The Greatest Sports Movies Ever Made Ranked

Few figures attract audiences to theatres like sports players. Since the 1990’s, the sports genre has made strong movies. Whether it’s raging boxers, million dollar wrestlers or romantic tennis players, the genre has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best sports movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Raging Bull

Rage has impacted my personality. At an early age, I got into the habit of having tense temper tantrums throwing a fit of rage. I remember how my parents would often complain that I had a short temper. I would often beat up kids in school in ways which were cruel. It isn’t until I grew older that I learned how to control my temper ending violent behaviour. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the stressful consequences of rage as powerfully as “Raging Bull”. Ever since its release in 1980, Martin Scorsese’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest sports movie ever made. With the most emotional film of his career, Scorsese showcased his strength for creating conflicted characters facing despair. Scorsese excels at using silence in his movies to build tension, and his strengths are evident in “Raging Bull”. Scorsese used innovative techniques in Cinema to honour the legacy of real-life boxer Jake LaMotta. For instance, the scene in which Jake LaMotta faces silence before being beaten up in boxing rings causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the sports genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert De Niro, who embodies a commemorated real-life boxer that overcame adversities years ago. Ultimately, what makes “Raging Bull” my favourite sports film of all-time is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about consequences of rage which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most boxing movies, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about boxers with rage, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to engage making commemorated movies that deliver a meaningful message.

2. Million Dollar Baby

It’s always hard to recover from a sports injury. Several years ago, my life hit a crushing low when I sprained my leg in tense injuries causing sorrow. A heartbreaking injury, it was caused by routine of excessive running. Following the devastating injury, I couldn’t engage any longer in an activity I had once enjoyed doing. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured consequences of sports injuries that impact athletes adversely as powerfully as “Million Dollar Baby”. Released in 2004, Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-winning movie captured a female boxer facing a career-ending injury. Eastwood has always excelled at capturing lives of sports players, and “Million Dollar Baby” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the hospital scene in which Frankie witnesses his female boxer dying causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the sports genre. At the centre of it all is a knockout performance by Hilary Swank, capturing a female boxer facing trauma. Ultimately, what makes “Million Dollar Baby” a sports classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about grief which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of sports injuries faced by athletes in boxing, it’s a strong reminder of a genre making timeless movies worth celebrating.

3. The Fighter

As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a bond with my brother. During my childhood, my brother loved playing the game of soccer in our neighbourhood. Born with physique of a warrior, my brother enjoyed playing soccer every week. After he left for university, I missed a brother that shaped my identity. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that sought to become a sports player, I adored “The Fighter”. Released in 2010, David O. Russell’s movie offered a powerful tribute towards the real-life boxer Mickey Ward. Unlike most movies in the sports genre, what makes “The Fighter” stand out is its powerful depiction of brotherhood. For instance, the scene in which Mickey scores a victory in the ring with support from his brother becoming a boxing champion in America is one of the finest moments of the sports genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Christian Bale, who embodies a real-life boxing trainer. Ultimately, what makes “The Fighter” a great sports movie is message. The film delivers a meaningful message about brotherhood which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Mickey’s bond with his brother, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced films audiences treasure.

4. Dangal

Fathers are strong figures which ensure children’s success rather than failures. As far as I remember, I’ve shared strong bonds with my father. A role model, he has motivated me to accomplish goals that I am pursuing. Without his wisdom, I doubt whether I would have achieved dreams that I am passionate about. As someone treasuring a father I consider inspirational, I adored “Dangal”. Released in 2016, Nitesh Tiwari’s Bollywood movie honoured a real-life father that guided his daughter to achieve sports victories. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Dangal” stand out is its positive portrayal of India. For instance, the scene in which Mahavir expresses joy after discovering his daughter has won the competition in India is one of the greatest moments of the sports genre. The film is elevated by an exceptional performance from Aamir Khan, who embodies a real-life wrestling father. Ultimately, what makes “Dangal” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most Bollywood movies intended for Indian audiences, it tackles universal themes everyone would relate to. An incredible tribute towards a father that guided his daughters to become wrestlers in India, it’s an inspiring reminder of a genre attracting audiences to the Cinema.

5. Challengers

It’s challenging to pursue romantic relationships in sports. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl fond of playing tennis. Fond of holding a tennis racket, she treasured a game she grew up to respect. However, sports ruined our bonds forever. Her desire to succeed in championships caused our relationship to face hardships. As someone treasuring fond memories of a girl that faced challenging barriers in tennis, I admired “Challengers”. Released in 2024, Luca Guadagnino’s movie captured challenging barriers faced by tennis players that are lovers. Guadagnino has always excelled at capturing tense relationships between lovers, and “Challengers” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Guadagnino uses montages to capture strained relationships between tennis players that are lovers. For instance, the final scene in which Tashi witnesses Patrick and Art engage in a tense tennis match with stamina is one of the best moments of the sports genre. At the centre of the tennis court is a tremendous performance by Zendaya, who embodies a tennis player with great stamina. Ultimately, what makes “Challengers” a sports classic is its message. The film delivers a bold message about friendship which resonates with everyone. As strong as Tashi’s desire to conquer a tennis game, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies achieving fame.

6. Rocky

“Rocky” is a classic boxing movie that my grandfather always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather admiring a movie about boxers facing damage. He would praise a film that shaped his identity. 40 years after its release, John G. Avildsen’s movie remains a classic sports movie. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Rocky” stand out is its passion. Avildsen used montages to create a passionate tribute to the sport of boxing. For instance, the training montage in which Rocky climbs the steps of Philadelphia remains one of the best moments of the sports genre. Assisted by Sylvester Stallone who is amazing in the lead role, Avildsen created a classic boxing movie. As strong as Rocky’s desire to defeat Apollo Creed, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making timeless movies which succeed.

7. King Richard

When it comes to the greatest tennis players in America, it’s worth discussing Serena Williams. Under the guidance of her inspiring father, Williams became a legendary tennis player. An athlete with a lasting legacy, Williams became an icon in tennis history. In 2021, Reinaldo Marcus Green celebrated the iconic tennis player in his movie “King Richard”. Unlike most movies in the sports genre, what makes “King Richard” stand out is its positive portrayal of parenting. Green uses stunning montages to capture the positive impact Serena Williams’ father had shaping her future. Assisted by Will Smith who is exceptional in the lead role, Green celebrated a legendary tennis player. Nearly 30 years after Serena Williams became a successful tennis player under her fathers’ guidance, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre achieving a huge audience.

8. The Iron Claw

The Von Enrich brothers are a legendary wrestling family that built a strong legacy. Formed during the 1960’s, the Von Enrich was a family of fighter brothers seeking wrestling glory. Nothing in the world could stop the brothers from achieving victories in wrestling. In 2023, Sean Durkin honoured the wrestling family inspiring awe in his movie “The Iron Claw”. Unlike most movies in the sports genre, what makes “The Iron Claw” stand out is its emotional impact. Durkin stages engaging wrestling scenes showing bonds between brothers. Assisted by Zac Efron who is extraordinary in the lead role, Durkin honoured a real-life wrestling family. As strong as the Iron Claw wrestling move, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to inspire awe by manufacturing unforgettable movies without a single flaw.

9. Chariots of Fire

Running is an engaging activity that I’ve always enjoyed doing. An effective way of relieving anxiety, running has always been my favourite form of physical activity. As someone treasuring an activity that I’ve grown to admire, I loved “Chariots of Fire”. Released in 1981, Hugh Hudson’s movie celebrated Olympics runners with passion. Unlike most movies in the sports genre, what makes “Chariots of Fire” stand out is its ingenious use of music. Hudson used an iconic musical score to capture euphoric feelings of runners engaging in an activity they adore. Assisted by Ben Cross who is amazing in the lead role, Hudson celebrated the activity of running. As strong as Harold’s desire to become a runner, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to inspire making commemorated movies audiences admire.

10. Air

Few footwear companies have built a history as strong as Nike.  In 1984, the company formed a business partnership with an athlete to create shoes people adore. Forming a partnership with basketball player Michael Jordan, the company designed shoes earning recognition. In 2023, Ben Affleck honoured the footwear company in his movie “Air”. Affleck showcased his strengths as a filmmaker using montages to honour a footwear company. Assisted by Matt Damon who is excellent, Affleck celebrated Nike’s legacy. Although “Air” falls short of the greatest sports movies, it showcases the genre’s lasting appeal. As precious as Nike’s shoes, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to produce timeless films making headline news which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion of writing movie reviews.