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There are many biopics that have been made about athletes and the world of sports. What are the best sports biopic movies? This list includes titles such as A League of their Own , Chariots of Fire , Brian’s Song and Cinderella Man . Men and women have voted on the films below to rank the best sports biopics.

Movies have the ability to make us feel. They make us want to believe, be inspired, and live vicariously through the stories we see on screen. Sports have the ability to to the same and often we are enchanted about the lives of our sports heroes. Movies that tell the story of Ernie James, Jake Lamotta, Muhammed Ali, and James Braddock are all incredibly fascinating, tumultuous, and inspiring.

It is with a peek into the lives of these individuals that we can understand their motives and drives that helped them become the greatest of their time. By understanding sport’s greatest, we will hopefully take some of that inspiration into our own lives. These movies vary in their genre but they all equally fascinating.

• Released : 2004
• Directed by : Gavin O'Connor

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Remember the Titans

• Released : 2000
• Directed by : Boaz Yakin

Raging Bull

• Released : 1980
• Directed by : Martin Scorsese

Ford v. Ferrari

Carroll Shelby & Ken Miles

• Released : 2019
• Directed by : James Mangold

• Released : 2011
• Directed by : Bennett Miller

Brian's Song

• Released : 1971
• Directed by : Buzz Kulik

• Released : 2003
• Directed by : Gary Ross

• Released : 2013
• Directed by : Brian Helgeland

A League of Their Own

• Released : 1992
• Directed by : Penny Marshall

• Directed by : Ron Howard

Cinderella Man

• Released : 2005

• Released : 2006
• Directed by : Ericson Core

The Blind Side

• Released : 2009
• Directed by : John Lee Hancock

• Released : 1993
• Directed by : David Anspaugh

Tonya Harding

• Released : 2017
• Directed by : Craig Gillespie

• Released : 2002

• Directed by : Clint Eastwood

Secretariat

• Released : 2010
• Directed by : Randall Wallace

Chariots of Fire

• Released : 1981
• Directed by : Hugh Hudson

The Hurricane

• Released : 1999
• Directed by : Norman Jewison

Eddie the Eagle

Michael "Eddie" Edwards

• Released : 2016
• Directed by : Dexter Fletcher

The Fighter

• Directed by : David O. Russell

Soul Surfer

• Directed by : Sean McNamara

Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story

• Directed by : Rob Cohen

• Released : 2001
• Directed by : Billy Crystal

Coach Carter

• Directed by : Thomas Carter

The Express

• Released : 2008
• Directed by : Gary Fleder

• Directed by : Michael Mann

Prefontaine

• Released : 1997
• Directed by : Steve James

Rocky Marciano

• Directed by : Charles Winkler

McFarland, USA

California's Central Valley track team

• Released : 2015
• Directed by : Niki Caro

Million Dollar Arm

Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel

• Released : 2014

The Pride of the Yankees

• Released : 1942
• Directed by : Sam Wood

Fighting with My Family

Saraya-Jade Bevis

• Directed by : Stephen Merchant

The Jesse Owens Story

• Released : 1984
• Directed by : Richard Irving

The Damned United

• Directed by : Tom Hooper

Jesse Owens

• Directed by : Stephen Hopkins

• Directed by : Arthur Hiller

Bleed for This

Vinny Pazienza

• Directed by : Ben Younger

The Basketball Diaries

• Released : 1995
• Directed by : Scott Kalvert

• Released : 1994
• Directed by : Ron Shelton

Mike Webster

• Directed by : Peter Landesman

Mark Schultz 

American Underdog

• Released : 2021
• Directed by : Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin

The Catcher Was a Spy

• Released : 2018
• Directed by : Ben Lewin

Without Limits

Steve Prefontaine

• Released : 1998
• Directed by : Robert Towne

Battle of the Sexes

Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs

• Directed by : Valerie Faris, Jonathan Dayton

Hands of Stone

Roberto Duran

• Directed by : Jonathan Jakubowicz

Ray McElrathbey

• Released : 2020
• Directed by : Reginald Hudlin

 Chinese women's volleyball team

• Directed by : Peter Chan

Chuck Wepner

• Directed by : Philippe Falardeau

Baggio: The Divine Ponytail

Roberto Baggio

• Directed by : Letizia Lamartire

Young Woman and the Sea

• Released : 2024
• Directed by : Joachim Rønning

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

• Directed by : Rowdy Herrington

Borg vs McEnroe

Björn Borg and John McEnroe

• Directed by : Janus Metz Pedersen

Beautiful Boxer

• Directed by : Ekachai Uekrongtham
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Lists of sports films about players, teams, and coaches, ranked from best to worst.

16 Best Sports Biopics of All Time, Ranked

Just as there have been movies about musicians and, similarly, movies about real-life writers, there have also been movies about athletes, whether fictional or based on true events. The biographical sports film — or sports biopic — has been a staple genre in the film industry.

Whether they're movies about the Olympics, in which stories of struggle, determination, and triumph pull at the heartstrings, or movies about an athlete's journey towards a certain type of victory, what's fundamentally appealing about sports biopics is the underlying theme of hope, hard work, and perseverance. There are countless films that anyone would consider a classic of sports biopics. We put together a list of the very best of the subgenre for you to get inspired.

Updated on August 26th, 2023 by Federico Furzan: To keep this article fresh and relevant, we've added more information, entries, and additional content.

16 Ali (2001)

Will Smith delivers his best rendition of “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” in Michael Mann’s 2001 biopic about the self-proclaimed Louisville Lip, Ali . A name that transcended boxing, Muhammad Ali was a man of the people, and during his pomp, he was never too far away from controversy or the media spotlight.

Ali presents the tale of arguably the greatest boxer that ever lived, from the day of his maiden heavyweight title challenge against Sonny Liston, through to his refusal to be conscripted into the US Army for the Vietnam War. Not only was he a Sports Illustrated superstar, but his activism in the civil rights movement was incredibly influential.

15 Chariots of Fire (1981)

Chariots of Fire is a classic of the sports biopic genre and for a good reason. Two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics are at the heart of this film, one who races for the glory of God as a devout Christian, and one who is a Jewish man, running to overcome prejudice. Eric Lidell, the Christian runner, faces judgment from his own family, who thinks he should be focusing more on his religion.

Meanwhile, Harold Abrahams faces prejudice from the staff at his university, but still, he goes on to become an excellent runner. When the two compete in the Olympics, they face a rocky start. Despite being clear underdogs in the competition, the two go on to win gold medals and bring glory to the British team. All things considered, this film is a must-watch for any sports biopic fans.

14 Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Ford v Ferrari is about the 1966 Le Mans 24-hour race and a team who wanted to outdo the Italian Scuderia Ferrari. American and British engineers race to build the Ford GT40, now one of the greats of rally sports, after facing insults from the Scuderia Ferrari team.

They go on to end the winning streak of the Italian team and make the Ford name go down in racing history. As one of the most tense Le Mans races of all time, this film is a fantastic representation of that. It captures the tension of the 1960s motor sports scene and shows the making of a legend, as well as the success of an underdog.

13 The Blind Side (2009)

Based on the 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game , The Blind Side tells the story of Michael Oliver, an NFL star who had to battle an impoverished background to achieve his dreams. His foster parents help him get to college, ultimately leading to him being drafted. They see Michael's success as a huge family success, and eventually, he comes around to their way of thinking.

With a star-studded cast and a heart-warming story of how a loving home can help someone achieve anything they wish, The Blind Side is one of the greatest sports biopics of all time. However, there's been a bit of controversy in recent days regarding the film as the real-life Michael publicly declared it's not as close to the truth as we thought.

12 Eddie the Eagle (2016)

Eddie the Eagle is a film that tells the story of Great British Olympic ski jump competitor, Michael David Edwards (better known as Eddie the Eagle). The film showcases the massive hurdles Eddie had to overcome to become an Olympic star.

Eddie the Eagle is an inspiring watch for anyone, and is motivational to the extreme: Eddie self-trained to compete in the 1988 Olympics. Despite his parents not supporting his dream, he goes on to do it anyway and achieves success in his own right. While not a typical success story, this is one for the downtrodden.

Related: Best Biopics About Black Music Icons, Ranked

11 The Fighter (2010)

Filmmaker David O. Russell is probably frantically searching for his former cinematic glory following the flop that was Amsterdam . He needn’t look any further than 2010’s The Fighter , a gritty, enigmatic, and powerful biopic about steady-eddy boxer Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg).

With his career stalling after a series of defeats, Ward enlists the help of his smack-head half-brother, and retired professional boxer, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), as Ward attempts to get his career back on track. This is a grittier, tougher, more credible picture than the likes of the Rocky franchise, and is equally inspiring.

10 Cinderella Man (2005)

Ron Howard pulls the directorial strings for this moving, feel-good flick about boxer James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe). As the Great Depression took its toll, former prizefighter Braddock went from labor job to labor job.

He tries and fails to make ends meet, leaving his young family in a perpetual state of poverty. Against his wife’s pleas, the ex-heavyweight journeyman takes up the only job he knows will pay: boxing. And so, Cinderella Man chronicles his ascent to boxing acclaim and financial security.

9 I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya is based on the career of figure-skater Tonya Harding, with a specific focus on her involvement in an attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. As a dark comedy, the film is a refreshing outlier in this list, while also being similarly captivating. Viewers must decide for themselves if what Tonya is telling them is true or not.

The comedic style mixed with the unreliable narrators that are telling the story is not the usual way for a biopic to be presented, but I, Tonya is anything but conventional. Making use of the mockumentary style, this film is a hilarious watch, features an incredible Margot Robbie performance, and is one of the most interesting biopics of any kind.

8 King Richard (2021)

The film was made more famous by Will Smith throwing hands at the 2022 Academy Awards where he won Best Actor for his display as Richard Williams, the domineering father of the tennis queens Venus and Serena. King Richard depicts the monumental origin story of a father living vicariously through his daughters as he attempts to coach them to tennis stardom.

His strict, uncompromising, disciplinarian approach, invariably molded his two daughters into the sporting greats they became. The biopic examines their upbringing where the emphasis was placed on academia and sporting excellence, as Richard Williams and his wife, Oracene navigated their young family through the troubled streets of Compton.

7 Rush (2013)

Before we had Netflix’s documentary series, Drive to Survive , there was Rush . Formula 1 is one of the world’s great motorsports, and in 2013, fans got closer to one of the greatest feuds in the sport’s history. Rush tells the story of Niki Lauda and James Hunt, two drivers with extremely different styles, both on and off the racetrack.

With tensions rising throughout the movie, it is perhaps no surprise when the tragic ending occurs, but despite this, it is still a fantastic watch. This epic sports biopic captures both the glamour and high stakes of Formula 1 in the 1970s and is a must-watch for any sports fan.

Related: These Are the Best Women's Sports Movies

6 Raging Bull (1980)

Adapted from the memoir Raging Bull: My Story, Raging Bull is about the career of Jake LaMotta and the people around him. Often considered one of the greatest American films ever, the film shows LaMotta's eventual downfall. Through a fight with his brother, he loses his wife and brother all at once, despite both of them trying to support him in his career.

He even ends up in jail. However, all is not lost: Jake goes on to make something of himself despite the adversity he faces and learns to cut himself some slack. This is not a traditional success story, but that's what makes this film so great — the idea that, even if you lose, you can still come out on top.

5 Moneyball (2011)

Moneyball tells the true story of General Manager Billy Beane trying to make the Oakland Athletics a respectable team in 2002. With his partner, Beane twists around the traditional scouting methods and uses statistics to build a league-winning team.

No one expected the film to be as emotional as it was, given that so much of the subject material is based on numbers and statistics. However, stand-out performances by Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill made it a noteworthy pick in the sports biopics catalog.

4 Rudy (1993)

We all remember 1993's Rudy . Jerry Goldsmith's score, Sean Astin's Performance, and the fact that it was shot on location in the historic campus of Notre Dame University, something that hadn't happened in half a century.

This is the very inspiring story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a kid coming from a working-class family whose only dream in life was to play college football for the University of Notre Dame. Considering his height and other obstacles, it wasn't an easy feat, but as the film's final scene shows, if you fight hard enough, you will accomplish your dreams.

3 Foxcatcher (2014)

More thriller drama than biopic, Foxcatcher tells a tragic story that stained wrestling during the '80s. The film is about John du Pont's excessive enthusiasm for the sport, and his endeavor to form an Olympic team.

Unfortunately, du Pont's obsession would take a dark turn when he killed David Schultz years after. Led by three stellar performances by Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum, Foxcatcher is an underrated sports drama that you should not miss.

2 Miracle (2004)

The very inspiring film Miracle told the story of possibly the greatest hockey match ever played. The 1980 Winter Olympics took place during the Cold War, with two hockey teams in the middle of it all.

The US hockey team faced the Soviet team in what some refer to as the Miracle on Ice after the US ultimately won against the other heavily favored team. It starts with Kurt Russell as Coach Brooks, the man who led the team to victory.

1 Remember the Titans

Remember the Titans tells the incredible true story of Coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington). He was assigned to coach the football team of a high school where there was too much racial tension.

Determined to integrate the team, Coach Boone uses a disciplinary attitude to get everyone in line and ultimately make them a team. This film features Ryan Gosling in one of his first performances in Hollywood.

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12 Best Sports Biopics Ever Made

The notion of making biopics about famous sports personalities has never gotten old. Right since the ’50s, from the time of films like ‘Fear Strikes Out’ and ‘Somebody Up There Likes Me’, to ‘Foxcatcher’ and ‘I, Tonya’ in present times, features about sports personalities have drawn large crowds in. There have been many memorable attempts to bring celebrated careers back to life on-screen. Some have been historic moments that have changed perceptions, while some just give you the hair-raising thrill of sports. Some of these films feature such fierce performances, that you almost feel the rushed breath and the perspiring forehead. Below are some of such sports biopics that set the conversation going. You can watch several of these sports biopics on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.

12. Borge v. McEnroe

‘Borge McEnroe’ is a movie that slipped almost everyone’s radars last year. Featuring arguably the two greatest players tennis has ever seen, the film recounts the historic Wimbledon match between the two and their life before and after that. ‘Borg McEnroe’ isn’t much a rivalry movie as it is an offering of the two men’s drive and eagerness to win. They achieve the same thing, or intend to at least, with different methods and temperament. While McEnroe is impulsive, rash, and often difficult, Borg is a complete opposite. The two hardly share a conversation throughout the movie, also exhausting the sparse meetings they have.

Januz Pederson ensures that the film doesn’t dramatize the emotion of the two men, but instead embodies what drove them toward success. The two leads show exemplary craft in translating their characters’ inner turmoil. The struggle, in fact, between the two men is mostly internal and the fight becomes who’ll handle it better. Sverrir Gudnason is a revelation as Borge. His closely guarded personality and restlessness about his marriage and career are integrated with the character with perfection. Shia LeBeouf , almost like McEnroe in real life, gets into the rebellious skin of the celebrated player and gives a solid performance. ‘Borg McEnroe’ is a unique effort that sets the meaning and essence of a sports rivalry as a fight within oneself, with oneself.

11. Paan Singh Tomar

‘Paan Singh Tomar’ embodies a common emotion many superlative athletes in contemporary share. Institutional incompetence, lack of urgency, and administrative corruption have long held India back to emerge as a sporting powerhouse. Although ‘Paan Singh’ presents only a part of the problem, it does so rather well. Irrfan Khan plays the titular character, a national champion turned dacoit who is unassuming in his demeanor and carries deep indignation for people who didn’t help him. The rebellious Paan Singh gives an interview about his life. After suffering enough, Paan Singh finally decides to show the world how wrong it was about him.

The underlying feeling that Irrfan beautifully integrates into his character study is one of resentment and desire. The revolting nature, that now defines Paan Singh, becomes his the inevitable downfall of his life. The people who recognize him now are the same ones who were ignorant when he broke records. This frustration reflects in Singh’s personality and becomes the emotive figure of the film. Despite its directional and conceptual flaws, ‘Paan Singh’ is a hearty movie about one man’s resolve to prove the world wrong and comes alive with a wonderfully nuanced and refined performance from its star lead.

10. I, Tonya

‘I, Tonya’ is a wild ride of an outcast and unconventional ice-skater whose dream of becoming the best is upended by criminal conspiracy and a permanent mark on her character. Tonya Harding was undoubtedly the hottest prospect in the world of skating at her time. She also became the first American woman to complete two Axel triple jumps in one competition.

‘I, Tonya’s style is very similar to the way many modern-day sitcoms like ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recs’ are shot. The mockumentary is based on the experiences and perspectives of Tonya and her husband, thereby ensuring that the audience lives a subjective truth. This allows director Craig Gillespie to experiment with his storytelling and the performances turn it into a success. Margot Robbie’s stunning turn as Harding is a motley of emotions all at once. Her poise, passive aggressiveness, and imitation of Harding’s personality reconstruct her life with great vividity and resonance. ‘I, Tonya’ is a rock and roll journey with electrifying cinematography and a fast-paced narrative. It is a true cinematic experience and an ode to the carefree soul of Harding.

9. Invictus

‘Invictus’ is a living example of how sports goes beyond thrill and competition to bring people together. Heavily laced with weighty moral themes like racism and power-dynamics, ‘Invictus’ takes a look at President Mandela’s attempts to unite the peoples of his nation after the end of apartheid. With a warrior-like Francois Pienaar at the helm of his rugby football team, the two aim to consolidate racial solidarity and prove the world wrong about their country’s prejudices and dispositions about equality. Men- black and white -compete with a collective cadence to not only realize a historic sporting victory, but a much more significant moral goal that will affect generations after their existence.

Clint Eastwood lets the audience experience the hustle and struggles first-hand with impressive camerawork. Despite fairly hollow character development, it is the story that Eastwood tells through his brilliant directors that wins you over. Matt Damon is a revelation as Pienaar, towering over his peers, both physically and emotionally. His accent is inconsistent but hearty, and that is all the film is about.

8. Foxcatcher

In its poignant and haunting portrayal of Jon Du Pont, ‘Foxcatcher’ does two things: it gives Steve Carell an opportunity to dazzle; and the world a chilling insight to one of the most controversial and shocking incidents in the sporting world. On both the accounts, the film is a huge success. Carell’s immaculate understanding of Du Pont and his human frailties make for a terrific character sketch. The weighted persona, the burning longing, and the palpable enviousness define Du Pont, who looks to feel worthy for once in his life.

Bennet Miller’s follow-up to ‘Moneyball’ is in stark contrast, both in mood and theme. The essence of the stories, though, revolves strictly around the world of sports and an unlikely mission that almost seems impossible to achieve. ‘Foxcatcher’ is replete with stunning lead performances. Along with Carell, Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum deliver resonating performances as the Schultz brothers. The tense and highly personal film emerges as an instant must-watch, charting chequered events from history that are at once remarkable and disconcerting.

Will Smith ‘s transformation into Muhammad Ali fills Michael Mann ‘s true to life biopic with great tenor and vibrancy. Ali’s status as the greatest professional boxer to have ever lived is largely uncontested. His personal life, marred by controversies and revolutionary speeches, become the base of Mann’s thematic exposition. The biographical sketch covers Ali’s obscure existence as Cassius Clay, a feisty amateur boxer, to his glory days as an invincible pugilist. Mann doesn’t really delve deep enough into the causal relationship between Ali’s actions and his reasons to act out. Identity is a big talking point in the movie, which is largely taken up with sincerity. The only false note is Mann’s insistence on painting a holistic picture that is comprehensive in nature. The problem is the vastness of life that he intends to cover. Although flawed in its execution, ‘Ali’s biggest strength is the wisdom and resilience of its real-life legend and his uncompromising way of living life.

6. Moneyball

How often have men come up against the world and come out the other end unscathed? Not often. ‘Moneyball’ tells the story of one such individual whose belief in his ideals and modernity brought about a revolution in the world of baseball. The duo of Billy Beane and Peter Brand adopts ‘hardball’ techniques and employ a merit-based points system to scout players. The odd mix that turns up, as a result, underperforms initially and puts the two as central subjects of ridicule. With time, though, the formula works and put the two men on the brink of history.

5. The Fighter

‘The Fighter’ deals with a similar subject matter as ‘Foxcatcher’. Although the field of sports is different, the narrative revolves around similar complex family dynamics and the struggle for fame. The inspirational tale of the Ward brothers is retold through probably the most talented ensemble one could assemble. David O. Russel’s style adds great flair to the storytelling, which is mostly predictable and doesn’t pack a lot of surprises. Christian Bale easily gives the best performance of his career, inhabiting the four corners of his character with dedication and sincerity. He looks the part and certainly acts so, making his costars look amateur at times. With its triumphant performances and a heart-winning tale, ‘The Fighter’ makes every second of your time worth cherishing and remembering.

In terms of capturing sporting rivalries, ‘Rush’ is a glowing success. Its heightened dramatization of the relationship between Nikki Lauda and James Hunt, two of the greatest Formula One drivers the world has ever seen, becomes the bedrock of Ron Howard ‘s exploration of jealousy and human contempt. The lives of these two great men converge on the race track. Clearly the two outstanding men in the ranks of their colleagues, Lauda and Hunt instantly give us a taste of what would go on to become a legendary tussle, marked by mutual respect and exemplary sportsmanship.

The protagonist of the story is the spirit and competitiveness that defined these greats. Howard’s patient and weighted style allow worthy character dissections, ably performed by Bruhls and Hemsworth . The scenes on the track are especially done well, with credits to Howard and his technical team. Overall, ‘Rush’s infectious energy and a touching tribute to its real-life heroes pack enough power to make it a compelling watch.

Read More: Best Racing Movies

3. The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki

‘The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki’ is a largely unknown Finnish gem that premiered at the Cannes a few years back. Featuring an unknown cast, the black and white film is a weirdly satisfying mix of humor, romance, and heartbreak, that is ambivalently bemusing and melancholic. At the center of it all is Finnish boxer Olli Maki, a professional boxer who is regarded as a rare talent. His agent sets him up for a title bout with the world champion Davey Moore. At the same time, Maki gets smitten with a girl he meets, and on the day of the bout, he proposes. Although he loses the match, he wins at the game of life, with the acceptance of his proposal.

It is quite strange how Kuosmanen builds the film to the bout as an almost insignificant event. The totality of the film doesn’t revolve around Maki’s bout, but Maki, whose perspective allows us to see his desire and longing for happiness. In the end, despite losing possibly the biggest match of his life, Maki lives the happiest day of his life. And that is the beauty of this fantastic film.

2. Hoop Dreams

‘Hoop Dreams’ isn’t a feature film but deserves to be on the list through its exemplary and unprecedented documentation of real-life struggle. Shot over a period of five years, ‘Hoop Dreams’ is a journey about heartbreak and hope, prefaced with a nuanced, closely observed minutiae of American life. The documentary is not about dreams, or the life after, but about the suffering and sacrifice that precedes it. With its two protagonists, Steve James personifies hard-work and dedication, also raising the vagaries and vicissitudes of fate and life. The emotional and physical drainage that William Gates and Arthur Agee go through is hard enough to see. Because of the film’s gestation period, the audience is subjected to the change that Gates and Agee go through as human beings. With its hard-hitting themes and visceral emotive energy, ‘Hoop Dreams’ becomes an instantly urgent watch and proves that representation of life is not always limited to dramatization and the fourcorners of a set.

Read More: Best Sports Movies

1. Raging Bull

Martin Scorcese ‘s vision has produced movies that will be remembered forever in cinematic history as timeless classics. ‘Raging Bull’ arguably stands as his best work till date. With frequent collaborator Robert De Niro , Scorcese crafts a hard-hitting, nebulous, almost negative portrayal of a pugilist who lives in infamy as a fighter without any heart. De Niro’s incredible performance brings out the worst in LaMotta, often in the ring and outside. He captures the sense of paranoia and jealousy that preface LaMotta’s interactions in his personal life with such an impact that you almost end up sympathizing with him when the curtains draw. Scorsese furthers his hypnotic cinematic style with the same actor, writer, and spirit of a lonely man from ‘Taxi Driver’ to sculpt an intense and thought-provoking drama that would immortalize the character of LaMotta.

Read More: Best Boxing Movies

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The best sports biographies in film: a must-watch list.

by Nyden Kovatchev on Aug 19, 2024

Sports films often transcend the game, delving into the personal struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit of athletes. Biographical sports movies, in particular, offer viewers a glimpse into the complexities of athletes' lives both on and off the field. Here's a list of some of the best sports biography films that you shouldn't miss, each offering a unique perspective on its subject's journey and the universal appeal of perseverance and resilience.

1. "Raging Bull" (1980)

Directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Robert De Niro in a career-defining role, "Raging Bull" is about the life of boxer Jake LaMotta. This film is renowned for its brutal portrayal of LaMotta’s life and career, highlighting his challenges both inside and outside the ring. De Niro's transformation and intense method acting earned him an Academy Award, making this film a seminal piece in sports cinema.

2. "Ali" (2001)

Will Smith stars as Muhammad Ali in this biopic that spans the critical years of the legendary boxer’s life. From his rise to fame, his conversion to Islam, his refusal to fight in Vietnam, to his comeback fights against Joe Frazier and George Foreman, "Ali" captures the charisma, controversy, and complexity of one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. Smith’s dynamic portrayal brings Ali's larger-than-life persona to the screen with vigor and depth.

3. "The Blind Side" (2009)

Based on the true story of Michael Oher, "The Blind Side" depicts how love and support can change a person’s destiny. The film follows Oher from his impoverished upbringing through his adoption by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, showcasing how he overcame personal and academic hardships to become a first-round NFL draft pick. Sandra Bullock's performance won her an Oscar, and the film itself blends emotional storytelling with sports drama seamlessly.

4. "Moneyball" (2011)

"Moneyball" is based on the true story of Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, and his attempt to assemble a baseball team on a limited budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players. This film explores the struggles and successes of Beane as he tries to challenge the conventional wisdom of the baseball scouting process. "Moneyball" is not just a film about sports but a compelling narrative about innovation and thinking differently.

5. "Rush" (2013)

Directed by Ron Howard, "Rush" portrays the exhilarating true story of the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 F1 racing season. The film captures the essence of their competition, contrasting their personal styles and approaches to the sport. It’s a tale of rivalry and recovery, highlighted by stunning race sequences and strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl.

6. "Foxcatcher" (2014)

"Foxcatcher" tells the dark and complex story of Olympic Wrestling Champion Mark Schultz and eccentric billionaire John du Pont, leading to unlikely circumstances. Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo deliver profound performances, portraying the psychological depth and tension that defined the real-life events leading to tragedy. The film is a gripping psychological drama set against the backdrop of amateur wrestling.

These films are more than just about sports; they are about the human spirit, the quest for identity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you are a sports fan or a movie buff, these biographical sports films offer powerful stories that resonate with universal themes of ambition, resilience, and the complex nature of heroism. Watching these films provides not only entertainment but also a profound appreciation for the dedication and challenges that define the lives of athletes.

• foxcatcher ,
• moneyball ,
• raging bull ,
• the blind side

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The 15 Best Sports Biopics of All Time, Ranked

From underdog triumphs to bitter rivalries and multi-million dollar deals, some sports movies ring too good to be true. But the ones listed here are all based on real-life events, proving that fact can be more enthralling than fiction.

Sports biopics often juggle the need to balance the biopic with the sport, but when a film strikes the perfect balance, audiences are left with a feel-good, rejuvenated outlook on life beyond the field, court, ring. On the other hand, some of these films dig into the darker side that the glitz and glam of fame can draw out of athletes, leaving them and their loved ones in the wake of their destruction. Take Tonya Harding or Jake LaMotta, for example. Or even from the behind-the-scenes of sports like the managers seen in Moneyball or the CEOs depicted in  Air .  The athletic industry and the narrative film industry don’t often come together, but when they do, you can bet it’ll be a film for everyone.

From a rag-tag cross country team to a woman who swam the length of the sea, here are the best sports biopics for athletes and cinephiles alike, ranked.

Battle of the Sexes

Inspired by the outlandishly true tennis event of the century, Battle of the Sexes recounts how the 1973 tennis match between the Wimbledon champion Billie Jean King ( Emma Stone ) and retired player Bobby Riggs ( Steve Carell ) came to be. On opposing sides of the matter regarding women getting paid the same amount as their male counterparts at tennis championships, King agrees to play the taunting Riggs, who has a gambling addiction and is stuck in his glory days. What follows is one of the most-watched sporting events in history. The film is fast and funny and offers great moments of tennis and teamwork as King assembles almost every female tennis player to form their own tennis tour. However, considering how much of a powerhouse King is in real life, the film could have maybe hit just a little harder.

Starring the late, beloved Chadwick Boseman , 42 follows the career of Jackie Robinson, the first baseball player to break the professional league’s color barrier. Somber in tone, the film has all the makings of a great sports biopic, but what really drives it home is the subject matter. The weight of Robinson’s role as the only Black player in the league amounts to rousing moments of frustration and victory, but the film could have benefited from exploring Robinson’s character with more nuance. Regardless, with comedic moments from Harrison Ford who plays the Dodgers executive determined to break the color barrier and historically respectful storytelling, 42 makes the hall of fame in our book.

A League of Their Own

Set in the 1940s, A League of Their Own tells the true story of the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League that was formed during World War II in light of the shortage of athletic young men. As a scout scours the country for women who can play ball, he finds two sisters, Dottie ( Geena Davis ) and Kit ( Lori Petty ) who catch and hit, and he brings them back to Chicago for tryouts. From team bonding to finding a willing coach, the film hits all the marks of a classic sports film. However, what really makes this film shine is the nuanced storyline surrounding Dottie and her teammates redefining not only what it means to be a woman in society but what it means to be a woman for themselves.

Fighting With My Family

Funny and feel-good, this sharp family drama hits in all the right places. Fighting with My Family shows how the WWE superstar Saraya Knight ( Florence Pugh ) climbed the ranks, coming from her very lovable wrestling family in a working-class English town. Despite the more brutal nature of the sport, the family is depicted in such a loving and positive light and boasts some very notable comedic performances from Dwayne Johnson , Stephen Merchant , and Vince Vaughn , just to name a few. Despite being about the wrestling industry, the film seems to avoid completely embracing the undoubted scripted nature of the sport. However, Fighting with My Family ’s strength lies in its title: a surprisingly comforting watch about a lovable family’s dream to win.

Cornering two demographics that are often overlooked in the world of professional athletes, Nyad follows 64-year-old woman Diana Nyad ( Annette Bening ), a legendary long-distance swimmer who’s determined to be the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida. The film was directed by Free Solo directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi who have championed niche feats of athleticism and brought them to the critically acclaimed mainstream. The outspoken swimmer is trained by her best friend Bonnie Stoll ( Jodie Foster ), who gathers a team together to help make Nyad’s dream a reality. Not without their own difficulties along the way, from an unpredictable storm to a rogue swarm of jellyfish, Nyad offers an inspiring tale of seizing life and living to one’s fullest potential, albeit in a more predictable package than some other films on this list.

The Iron Claw

A love letter to the art of wrestling and a testament to the work the actors put into their roles and physiques, The Iron Claw tells the tragically true tale of the Von Erich family, a family of professional wrestlers whose lives continue to descend into tragedy. Following in their father’s footsteps, the brothers (played by Zac Efron , Jeremy Allen White , Harris Dickinson , and Holt McCallany ) embark on their own journey and relationship with the sport while navigating their own troubles, whether it be substance abuse or wanting to please their father to a fault. The real kicker of the story is the tragedy that ensues as the family “curse” rears its ugly head, slowly taking the lives of each family member one by one. The film is heartfelt and impressive, and if you decide to look into their family’s story further, you might be surprised to find that the film really only scratches the surface.

Against all odds, somehow this film does not fall into its own cliches as Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger Jr. ( Sean Astin ) dreams of playing for the Fighting Irish at Notre Dame despite being smaller in size and not particularly bright. Coming from a working class family, Rudy dreams of attending Notre Dame, but when he doesn’t have the grades to get in, he settles for the school right across the street until he’s finally accepted. There the real challenge begins for the dreamer who is determined to make it onto the team despite his size and his grades. A testament to the human spirit, the film closes on an epic stadium-wide chanting of Rudy’s name. After watching this one, you’ll likely be chanting along with them.

King Richard

Half sports movie and half biopic, King Richard chronicles the life of the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams , Richard Williams, played by Will Smith . While there’s no shortage of some great rallies between the young prodigies, the film reflects the title in that much of the story revolves around Richard himself and his, at times, questionable tactics he employs to bring his daughters to greatness. Most specifically, the film tracks Richard’s yearslong “plan” for his daughters to become stars even before they were born. Despite the character’s flaws, Smith portrays him as flawed and ultimately likable, set against the backdrop of predominantly white and elitist industry that the Compton-based family is determined to break into.

Ford v. Ferrari

Driven by the spectacular performances of Christian Bale as the hotheaded racer Ken Miles and Matt Damon as retired champion racer and manager Carroll Shelby, Ford v. Ferrari offers a fast-paced (pun-intended) look at the near-impossible task of creating a car and racing team that can defeat the reigning Ferraris. The film is as fun as it is interesting, tapping into the car-racing fanatics that have been taking the culture by storm. From mechanical engineering to sheer determination, Ford v. Ferrari taps into what it really takes to make a great team.

Raging Bull

Based on the life of former boxing champion Jake LaMotta, Raging Bull   tells the story of a man struggling with anger, grief, and an inability to respect women, all expressed through his limited expressions of terse words and brute force. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is simple in nature but complex in character study as it follows LaMotta’s ( Robert De Niro ) rise to boxing fame and his troubled relationships with his wife (Cathy Moriarty), among other women. His inability to meet his own needs manifests in the form of rage. Resulting in a shockingly complex and brutal sports film. Poor bull.

Remember the Titans

Not a perfect movie by any means, Remember the Titans tackles victories over racism just as much as the team’s victories on the field. This film was inspired by the real events of one white coach and one Black coach being forced to coach a football team together in 1971 in Alexandria, Virginia. This film stars Denzel Washington and Will Patton , whose characters are fleshed out beyond their race and instead depicted as determined professionals, with their own strategies and outlooks on what makes a team great. From entertaining training sequences to tear-jerking moments, this film amounts to a classic sports feel-good ending.

Kevin Costner reaches an all-time career high in this touching story inspired by real events. Directed by Niki Caro, McFarland chronicles an all-Latino cross-country running team from an underfunded California high school who aims to win the national championship. Formed by their white coach named, funnily enough, Jim White, the cross-country team is composed of White’s students who he sees running to and from school to help their parents with produce-picking. Despite coming out at a time where the white savior narrative was all-too familiar, this film surprisingly rises above the good-white-guy troupes and instead focuses on the virtues of family, community, and empathy. Watch as this rag-tag team rises to the top, and I guarantee you’ll walk away from this film feeling good – maybe even good enough to run.

Air encapsulates the type of sports biopic where you don’t need to know anything about the sport in question to enjoy the film, which in this case is basketball. Telling the story of how Nike managed to convince Jordan to sign their shoe deal and change the course of Nike and sneaker culture forever, where Air really succeeds is its ability to tell a story the audience already knows the outcome for. Directed by Ben Affleck , who also plays Nike CEO Phil Knight, Matt Damon stars as Sonny Vaccaro, the Nike recruiting expert who recognized Jordan’s potential and aimed to bet everything on one player to beat out their cooler competitors Converse and Adidas. Set in the 1980s, this film is nostalgic, well-written, and packs a punch with its quick script and stacked cast, including Jason Bateman , Chris Tucker , Chris Messina , and Viola Davis . Whether you wear Jordans or prefer to go barefoot (like Knight), Affleck delivers a film for everyone.

I, Tonya follows the figure skater Tonya Harding ( Margot Robbie ) as she trains to become the first American woman to complete a triple axel, but when her ex-husband attempts to take out her rival Nancy Kerrigan  (Caitlin Carver), her world is turned upside down. Based on the shocking true story, this film captures the chaos of one of the most upsetting foul plays in athletic history. Laced with Harding’s own troubled family life and relationship with her mother brilliantly played by Allison Janney , I, Tonya humanizes Harding while showcasing her determination and roughness as an athlete despite the traditional figure skating norms.

Based on the book by Michael Lewis, Moneyball centers on the Oakland Athletics’ general manager Billy Beane ( Brad Pitt ), who must reinvent his team with a tight budget. Fueled by his hatred of losing, Beane partners with a nerdy, Ivy League graduate named Peter Brand ( Jonah Hill ) who persuades Beane that he should hire this season’s players based on performance statistics. Less so about baseball and more so about intuition and drive, Moneyball is as intelligent as it is entertaining, boasting easy-to-watch performances from Pitt and Hill as well as Philip Seymour Hoffman who plays Beane’s jaded team manager. Though Brand is a fictionalized character, the film captures the true story of a man who beat the odds and won an unfair game. Written by Aaron Sorkin , this film knocks it out of the park.

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Entertainment News

The 25 best sports biopics

This week, audiences will get a chance to relive the bizarre scandal that preceded the 1994 Winter Olympics in "I, Tonya." In case you're too young to remember, American figure skater Tonya Harding's boyfriend concocted a wild plan to incapacitate her main Team USA competition, Nancy Kerrigan, and nearly pulled it off. It's not your typical sports biopic, but sometimes the most fascinating events in an athlete's life take place off-screen. To prepare you for this cringingly funny film, here's a list of great sports biopics that either adhere to or veer away from formula.

"Raging Bull" (1980)

“That’s entertainment.” Robert DeNiro famously packed on seventy pounds mid-shoot to portray middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta as both a strapping young fighter and a doughy, out-to-pasture has-been. At every stage of his career, LaMotta was a physically and mentally abusive lout, which makes Martin Scorsese’s unflinching masterpiece a film that’s a lot easier to admire than to watch.

"Rudy" (1993)

“Hoosiers” director David Anspaugh sticks closer to the underdog facts for his chronicle of Rudy Ruettiger’s quixotic quest to play football for his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Sean Astin is perfectly cast as the bullheaded Rudy, a practice squad member who finally gets his wish in the final game of his final year of eligibility. Jerry Goldsmith’s uplifting score swells as Rudy is carried off the field to cheers.

"Fear Strikes Out" (1957)

Before Anthony Perkins gave the world nightmares as the psychotic Norman Bates, he turned in a sensitive, heartbreaking portrayal of Boston Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall in Robert Mulligan’s "Fear Strikes Out." Piersall’s public struggle with bipolar disorder was ongoing at the time of the film’s 1957 release, and he would continue to battle his illness on the field until his retirement in 1967.

"Cinderella Man" (2005)

Up-and-coming heavyweight boxer James J. Braddock was nearing a shot at the title when he broke his hand in a 1929 fight. Braddock’s struggles coincided with the start of the Great Depression, which forced the brawler to work long hours as a longshoreman. His stirring comeback from obscurity inspired the nation, and, seventy years later, was turned into an immensely satisfying film starring Russell Crowe, who punches people rather convincingly.

"Miracle" (2004)

The “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics was more than just an upset. In beating he heavily favored hockey professionals of the U.S.S.R. national team, the college kids of Team USA scored a symbolic victory for a country desperate to shake off the misery of the Vietnam War, Watergate and the energy crisis. This standard-issue biopic hits all the rousing notes, and is elevated by Kurt Russell’s hard-nosed portrayal of coach Herb Brooks.

"Brian's Song" (1971)

Though Gayle Sayers and Brian Piccolo competed for the same running back position on the Chicago Bears, the men became the best of friends. That bond only grew stronger when Piccolo was diagnosed with cancer. Billy Dee Williams and James Caan are perfectly cast as Sayers and Piccolo in this classic TV movie. If you’re not a sobbing mess by the end of the film, you are an insensate monster.

"Ali" (2001)

The original GOAT gets an unconventional biopic from master filmmaker Michael Mann that dishes out Muhammad Ali’s backstory within the first twelve minutes as he’s preparing to weigh in for his life-altering 1964 fight with Sonny Liston. It’s a mesmerizing sequence that sets the tone for a ruminative retelling of fall and and rise, concluding with his improbable knock out of George Foreman to reclaim the heavyweight title in 1974.  

"The Pride of the Yankees" (1942)

All together now: “Today… I consider myself… the luckiest man… on the face of the Earth.” This classic baseball biopic about the cut-too-short life of “Iron Man” Lou Gehrig is aggressively kind-hearted and relentlessly corny, but, then again, so was the power hitting New York Yankees first baseman. Gary Cooper is aw-shucks perfection as Gehrig, whose career was cut short by his ALS diagnosis. The final speech at Yankee Stadium was restructured to emphasize the “luckiest man” line, but that’s just good mythmaking.

"Seabiscuit" (2003)

Laura Hillenbrand’s bestseller about the horse that loved to run from behind gets the Hollywood treatment, and finds the finish line thanks to superb performances from Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire and Chris Cooper. The Great Depression setting raises the underdog stakes, and it all pays off in rousing style with a triumph on the track at Santa Anita.

"Chariots of Fire" (1981)

Hugh Hudson’s low-key uplift centers on British Olympians Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, two runners from very different backgrounds who go on to win gold medals at the 1924 Olympiad. It’s a quiet, yet richly rewarding film that is best known today for Vangelis's pulsating synth score and for scoring a Best Picture upset over Warren Beatty’s heavily favored "Reds."

"'61" (2001)

Billy Crystal pours every ounce of his New York Yankees fandom into this well-directed depiction of the single-season home run race between pinstripe teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Thomas Jane is all rowdy charm as the hard-drinking, chronically injured Maris, while Barry Pepper gives a beautifully understated performance as the modest and withdrawn Maris.

"Remember the Titans" (2000)

Denzel Washington is ideal casting as no-nonsense coach Herman Boone, who was charged with bringing together the newly integrated T.C. Williams High School football team. If historical accuracy is your thing, you might want to look elsewhere, as Gregory Allen Howard’s screenplay takes massive liberties. But as a piece of stand-up-and-cheer cinema, it works.

"Moneyball" (2011)

The rise of the sabermetrics nerds! Brad Pitt stars as Oakland Athletics’ general manager Billy Beane, who upended decades of eyeball-test baseball scouting with his advanced statistical measurement of an individual player’s value to the team. Directed by Bennett Miller, the screenplay is unmistakably the work of Aaron Sorkin, and his epigrammatic dialogue gives the film an appropriately brainy charge.

"The Last American Hero" (1973)

Based on Tom Wolfe’s Esquire profile of stock car racing legend Junior Johnson, Lamont Johnson’s “The Last American Hero” hits the mark as an authentic (if not always accurate), non-stereotypical depiction of Southern culture. Jeff Bridges plays Junior Jackson (a rights issue prohibited the use of Johnson’s name) as a good ol’ boy moonshine runner with something to prove, and he’s absolutely sensational.

"Cobb" (1994)

Ron Shelton’s biopic couldn’t be more different than his minor league masterpiece “Bull Durham.” It stars Tommy Lee Jones as a late-in-life Ty Cobb attempting to bully his biographer into writing a hagiographic take on his life that included a ferocity – often to detriment of teammates and family – off the field that was only matched by his passion on it. It’s a fierce and unsettling film, a corrosive spiritual companion to Scorsese’s “Raging Bull.”

"Somebody Up There Likes Me" (1956)

Director Robert Wise and screenwriter Ernest Lehman define “Hollywood craftsmanship,” so it’s no surprise that this biopic of middleweight champion Rocky Graziano still plays today despite its traditional rags-to-riches structure. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Wise cast a young and strapping Paul Newman as Graziano. Keep your eyes peeled for an even younger Steve McQueen in a bit part.

"Without Limits" (1998)

Hollywood is the ultimate copycat town, but while you can understand why studios would rush competing killer asteroid or volcano movies into production, the dueling late-1990s biopics about long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine remain a head scratcher. Both were box office bombs, but Robert Towne’s “Without Limits” starring Billy Crudup deserved better. Donald Sutherland is terrific as Oregon track coach Bill Bowerman, who went on to co-found a little shoe manufacturer called Nike.

"Heart Like a Wheel" (1983)

This biopic about the life of Shirley Muldowney, aka “The First Lady of Drag Racing”, sheds unique insight on the world of funny car racing. Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, it’s a hugely underrated subculture movie that’s powered by a pair of winning performances by Bonnie Bedelia (as Muldowney) and Beau Bridges (as legendary drag man Connie Kalitta).

"The Fighter" (2010)

Ostensibly a biopic about light welterweight boxer “Irish” Micky Ward, this David O. Russell movie works best when it’s focused on Micky’s brother, Dicky, who’s brought to vibrantly addled life by Christian Bale. The performance earned Bale a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. It’s one of the most painfully realistic depictions of a has-been pugilist ever put to film.

"42" (2013)

“L.A. Confidential” screenwriter Brian Helgeland wrote and directed this reverent dramatization of Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. It’s a paint-by-numbers biopic, but Chadwick Boseman’s internalized portrayal of Robinson is effectively offset by Harrison Ford’s gruff old man go at Brooklyn Dodgers’ executive Branch Rickey.

"The Damned United" (2009)

Biopic specialist Peter Morgan has won acclaim for his screenplays for “The Queen” and “Frost/Nixon”, but his adaptation of David Peace’s “The Damned Utd” is a soccer lover’s dream. Directed by “The King’s Speech” Oscar winner Tom Hooper, the film features a pair of dazzling performances from Michael Sheen as Leeds United manager Brian Clough and Colm Meaney as his antagonist Don Revie.

"Foxcatcher" (2014)

Bennett Miller returned to the sports biopic after "Moneyball" with this unsettling account of John E. du Pont’s relationship with wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz. Steve Carell is chilling as the multimillionaire du Pont who invites the young men to train at his estate. It’s about as far from inspiring as a sports movie can get.

"Unbroken" (2014)

Long-distance runner Louis Zamperini was known as the Torrance Tornado for his athletic accomplishments at USC and the 1936 Berlin Olympics, but his remarkable life story was just beginning. Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken” starts with Zemperini’s sporting exploits, but devotes the majority of its running time to his unthinkable ordeal during World War II. The man survived forty-seven days at sea in shark-infested waters, and the worst was yet to come. And he stuck it out until 2014, when he passed away at the age of ninety-seven. That right there is a life.

"Rush" (2013)

Director Ron Howard and screenwriter Peter Morgan combined their sports biopic expertise for this exhilarating examination of the fierce rivalry between Formula 1 racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The dramatic tension seems to have fueled the competitive acting juices of Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl, who go at their roles with tremendous gusto.

"Jim Thorpe - All-American" (1951)

You can’t go wrong with Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”) directing Burt Lancaster, though it might’ve been nice had the filmmakers found someone less WASP-y than Lancaster to play the trailblazing Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. If you can get past exceptionally white man playing Thorpe, this film is a top-notch biopic of an American sports legend.

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10 best athlete biopics, ranked (according to imdb).

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"it's a special pride": nosferatu star reflects on his oscar-nominated performance as count orlok in 2000 vampire movie, robotnik's sonic the hedgehog 3 fate & potential future return addressed by franchise writers.

Sports movies are a favorite of Hollywood because the lives of great athletes are wilder than fiction. There are also few other things in the world as universal as the love of sports. Admiration for sports stars also comes from how many of them begin as underdogs. These stories impart some of the athlete's self-belief onto the viewer, convincing them of their unlocked potential, and that they too can achieve great things if they adopt an athlete's work ethic.

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That is not to say the life of every athlete is a path to glory. For others, their sport gives them a platform to channel the tempests raging inside them. When not winning championships or performing acts of heroic physical performance, the darkness they're harboring endures. In the arena of one's personal life, this volatile energy becomes less herculean and more tragic.

McFarland, USA (7.4)

After losing his temper and injuring a player, Jim White loses his job and must move to McFarland, California, to work as an assistant football coach for a mostly Latino school. Rebuked for his choice to pull a potentially injured player off the field, Jim loses his new job, but recognizes many of the players are fast runners, so he appeals to the school's principal to form a cross-country track team.

Contending between his discontented family, who wish they could move out of their Latino neighborhood, and his belief in the skills of his newly formed team, Jim's perseverance and determination overcome these racial divides and push the team to win the state championship.

Fearless (7.6)

Jet-Li stars in this martial arts epic , depicting the life of Huo Yuanjia, who is renowned as a Chinese national hero that organized and dominated Wushu matches with foreign fighters. His success as a martial artist in the late 19th and early 20th century came at a time when China was experiencing cultural erosion from the influence of other countries.

Yuanjia's story is an allegory for a resurgence in China's cultural identity. From start to finish, the movie has numerous beautifully choreographed fight scenes that are a marvel for action and sports fans alike.

Moneyball (7.6)

Adapted from the book of the same name,  Moneyball   depicts how the 2002 Oakland Athletics baseball team revolutionized the sport, reaching the divisional finals with a roster of newcomers and journeymen and on a shoestring budget.

General manager Billy Beane must assemble a winning team with next to no money, so he takes a chance on the unorthodox approach to scouting undervalued players from Yale economics graduate, Peter Brand. Encountering friction from Athletics' owners, Beane schemes against his bosses to keep his roster intact, whilst they continue to battle it out on the baseball field.

The Blind Side (7.6)

Featuring an ensemble of former NCAA coaches,  The Blind Side   tells the story of football linebacker Michael "Big Mike" Oher's ascension from foster child to number one draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens. In the racially divided state of Tennessee where Mike grows up, a compassionate woman named Leigh Anne notices Mike's hardships and through continuous acts of kindness, informally adopts him.

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For those part of the rich, white, upper-class circle Leigh Anne is a part of, they cannot comprehend her empathy for the large, brooding young man. Leigh Anne dismisses them, recognizing Mike's protective nature and helping him unlock it on the football field.

The Hurricane (7.6)

Many sports dramas have more to say than celebrating the accomplishments of the athletes they depict, and  The Hurricane  is no exception.

Following the trials and tribulations of middleweight boxer Rubin "The Hurricane" Carter, after he is wrongly accused of a triple homicide, his career as a boxer serves more as a backdrop to the film. Instead, its focus is on the civil rights issues and systemic racism that ensnared Carter. Starring a searing performance from Denzel Washington , the film is a testament to the inequities of the Black experience.

Remember The Titans (7.8)

Portraying the heroics of Black coach, Herman Boones, who made it his mission to integrate the T.C. Williams High School football team,  Remember the Titans  uses the collegial ethic of team sports as an allegory about overcoming racial divide.

The film constantly places its characters against all odds. In the dying moments, however, their belief in one another leads them to victory. Contrary to a lot of sports films,  Remember the Titans   also has some sharply choreographed football scenes, the last of which is shot in monumental and epic torrential rain.

The Fighter (7.8)

While many talented athletes are exceptional in their sport, the sad reality is that outside the arena of their craft, their personal lives are often chaotic. Such is the case of boxer Dicky Eklund, whose former glory of going the distance with Sugar Ray Leonard fades in the shadow of his current addiction to crack cocaine. His best days behind him, Dicky now trains his brother Micky Ward, who is trying to transcend his role as gatekeeper of the welterweight division.

The implications of family drama and his brother's drug addiction hold Micky back from unlocking his true potential, presenting him with the tough decision of whether to prioritize his career interests over those of his crumbling family. Even if you're not a boxing fan, the performances from a frighteningly skinny Christian Bale and statuesque Mark Wahlberg are worthy of your attention.

Cinderella Man (8)

Everybody loves a comeback story. Considered to be a washed-up boxer after breaking his hand in the ring, real-life boxer James Braddock is down and out as he transitions out of the sport during the Great Depression. Destitute and desperate, James' former manager secures him a one-off fight so James can earn some much-needed cash. To everyone's surprise, he wins by a stunning early knockout.

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James' tough luck turns out to be his good fortune since it leads him back to the ring. As he edges nearer to heavyweight title contention, journalists learn of his rise from an impoverished dockworker to the latest boxing star, nicknaming him the "Cinderella Man."

A high-adrenaline race movie that focuses on the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda,  Rush   interweaves its high stakes action with existential melodrama. Lauda's trajectory as F1 champion suffers several derailments that have him questioning whether he prefers to preserve his love life and health over fame and success.

Hunt prospers from Lauda's setbacks, embracing dangerous risks that will put him ahead of Lauda and seal his fate as champion. Their rivalry as competitors also mirrors their opposing personalities off the track.

Raging Bull (8.2)

The tragic tale of boxer and anti-hero Jake LaMotta , whose penchant for violence was the key to his success in the ring but destroyed his relationships outside of it,  Raging Bull   is the preeminent achievement of beloved American director Martin Scorsese.

From the soaring heights of defeating Sugar Ray Robinson and later becoming world champion, LaMotta eventually sinks to the status of a lonesome obese comedian estranged from anyone who ever loved him. The lifelong self-belief and paranoia that sabotaged his life resound in his closing mantra: "You're the champ, you're the champ, you're the champ."

NEXT: 10 Underdog Sports Movies To Watch If You Like Rocky

Best Sports Biographies

1. Remember the Titans

4. The Fighter

5. Raging Bull

6. Moneyball

7. The Express

9. Any Given Sunday

11. Jerry Maguire

12. Coach Carter

13. The Boxer

14. The Legend of Bagger Vance

15. The Wrestler

More to explore, recently viewed.

10 best sports biography movies

10 best sports biography movies: With all the sports movies that have been made, there are some factors that determine its reception. Rotten Tomatoes ratings, critical acclaim and awards are part of it, but what matters most is this intangible quality called “it”.

Sports movies often include fictional characters and plots. A League of Their Own, The Wrestler, and Hoosiers are not 100 percent accurate in their portrayal of their subject matter.

1. Chariots of Fire:

Chariots of Fire takes us on a journey through the inspiring lives of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, two British men from different backgrounds who came together at the 1924 Olympics. The film is driven by their deep religious faith, as well as their competitive spirit, as they both experience tough struggles within the Olympic games.

2. Concussion

Concussion, which is based on research by Dr. Bennet Omalu, confirms that brain injuries in football players need to be taken more seriously. Will Smith gives an incredible performance in this movie.

Concussion received positive feedback from viewers and is rated 77% on the website Rotten Tomatoes. USA Today gave good reviews with the reviewer stating that Will Smith played his most transformative role yet.

3. Glory Road

Glory Road is a movie about the 1966 Texas Western basketball team that successfully makes sports movies socially relevant. Coach Don Haskins, played by Josh Lucas, starts five black players in a championship game and beats Adolph Rupp’s all-white Kentucky squad.

Glory Road won the best sports movie of 2006 and has a higher audience rating (81%), but a lower critical rating (55%).

4. The Rookie

Jim Morris, a high school baseball coach and pro pitcher, had the opportunity to pitch at age 35. He made his debut as The Rookie in 2002. Starring Dennis Quaid, the movie was received favorably because of his natural acting that brought believability to his character.

Unabashedly, The Rookie has a 83% certified fresh rating based on Rotten Tomatoes reviews. The movie is based on a true story and it is lyrical and beautifully filmed. The movie preaches an optimistic philosophy- if you are what you could have been, it’s worth it.

Rudy is a football movie about an undersized long shot that walks on to the Notre Dame team. The film succeeded in evoking the historic spirit of Notre Dame football, by “waking up the echoes”.

6. Hoosiers:

Hoosiers is loosely based on the true story of an Indiana underdog team that won a state title. Although the movie’s inaccurate depiction of a historical fact is an error in the film, it stands out as a high school sports classic due to Gene Hackman’s well-played performance.

Along with garnering a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and one Golden Globe, the film was nominated for two Academy awards.

7. Somebody Up There Likes Me

This movie is based on the life of Rocky Graziano, it stars Paul Newman who plays a young boxer. He is like an early version of Raging Bull as they both contain real-life stories of boxers from the 1940s. Somebody Up There Likes Me can have cliche moments but it’s still an entertaining film for boxing movie enthusiasts. 

8. Remember the Titans

According to a summary by Jeff Merron, the drama and execution of the film makes it wholly entertaining, even if it is not 100% accurate. Some of the events portrayed in the film are fictional, but Remember the Titans is based off a true story about how black head coach Herman Boone helped understandings between white players and black players on a high school football team in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Remember the Titans film grossed over $20 million on opening days, and 73% of approved critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a positive review.

9. The Pride of the Yankees

The Pride of the Yankees, an American film based on Lou Gehrig’s life. Released in 1942 one year after his death. Gary Cooper starred as the first baseman, tackling Lou Gehrig’s famous “luckiest man” speech while Babe Ruth joined him on screen portraying himself. Three-quarters of a century later, the film has a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is a movie following the true story of James Braddock, who is beaten down from the impact of the Great Depression. After two years of struggling and winning, he became world heavyweight champion of the world despite all odds.

The Awards for Cinderella Man were three Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards with an 80 percent rating on the Rotten Tomatoes website.

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