Buzz
The Olympics have made a grand return to Paris after a century, and for those unfamiliar with the historical significance, there’s even a film dedicated to it. While sports enthusiasts naturally gravitate toward movies that capture the excitement of the game, these films have also won over audiences who aren’t typically fans. Even someone who wouldn’t watch a full baseball match might find themselves deeply moved by the heartfelt stories in Field of Dreams or A League of Their Own. Similarly, you don’t need to be a football expert to feel inspired by the journeys of Rudy or the Titans. Whether rooted in true events or entirely fictional, these movies encapsulate the adrenaline and emotion of sports into a concise, impactful two-hour experience, highlighting moments that might take years to unfold in real life while delving into the personal stories behind the scenes.
Here are some of the most gripping, heartfelt, and motivational sports films you can stream right now.
Challengers (2024)
While it’s undeniably a tennis film—and reportedly one that nails the sport’s authenticity—I’ll trust the experts on that. Directed by Luca Guadagnino of Call Me By Your Name fame, this film delivers a passionate, bisexual romantic sports drama that surprises and captivates. Zendaya shines as a retired tennis pro turned coach, entangled in a love triangle with her champion husband (Mike Faist) and her lower-tier boyfriend (Josh O’Connor). The dynamic between the trio is electric and unforgettable.
Where to watch: MGM+, digital rental
Chariots of Fire (1981)
Though Vangelis’ iconic score might overshadow the film itself, this Oscar-winning Best Picture offers a unique and rewarding narrative. Centered around the 1924 Paris Olympics—the last time the city hosted the games—it tells the true stories of Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), a Jewish sprinter battling societal prejudice, and Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian whose principles made waves in the media. While the pacing may feel leisurely for a movie about racing, it’s a powerful dose of sports-driven motivation.
Where to stream: digital rental
The Set-Up (1949)
Robert Wise, the visionary behind the iconic musical West Side Story and groundbreaking horror and sci-fi films like The House on Haunted Hill and The Day the Earth Stood Still, also delivered The Set-Up, a gritty boxing masterpiece that doubles as a stellar film noir. The film follows Robert Ryan’s aging boxer, Stoker Thompson, in a raw and unflinching portrayal of a man past his prime. Set largely in a grimy, low-rent arena, the movie is devoid of heroes, with Audrey Totter playing his weary wife, who knows their future hinges on his ability to win—or lose—one final fight.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Friday Night Lights (2004)
While inspired by true events, Friday Night Lights takes H. G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book as a loose foundation, focusing on a small Texas town where high school football is the lifeblood of the community. The film, loosely based on the 1988 Permian High School Panthers’ championship season, captures both the exhilaration of athletic triumph and the bleak reality of a town with little else to celebrate. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a standout performance as Coach Gaines, adding depth to this compelling mix of inspiration and melancholy.
Where to stream: Starz, digital rental
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Though a documentary, Hoop Dreams is every bit as gripping as any fictional drama. The film follows two Black teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, who are recruited into a predominantly white high school’s basketball program. Their six-year journey, captured with raw honesty, remains as poignant and relevant today as it was in 1994, blending moments of inspiration with stark realities. The film delves into their lives, revealing how professional basketball is seen as their sole escape from systemic challenges. Through their stories, director Steve James sheds light on broader societal issues, exposing the harsh truths behind the American dream and the exploitation that often accompanies it.
Where to stream: Max, Paramount+, The Criterion Channel, Crackle, digital rental
The Express (2008)
Rob Brown stars as Ernie Davis, the legendary “Elmira Express,” who propelled Syracuse University to a national championship in his sophomore year and became the first Black athlete to win the Heisman Trophy. The film portrays Davis’ struggles against racism during an era when Black players were still a rarity in college football. While it embraces the inspirational sports movie formula, it avoids excessive sentimentality, even as Davis’ career is tragically cut short by leukemia. Brown delivers a standout performance, and the film also introduces Chadwick Boseman in his debut role as Floyd Little, Davis’ successor at Syracuse.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
A League of Their Own (1992)
Before becoming a beloved classic, this film’s success seemed improbable despite its star-studded cast (Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Hanks, Madonna) and Penny Marshall’s direction. Based loosely on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which emerged during WWII to fill the void left by male players, the story could easily have veered into sentimentality. However, Marshall’s sharp wit and humor keep it grounded, ensuring it never becomes overly saccharine. The film resonated widely, particularly with queer audiences who initially came for Madonna but left with a newfound love for baseball.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Remember the Titans (2000)
In 1970s Alexandria, Virginia, high school football was more than a sport—it was a cultural cornerstone. The integration of all-white and all-Black schools in 1971 sparked outrage, with athletics becoming a focal point for underlying racial tensions. Denzel Washington portrays Herman Boone, the real-life coach tasked with leading the newly integrated team, a role that pits him against the established coach of the former white school. While the film follows a familiar formula, its historical context adds depth and complexity, making it both compelling and emotionally resonant. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Where to stream: Disney+, digital rental
Rocky (1976)
Few sports films capture the spirit of determination like Rocky, blending underdog triumph with just enough grit to avoid sentimentality. The film’s meta-story is equally compelling: Sylvester Stallone, a relative unknown at the time, wrote the screenplay and starred as the titular boxer, propelling himself to stardom. The movie earned multiple Oscars, including Best Picture, and launched a franchise that continues to endure. Its mix of raw emotion and iconic moments ensures its place as a timeless classic.
Where to stream: Prime Video, digital rental
Moneyball (2011)
It’s remarkable how a film centered on baseball and statistics captivates audiences, even those indifferent to either subject. Co-written by Aaron Sorkin, the screenplay showcases his signature sharp dialogue while avoiding his usual pitfalls. The drama unfolds not on the field but in conversations, as Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane, the Oakland A’s general manager, challenges tradition by relying on statistical analysis to assemble a competitive team. Jonah Hill shines as the numbers guru, and the film highlights the intense strategizing that happens off the field, proving that sports are as much about brains as they are about brawn.
Where to stream: Peacock, digital rental
King Richard (2021)
Focusing a film about Venus and Serena Williams on their father rather than the tennis icons themselves was an unconventional choice, but one the sisters endorsed as producers. Will Smith delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Richard Williams, their driven yet loving father, who meticulously planned their path to tennis greatness from birth. The film offers a layered portrayal of a man whose relentless ambition for his daughters was matched by his unwavering belief in their potential to become legends of the sport.
Where to stream: Max, Peacock, digital rental
Knute Rockne, All American (1940)
This film chronicles the life of Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne and is best known for giving Ronald Reagan his iconic catchphrase, though its context is tied to the fictionalized story of star player George Gipp. As an early football movie, it established many genre staples: the tough yet compassionate coach, the high-stakes final game, and a poignant tragedy that fuels the team’s determination. It remains a classic in sports cinema.
Where to stream: digital rental
I, Tonya (2017)
This unconventional ice-skating biopic refrains from glorifying Tonya Harding but also avoids ridiculing her, even as it takes creative liberties with the infamous 1994 attack on Nancy Kerrigan. With Margot Robbie as Tonya and Sebastian Stan as her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, the film presents their perspectives as unreliable narrators, revisiting one of the most scandalous moments in Olympic figure-skating history. Robbie delivers a standout performance, matched by Allison Janney’s portrayal of Tonya’s domineering and abusive mother.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Field of Dreams (1989)
Regardless of your opinion on baseball, Field of Dreams leaves a lasting impression, especially when James Earl Jones eloquently describes the sport as a timeless thread in American history. The film intertwines the struggles of a farmer (Kevin Costner) on the brink of losing his land with a whimsical tale of ghostly baseball players offering cryptic guidance. While the premise may seem absurd, the film’s craftsmanship and emotional depth make it irresistible, particularly for those grappling with unresolved paternal relationships—the iconic game of catch between Costner and his father’s ghost is a tearjerker every time.
Where to stream: Peacock
Body & Soul (1947)
John Garfield, a Hollywood star before his clash with the House Un-American Activities Committee, delivers one of his finest performances in this film, which subtly critiques the era’s political climate. Garfield plays Charley Davis, a tough New Yorker who defies his mother’s wishes to pursue boxing, aided by shady figures. He teams up with a Black trainer (Canada Lee, another talent targeted by HUAC) who faces racial barriers in the sport. When forced to choose between integrity and wealth, Charley stands by his principles, even at great personal risk.
Where to stream: The Roku Channel, Plex
Damn Yankees (1958)
A classic Hollywood musical with roots in Broadway and literature, Damn Yankees draws inspiration from Faust, weaving together sports, comedy, and a devilish pact. The story follows an aging baseball fan who sells his soul to help his beloved Washington Senators defeat the Yankees. While its soundtrack may not be the most iconic, the film shines with Gwen Verdon’s magnetic performance as she tempts Tab Hunter with the unforgettable number “Whatever Lola Wants.”
Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi, Prime Video
Rudy (1993)
A heartwarming tale that tugs at the heartstrings, Rudy tells the story of an underdog who defies the odds. Inspired by the real-life Rudy Ruettiger, a 5-foot-6 dreamer with dyslexia and no athletic advantages, the film follows his relentless pursuit of playing football for Notre Dame. Sean Astin delivers a memorable performance as the determined protagonist, making it impossible not to cheer for him.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Bull Durham (1988)
Bull Durham excels by diving deep into the intricacies of baseball, thanks to writer-director Ron Shelton’s firsthand experience as a minor league player. The film also weaves in a love triangle involving Susan Sarandon’s passionate fan, Tim Robbins’ rookie pitcher, and Kevin Costner’s seasoned catcher tasked with mentoring him. While the performances are stellar, the movie’s true focus is on capturing the essence of the sport, offering a vivid look at the off-field dynamics that shape the game.
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+, digital rental
Raging Bull (1980)
Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece Raging Bull doesn’t glorify boxing or its protagonist, Jake LaMotta. Instead, it explores how the violence celebrated in the ring spills into personal life. Robert DeNiro delivers a riveting performance as LaMotta, a deeply flawed man whose rise and fall are both tragic and mesmerizing. The film’s fight scenes are visually stunning, immersing viewers in the brutal, dreamlike intensity of boxing.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
The Sandlot (1993)
A heartwarming coming-of-age film steeped in nostalgia, The Sandlot has itself become a nostalgic favorite. Set in the 1960s, it tells the story of Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry), a lonely new kid who knows nothing about baseball but joins the local sandlot team to fit in. Packed with eccentric characters and familiar tropes, the movie initially received mixed reviews but has since become a beloved classic for those who grew up watching it. For non-sports fans, Smalls’ journey feels relatable and endearing.
Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu, digital rental
Concussion (2015)
The long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a contentious topic among medical professionals and the NFL. While the discussion has shifted from whether repeated concussions cause harm to the severity of their impact, Concussion focuses on Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith), a forensic pathologist who uncovers the truth about CTE. The film highlights his struggle against the football industry’s resistance to acknowledging the dangers, making it less about sports and more about a fight for truth and accountability.
Where to stream: Digital rental
White Men Can't Jump (1992)
This basketball-centric comedy-drama features standout performances from Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, with Rosie Perez stealing every scene she’s in. Set in Venice Beach, it follows two streetball hustlers navigating their way through life, blending humor and drama into a coming-of-age tale for characters who might be a bit too old for such a narrative. Notably, it was one of Stanley Kubrick’s favorite movies.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Major League (1989)
Many baseball enthusiasts rank Major League among their favorite sports films, but its quirky humor and underdog charm have earned it a broader fanbase, making it a beloved piece of ‘80s nostalgia. The story follows a former Las Vegas showgirl (Margaret Whitton) who inherits the Cleveland Indians from her late husband. Eager to relocate to Miami, she schemes to tank the team’s attendance by assembling the worst roster imaginable. However, when the players, including Tom Berenger and Charlie Sheen, uncover her plan, they rally together, delivering a mix of slapstick comedy and heartwarming underdog triumph.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
We Are Marshall (2006)
Following a tragic 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of Marshall University’s football team, the school considered disbanding the program. However, the surviving players persuaded the university president to rebuild. The film centers on rookie coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) and surviving assistant coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox) as they assemble a new team from scratch. Despite early struggles, the team’s resilience and determination turn their journey into an inspiring tale of perseverance and unity.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Creed (2015)
Creed breathed new life into the Rocky series while redefining the boxing movie genre. It honors the traditions of the sport while flipping familiar tropes on their head. Donnie Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, is both an underdog and the privileged son of a boxing legend, facing off against a gritty, blue-collar rival. Director Ryan Coogler crafts a film that balances introspection with crowd-pleasing excitement, and Sylvester Stallone delivers one of his finest performances as an aging Rocky Balboa grappling with the passage of time.
Where to stream: MGM+, Prime Video
The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid (1984)
John G. Avildsen, director of Rocky, shifts the setting from working-class Philadelphia to Reseda, Los Angeles, in this iconic film. It follows 17-year-old Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) as he battles karate champion Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and his ruthless sensei, John Kreese (Martin Kove). Pat Morita’s portrayal of Mr. Miyagi earned an Oscar nomination, and the film’s uplifting score, climactic tournament, and enduring legacy ensure its place in pop culture. What more could you ask for?
Where to stream: Starz, digital rental
Love & Basketball (2000)
Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps deliver sizzling chemistry in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s directorial debut. The film chronicles the evolving relationship between two basketball enthusiasts whose shared passion for the game both unites and divides them. Spanning years, this underrated gem masterfully blends heartfelt character development with a genuine appreciation for the sport and the dedication required to excel.
The Champion (1949)
Mark Robson’s first of two exceptional boxing films (followed by The Harder They Fall in 1956) features Kirk Douglas as a ruthless, self-serving boxing champion who tramples over everyone in his path, especially the women in his life. A scathing critique of the American dream, the film was produced by Stanley Kramer and written by Carl Foreman, who later collaborated on the politically charged High Noon. Its cynical take on success remains striking.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Pride of the Yankees (1942)
Before The Pride of the Yankees, baseball films were niche, appealing primarily to fans of the sport. This 1942 classic, starring Gary Cooper, changed that by chronicling the life of New York Yankees legend Lou Gehrig, who had passed away from ALS just a year prior. While baseball is central to the story, the film delves into Gehrig’s personal life and untimely death, culminating in his iconic farewell speech that remains profoundly moving.
Where to stream: Tubi, Peacock, Prime Video
The Iron Claw (2023)
This A24 film dramatizes the tragic story of the Von Erich family, focusing on three wrestling brothers (Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Harris Dickinson) who grapple with a family history often described as cursed. The movie delves into themes of the American dream and the pressures of traditional masculinity, highlighting the heavy toll of success when challenges outside the ring rival those within.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
