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The 10 Best Sports Movies of All Time

Will Brown by Will Brown, March 27, 2025

​​​Cinema chairs in front of football movie

Since the dawn of the silent film era in the early 1900s, sports have been a regular topic of focus for filmmakers. The best sports movies of all time have stood the test of time due to their resonant themes, often focusing on redemption, sacrifice, discipline, and resilience in the face of adversity. Embraced by sports fans, critics, and the general public, the 10 best sports films featured on this page are must-see classics that are well worth your time.

What Are Some Good Sports Movies?

We understand that not everyone is going to agree with this list of the best sports movies of all time. Of the hundreds that exist, it’s no easy feat to determine which are the cream of the crop. Therefore, we committed hours of research to review the feedback of critics, the best sports podcasts, film buffs, and sports fans to compile this list.

To kick things off, we’ve covered Martin Scorsese’s seminal classic, Raging Bull, before covering films such as Rocky, Moneyball, and Senna. You can use the buttons below to jump to each film or keep reading to learn about them all.

1. Raging Bull (1980)

Raging Bull is frequently cited as one of the best sports movies of all time and, by some, the highlight of Martin Scorsese’s long and prolific career. The film stars Robert De Niro as boxer Jake LaMotta in an Academy Award-winning performance and famously gained 60 pounds for the role. Raging Bull tracks the life of the former middleweight champion as he strives for greatness at the expense of his personal life.

The film is notable for its black-and-white cinematography, fast-paced editing, and beautifully orchestrated shots inside the ring that capture the raw intensity of boxing. Although the film wasn’t a commercial success upon release, it has since become a cinema classic that has inspired countless sports films.

2. Rocky (1976) – One of the Best Underdog Sports Movies

Another claim to the title of being among the best sports movies ever is Rocky, the Sylvester Stallone-fronted underdog story that became a blockbuster phenomenon. Written by Stallone and directed by John G. Avildsen, the film was shot on a meager $1 million budget to gross a huge $225 million worldwide. The film has since gone on to inspire seven sequels, including the Creed franchise.

The film tells the story of a small-time boxer in Philadelphia who gets a rare chance to compete in the world heavyweight championship. Anchoring the film is Rocky’s relationship with Talia Shire’s Adrian and the themes of perseverance and the pursuit of greatness. It is perhaps best remembered for its score and stylish training montages, topping all other of the best underdog sports movies.

3. Field of Dreams (1989)

Field of Dreams was written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson, adapting W.P. Kinsella’s novel Shoeless Joe into a unique fantasy sports drama. The film stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, a farmer in Iowa, who decides to construct a baseball field after being inspired by a mysterious voice. His field eventually attracts ghosts of former baseball legends and motivated by the phrase “If you build it, he will come,” Kinsella continues his project in the face of financial ruin.

The film is often cited as one of the best sports movies to watch by baseball fans, the film went on to be nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The field built for the movie in Dyersville, Iowa, continues to attract tourists and has even hosted Major League Baseball games that could be wagered on at legal baseball betting sites.

4. Moneyball (2011)

Who would have thought a film about sports statistics could be considered one of the greatest sports movies? Aided by a compelling script by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, Bennett Miller’s film is an adaptation of Michael Lewis’s non-fiction book about the Oakland A’s league-changing use of sports data analysis to create a competitive team on a budget.

The film stars Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane and Jonah Hill as deputy Peter Brand in what is a surprisingly tense and compelling film despite its mathematics subject matter. One of the best underdog sports movies, the film later received six Academy Award nominations, with critics praising its humor, intelligence, acting, and underdog themes.

5. Senna (2010)

A groundbreaking documentary at the time of its release, Asif Kapadia’s documentary chronicles the life of Formula 1 champion Ayrton Senna. What sets the film apart is its use of archival footage, which is edited in a way to create an immersive, filmic biography akin to a narrative feature. The film covers everything from Senna’s early life to his rivalry with Alain Prost before his eventual dramatic death.

The film manages to appeal to both racing fans and newcomers to the Formula 1 racing scene by focusing on the human elements of greatness and behind-the-scenes drama at F1. The film won a BAFTA for Best Documentary and launched Kapadia’s reputation as a unique filmmaking talent.

6. Hoop Dreams (1994)

The second of the good sports movies on this list to be a documentary is Steve James’s 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams. The film follows two Chicago teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, over a five-year journey as they pursue entry into the NBA. Despite running over an epic three-hour runtime, the film manages to remain captivating until the final shot.

The film explores themes such as race, class, opportunity, and education in America, and was called the best film of the 1990s by esteemed critic Roger Ebert. The film provides invaluable insights into professional basketball for those interested in basketball online betting, not to mention the intimate and authentic portrayal of its subjects’ personal lives and ambitions.

7. Remember the Titans (2000)

Directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Denzel Washington as Coach Herman Boone, Remember the Titans is set during the post-segregation era of 1971 Virginia. Inspired by true events, the film follows Boone’s efforts to coach the school’s first racially integrated team despite tensions in the team, school, and surrounding community.

Notable for its era-specific soundtrack, Remember the Titans is now considered to be one of the most inspirational sports movies. At its heart, the film shows how sports can bring people from various walks of life together to strive for something bigger than themselves. It is still frequently shown in schools to teach students about the integration era and remains an inspiring and life-affirming tale of harmony.

8. Bull Durham (1988)

As the only actor to feature in two good sports movies on this list, Kevin Costner’s turn in Ron Shelton’s Bill Durham is another favorite among baseball fans. Costner stars as Crash Davis, a veteran catcher who is brought into a minor league team, the Durham Bulls, to train a rookie talent with major league potential.

While the film has several heartwarming and inspiring scenes, its script has long been lauded for its humor, wit, and accurate portrayal of minor-league baseball culture. It was also praised by critics at the time, and was one of the most acclaimed films of 1988. Interestingly, the real-life Durham Bulls became so popular after the film that it was eventually promoted to the Triple-A League.

9. Ali (2001)

In 2001, Will Smith starred as legendary boxer Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s Ali. Taking place between 1964 and 1974, the film tracks Ali’s conversion to Islam, the aftermath of his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, and the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against George Foreman.

Will Smith and supporting star Jon Voight received Oscar nominations for their performances, with the film’s period-specific detail and the fight sequences particularly impressive. Importantly, the real-life Ali approved of Smith’s performance and the film’s measured exploration into the boxer’s storied legacy.

10. The Wrestler (2008)

Upon release, Darren Aronofsky’s film was praised for its inspired casting of Mickey Rourke as an aging wrestler who must confront the reality that he is too old to continue. Comparisons to Rourke’s troubled personal history drew attention, with the film replicating life as both Rourke and his character, Randy, strived for a comeback. His performance would ultimately earn him an Oscar nomination.

The film’s use of documentary-style shooting perfectly captures the violent and gritty world of amateur wrestling, with cameos from real wrestlers adding a level of authenticity to the film. By highlighting the sacrifices that Randy has had to make in pursuit of his career, The Wrestler is a heartbreaking portrayal of one man’s fight for redemption.

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