What To Watch If You Love 'The Blind Side'
- Photo: The Express / Universal Pictures
For fans of: black football drama movies
Born into poverty, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) overcomes many obstacles to get into Syracuse University's football program. Under the guidance of Coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), Davis becomes one of the school's best players, even surpassing Jim Brown's achievements. In 1961 Davis becomes the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy, but there is one more obstacle in his life that he must overcome. - 2
For fans of: black baseball drama movies
42 is a 2013 American biographical sports film directed by Brian Helgeland. The powerful story of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he joined the roster of the Brooklyn Dodgers.More 42- #126 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #7 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #26 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- Photo: Invincible / Disney
For fans of: biographical football drama movies
Invincible, a sports drama, is based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old bartender who defies all odds. Set in the 1970s Philadelphia, Papale, devoid of any professional football training, auditions for his beloved NFL team - the Philadelphia Eagles. With Coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear) at the helm, Papale's dream takes flight. The movie chronicles Papale's journey from an underdog to a celebrated footballer while exploring themes of perseverance and determination. Directed by Ericson Core, this biographical gem won accolades for its compelling portrayal of an ordinary man's extraordinary leap of faith.More Invincible- #28 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #65 of 101 onThe Best Movies Of 2006
- #10 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- Photo: McFarland, USA / Disney
For fans of: inspiring sports drama movies
Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) is a newcomer to a predominantly Latino high-school in California's Central Valley. Coach White and his new students find that they have much to learn about one another, but things begin to change when White realizes the boys' exceptional running ability. More than just physical prowess drives the teens to succeed; their strong family ties, incredible work ethic and commitment to their team all play a factor in forging these novice runners into champions.More McFarland, USA- #92 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #37 of 69 onThe Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time
- #21 of 68 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- Photo: Radio / Walt Disney Studios
For fans of: inspiring football drama movies
In a racially divided town, coach Jones (Ed Harris) spots a mentally disabled African-American student named Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and principal Daniels (Alfre Woodard) happily notes that Radio's self-confidence is skyrocketing. But things start to sour when Jones begins taking guff from fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.More Radio- #65 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #96 of 123 onThe Biggest Tearjerker Movies Of All Time
- #19 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
For fans of: inspiring football drama movies
Told he wasn't good enough to play Division I football, Brandon Burlsworth took a risk and walked on in 1994, and he became the most respected player in the history of the program.- Photo: Rudy / TriStar Pictures7
For fans of: underdog football drama movies
Rudy is an inspiring sports drama that centers around the life of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), a young man from a blue-collar family who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Despite his small size and lack of athletic prowess, Rudy's relentless determination leads him to overcome numerous obstacles. Charles S. Dutton plays Fortune, a custodian at Notre Dame who becomes Rudy's mentor, while Jon Favreau stars as D-Bob, Rudy's humorous and supportive friend. The film, directed by David Anspaugh, was nominated for multiple awards and is recognized as one of the top football movies of all time.More Rudy- Dig Deeper...Things About The Real Rudy That The 'Rudy' Movie Purposely Misrepresents
- #576 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #43 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- Photo: All American / The CWA football player from Compton is recruited to play for a high school in Beverly Hills.More All American
- #11 of 69 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- #44 of 161 onThe 140+ Best High School Shows, Ranked
- #55 of 98 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- Photo: Gridiron Gang / Sony Pictures Releasing
For fans of: inspiring teen football drama movies
A counselor (The Rock) at a juvenile detention facility decides to turn the young inmates in his charge into a football team to give them a sense of self-respect and social responsibility, but he faces opposition from high-school coaches who do not want their players facing criminals on the field.More Gridiron Gang- #121 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #21 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- #11 of 68 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- Photo: Goal! / Buena Vista International10
For fans of: inspiring soccer drama movies
Santiago Muñez, a Mexican cook in Los Angeles, gets a chance to follow his dream of playing professional soccer. A talent scout with contacts in the United Kingdom spots him and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance: If he can find a way to England, he can try out for the Newcastle United team. Gavin Harris, a star player, takes young Santiago under his wing and helps him prove himself to his disbelieving father. - Photo: Remember the Titans / Buena Vista Pictures
For fans of: powerful football drama movies that deal with racism
Based on a true story, Remember the Titans is a compelling sports drama. Set in 1971, it tells the tale of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. The African American coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his assistant Bill Yoast (Will Patton), who is white, must work together to unite their racially divided team. As they battle prejudice and adversity both on and off the pitch, their struggles culminate in a high-stakes championship game. This inspiring film won the Black Reel Award for Network/Cable - Best Film in 2001.More Remember the Titans- #420 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #9 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #169 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- Photo: Safety / Disney +12
For fans of: black football biopic movies
Safety is a 2020 American biographical sports drama film directed by Reginald Hudlin. A freshman phenom puts his football scholarship on the line when he agrees to take custody of his 11-year-old little brother after their mom enters a drug rehab facility.More Safety- #460 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #53 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- #52 of 69 onThe Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time
- Photo: We Are Marshall / Warner Bros. Pictures
For fans of: football drama movies
In We Are Marshall, tragedy strikes the small town of Huntington, West Virginia when a plane crash claims the lives of 75 members of the Marshall University football team. New coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) is brought in to rebuild the decimated program. With assistant coach Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), they face an uphill battle as they attempt to unite a grieving community and bring glory back to Marshall University. This sports drama, directed by McG, is a tale of resilience and revival, steeped in the raw realities of loss and determination.More We Are Marshall- #753 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #80 of 240 onThe 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
- #27 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- Photo: Invictus / Warner Bros. Pictures14
For fans of: sports drama movies that deal with racism
Following the fall of apartheid, newly elected President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) faces a South Africa that is racially and economically divided. Believing he can unite his countrymen through the universal language of sport, Mandela joins forces with Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), captain of the rugby team, to rally South Africans behind a bid for the 1995 World Cup Championship.More Invictus- #89 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #73 of 90 onThe 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time
- #34 of 69 onThe Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time
- Photo: Coach Carter
For fans of: black sports drama movies
In the film Coach Carter, Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) is a high school basketball coach with a controversial yet effective approach to molding his team. Amidst a backdrop of inner-city struggles, Carter imposes an academic contract on his players, sparking a heated debate within the community. The movie delves into themes of discipline, teamwork, and personal responsibility. It's based on a true story, adding an extra layer of authenticity to this sports drama. Its poignant narrative and Jackson's standout performance continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.More Coach Carter- #27 of 89 onThe Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked
- #37 of 143 onThe Best Movies of 2005
- #51 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- Photo: Brian Banks / Bleecker Street
For fans of: black football biopic movies
The inspirational true story of Brian Banks, an all-American high school football star who finds his life upended when he's wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Despite the lack of evidence, Banks gets railroaded through a broken justice system and sentenced to a decade of prison and probation. Years later, with the support of Justin Brooks and the California Innocence Project, Banks fights to reclaim his life and fulfill his dreams of playing in the NFL. - Photo: The Rookie / Disney
For fans of: inspiring sports drama movies
In The Rookie, Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid), a high school chemistry teacher, finds an unexpected path back to his forgotten dream of playing professional baseball. A bet with his baseball team turns into a life-altering pursuit when he discovers that, despite being in his mid-thirties, he can still throw a fastball faster than most major leaguers. This family-friendly sports drama, based on a true story, sees Morris's journey from the classroom to the big leagues as he becomes the oldest rookie in Major League Baseball history.More The Rookie- #29 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #34 of 152 onThe Best Movies of 2002
- #18 of 69 onThe Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time
- Photo: 12 Mighty Orphans18
12 Mighty Orphans
For fans of: football drama movies based on books
During the Great Depression, Rusty Russell gives up a privileged position to coach football at an orphanage in Fort Worth, Texas. Whipping his young players into shape, they soon become an inspiration to their city, state and an entire nation.More 12 Mighty Orphans- #150 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #60 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- #40 of 68 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- Photo: Friday Night Lights
For fans of: gritty high school football TV shows
Delving into the lives of a small-town Texas community, Friday Night Lights weaves an intricate tapestry of both on-field and off-field drama. Centered around the Dillon Panthers high school football team, the show masterfully balances the intense world of competitive sports with the personal journeys of its ensemble cast. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) leads the team with unwavering determination, while his wife Tami (Connie Britton) provides steadfast support as the school's guidance counselor. With multiple Emmy nominations to its name, Friday Night Lights offers an authentic glimpse into the heart and soul of America's beloved pastime, capturing the passion, heartache, and triumphs that come with chasing dreams under the bright stadium lights.More Friday Night Lights- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Friday Night Lights' Seasons, Ranked
- And Deeper...Coach Taylor’s Best Advice from Friday Night Lights
- #276 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
For fans of: historical sports drama TV shows
The English Game, a historical drama series, delves into the origins of modern football and the class struggles that defined its early years. Bringing to life the stories of two 19th-century players, Fergus Suter (Kevin Guthrie) and Arthur Kinnaird (Edward Holcroft), the show explores their personal challenges and the societal pressures that surrounded them. With its richly detailed settings, impeccable costumes, and compelling performances, The English Game has received critical acclaim. As viewers are transported back in time, they become engrossed in the intricacies of sportsmanship, loyalty, and ambition that permeate this fascinating tale.More The English Game- #99 of 652 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #190 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #8 of 44 onThe Best Current Period Piece TV Shows Airing Now
- Photo: Woodlawn / Pure Flix Entertainment21
For fans of: football movies based on a true story
Following government-mandated desegregation in 1973, Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) joins fellow African-American students at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Ala. As violence and anger erupt in the city, Woodlawn football coach Tandy Gerelds (Nic Bishop) allows an outsider (Sean Astin) to speak to his players. His message of hope and love leads to a spiritual awakening that inspires star athlete Nathan, his teammates and other members of the community to overcome the hate that surrounds them.More Woodlawn- #49 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- #32 of 68 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- #50 of 81 onThe Best Black Sports Movies Ever Made
- Photo: My All American / Clarius Entertainment
For fans of: biographical football drama movies
Awarded a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, small but scrappy Freddie Steinmark gets a chance to play football for coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart) and the Longhorns in the late 1960s. Alongside old teammate Bobby Mitchell and new friend James Street, Steinmark helps the Longhorns find success. When Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis, the young man must utilize his indomitable spirit and courage to rise to the challenge like a true champion. - Photo: When the Game Stands Tall / Sony Pictures Releasing
For fans of: inspiring football drama movies
In 2003, high-school football coach Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel) and his De La Salle Spartans have just completed an incredible 151 consecutive victories and 12-straight state championships. While the team's seniors receive offers from colleges all over the country, the advancing juniors look forward to making their mark. However, beloved "Coach Lad" has a brush with calamity, while the Spartans face their most-challenging, most-unpredictable season yet.- #37 of 75 onThe Best Football Movies Of All Time
- #10 of 68 onThe Best High School Sports Movies
- #104 of 143 onThe 100+ Best Motivational Sports Movies
- Photo: Ballers24
For fans of: football drama TV shows
Set against the glamorous backdrop of Miami, Ballers explores the lives of professional football players both on and off the field. The show delves into the complexities of fame, fortune, and personal relationships, with Dwayne Johnson delivering a standout performance as Spencer Strasmore, a retired athlete turned financial manager. Throughout its five-season run, Ballers garnered a dedicated fan base and received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the sports industry. With a strong ensemble cast, including Rob Corddry as Joe Krutel, John David Washington as Ricky Jerret, and Omar Benson Miller as Charles Greane, the series skillfully balances drama and comedy while providing an insightful look into the world of high-stakes athletics.More Ballers- #7 of 21 onThe Best Current TV Shows Starring Movie Stars
- #376 of 447 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- #41 of 93 onThe Best Comedy Shows On Max, Right Now
- Photo: Glory Road / Disney
For fans of: sports drama movies based on a true story
Glory Road is a sports drama film that depicts the true-life story of Texas Western College's 1966 basketball team, under the direction of Coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas). In an era marked by racial segregation, Haskins daringly recruits seven black players to his team, breaking significant barriers in college sports. The movie focuses on their turbulent season leading up to the NCAA championship against the University of Kentucky Wildcats, which was coached by Adolph Rupp (Jon Voight). Glory Road, directed by James Gartner, won the 2006 ESPY Award for Best Sports Movie.More Glory Road- #85 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #74 of 90 onThe 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time
- #257 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- Photo: Forever Strong / Excel Entertainment Group
For fans of: improbable sports drama movies
Forever Strong is a sports film directed by Ryan Little and written by David Pliler and released on September 26, 2008. The film stars Sean Faris, Gary Cole, Neal McDonough, Sean Astin, Penn Badgley and Arielle Kebbel. The film is about a troubled rugby union player who must play against the team his father coaches at the national championships. Forever Strong is based on a compilation of individual true stories. - Photo: Trouble with the Curve / Warner Bros. Pictures
For fans of: heartfelt sports drama movies
For decades Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) has been one of baseball's best scouts -- but now his age is catching up with him. Still, he refuses to be benched even though his bosses are questioning his judgment. Tasked with checking out the country's hottest batting prospect, Gus is forced to accept help from his daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams). Though they haven't spent time together in years, father and daughter make new discoveries about their shared past, which could change their future. - Photo: Ted Lasso / Apple+
For fans of: positive and wholesome sports TV shows
Delving into the world of sports and personal growth, this award-winning comedy series brings viewers an uplifting and heartfelt journey. Ted Lasso, a small-time American football coach portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, finds himself navigating the complexities of English Premier League soccer after an unexpected career move. As he builds relationships with the team's players, including the fiercely competitive Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and ambitious Keeley Jones (Juno Temple), the show masterfully weaves together elements of humor, emotional depth, and character development. Garnering multiple accolades such as Emmys and Golden Globe awards, this series has quickly become a beloved staple in modern television. - Photo: Eddie the Eagle / 20th Century Studios
For fans of: improbable sports drama movies
Cut from the Olympic ski team, British athlete Michael "Eddie" Edwards travels to Germany to test his skills at ski jumping. Fate leads him to Bronson Peary, a former ski jumper who now works as a snowplow driver. Impressed by Edwards' spirit and determination, Peary agrees to train the young underdog. Despite an entire nation counting him out, Eddie's never-say-die attitude takes him all the way to a historic and improbable showing at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. - Photo: The Miracle of Bern / Bavaria Film International
For fans of: foreign sports drama movies
The Miracle of Bern is a 2003 film by Sönke Wortmann, which tells the story of a German family and the unexpected West German miracle victory in the 1954 World Cup Final in Bern, Switzerland. The film can be regarded as a portrait of post-war Germany. With over 6 million cinema visitors, it is one of Germany's best-selling films. Among those attending the première were Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Peer Steinbrück, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Otto Schily, Federal Minister of the Interior.