The Best Movies for Athletes to Watch

Ranker Film
Updated September 15, 2023 1.0K votes 121 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Movies for Athletes to Watch
Voting Rules
Vote up the films that will inspire athletes.
Latest additions: White Men Can't Jump
Most divisive: Friday Night Lights

There's something about a good sports movie that really gets the juices pumping. From inspirational sports movie to gripping documentaries, there are plenty of movies for athletes that can provide fantastic motivation. Below, you'll find some recommendations if you want a film that will encourage you to get out there and push yourself to your limits. 

When it comes to inspiring movies for athletes, many are based on true stories. From athlete biopics to films about a specific team during a point in history, these stories remind sports fans what can be achieved with drive and dedication. There are also plenty of fictional films that introduced characters - like Rocky Balboa - whose name are synonymous with athletic excellence. Whatever the central message, sports films are great for any aspiring athlete to watch because they teach us about struggling to overcome the limits we impose upon ourselves. Vote up the best movies for athletes below! 

Ranked by
  • Rocky
    1

    Rocky

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
    61 votes
    • Released: 1976
    • Directed by: John G. Avildsen
    The film Rocky is a sports drama, marking the genesis of a beloved franchise. It introduces us to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia with a heart of gold and fists of steel. The plot thickens when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) offers an unprecedented opportunity - a shot at the title. Rocky's journey from obscurity to the limelight is a testament to determination and grit. This underdog tale, directed by John G. Avildsen, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning three Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1977.

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  • The Blind Side
    2

    The Blind Side

    Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron
    32 votes
    • Released: 2009
    • Directed by: John Lee Hancock
    In The Blind Side, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) encounters Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager with a troubled past. Offering him shelter and support, the Tuohy family helps Michael discover his potential as a student and football player. This true-life drama, directed by John Lee Hancock, is an inspiring tale of compassion and opportunity. Bullock's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also netted a nomination for Best Picture, underscoring its profound impact on audiences and critics alike.

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  • Remember the Titans
    3

    Remember the Titans

    Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
    34 votes
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Boaz Yakin
    Based on a true story, Remember the Titans is a compelling sports drama. Set in 1971, it tells the tale of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. The African American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his assistant Bill Yoast (Will Patton), who is white, must work together to unite their racially divided team. As they battle prejudice and adversity both on and off the pitch, their struggles culminate in a high-stakes championship game. This inspiring film won the Black Reel Award for Network/Cable - Best Film in 2001.

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  • Field of Dreams
    4

    Field of Dreams

    Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones
    36 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Phil Alden Robinson
    Field of Dreams, a fantasy-drama, orbits around Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice. Guided by this voice, he transforms his cornfield into a baseball diamond. The ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) materializes on this field, followed by other specters from the 1919 Chicago White Sox. As events unfold, Ray uncovers life-altering truths about passion and regret. This 1989 film won an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, redefining the blend of reality and fantasy in mainstream cinema.

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  • A League of Their Own
    5

    A League of Their Own

    Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
    33 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Penny Marshall
    In the heart of World War II, A League of Their Own unfolds. This comedy-drama, brimming with historical significance and a dash of humor, is directed by Penny Marshall. Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty), two sisters from Oregon, are recruited to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The league was formed when the male baseball players were drafted into the war. Under the guidance of their hard-drinking coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), they and their teammates struggle to keep the league alive amidst societal expectations and personal conflicts. Their journey redefines women's roles in sports and society, challenging stereotypes along the way. To this day, it remains a classic for its portrayal of a significant chapter in American history.

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  • Creed
    6

    Creed

    Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
    34 votes
    • Released: 2015
    • Directed by: Ryan Coogler
    In Creed, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan)‚ the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, embarks on a pugilistic journey under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Fighting his way from obscurity, Adonis seeks to carve out his own legacy, beyond the shadow of his famous father. The film, a sports drama filled with high-stakes bouts and personal struggle, earned Stallone an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed is a poignant continuation of the iconic Rocky series, blending heart-pounding action with a compelling exploration of identity and ambition.

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