Sports films have always been an important part of movie history. During the silent film era, movies such as Moneyball have taken up the spotlight.
Films in this genre tend to see individuals, teams, or coaches overcoming obstacles in order to win a sports competition and garner respect. This list will look at the best of these, as determined by Rotten Tomatoes.
The popular review aggregation website has compiled a list entitled “Top 100 Sports & Fitness Movies.” Each movie on this list is ranked according to factors including its Tomatometer Scores (a percentage based on the positive and negative reviews of critics), the year it was released, and the number of reviews it has. The 10 best non-documentary movies on the list to be released in North America have earned themselves a spot here.
With the logistics covered, it’s time to look back on the greatest sports and fitness movies of all time, according to their Adjusted Scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
Girlfight (2000): 87%
Michelle Rodriguez made her movie debut in the 2000 sports drama Girlfight about a Brooklyn teenager named Diana who turns her anger into competitiveness. Though Diana struggles to be understood by those around her, she soon discovers that her ion lies in the boxing ring.
Those around her (including her father) might struggle to accept her new dedication, but Diana is not one to back down easily.
Field Of Dreams (1989): 86%
This popular '80s sports film made magic by mixing elements of fantasy and drama with the game of baseball.
Field of Dreams follows a farmer named Ray, who decides to build a baseball diamond in an Iowan field. While a group of star players begins to haunt his land, Ray soon discovers that the new diamond has a purpose far greater than these ghosts.
Hoosiers (1986): 89%
While Hoosiers also takes place in a small town, it tells the story of a basketball team instead of a baseball one.
This sports film, which is loosely based on the success of Indiana's Milan High School team in 1954, follows a failed college coach named Norman Dale, who decides to revamp a school basketball team. This is no easy task, however, after star player Jimmy Chitwood steps down and well-known alcoholic Shooter steps in as assistant coach.
The Color Of Money (1986): 89%
The Color of Money, based on Walter Tevis' novel of the same name, sees former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" encouraging a talented, young player named Vincent to trick his way to the top.
The two form a partnership and practice the art of scamming as they travel through pool halls. However, the pair's differing opinions lead them to split up. It's not long before they face each other again, but this time, they're meeting as opponents.
The Damned United (2009): 92%
Football, anyone?
The Damned United, adapted from David Peace's novel The Damned Utd, follows Brian Clough's 44-day job as manager of the Leeds United Football Club in 1970s England. As soon as Don Revie steps down from his position, Clough steps up to run the team the way he always wanted to.
Creed II (2018): 84%
The newest film to make the list is this sports drama that continues the Rocky film series.
In Creed II, Adonis Johnson takes on the son of boxer Ivan Drago, who is known for killing his father in a match years ago. With help from Rocky, Adonis prepares for his biggest battle yet. He must channel all his energy into the fight and overcome the demons of his past.
Sugar (2008): 92%
Sports drama Sugar has 19-year-old Dominican Republican man Miguel "Sugar" Santos hoping to make a name for himself by playing baseball in America.
While he ends up making it onto a minor league team in Iowa, he is forced to deal with culture shock and racism that threaten to tear down his big ambitions. Can he step up?
Battle Of The Sexes (2017): 85%
If you want to dive into the world of tennis, 2017's Battle of the Sexes is where it's at.
This biographical sports drama takes viewers back to 1973 when Billie Jean King famously competed against Bobby Riggs in the intense titular tennis match. While King has a lot to fight for on the court, she also has a lot to sort out off it including her sexuality and unequal pay. Riggs has problems of his own, including his legacy that continues to fade.
The Fighter (2010): 91%
The biographical sports drama The Fighter recounts the life of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) as he attempts to become a successful boxer. While his mother and half-brother Dicky try to push him hard, Micky eventually makes the difficult decision to leave them behind after nearly dying in a fight.
Micky must find a way to climb the ladder of boxing on his own and prove himself to his family and the world.
Rocky (1976): 94%
Topping off the list as the best sports film of all time is none other than the original film in the Rocky series.
This rags-to-riches drama has part-time working-class boxer Rocky Balboa getting a chance to take on at the heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. Though knocking him out will be no easy task, Rocky works hard to become a boxing contender while also dealing with a new romance.
