The Best 10 Sports Movies And Documentaries Of All Time

Sports have always had a unique place in our hearts because they embody the best qualities of the human spirit: perseverance, collaboration, and success. Sports movies and documentaries have been a source of inspiration for filmmakers and viewers for decades. Sports movies and documentaries are a type of film that catch the essence of sports and the people who play them. They can be set in the past, the present, or any time in between. These sports movies and documentaries can center on an individual player or team, a particular game or season, a personal challenge, or a broader social issue. They may be about any sport, from football to formula 1, hockey to boxing. [caption id="attachment_11535" align="aligncenter" width="606"] The Best Sports Movies and Documentaries[/caption] This article honors the best 10 sports movies and best 5 sports documentaries of all time, taking you on a trip through the amazing stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences all around the world.

SPORTS MOVIES

10. The Wrestler (2008)

Mickey Rourke stars as Randy "The Ram" Robinson in The Wrestler, a drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky about a washed-up professional wrestler who seeks to resurrect his career and mend ties with his estranged daughter. The sports movie provides an honest depiction of the grueling nature of professional wrestling, both on and off the mat. It depicts the mental and emotional drain that professional sports have on athletes, as well as the difficulties they confront outside of competition. The themes of love, atonement, and aging are also examined in the film. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/61-GFxjTyV0?si=3TdKPWA35oAXGx-n

9. Moneyball (2011) 

The film Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt as Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, is a biographical drama directed by Bennett Miller and based on the true story of how Beane used sabermetrics and statistical analysis to put together a winning team on a tight budget. The sports movie is an adaptation of Michael Lewis's book of the same name, which details Beane's unusual methods and their effects on baseball. Pitt's portrayal of Beane, Jonah Hill's portrayal of Beane's aide Peter Brand, and their discussions with other baseball officials and scouts are among the most intriguing performances and dialogues in cinematic history. The film's creators, cast, crew, cinematography, editing, and score all received high marks. It was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Pitt), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/-4QPVo0UIzc?si=QvSHA9G-0yOK-8BD

8. Hossiers (1986)

Set in a small Indiana town, "Hoosiers" follows the inspiring journey of a high school basketball team, led by Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman). This underdog story reminds us of the power of teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, leaving audiences cheering for the triumph of the underdogs. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/12h5KGHU8Mg?si=b7KQhjLMNEwE7Ghd

7. Remember the Titans (2000)

Based on a true story, "Remember the Titans" explores the racial tensions faced by a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful performance as Coach Herman Boone, who unites the team and teaches them invaluable life lessons. This heartwarming film celebrates the power of unity, friendship, and breaking down barriers.

Watch the trailer below:

https://youtu.be/nPhu9XsRl4M?si=B_6l8kKYHjeSS4vi

6. Raging Ball (1980)

Robert De Niro plays Jake LaMotta, a middleweight boxer who became famous in the 1940s and 1950s, in Martin Scorsese's biographical drama film Raging Bull. The film follows LaMotta as he battles his violent temper, jealousy of his wife (Cathy Moriarty), competition with his brother (Joe Pesci), and eventual obscurity and obesity. The movie is based on LaMotta's autobiography of the same name. In one of his finest performances, De Niro completely reinvents himself to portray LaMotta at various ages and stages of his life. Other topics that are touched on in the film include masculinity, violence, redemption, and art. Oscars were given for Best Actor (Robert De Niro) and Best Editing for the picture. It was nominated for Best Picture and six other Oscars. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/F2UKuKxCJqc?si=Y3y7U1fTyUZDQzYV

5. Rise (2022)

This movie is directed by Akin Omotoso and written by Arash Amel. It is based on the true story of three young Nigerian-Greek brothers, Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo, who emigrate to the United States and rise to fame and success within the National Basketball Association. The film stars newcomers Uche Agada, Ral Agada, and Jaden Osimuwa in the three primary roles; with Elijah Shomanke, Yetide Badaki, and Dayo Okeniyi in supporting family roles. Rise was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released as a Disney+ original film on June 24, 2022. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/numzJtJWT8c?si=gp4fxAzUO8j5lCj4

4. Rocky (1976)

Written and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a drama film directed by John G. Avildsen about a Philadelphia underdog boxer named Rocky Balboa who gets a shot at heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). The film follows Rocky as he prepares for the fight and begins a relationship with a timid pet store employee named Adrian (Talia Shire). The film is based on Stallone's life and on the actual boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner. The film tells the timeless tale of a person who faces insurmountable challenges but ultimately triumphs. The sequence where Rocky runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, his proclamation of love to Adrian, and his final speech after the battle are among the most iconic in film history. The directing, storyline, acting, soundtrack, and authenticity of the picture were all lauded. Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing were all given to it. Seven other acting awards, including Best Actor (Stallone), Best Actress (Shire), and Best Supporting Actor (Pesci), were also up for grabs. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/3VUblDwa648?si=W9JvaO7Y3DVpMYl2

3. Big George Foreman (2023)

Big George Foreman is a biographical drama film that tells the story of the legendary boxer George Foreman, who became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 45. The film stars Khris Davis as Foreman, Jasmine Mathews as his wife Mary Joan, Sullivan Jones as his rival Muhammad Ali, and Forest Whitaker as his mentor Doc Broadus. The film is directed by George Tillman Jr. and written by Frank Baldwin, George Tillman Jr. and Dan Gordon. The film was also nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for Davis, and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/urKDu40iaXk?si=5LO4MiRlQvtp7BVQ

2. Miracle (2004)

The film Miracle (2004) depicts their story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, coached by Herb Brooks, who won gold in Lake Placid after defeating the Soviet Union and Finland. Former player Brooks had a goal of putting together a college team that could compete with the best in the world after being cut from the 1960 U.S. Olympic team. This sports movie depicts his efforts to recruit, coach, and encourage his team in the face of public, media, and even family pressure. The film is based on the "Miracle on Ice," one of the greatest moments in sports history that helped rally a country in the midst of political and social unrest. The film's hockey scenes are convincing, and Kurt Russell gives a solid performance as Brooks. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/Bd0_Dm2xlEM?si=gjSGQ16V5CDT2Viw

1. Air (2023)

Air (2023) is a biographical sports movie directed by Ben Affleck and written by Alex Convery. The film is based on true events about the origin of Air Jordan, a basketball shoe line, of which a Nike employee seeks to strike a business deal with rookie player Michael Jordan. The film stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, Chris Tucker and Viola Davis. The film received positive reviews from critics, particularly for Affleck’s direction, Convery’s screenplay and the performances of the cast. It has a rating of great ratings on IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic, respectively. The film also won four awards and received five nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director at the Academy Awards. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/Euy4Yu6B3nU?si=m0TPAGY1sii1Wblp

SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES

5. Free Solo (2018)

This Oscar-winning documentary follows Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber, as he attempts to free solo El Capitan, a 3,000-foot rock face in Yosemite National Park. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/urRVZ4SW7WU?si=Fr3w2lUnUQyktfuW

4. O.J.: Made in America (2016)

This five-part ESPN documentary series examines the life and career of O.J. Simpson, including his trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/Zmca421urfo?si=q8rT_yvvR0cFogma

3. The Last Dance (2020)

The Last Dance is a 10-part series that chronicles the rise and fall of the Chicago Bulls dynasty, led by Michael Jordan, in the 1990s. It features exclusive interviews, archival footage, and behind-the-scenes access to the team’s final championship season in 1997-98. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/N9Z9JtNcCWY?si=i-NHLHwP8l7D4PCk

2. Senna (2010)

For motorsport enthusiasts, "Senna" is an absolute must-watch. This documentary delves into the life and tragic death of Brazilian Formula One legend Ayrton Senna. With rare archival footage and interviews, director Asif Kapadia beautifully captures Senna's competitive drive, charismatic personality, and his impact on the sport. "Senna" is a captivating tribute to a true racing icon. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/QOQLeqRcgKc?si=A8KuJi0Jjhg88k3A

1. Hoop Dreams (1994)

Considered one of the greatest documentaries of all time, "Hoop Dreams" follows the lives of two young basketball players from Chicago as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams. This thought-provoking film explores themes of race, class, and social inequality, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by aspiring athletes. It won several awards, including the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and the Best Film Award from the National Society of Film Critics. It was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Editing. Watch the trailer below: https://youtu.be/-TRIx7oD3lo?si=VsvxhAeyFc4qWK0g   There have been countless other excellent sports movies and documentaries released over the years. You should watch these sports movies not only if you're a sports enthusiast but even if you're not. Get some buddies together, pop some corn, and get ready to experience the thrill of seeing some of the best sports movies and documentaries ever made.