The 195 Best R-Rated Sports Movies

Reference
Updated September 15, 2023 4.9K votes 206 voters
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 195 Best R-Rated Sports Movies
Voting Rules
Add your favorite movie to the list if it's missing, but only if it's the correct rating.

List of R-Rated sports movies, ranked from best to worst with movie trailers when available. This list takes the best R-Rated sports movies and pits them against each other to see once and for all what the greatest R-Rated sports movie of all time is. This list of popular R-Rated sports movies includes information like who directed the film, when it was released and which actors starred in the movie. If you think the top R-Rated sports movie isn't as high as it should be then be sure to vote it up so it can take its rightful place among the other great R-Rated sports films on this list. If you're trying to find a specific R-Rated sports film you can search this list and filter to find what you're looking for.

This list features movies like Raging Bull and Caddyshack.

If you're trying to find out "What are the best R-Rated sports movies?" and "What are the most famous R-Rated sports movies?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

Use this list if you're looking for some new sports movies that are rated R. Between Netflix, Hulu and other services there are thousands of great sports movies rated R, so get out there and start watching.

Impact the order of this list by sharint it with your Google + circles so that they can vote too. {#nodes}

Jack Nicholson and Woody Allen have both directed a Sports R film, as have other really creative and talented directors.

Most divisive: The Basketball Diaries
Ranked by
  • Major League
    1

    Major League

    Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen
    111 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: David S. Ward
    Major League, a sports-comedy film, pivots around the Cleveland Indians, a downtrodden baseball team. Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), the new team owner, assembles a group of misfits in hopes they'll lose and she can relocate the team. The roster includes Wild Thing Ricky Vaughn (Charlie Sheen), catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger), and voodoo-practicing Pedro Cerrano (Dennis Haysbert). Despite their differences, the team finds unexpected success. Their journey is full of humor, rivalry, and unlikely victories, resulting in an entertaining watch for sports lovers and comedy fans alike.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Bull Durham
    2

    Bull Durham

    Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins
    96 votes
    • Released: 1988
    • Directed by: Ron Shelton
    In the sports-comedy Bull Durham, Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) is a seasoned baseball catcher brought in to train hotshot rookie pitcher, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). The duo's dynamic takes an unexpected turn when they both vie for the affections of Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), a self-proclaimed baseball groupie. As the love triangle unfolds, so too does the story of life in minor league baseball - a world filled with ambition, disappointment, and the humor that lies within. The film, known for its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of baseball, was a box-office hit and received critical praise.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Caddyshack
    3

    Caddyshack

    Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
    114 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Harold Ramis
    In the comedy classic, Caddyshack, we are immersed in the chaotic world of Bushwood Country Club. The plot orbits around Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe), a young caddy striving to earn a college scholarship. In his pursuit, he finds himself tangled with a host of eccentric characters. The movie features a wealthy club patron Judge Smails (Ted Knight), the brash real estate developer Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) and an unhinged greenskeeper Carl Spackler (Bill Murray). Amid their antics and mishaps, Caddyshack delivers a comedic examination of social class and golfing culture. The film has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of America's funniest movies.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Varsity Blues
    4

    Varsity Blues

    James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker
    111 votes
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Brian Robbins
    In the heartland of Texas, football is king. Varsity Blues delves into this cultural phenomenon, painting a vivid portrait of high school football through the eyes of its protagonist, Jonathan Mox Moxon (James Van Der Beek). When star quarterback Lance Harbor (Paul Walker) suffers a career-ending injury, Mox must step up to lead his team and navigate a landscape riddled with pressure, politics, and personal dilemmas. Supported by his fellow players like Billy Bob (Ron Lester) and Tweeder (Scott Caan), Mox challenges the authoritarian coaching style of Bud Kilmer (Jon Voight). The film, a classic sports drama that won an MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Male Performance, expertly captures the highs and lows of teenage life under Friday night lights.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

  • Tin Cup
    5

    Tin Cup

    Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin
    97 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Ron Shelton
    Roy McAvoy (Kevin Costner) was a golf pro with a bright future, but his rebellious nature and bad attitude cost him everything. Now working as a golf instructor, he falls for his newest pupil, Dr. Molly Griswold (Rene Russo), a psychiatrist who happens to be the girlfriend of PGA Tour star and Roy's rival, David Simms (Don Johnson). After he is humiliated by Simms at a celebrity golf tournament, McAvoy decides to make a run for the PGA Tour, as well as Molly's heart.

    Available On:

  • Slap Shot
    6

    Slap Shot

    Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Lindsay Crouse
    102 votes
    • Released: 1977
    • Directed by: George Roy Hill
    In the small New England town of Charlestown, the local mill is about to lay off 10,000 workers. The town's minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs, is doing no better. After years of failure, this will be the team's last season. Exasperated player and coach Reggie Dunlop (Paul Newman) lets the club's recent acquisitions, the Hanson Brothers, play. The brothers' actively violent and thuggish style of play excites the fans. Dunlop retools the team, using violence to draw big crowds.

    Available On:

    subscription