Seabiscuit is a wonderful film with spirit, based on the best-selling novel Seabiscuit. And if you haven't read the book, you'll definitely enjoy the movie. | © Dreamworks
Goon scores big with solid acting, funny jokes, and lots of on-ice action. The defining feature of the film is how authentic and surprisingly well-researched it is. | © Alliance Films
Senna is a masterclass in making a great documentary, that can both inform and entertain. It presents the life of one of the greatest Formula 1 racing drivers of all time. | © Universal
I, Tonya is a captivating biographical film that stands out with the exceptional performance of Margot Robbie, who portrays Tonya Harding. The movie blends dark comedy, emotional depth, and toxic athleticism. | © 30West
Dodgeball is one of the best sports comedies. It brought an obscure sport into the limelight, and it still holds up. | © 20th Century Studios
Without getting into details, Talladega Nights pokes fun at the modern NASCAR circuit. The entire cast fit their roles perfectly, and so many of the jokes land. | © Sony
Bend It Like Beckham is a very funny sports movie that explores women's football, and the barriers to entry for girls from certain cultures. The story is simple and predictable, but the cast brings the script to life. | © Disney
If you're trying to get into sports and think you're horrible, Happy Gilmore will hit you hard. It blends sports and humor in Adam Sandler's attempt to transition from a hockey player to a golfer. | © Universal Pictures
This is a hard-hitting film that goes into surprising depth, and yes, it does also have a ton of great fight scenes. A great combination of family, struggle, love, humor, and intelligence. | © Viacom18 Studios
Creed combines nostalgia and fresh storytelling, with Sylvester Stallone in his iconic performance as the aging Rocky Balboa. It highlights the mentor-student relationship that honors the original "Rocky". | © Warner Bros. Picture
Sugar is a film that uses baseball only as the backdrop. The true story here is about immigration and its harsh realities. The actors are mostly unknowns, but they are each of them fantastic. | © Cinemax
Rush is a visually stunning film that brings intense rivalries of racing to the big screen. Standout performances from Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth, along with a compelling narrative, make the movie an emotionally impactful experience that transcends its sports genre. | © Universal Pictures
Tin Cup is a romantic comedy that blends feel-good humor with a relatable storyline about aspiring PGA golfers. The film captures incredible performances, especially from Cheech Marin. | © Amazon
Love and Basketball is so much better than the title suggests. It has a great plot, a strong female lead and lots of inspiring moments. | © New Line Cinema
Moneyball might not be for all tastes, but it's one of the most visually beautiful films in the genre. The movie is well-rounded, the script is full of humor and heart, and the storytelling is well-paced and enthralling. But yes, more stats than sports. | © Columbia Pictures
The Damned United captures the gritty football of the 1970s and the controversial persona of Brian Clough. It's a compelling exploration of ambition and friendship, and wil be engaging even for those unfamiliar with football. | © Apple Inc.
Being a Disney movie, you might be surprised by how thoroughly enjoyable Miracle is, and how mature the film is. Even if you're not into hockey, Miracle will impress you with complex characters and well-crafted scenes of competitive team play. | © Disney
He Got Game is one of the most enjoyable sports movies from the 90s, and it still holds up. Denzel Washington is great, the storytelling is impressive, and the ending is fantastic.| © Touchstone Pictures
Murderball is about wheelchair rugby, and that is a great name given how insanely rough this sport can be. It's a must-to-watch for everyone into inspiring sports films with a bit of grit. | © ThinkFilm
When We Were Kings tells the tale of Muhammad Ali's enduring legacy and his role as a cultural icon. It tells of a broader struggle against oppression and colonialism, and is a celebration of black culture. | © PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Million Dollar Baby is a well-developed yet intriguing movie that makes you adore every second. Though it starts slow, it builds to an emotionally powerful and poignant conclusion, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Ali covers the story of Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest, if not the greatest boxer, who ever lived. It has well-staged fight scenes, strong supporting performances, and goes into real depth about boxing. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
After all these years, The Wrestler is still one of the most intimate and surprising sports films you can watch. It's ostensibly about pro wrestling, but is really more of a character study. | © Searchlight Pictures
Foxcatcher is an incredible movie that relies on subtlety and tension to tell the story of a multimillionaire who starts a cultish wrestling program. Carell is excellent in the lead role, and elevates the rest of the cast. It's a long movie based on a true story, but it never gets boring. | © Sony
Hoop Dreams has emotional depth and gripping storytelling, and explores the complex realities of professional sport. It captures that tension between ambition and reality perfectly, which is, after all, a central theme in all sports films. | © Fine Line Features
As long as it's a great movie, it doesn't matter which sports it shows. Here, we've ranked the 25 best sports films of the last 30 years. These titles offer a raw and authentic look at the challenges faced by aspiring champions.
