of redemption and the human cost of entertainment that finishes on a note so poignant it becomes the magnum opus of director Darren Aronofsky's career. The final frame will stick with you long after the film is done and it alone would be enough to earn a spot in the top three of this list.
2: Moneyball
With the Oakland A's relocation to Las Vegas moving ever so closer, this Brad Pitt lead masterpiece becomes so much more meaningful. It is a film that is seriously sharp and clearly measured, much like the subjects on which it focuses. It's less about baseball and more about the idea of second chances and the fear of not reaching your potential. But when baseball is at the forefront of the film it is constantly entertaining, with Jonah Hill playing the statistical mastermind Peter Brand to Chris Pratt playing the unlikely catcher turned first baseman Scott Hatteberg.
The signature kinetic pace of Aaron Sorkin's writing style elevates the film to another level and while Billie Beane might not be Brad Pitt's most outlandish role, his reservedness and nuance when performing the dialogue make this one of his best. "Moneyball" comes in at number two on our list and although it has no real outstanding individual moments, it is a film that comes together perfectly in all of its aspects. The ensemble cast that extends from the brilliant Phillip Seymour Hoffman to the touching score from Mychael Danna works together to make this a contemporary classic. How can you not be romantic about this movie?
1: Rocky
"Rocky" remains unrivalled as the quintessential underdog story, earning its rightful place at number one. Sylvester Stallone's passion project, written and championed by him all before his rise to stardom, not only claimed the Best Picture Oscar but also pioneered a genre of sports films. This iconic movie injects inspiration and excitement directly into the veins of viewers, crafting a narrative that's both intimate and epic.
Rocky Balboa's gritty, working-class spirit is perfectly countered by Apollo Creed's charismatic charm, thanks to Carl Weathers' memorable performance. Their juxtaposition creates a compelling dynamic, making Apollo an irresistibly likeable "villain." The legendary training montage that we all know and love is a landmark (both literally and figuratively) moment of the movie, inspiring countless imitations. Yet, its greatest achievement lies in highlighting the film's greatest strength, its refreshing simplicity.
"Rocky" embodies the underdog spirit in its purest form and has resonated with audiences since its release. Stallone's masterpiece has become synonymous with determination, perseverance, and the human spirit, cementing its status as a timeless classic and number one on our list.
