The 50 Best Female Sports Movies, Ranked
- 1Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
This exceptional sports movie delves into the fascinating story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was formed during World War II. Directed by Penny Marshall, it stars Hollywood heavyweights like Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, and Madonna in pivotal roles. The film transcends its genre by combining poignant drama with biting humor to showcase the struggles and triumphs faced by women in competitive sports.
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- 2Mariel Hemingway, Patrice Donnelly, Scott Glenn
Directed by Robert Towne, Personal Best showcases the camaraderie and rivalry of two female track athletes as they strive for Olympic glory. Featuring Mariel Hemingway and Patrice Donnelly in lead roles, this groundbreaking sports film focuses on their intense training regimen and personal lives while shedding light on women's involvement in athletics.
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- 3Rick Moranis, Maury Chaykin, Megan Follows
Focusing on Cathy Yarrow (Yannick Bisson), a talented teen hockey player who moves to a small town where girls cannot play on the local team; Hockey Night offers viewers an insightful portrayal of gender inequality within youth sports. Directed by Paul Shapiro, this inspiring TV movie demonstrates that talent and passion know no boundaries.
- 4Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Crisp
A timeless classic directed by Clarence Brown, National Velvet tells the heartwarming tale of a young girl named Velvet Brown (played by Elizabeth Taylor) who dreams of entering her beloved horse, The Pie, into the prestigious Grand National race. It skillfully intertwines Velvet's tenacity with her family's unwavering support to create an inspiring sports movie for all ages.
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- 5
I, Tonya
Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison JanneyChronicling the controversial life story of American figure skater Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie), I, Tonya masterfully blends dark humor with tragic drama. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film delves into Harding's tumultuous relationships and career, shedding light on the notorious 1994 attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan.
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- 6Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard
Gina Prince-Bythewood's directorial debut, Love & Basketball centers around the intertwined lives of two childhood friends (played by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps) who share a passion for basketball and each other. The film elegantly captures their evolving romance as they navigate personal challenges and strive for athletic success.
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- 7Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Anupam Kher
Gurinder Chadha's vibrant coming-of-age story, Bend It like Beckham follows Jess Bhamra (played by Parminder Nagra) as she defies societal and familial expectations to pursue a career in soccer. With charming performances from Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the film explores themes of friendship, identity, and cultural assimilation while highlighting women's dedication to the sport.
More Bend It like Beckham- #136 of 209 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 8AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid
Based on the inspirational true story of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton (played by AnnaSophia Robb), Soul Surfer explores the aftermath of a life-altering shark attack that leaves her without an arm. Under Sean McNamara's direction, this captivating sports drama emphasizes faith, perseverance, and determination in overcoming adversity.
More Soul Surfer- #118 of 209 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 9Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this critically acclaimed boxing drama features Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald – a determined woman who seeks out reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) to help her achieve pugilistic success. Million Dollar Baby showcases Swank's incredible physical transformation and acting prowess alongside powerful storytelling that delivers poignant insights into the world of female boxers.
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- 10Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford
Kirsten Dunst leads an energetic cast in this spirited exploration of competitive cheerleading that blends high-flying stunts with witty dialogue. In Bring It On, director Peyton Reed deftly tackles themes of friendship, loyalty, ambition, and integrity; making it a must-watch for fans of female-centric sports movies.
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- 11Helen Hunt, Tim Robbins, Don Murray
This inspiring TV movie follows Holly Mullen (played by Helen Hunt), a determined young woman who challenges gender stereotypes by becoming her high school's first-ever female quarterback. Quarterback Princess offers an honest portrayal of sexism faced by women navigating traditionally male-dominated arenas - both on and off the field.
- 12Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough
Featuring outstanding performances from Emma Stone and Steve Carell as Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs respectively, Battle of the Sexes captures the electrifying atmosphere surrounding their historic 1973 tennis match that became symbolic for gender equality within sports.
More Battle of the Sexes- #191 of 242 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
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- 13Meg Ryan, Omar Epps, Tony Shalhoub
This biographical sports drama directed by Charles S. Dutton stars Meg Ryan as Jackie Kallen – a trailblazing woman who becomes one of boxing's most successful managers despite facing discrimination in a male-dominated industry. Against the Ropes showcases Kallen's unwavering confidence and ambition while highlighting her unique approach to managing fighters.
- 14Dermot Mulroney, Elisabeth Shue, Carly Schroeder
Inspired by true events, Gracie tells the story of a young girl (Carly Schroeder) who joins her high school soccer team in memory of her late brother. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, this moving family drama underscores the importance of determination and persistence when pursuing one's dreams within sports.
- 15Elliot Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig
Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut with Whip It, a quirky coming-of-age tale about Bliss Cavendar (played by Ellen Page), who discovers a newfound sense of identity when she joins an all-female roller derby team. Filled with exhilarating action sequences, this feel-good movie underlines the importance of female empowerment within sports through camaraderie and self-discovery.
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- 16Amanda Bynes, James Kirk, Channing Tatum
Inspired by Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, She's the Man stars Amanda Bynes as Viola Hastings – a soccer-loving teenager who disguises herself as her twin brother in order to play for an all-male team. Directed by Andy Fickman, this comedic sports film addresses themes of gender equality within athletics while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
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- 17Lynn-Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, Colleen Dewhurst
This romantic sports drama directed by Donald Wrye highlights the resilience of a young figure skater named Lexie Winston (played by Lynn-Holly Johnson), who must rebuild her life after a tragic accident robs her of sight. Ice Castles beautifully illustrates how love can triumph over adversity in the challenging world of competitive ice-skating.
- 18
The Gabby Douglas Story
Regina King, S. Epatha Merkerson, Imani HakimThis compelling biographical TV movie chronicles the journey of Olympic gold medalist Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas (played by Imani Hakim), showcasing her unwavering dedication and perseverance in achieving gymnastic greatness despite facing numerous challenges. The Gabby Douglas Story stands as a testament to the power of ambition and hard work within competitive sports.
- 19Kate Bosworth, Matthew Davis, Michelle Rodriguez
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii's North Shore, Blue Crush follows Anne Marie Chadwick (Kate Bosworth) as she prepares for a major surfing competition amidst personal turmoil and romantic entanglements. Director John Stockwell captures breathtaking surf sequences and deftly examines women's dedication to their sport even while facing adversity.
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- 20Dove Cameron, Luke Benward, Kiersey Clemons
This Disney Channel original movie centers around two teenage snowboarders (played by Dove Cameron and Luke Benward), who form an unlikely partnership to achieve their dreams of competing professionally. Cloud 9 combines thrilling snowboarding sequences with a poignant coming-of-age story that highlights the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and facing one's fears within sports.
- 21Jeff Bridges, Missy Peregrym, Vanessa Lengies
Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym), a former gymnast with tremendous talent but an attitude to match, is sent to an elite training academy after getting into trouble with the law. Directed by Jessica Bendinger, Stick It combines humor and drama to explore themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-acceptance in the competitive world of gymnastics.
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- 22Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Aldo Ray
This classic romantic comedy directed by George Cukor stars Katharine Hepburn as Pat Pemberton – a talented athlete who excels at various sports, including golf and tennis. Under the guidance of unconventional manager Mike Conovan (played by Spencer Tracy), Pat finds success both on and off the field. Pat and Mike is often considered ahead of its time for its portrayal of strong-willed female athletes.
- 23Ice Cube, Keke Palmer, Tasha Smith
Based on a true story, The Longshots features Keke Palmer as Jasmine Plummer – a young girl who becomes the first female quarterback to play Pop Warner football. Directed by Fred Durst, this heartening sports drama demonstrates that resilience and determination can help individuals overcome gender barriers within traditionally male-dominated sports.
- 24
Fight Night
David Alan Graf, Rebecca Neuenschwander, Jeffrey FellinDirected by Jonathan Dillon, Fight Night (also known as Rigged) follows Rebecca Lord (played by Rebecca Neuenswander), an underground fighter who battles her way through the male-dominated world of illegal bare-knuckle boxing. The film showcases Neuenswander's physical prowess and intense performance, making it a thrilling addition to the female sports movie genre.
- 25Joan Cusack, Kim Cattrall, Michelle Trachtenberg
Ice Princess follows Casey Carlyle (Michelle Trachtenberg), an academically gifted student who pursues her newfound passion for figure skating while balancing familial expectations and academic aspirations. Directed by Tim Fywell, this heartfelt sports drama explores themes of self-discovery and determination amidst personal struggles.
More Ice Princess- #174 of 209 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
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- 26Michelle Rodriguez, Jaime Tirelli, Paul Calderone
In her directorial debut, Karyn Kusama crafts an intense portrait of Diana Guzman (Michelle Rodriguez), a troubled teenager who finds solace in boxing while navigating numerous challenges both inside and outside the ring. Girlfight showcases Rodriguez's raw talent as she delivers a powerful performance that encapsulates her character's passion for boxing.
- 27Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling, Joshua Jackson
The third installment in this iconic sports film franchise, D3: The Mighty Ducks sees Emilio Estevez reprising his role as Gordon Bombay; however, it also introduces a talented female hockey player named Julie "The Cat" Gaffney (played by Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine). Her addition to the team adds an interesting dynamic while showcasing female athletes' skills on the ice.
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- 28Alana Austin, Mary-Margaret Humes, Trever O'Brien
In this Disney Channel original movie, Andrea "Andi" Carson (played by Alana Austin) defies gender norms by secretly substituting for her injured motocross racing brother — ultimately proving her own skills in this male-dominated sport. Directed by Steve Boyum, Motocrossed is praised for its uplifting message about breaking barriers and following one's passion.
- 29Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Langella, Dennis Farina
Eddie portrays Whoopi Goldberg as Edwina Franklin – an ardent basketball fan who becomes head coach for the New York Knicks after winning a promotional contest. This comedic sports film directed by Steve Rash highlights how unconventional coaching methods can lead to team success while drawing attention to the challenges faced by women in male-dominated sports.
- 30Carla Gugino, David Boreanaz, Ellen Burstyn
Set in the early 1970s, The Mighty Macs portrays Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino) as a pioneering coach who leads her all-women's basketball team — the Immaculata College Mighty Macs — to unprecedented success. Directed by Tim Chambers, this inspiring film showcases Rush's unwavering dedication and groundbreaking impact on women's collegiate sports.
- 31
Jenny
Kees BrusseDirected by George Bloomfield, Jenny centers around a talented young swimmer named Jennifer "Jenny" Miller (played by Heather Graham), whose Olympic aspirations are jeopardized when she becomes pregnant. This emotionally charged TV movie offers a frank portrayal of women athletes' challenges when faced with life-altering decisions both in and out of the pool.
- 32Halle Berry, Stephen Henderson, Adan Canto
Starring Halle Berry in her directorial debut, Bruised follows Jackie Justice – a disgraced MMA fighter who rediscovers her passion for the sport while attempting to rebuild her life outside the cage. With powerful performances and intense action scenes, Bruised showcases perseverance and redemption within competitive combat sports.
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- 33Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, Sullivan Stapleton
Based on the true story of Michelle Payne (played by Teresa Palmer), Ride Like a Girl chronicles her journey to become the first-ever female jockey to win Australia's prestigious Melbourne Cup horse race. Helmed by director Rachel Griffiths, this biographical sports drama celebrates resilience, determination, and trailblazing women in competitive sports.
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- 34Jonathan Banks, Talia Balsam, Carrie Snodgress
This biographical TV movie chronicles the incredible journey of Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci (played by Johann Carlo), who captured the world's attention at the 1976 Olympics with her unprecedented perfect scores. Directed by Alan Cooke, Nadia offers a fascinating glimpse into the dedication and determination required for success within elite gymnastics.
- 35Beverley Mitchell, Brie Larson, Jon Lindstrom
In this Disney Channel original movie, sisters Erica (Beverley Mitchell) and Courtney Enders (Brie Larson) defy expectations to become successful junior drag racers in a male-dominated sport. Directed by Duwayne Dunham, Right on Track is praised for its strong performances and uplifting message about following one's dreams despite facing gender-based discrimination.
- 36Poppi Monroe, Annie McElwain, Mackenzie Phillips
Based on the true story of twin basketball stars Heather and Heidi Burge (played by Poppi Monroe and Annie McElwain), Double Teamed showcases their rise to athletic fame against all odds. This Disney Channel original movie directed by Duwayne Dunham highlights teamwork, perseverance, and sisterhood amidst the competitive world of high school sports.
- 37Elke Sommer, Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer
This satirical comedy directed by George Marshall stars Elke Sommer as an East German Olympic athlete named Paula Schultz who defects to West Germany while evading the clutches of various quirky characters. A product of its time, The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz presents a lighthearted take on Cold War politics through the lens of women's sports.
- 38
Woman Basketball Player No. 5
Qin Yi, Cui Chaoming, Qiu LiuRegarded as one of China's earliest sports movies, Woman Basketball Player No. 5 follows young basketball player Lin Xiaojie (played by Liu Lili) as she navigates personal struggles while striving for greatness on the court. Directed by Xie Jin, this influential film from 1957 remains significant for its strong female protagonist and poignant exploration of ambition within sports.
- 39Helen Hunt, William Hurt, Danika Yarosh
Based on a true story, The Miracle Season tells the inspiring tale of the West High School Volleyball team as they persevere after the tragic death of their star player Caroline "Line" Found (played by Danika Yarosh). Directed by Sean McNamara, this heartfelt sports drama explores themes of camaraderie, grief, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
- 40Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sunil Thapa, Darshan Kumaar
This biographical sports film directed by Omung Kumar tells the extraordinary story of Indian boxer Mary Kom (played by Priyanka Chopra). Overcoming numerous obstacles like sexism and poverty, Mary Kom emerges as a world champion, paving the way for future generations of female boxers in India.
- 41Daryl Sabara, Scott Patterson, Julio Oscar Mechoso
This coming-of-age sports drama centers around soccer prodigy Sara Davis (played by Leah Pipes) as she balances high school life, romance, and aspirations to play for the United States' national team. Directed by Norm Hunter, Her Best Move highlights the challenges faced by young athletes pursuing their dreams while juggling everyday responsibilities.
- 42Kim Jung-eun, Uhm Tae-woong, Moon So-ri
Based on a true story, Forever the Moment follows South Korea's women's handball team as they pursue Olympic glory at the 2004 Athens Games. Directed by Soon-rye Yim, this captivating sports drama explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and sacrifice within competitive athletics while highlighting female athletes' dedication to their sport.
- 43Sasha Jackson, Elizabeth Mathis, Sharni Vinson
In this sequel to Blue Crush, director Mike Elliott introduces viewers to spirited surfer Dana Brown (played by Sasha Jackson) as she embarks on an adventure-filled journey along South Africa's stunning coastline while pursuing her late mother's long-held dreams. Filled with breathtaking surf sequences and inspiring female characters, Blue Crush 2 captivates viewers through its exploration of friendship and self-discovery within sports.
- 44Krystle Po, Nestor Serrano, Theresa Saldana
In this Disney Channel original movie directed by Duwayne Dunham, aspiring jockey Corrie Ortiz (played by Krissy Perez) forms a unique connection with her spirited horse Thunder Jam that enables them to communicate telepathically. Combining entertaining racing sequences with themes of self-belief and determination, Ready to Run is an uplifting addition to the female sports movie genre.
- 45Esther Williams, Akim Tamiroff, Ricardo Montalban
Set against the backdrop of Spain's vibrant flamenco culture, Fiesta follows young dancer Maria Beltran (played by Danièle Delorme) who defies her conservative upbringing to follow her passion for dance — ultimately becoming a successful bullfighter in a male-dominated arena. This French film from 1947 directed by Pierre Gaspard-Huit offers an intriguing look at gender roles within traditional Spanish society and sports.
- 46Noée Abita, Jérémie Renier, Marie Denarnaud
French director Charlène Favier's gripping drama Slalom delves into the complex relationship between promising teenage skier Lyz Lopez (played by Noée Abita) and her charismatic but manipulative coach Fred (Jérémie Renier). The film explores themes of power dynamics, consent, and ambition in the world of competitive skiing while shining a light on the emotional toll taken on young female athletes.
- 47Nick Kroll, Alexi Pappas, Gus Kenworthy
Set at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Olympic Dreams is an unconventional romantic comedy that follows cross-country skier Penelope (played by Alexi Pappas) as she forms a deep connection with volunteer dentist Ezra (Nick Kroll). Directed by Jeremy Teicher, this unique film offers an intimate glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by elite female athletes competing on the world stage.
- 48Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Utkarsh Ambudkar
This inspiring comedic drama directed by Paul Downs Colaizzo tells the story of overweight and unhappy Brittany Forgler (played by Jillian Bell), who decides to turn her life around and train for the New York City Marathon. With heartfelt performances and engaging storytelling, Brittany Runs a Marathon underscores themes of personal growth, perseverance, and determination within sports.
- 49Jordan Hinson, Whitney Sloan, Cristine Rose
In this Disney Channel original movie directed by Francine McDougall, figure skater Katelin Kingsford (played by Jordan Hinson) must join her school's hockey team to secure a scholarship at a prestigious training academy. Balancing both sports amid high school pressures, Go Figure highlights teamwork, friendship, and self-discovery within competitive athletics.
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- 50Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Chitrashi Rawat
This critically acclaimed Bollywood film stars Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan – a former hockey player turned coach who strives to lead India's national women's hockey team to victory at the World Cup against all odds. Directed by Shimit Amin, Chak De! India showcases themes of unity, determination, and sacrifice within competitive sports while celebrating strong female athletes' talent and passion.
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- 51Devery Jacobs, Evan Rachel Wood, Kudakwashe RutendoRiley gets the chance to cheer with the all-star squad, Thunderhawks. With a competition looming, Riley must navigate her crippling anxiety, her relationship with her girlfriend, and her desperate need for approval from her new coach.More Backspot
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