What makes a good sports movie? Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Many are drawn by the stories they tend to tell, as they typically feature underdogs who succeed despite the odds being against them. Others seek these kinds of films for the actual sport, as choreographies, set and production design, and the actors’ physical and mental preparation for the role leads to very realistic scenes that are very rewarding to watch. And then there’s the fact that these tales are just so inspirational, which makes them the perfect movies to watch with the entire family.
It doesn’t even matter if it’s a real-life inspired drama like The Blind Side, a cult classic like Raging Bull, the recently released Formula 1-set Ferrari, or a film about the best goalkeepers of all time like Lev Yashin, Gianluigi Buffon, or Manuel Neuer. Most sport movies transcend generations regardless of their genre and even the sport itself: these underdog stories tackle universal themes that everyone can connect to. Here’s a list of 5 sports movies that will appeal to different generations! Find them all below in alphabetical order.
1. The Fire Inside
Let’s start with the most recent release! Cinematographer Rachel Morrison’s (Seberg, Black Panther, Mudbound) feature directorial debut had its World Premiere at TIFF in September and has been captivating audiences ever since. The Fire Inside tells the true story of Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the first American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics, and the first American boxer (male or female) to win gold back-to-back at the Games. The film begins as a traditional underdog tale, but it evolves into something else entirely in the second act, where Morrison shows us what comes after achieving one’s lifetime goal if the person who did it is a woman, engaging in a sport that was typically associated with men.
The Fire Inside manages to be both an inspirational true story and a thought-provoking watch, with the relationship between Claressa (Ryan Destiny) and her coach Jason (Brian Tyree Henry) adding more depth and warm to the movie. It’s also a gorgeous film, with empowering music that will give you so much energy and superb acting from Destiny, who’s already won well-deserved awards for her performance. It will be released globally in theaters this month and you shouldn’t miss it!
2. Hustle
If you’re looking for a great sports movie to watch on Netflix, look no further than Jeremiah Zagar’s Hustle. Adam Sandler plays Stanley Sugarman, a talent scout for NBA team Philadelphia 76ers who’s successful at his job, but not exactly satisfied with it. Stanley would much rather be a coach, and an unexpected opportunity to do just that comes when he goes on a work trip to Spain and discover an incredibly talented player, Bo Cruz (played in the film by an actual NBA player, Juancho Hernangómez). But Bo’s past is problematic, at least according to the people Stanley works for, who refuse to take the player on. And so, Stanley makes a risky choice.
With the help of his wife Teresa (Queen Latifah), he starts coaching Bo to turn him into a champion, and give him a chance of winning. Which is also the moment this compelling drama becomes quite as gripping, as thanks to on-point character development and fantastic acting from everyone involved, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It doesn’t even matter if you’re familiar with NBA: it’s impossible not to be captivated by Hustle, another sports movie that transcends generations.
3. I, Tonya
From boxing and NBA, we move to figure skating, a movie you’ll love regardless of whether you’re watching it for lead Margot Robbie (Barbie) or the sport itself. Craig Gillespie’s (Pam & Tommy) beloved movie, which earned Allison Janney an Academy Award for Best Supporting Role back in 2018, tells the true story of Tonya Harding (Robbie). In 1991, the figure skater was the first American woman to achieve a triple axel during a competition; this skyrocketed her to fame and led her closer to the Olympics, until her ex-husband’s (Sebastian Stan) actions against a fellow skater, three years later, force her to withdraw from the competition.
The film explore’s Harding’s downfall, but what makes it such a standout is the central relationship at its core, between Tonya and her abusive mother LaVona (Janney). Which makes it an unusual sports movie, combining the highs and lows of success with a story about family, legacy, and trauma. I, Tonya is a must watch!
4. Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood’s multi-award-winning 2005 film is an all-time classic, and one you should definitely seek out if you’re looking for a traditional sports movie that will stay with you for a long time. Eastwood stars as Frankie Dunn, a veteran boxing coach in Los Angeles who only really seems to get along with his friend and associate Eddie Dupris (Morgan Freeman). One day, a woman (Hilary Swank’s Maggie Fitzgerald) arrives at his gym wanting him to train her, and though he’s reluctant at first, he eventually agrees. Needless to say, this first meeting will lead to them developing a strong bond that will change them both forever. Million Dollar Baby is a film made with so much heart that still manages to inspire to this day, thanks to a fantastic screenplay that lets every character’s humanity shine through. It’s Clint Eastwood at his best, and it’s not to be missd.
5. Rocky
We had to include the most popular sports movie of all time. John G. Avildsen’s Rocky (1976) is the rare sports film that still manages to feel fresh nearly 50 years after its initial release, thanks to the combination of a gripping story, flawless technical execution, and a truly iconic character, played by the legendary Sylvester Stallone. Rocky Balboa (Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia, is selected to compete against heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) by chance, when Creed’s actual opponent is injured. The film mainly revolves around Rocky’s training with former contender Mickey Goldmill (Burgess Meredith) and blooming relationship with his friend Paulie’s (Burt Young) sister Adrian (Talia Shire), but it’s ultimately the story of a man who will always stay true to himself. Which gives this underdog tale even more depth and appeal. If you’ve never seen it before, prepare to be mesmerized by the craft on display here!
The 5 sports movies listed above transcend generations, with universal themes and gripping stories that will appeal to everyone regardless of their interests and age! Whether you’re looking for an all-time classic or a recent release, you’re bound to find something you’ll like here. Enjoy!
