The 41 (I mean 42) Greatest Sports Movies of All Time

Whether it's a tale of redemption, teamwork, grit, or comedic relief, sports movies capture the lessons we need off the field as much as on it. 

The list originally started in an episode of The Man Chair Podcast. It evolved into a longer handwritten list with a buddy that I shared on Instagram. I took input and finalized the list for this post.

43. Chariots of Fire

This British classic tells the true story of two runners—one devoutly religious, the other fiercely competitive—competing in the 1924 Olympics. It’s a slow burn, but a tribute to integrity, purpose, and discipline, backed by one of the most iconic musical scores in movie history.

42. Slapshot

Hockey meets havoc in this raunchy cult classic starring Paul Newman. The rough-and-tumble antics of a failing minor league team make for chaotic comedy, with just enough heart to balance out the head-bashing.

41. The Longest Yard (Original)

Before Adam Sandler took the field, Burt Reynolds led a prison football team against the guards in this gritty, defiant tale of redemption and rebellion. It's a hard-hitting blend of sports and social commentary that still holds its ground.

40. Southpaw

Southpaw follows a fallen boxing champion who must fight to rebuild his life and reunite with his daughter after a personal tragedy.

39. Warrior

Raw emotion meets raw fists as two estranged brothers fight their way through an MMA tournament. Beneath the bruises and chokeholds lies a powerful story about family, forgiveness, and fighting for something more than pride.

38. The Program

This '90s football drama lifts the lid on the dark side of college athletics—steroids, corruption, and impossible expectations. It’s a cautionary tale, but one that still captures the adrenaline and ambition that drive the game.

37. Talladega Nights

"If you ain't first, you're last!"

Ricky Bobby’s absurd rise, fall, and redemption in the NASCAR world is Will Ferrell at his silliest—and most quotable. Equal parts satire and slapstick, it’s a comedy that works best when you don’t take life (or sports) too seriously.

36. Space Jam

Michael Jordan teams up with Bugs Bunny in this ultimate '90s crossover fever dream. It’s not peak cinema, but it’s peak nostalgia—plus it might be the only time you’ll cheer for an animated rabbit dunking on aliens.

35. Bad News Bears

This rough-around-the-edges Little League squad proves that winning isn’t everything—and neither is playing by the rules. With gritty humor and real heart, it’s a reminder that sometimes, misfits make the best teams.

34. Rookie of the Year

A freak injury gives a 12-year-old an arm like a rocket, earning him a spot on the Chicago Cubs. It's a childhood fantasy turned feel-good movie, reminding us that baseball—and life—is full of surprises.

33. Varsity Blues

Set in a Texas town where high school football is practically religion, this late-'90s teen drama dives into the pressure, politics, and passion behind the game. It’s angsty, cheesy, and unforgettable.

32. The Replacements

Keanu Reeves leads a ragtag group of misfits drafted during a pro football strike in this heartwarming underdog story. The laughs are plentiful, the stakes are low, but the message is real—teamwork and second chances can go a long way.

31. Draft Day

Kevin Costner turns the NFL Draft into high-stakes drama, showing the inner workings of a general manager juggling egos, trades, and family expectations—all in a single day. It’s like Moneyball meets workplace therapy.

30. The Longest Yard (Remake)

Adam Sandler steps into Burt Reynolds’ cleats in this 2005 reboot. While it leans harder into comedy, the bones of the story remain strong—outsiders finding purpose and pride on the field.

29. The Sandlot

“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” This coming-of-age baseball tale captures the magic of childhood summers, first crushes, and neighborhood legends. It’s more about friendship than box scores—and that’s exactly why it’s so timeless.

28. The Last Boy Scout

A gritty mashup of football, crime, and buddy-cop chaos, this one’s less about sports and more about attitude. With Bruce Willis in peak tough-guy form, it’s a wild ride through a corrupt world with just enough Hail Marys to keep it in the sports canon.

27. Trouble with the Curve

Clint Eastwood plays a grizzled old baseball scout while Amy Adams shines as his daughter trying to prove she belongs in a man’s game. A story about family reconciliation wrapped in curveballs and contract talk—slow-paced, but full of warmth.

26. Any Given Sunday

Oliver Stone’s loud, chaotic, and brutally honest portrayal of pro football is both overwhelming and unforgettable. With Al Pacino’s locker room speech etched into sports movie history, it’s a messy but meaningful look at what happens when love for the game meets business.

25. The Boys in the Boat

This inspirational true story follows the University of Washington rowing team as they defy the odds to compete at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. With Depression-era grit and emotional depth, it’s a visually stunning tale of teamwork and redemption.

24. The Waterboy

Bobby Boucher may be the most lovable linebacker ever put on screen. Adam Sandler’s absurd yet oddly endearing underdog tale reminds us that even the most underestimated among us have a spark.

23. Jerry Maguire

"Show me the money!"

More romance and life lessons than locker room action, but it still earns its place. Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. deliver one of the best agent-athlete dynamics ever filmed, with iconic lines and a heartfelt look at integrity in a cutthroat industry.

22. Greater

The true story of Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on who became an All-American offensive lineman at Arkansas, will break your heart and lift it back up. This deeply inspiring tale of faith, discipline, and perseverance shows greatness isn’t always measured in trophies.

21. Miracle

“Do you believe in miracles?”

This retelling of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union is as much about national pride as it is about sport. A story of unity, grit, and belief against the odds.

20. Friday Night Lights

A haunting, heartfelt portrayal of small-town dreams and the crushing weight of expectation. With emotional depth and unforgettable characters, it’s high school football at its most human.

19. 42

42 tells the powerful true story of Jackie Robinson, who broke Major League Baseball's color barrier and courageously challenged racism with dignity and determination.

18. Coach Carter

When Coach Carter benched his undefeated basketball team for poor academic performance, he turned sports into a platform for real-life change. A powerful story that champions discipline, education, and character.

17. Million Dollar Baby

Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank deliver gut-wrenching performances in this beautiful and brutal boxing drama. A story about resilience, mentorship, and the painful complexity of love and loss.

16. Bull Durham

Baseball meets romance in this witty, slow-burning look at minor league life. Less about winning and more about savoring the game—and everything that comes with it.

15. Happy Gilmore

What do you get when a failed hockey player takes up golf with a hockey stick swing and a bad attitude? Comedy gold. Quotable, ridiculous, and secretly kind of sweet.

14. The Natural

With mythic overtones and gorgeous cinematography, Robert Redford’s Roy Hobbs is the hero we all dream of being. A swing that heals broken dreams.

13. Radio

Radio is an inspiring drama based on the true story of a high school football coach who mentors a young man with an intellectual disability, showing how compassion and inclusion can transform a community.

12. Tin Cup

A washed-up golf pro tries to win the U.S. Open on his own reckless terms. A romantic comedy in cleats, and a reminder that success isn’t always measured by the scoreboard.

11. The Blind Side

This feel-good film tells the story of NFL player Michael Oher and the family who gave him a home. A movie that reminds us of the power of belief and belonging.

🏆 The Top 10 Sports Movies of All Time

10. A League of Their Own

“There’s no crying in baseball!”

But there’s plenty to cheer for in this empowering story of the first women’s professional league. Funny, moving, and iconic.

9. Moneyball

Brad Pitt brings data-driven baseball to life in a film about innovation, defiance, and betting on belief. A sports movie with brains and soul.

8. Days of Thunder

NASCAR meets Top Gun in this adrenaline-fueled ride about ego, speed, and redemption. Tom Cruise hits the gas—and never lets up.

7. Cinderella Man

Russell Crowe is unforgettable as Jim Braddock, a Depression-era boxer who fights for his family’s survival. It’s the American Dream in gloves.

6. Major League

A misfit baseball team becomes lovable—and competitive. With unforgettable one-liners and a wild thing on the mound, it’s endlessly rewatchable.

5. Field of Dreams

“If you build it, he will come.” A sentimental but profound film about fathers, faith, and the game we never want to leave behind.

4. The Rocky Movies

There were just too many classics to separate. From chasing chickens to conquering Russia, Rocky is the ultimate underdog. A franchise about getting up every time you’re knocked down.

3. Remember the Titans

Denzel Washington leads this powerful football drama about unity, leadership, and brotherhood during desegregation. Equal parts heart and inspiration.

2. Rudy

The kid with more heart than talent proves every doubter wrong. An all-time underdog story that reminds us to never stop believing.

1. Hoosiers

Small-town basketball, second chances, and belief in something bigger than yourself. Hoosiers is the gold standard of sports movies—and your #1 pick for good reason.

Modern Husbands Podcast

Winning ideas from experts to manage money and the home as a team. 2023 Plutus Award Finalist: Best Couples or Family Content

🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Apple.

🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Spotify.

Modern Husbands Bimonthly Newsletter

Winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team delivered to your inbox every two weeks. Click here to subscribe. You'll even receive a few free gifts!