Sports is such an important part of the culture in the United States, and movies have played a big part in that as well. Though there haven’t really been any great sports movies to come out over the last few years, there was a run of great sports movies from the last few decades. Here is a look at the 10 best sports movies of all time.
10. Hustle – 2022
Hustle is the only recent movie that is included on this list, as it came out in 2022. Adam Sandler plays an NBA scout who scours the earth looking for top international talent and eventually finds it in the most unusual place.
This is a much different role than what Sandler usually plays, but he is joined by dozens of NBA stars for this film. There is a bit of an underdog story mixed in with this one, but it’s just a great film about the journey of a prospect and a scout.
09. Rudy – 1993
Notre Dame football is one of the most popular teams in the world of sports, and they are featured in the movie Rudy. This film follows a walk-on player who goes by the name of Rudy and his quest to make the actual football team.
This is based on a true story, and you will be out of your seat and rooting for the Fighting Irish by the time it’s over. Rudy has stood the test of time as well, and it’s often discussed during college football season.
08. Miracle – 2004
Everyone knows the story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team, but it’s told in an amazing way in the movie Miracle. That US team was expected to get blown out by the Russian team in the Olympics, but a group of college kids was able to do the unthinkable.
The cast of characters in this film is terrific, and there are so many memorable moments or quotes. You’ll be bursting with pride for the US after watching Miracle.
07. Hoosiers – 1986
Basketball is life in the state of Indiana, and that’s the basis of the movie Hoosiers. This film tells the true story of one small school high school basketball team and their journey toward the state championship game.
The best sports movies usually focus on an underdog story, and there is none better than the one that is told in the movie Hoosiers. You’ll fall in love with the sport of basketball after cheering on Hickory High throughout the film.
06. White Men Can’t Jump – 1992
White Men Can’t Jump follows a pair of hustlers that are working in a park to make some money by winning basketball games. Eventually, those two hustlers team up to win even more money, and this movie captures all of the antics.
There are some great basketball seasons in White Men Can’t Jump, and it does a great job of highlighting the playground basketball culture that is so important in the United States.
05. Friday Night Lights – 2004
High school football in Texas is a way of life, and that’s exactly what you see in the film Friday Night Lights. This movie follows a high school football team during one season in Texas and shows how crazy the game and sport really are.
There are some funny or lighthearted moments in the film, but it’s usually serious and dramatic. If you are looking for a football film, then you need to check out Friday Night Lights.
04. Caddyshack – 1980
Caddyshack might be the funniest movie on this list, and that’s really what makes it such a great film. Golf is a sport that is played and enjoyed by people of all ages, and that’s what this film is like as well.
Bill Murray steals the show in Caddyshack with his witty one-liners, but it’s also making fun of the country club culture that exists. Caddyshack is a movie that can be enjoyed over and over.
03. Bull Durham – 1988
There are some terrific baseball movies that have been made, but Bull Durham is the best of them all. Bull Durham is based on the Durham Bulls, a minor-league baseball team in North Carolina.
This is a movie that not only does a great job of showing the minor-league baseball system but also teaches some life lessons along the way. There is a perfect mix of comedy and romance included, and it all leads to a perfect film.
02. Rocky – 1976
The Rocky movie franchise is still going on, which is a testament to just how special the movies are. When trying to rank movies from the franchise, the original Rocky is easily the best of the bunch.
Sylvester Stallone does a terrific job of playing Rocky Balboa and portraying his story as he tries to become a world-champion boxer. This is an amazing underdog story that will have you inspired to try new things in order to achieve goals.
01. Hoop Dreams – 1994
You might be surprised to see Hoop Dreams at the top of this list, but not if you have ever seen the movie. Hoop Dreams is a remarkable film that is based on two high school basketball players in the city of Chicago.
While this film tends to follow the lives of those two players, it gives a glimpse into the HS basketball scene in a basketball-crazed city. According to me, this is one of the best documentaries of all time, and it’s easily the best sports movie ever made.
