A good sports film is a classic watch for many moviegoers, and one of the most popular types of story in Hollywood, known for its inspirational depiction of highs and lows in competitive sports. It is no surprise why, since sports stories lend themselves to a variety of styles, genres and mediums, making them some of the most versatile films in cinema. Though sports films are an easy, exciting watch, the best highlight inspirational stories of humanity's ability to beat the odds, persevere, and overcome challenges in the efforts of achieving goals that are both physical and mental, with the help of a great sports movie coach.

Stories like Rocky, are tried-and-true underdog tales about dreaming big, and using grit and determination to achieve one's goals. In the end, a great entry in this genre is generally a feel-good human story where a young athlete is tasked with overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

15 Bill Durham (1988)

Directed by Ron Shelton

Kevin Costner's sports movie, Bill Durham, is a go-to sports comedy. Earning 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, the witty comedy is an enjoyable watch for those who are fans of the sport. Bill Durham hilariously plays with situational comedy through the love triangle between Crash Davis (Kevin Costner), "Nuke" (Tim Robbins), and Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon). Apart from the romantic antics between its messy leads, the film is a love letter to baseball itself, as bitter veteran player, Crash, helps the haughty newbie, "Nuke," to follow the Catcher's lead and work with his team, instead of focusing on his own playing.

14 Foxcatcher (2014)

Directed by Bennett Miller

For those familiar with the real-life inspiration behind Foxcatcher, it is no surprise that the film is a tense roller coaster of emotions that is compelling for audiences to watch. Steve Carrell delivers a spine-chilling performance as the dangerous millionaire, John Du Pont, whose control and manipulation resulted in the death of famous wrestler David Schultz (Mark Ruffalo), and the manipulation of his wrestling brother Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum). The film's exploration of the mental struggles and dangers of being a professional athlete is fascinating to watch onscreen, earning it an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

13 Friday Night Lights (2004)

Directed by Peter Berg

Friday Night Lights is a familiar sports film with an underdog story. Though the film's main plot revolves around the football team's road to triumph with the help of coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thorton), Friday Night Lights stands out because of its character development and important themes about individuality, kindness, and integrity. Though the lives of his players may be complicated, coach Gaines encourages each boy to hone in on their craft and work as a team, while attending to personal matters outside the game. This high-school football drama is understandably popular with audiences, earning a 95% Totten Tomatoes score.

12 Rudy (1993)

Directed by David Anspaugh

One of the most famous examples of a sports underdog film is the 1993 hit, Rudy. Based on the incredible true story of Rudy Ruettiger, audiences feel a sense of hope when he is able to beat the odds and become a prolific player in his university's football team, despite physical limitations. Astin's performance as the real-life football hero is moving, making it easy for audiences to become invested in his struggles and character growth throughout the story. In the end, his triumph is inspirational, serving as a testament to determination and persistence in the world of sports.

11 Miracle (2004)

Directed by Gavin O'Conner

Another traditional sports underdog story is Miracle, the patriotic Olympic love letter to the 1980 U.S. Hockey team. Beneath the surface-level competition between the U.S. team and the Soviet hockey team at the Olympics, Miracle is a story of America's triumph in maintaining relations and keeping up during the Cold War, which was happening at the time in the story. Beyond its larger historical and symbolic meanings, the film's leading coach, Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), teaches his hot-headed players the importance of unification and strength in numbers, as the men learn how to function as a team. This feel-good biopic easily earns an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score.

10 Chariots Of Fire (1981)

Directed by Hugh Hudson

Chariots of Fire is one of the most recognizable and iconic pop culture sports films, and can be recognized from its iconic theme alone. The film is a classic sports biopic about its two leading men, one Jewish and the other a Christian, using their differences to create a sense of tension and competition in the film. With stunning shots, a sweeping soundtrack, and period-accurate sets/ costumes, the film transports the viewer to the world of 1920s Paris. In the end, its message of respecting differences and embracing one's teammates is what makes the film so enduring.

9 A League Of Their Own (1992)

Directed by Penny Marshall

This Penny Marshall classic is a great feel-good sports film that earned 82% on Rotten Tomatoes. Today, A League of Their Own is still a favorite watch, especially for those who are fans of baseball. The dramatic comedy features a cast of well-fleshed-out, diverse characters and team . In fact, many of the female team have different lifestyles and priorities, yet unite to play ball and prove a point about their place in the world of Major League Baseball. With a star-studded cast, including Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna, its no wonder Marshall's sports film is a success.

8 Challengers (2024)

Directed by Luca Guadanigno

One of cinema's latest sports hits is Luca Guadanigno's film, Challengers. Despite being less than a year old, the film has already earned 52 wins, proving Guadanigno's bold sports drama is popular with fans. Much of this can be attributed to the film's ability to immerse viewers in the tense and electrifying world of the story, with fast-paced shots, a cast of A-list actors, and a unique soundtrack with its own sound that is hard to mistake. The thrilling final match is intense, as it is implied both men recognize the talent in the other, particularly through the scene where Art and Patrick hug.

7 Hoosiers (1986)

Directed by David Anspaugh

Another beloved underdog story is Hoosiers, the1986 true story basketball film that is loved by audiences with a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. This film contains all the elements of a high school sports epic, but adds to something unique in how its Coach, Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), is fundamentally flawed, dealing with his own sets of issues. In this way, Dale helps both himself and his teammates to better themselves. Though Dale and his team may have struggled with making poor decisions in the past, they learn to forgive themselves and each other both on the court and off.

6 The Titans (2000)

Directed by Boaz Yakin

In one of Denzel Washington's best sports dramas, he plays real-life coach Herman Boone, in the 2000 sports hit, the Titans. This famous film is one of the most inspirational and philosophical, discussing how race and social norms affect the interactions in team sports. Beyond taking his team to the finals, Boone manages to break down some of their former racial prejudices, teaching them that without acceptance, society cannot function in harmony, just like a football team. Because of its powerful message, it is no surprise the film has earned 8 wins and 17 award nominations.