With Adam Sandler's highly anticipated basketball flick Hustle coming to Netflix later this year, the release is highlighting that sports are an important subject in the world of film. Almost every athletic skill set has been showcased in some capacity on screen. Amongst the most popular sports in the world, there are some true cinematic classics, which IMDb have officially ranked as the best of the best in regards to their storytelling.
These movies feel like the definitive narratives based on these respective sports. They might be a biography, inspired by a real story, or perhaps be completely fictionalized. Regardless of the format, the movies have stood the test of time and are inspiring for future sports stars.
Tennis: Match Point (2005) - 7.6
Stream on Showtime
Featuring an all-star cast with the likes of Scarlet Johansson, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emily Mortimer, Brian Cox, and Matthew Goode, this fictional British drama sees a former tennis star begin to fall in love with the actress dating his friend.
While tennis is not at the center of the production it does serve as the catalyst for the unfolding events, as the retired expert finds his forbidden love while working as a tennis coach. The popular psychological thriller is packed with tension and betrayal, affairs and love, but is not heavy on sport despite its backdrop.
American Football: The Titans (2000) - 7.8
Stream on Disney+
fantastic performance from Denzel Washington and featuring a feel-good story about a team coming together, no matter their skills or race. The high school comedy-drama really put the sport of American Football front and center.
This integrated unit has to work out their differences and follow their coach to victory in a film that began to pave the way for some of the tropes familiar within the genre now. It's paced well, features great cinematography and an ensemble cast that seem to grasp the importance of the narrative.
Soccer: Two Half-Times in Hell (1961) - 8.0
This award-winning Hungarian film actually takes inspiration from a real-world event in the first World War. While something like this didn't quite happen the same way in World War II, the idea was taken and morphed into a compelling and dramatic film about the connecting spirit of sport.
It takes place in the middle of the conflict and sees the opposing sides play football on Hitler's birthday. Perhaps there were moments like this throughout the horrific war, but the way the beautiful game is portrayed here demonstrates why it's given that name.
Bobsledding: Cool Runnings (1993) - 7.0
Stream on Disney+
Some might consider it an unrealistic sports movie, but Cool Runnings is in fact based on a true story. The Jamaican Bobsled team really captured the imagination of the world.
It has charming performances, fantastic dialogue, and some hilarious scenes as well. It doesn't take itself too seriously and yet its characters go on a genuinely moving journey that allows them to step out of their comfort zones and achieve big things!
Running: Runners High (2006) - 9.3
Documentaries have really become the medium to tell sports stories well, considering there are just so many genuine narratives to explore. That's exactly what happened with the critically acclaimed Runners High which tells the story of a complex group of teenagers.
Set in Oakland, California, these tough yet hopeful youths attempt to run a marathon, beginning their difficult training and aiming to make it all the way. It's a very personal piece of filmmaking that showcases how sport can really lift up an individual no matter how challenging it may be.
Boxing: Raging Bull (1980) - 8.2
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
The biographical film in black and white, based on the noble sport of boxing has gone down in history as one of the greatest sports films ever made. Featuring the talented Robert De Niro in one of his defining roles as Jake LaMotta, this is truly a hard-hitting tale.
It's graphic and doesn't shy away from the brutality of boxing, but it also shows the guts and determination needed for those men to step into a ring with one another. Despite the larger theatrics, it's quite a character-driven tale, with gorgeous cinematography and detailed writing.
Baseball: Land Of The Rising Fastball (2010) - 9.4
Another documentary that takes a very different perspective into , Land Of The Rising Fastball travels to Japan in order to look at the history of the sport within the country. It's perhaps not a backdrop expected considering it's such an Americanized sport but there's a great legacy of baseball in Japan.
While other stories have been deeply emotional this is straight-up interesting as it takes a more generalist view of the sport here. Three journalists at the top of their game help the audience understand the timeline and the cultural impact of the athletes involved.
Basketball: Hoop Dreams (1994) - 8.3
Stream on HBO Max & Showtime
There is something naturally inspiring about any sports story but Hoop Dreams, as the name suggests, is such a 'follow their dreams' archetype for compelling narratives that it's even more shocking that this well-crafted film is actually a documentary, not a fiction.
The feel-good sports film looks at two boys in Chicago as they make their way from the courts of the college scene into the world of professional sport. It's a simple idea but one that delivers in of all the major beats, thanks in large part to the intriguing and intelligent leads.
Motor Racing: Senna (2010) - 8.5
Available to rent on Amazon Prime & YouTube
The F1 legend who managed to win the championship three times before his tragic death at an early age, Senna tracks the life and career of this incredible sportsman and all of his achievements in the world of motor racing. It's a legacy that has come to define the sport and those who drive in his tracks.
It's a beautifully made film with a lot of interesting insights from those closest to the star, as well as archive footage that shows the driver at his absolute best. Editing is the biggest factor in any documentary and the team has done a superb job bringing the sport to life even for non-fans.
Hockey: In The Crease (2006) - 8.2
Available to buy on Amazon Prime
Another documentary that feels just as heartwarming as it should, In the Crease, allows hockey to enter the limelight as a teenage team looks to grasp victory from the jaws of defeat. Their mission to win a national championship sees the team experience highs and lows throughout the process.
Hockey is a difficult sport to master and such pressure at a young age might not be the most positive of things. Despite this, the young students take it in their strive and are an inspiration in the way they operate as a unit with so much maturity.
