5 of the Best Sports Movies Ever Made

by Kevin Gardner

Sports movies are one of the most interesting and diverse genres in film. There's everything from unique arthouse pieces to edgy dramas, not to mention the occasional cartoon addition. If you're craving one of these films, here are five of the best sports movies ever made.

1. Rocky

If you're looking to watch a classic sports movie, you really can't go wrong with Rocky. This movie has everything - a Cinderella story, iconic lines, training montages, brutal fight scenes and immensely inspiring moments.

If you're unfamiliar with this masterpiece, Rocky centers around a boxer named Rocky Balboa. Therefore, while you don't see equipment like Onix pickleball paddles, you do see a ton of intense fighting. Rocky's storyline centers around his upcoming fight with a famous boxer. While he has virtually no chance of winning, he still gives the match everything he has and inspires everyone around him. 

2. Million Dollar Baby

Similar to the previous entry, Million Dollar Baby is a classic boxing movie. However, while this film also contains inspiring moments, it leans more toward tragedy than your usual sports flick. Therefore, it's best to watch this film when you're prepared for tears.

Million Dollar Baby centers around Maggie, an up-and-coming boxer being trained by a lesser-known teacher. Despite having little training and an unsupportive family, Maggie manages to enter an amateur boxing league. Unfortunately, things go terribly wrong.

While Million Dollar Baby can be incredibly sad, it shows the benefit of hard work and resilience. It also has the distinction of being a dramatic sports movie about a female player. 

3. Space Jam

If you want to watch a sports movie without intense melodrama and stakes, look no further than the classic Space Jam (the original, not the remake). This Looney Tunes film, while certainly hilarious and cheesy, is very much a sports movie. The flick centers around Michael Jordan, who puts in an excellent performance as himself.

When the Looney Tunes are threatened with slavery unless a basketball game is won, Bugs and the gang seek out Jordan's help. Does the plot make any sense? Nope. Is the gameplay at all realistic? No, not at all. Despite this, Space Jam is a wild and entertaining ride for sports fans everywhere.

4. Remember The Titans

Remember The Titans is an excellent reminder of how powerful sports can be, specifically in bringing people together. This movie is based on a true story involving the integration of two high schools. After the high schools were merged, the basketball team became wrought with racial tension. In order to combat this, a stern coach named Herman Boone was put in charge. 

Despite the deep-rooted vitriol within the team, the group of boys managed to win game after game together. It's also revealed that the players became extremely close over the years.

While sports don't actually heal all wounds, the activities' ability to break down social barriers is highlighted magnificently in Remember The Titans.

5. I, Tonya

I, Tonya is a great movie to watch if you're looking for a behind-the-scenes sports drama. This film is based on the true case of ice skater Tonya Harding, who was suspected of assisting in the assault of her competitor. While this scandal rocked the nation, many people have begun questioning whether Harding was truly involved. I, Tonya, therefore, displays a more human and fleshed-out version of Harding than displayed in the media.

Other than the usual impressive feats you might see in sports movies, I, Tonya also provides a unique format. Not only is the movie a black comedy, but it also dabbles in the mockumentary genre. Because of this, there's an added element of artistic style to appreciate. Overall, while I, Tonya focuses less on inspiring wins than other films in the genre, the movie still provides a unique view of the world of sports.

The sports film genre is filled with hidden gems and timeless classics, all of which show the importance of hard work and resilience. Whether you watch a dog playing basketball or a dark, introspective film, you're almost sure to walk away inspired.