The Greatest Sports Drama Movies of All Time

Ranker Film
Updated April 15, 2024 22.3K views 69 items
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Latest additions: The Long Game
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Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Sports Dramas

Camaraderie, heart, and a good underdog story are often at the core of a good sports drama. The top sports drama movies tap into a universal quest for greatness in the setting of a field, court, or track. This is a list of great dramas about athletes featuring everything from Field of Dreams to The Blind Side to Friday Night Lights.

What films will you find on this list of great dramas about sports? Of course, Rocky has to make an appearance here. The 1977 Academy Award winner had everyone rooting for the title character inside the ring and out while he rose up to fight adversity. Raging Bull – directed by Martin Scorsese – is another great sports drama about a tough boxer.

Many notable sports movies are about men, but women stepped into the spotlight, and up to the plate, with A League of Their Own. Other good movies featured on this top sports dramas list include The Hurricane, The Karate Kid, and My All American.

Do you have a favorite sports drama? Take a look at this list, vote your favorites to the top, and please add any good movies about athletes that are missing.

  • Rocky
    1

    Rocky

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
    218 votes
    The film Rocky is a sports drama, marking the genesis of a beloved franchise. It introduces us to Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), a small-time boxer from Philadelphia with a heart of gold and fists of steel. The plot thickens when heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) offers an unprecedented opportunity - a shot at the title. Rocky's journey from obscurity to the limelight is a testament to determination and grit. This underdog tale, directed by John G. Avildsen, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning three Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1977.
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  • Remember the Titans
    2

    Remember the Titans

    Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
    201 votes
    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.
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  • Miracle
    3

    Miracle

    Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
    154 votes

    If you like this flick, check out our list of docudrama movies.

    In the gripping sports drama, Miracle, Kurt Russell dons the role of Herb Brooks, a charismatic yet demanding coach tasked with molding an underdog American hockey team. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War era, this film encapsulates the journey towards the 1980 Winter Olympics. Here, the US faces off against a seemingly invincible Soviet Union team. The narrative focuses on Brooks's unyielding resolve and unique coaching style, demonstrating his ability to turn a ragtag group of college players into a cohesive unit capable of achieving the impossible - an Olympic gold medal victory.
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  • Hoosiers
    4

    Hoosiers

    Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper
    128 votes
    In the heartland of Indiana, a small-town high school basketball team, led by their new coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman), embarks on an unlikely journey to the state championship. Dale, a former college coach with a checkered past, employs controversial methods that ruffle feathers in the tight-knit community. His assistant Shooter (Dennis Hopper), a troubled local and former basketball star, aids him in this quest. Hoosiers, inspired by true events from 1954, is a sports drama that received two Academy Award nominations, including one for Hopper's supporting role.
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  • The Karate Kid
    5

    The Karate Kid

    Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
    137 votes
    In the heart of the 1984 martial arts drama The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), a high school student, finds himself in the crosshairs of bullies at his new school. To defend himself, he seeks guidance from a wise and enigmatic karate master Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). Through rigorous training, Daniel learns not just about physical combat but also life's profound lessons. Directed by John G. Avildsen, this film gained an Academy Award nomination for Morita and remains one of the most enduring classics in its genre.
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  • Field of Dreams
    6

    Field of Dreams

    Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones
    145 votes
    Field of Dreams, a fantasy-drama, orbits around Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice. Guided by this voice, he transforms his cornfield into a baseball diamond. The ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) materializes on this field, followed by other specters from the 1919 Chicago White Sox. As events unfold, Ray uncovers life-altering truths about passion and regret. This 1989 film won an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, redefining the blend of reality and fantasy in mainstream cinema.
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  • Rudy
    7

    Rudy

    Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton
    155 votes
    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.
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  • A League of Their Own
    8

    A League of Their Own

    Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
    128 votes
    In the heart of World War II, A League of Their Own unfolds. This comedy-drama, brimming with historical significance and a dash of humor, is directed by Penny Marshall. Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty), two sisters from Oregon, are recruited to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The league was formed when the male baseball players were drafted into the war. Under the guidance of their hard-drinking coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), they and their teammates struggle to keep the league alive amidst societal expectations and personal conflicts. Their journey redefines women's roles in sports and society, challenging stereotypes along the way. To this day, it remains a classic for its portrayal of a significant chapter in American history.
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  • The Blind Side
    9

    The Blind Side

    Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron
    182 votes
    In The Blind Side, Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) encounters Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless teenager with a troubled past. Offering him shelter and support, the Tuohy family helps Michael discover his potential as a student and football player. This true-life drama, directed by John Lee Hancock, is an inspiring tale of compassion and opportunity. Bullock's performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film also netted a nomination for Best Picture, underscoring its profound impact on audiences and critics alike.
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  • Moneyball
    10

    Moneyball

    Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    90 votes
    Moneyball is a sports drama that dives into the world of American baseball. Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) is the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, a team struggling with financial constraints. With his conventional methods failing him, Beane turns to Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a Yale economics graduate with radical ideas about assessing players' value. Together, they challenge traditional baseball recruitment strategies using statistical analysis and data-driven decisions. This unique approach sparks controversy but ultimately revolutionizes the game. Based on a true story, Moneyball earned six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Pitt, and Best Supporting Actor for Hill.
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  • Coach Carter
    11

    Coach Carter

    Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown
    152 votes
    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.
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  • Bull Durham
    12

    Bull Durham

    Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins
    64 votes
    In the sports-comedy Bull Durham, Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) is a seasoned baseball catcher brought in to train hotshot rookie pitcher, Ebby Calvin LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). The duo's dynamic takes an unexpected turn when they both vie for the affections of Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), a self-proclaimed baseball groupie. As the love triangle unfolds, so too does the story of life in minor league baseball - a world filled with ambition, disappointment, and the humor that lies within. The film, known for its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of baseball, was a box-office hit and received critical praise.
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  • Brian's Song
    13

    Brian's Song

    James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden
    91 votes
    In Brian's Song, a tale of friendship and courage unfolds. The film chronicles the real-life relationship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams). As rookie running backs, they form an unlikely bond that deepens when Piccolo is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite their competitive nature on the football field, off it, they share a brotherly love. This made-for-TV movie, originally aired in 1971, won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Single Program - Drama or Comedy. A poignant narrative wrapped in the rough-and-tumble world of professional football; it's a story less about sports and more about human resilience.
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  • Cinderella Man
    14

    Cinderella Man

    Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
    104 votes
    Set in the Great Depression, Cinderella Man is a biographical sports drama that tells the tale of James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a once-successful boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses. Struggling to support his family, Braddock makes an unexpected comeback under trainer Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti), defying the odds and redefining the world's perception of a hero. Directed by Ron Howard, this film won multiple awards for its authentic portrayal of a historic era and one man's indomitable spirit. Renee Zellweger also stars as Mae, Braddock's steadfast wife.
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  • Rocky IV
    15

    Rocky IV

    Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
    70 votes
    In Rocky IV, the iconic boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) finds himself in the throes of the Cold War. A tragic match against the formidable Russian fighter, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), leaves his friend Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) dead. Fueled by a mix of grief and revenge, Rocky decides to challenge Drago in his homeland. This sports drama is a high-stakes, heart-pounding testament to friendship, resilience, and the human spirit. A cinematic spectacle filled with memorable characters and gripping boxing scenes, Rocky IV remains an enduring classic in the franchise.
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  • Invincible
    16

    Invincible

    Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks
    95 votes
    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.
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  • The Rookie
    17

    The Rookie

    Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez
    99 votes
    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.
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  • The Natural
    18

    The Natural

    Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close
    67 votes
    In the cinematic sports drama, The Natural, Robert Redford delivers a captivating performance as Roy Hobbs, an aging baseball rookie with extraordinary talent. The film chronicles his late-blooming career, fraught with challenges and personal setbacks. Glenn Close stands out as Iris Gaines, Roy's long-lost love who re-enters his life at a crucial juncture. Directed by Barry Levinson, this 1984 classic earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Close. Hobbs's quest for redemption and glory in America's favorite pastime forms the heart of this engaging narrative.
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  • The Pride of the Yankees
    19

    The Pride of the Yankees

    Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, Walter Brennan
    63 votes
    This moving biographical drama follows the life of revered baseball player Lou Gehrig (Gary Cooper). Championed by sportswriter Sam Blake (Walter Brennan), Gehrig eventually gets recruited by the New York Yankees, joining a team of heavy hitters that includes the legendary Babe Ruth. When Gehrig marries his spirited sweetheart, Eleanor (Teresa Wright), things look up for him, but he is soon sidelined by a terrible illness that he bravely tries to battle.
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  • The Fighter
    20

    The Fighter

    Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
    91 votes
    In the gritty drama The Fighter, Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a struggling boxer from the hard-knock streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, fights to break free from the shadow of his older brother, Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale). Eklund, once a promising boxer himself, now battles drug addiction and failed dreams. With fierce determination and unyielding spirit, Ward navigates family loyalty, personal ambition, and the brutal world of boxing. Amy Adams plays Charlene Fleming, Ward's steadfast girlfriend who stands by him through his tumultuous journey. This film won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Bale) and Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).
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  • We Are Marshall
    21

    We Are Marshall

    Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Ian McShane
    94 votes
    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.
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  • Any Given Sunday
    22

    Any Given Sunday

    Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid
    79 votes
    Any Given Sunday, a sports drama directed by Oliver Stone, is an intense exploration of the professional football world. The narrative orbits Tony D'Amato (Al Pacino), a veteran coach grappling with personal and professional crises and Willie Beamen (Jamie Foxx), a third-string quarterback who rises to fame amidst team turmoil. The film probes the tumultuous dynamics of sports politics, media scrutiny, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of glory. It's a visceral depiction of life on and off the field, layered with compelling performances that earned Foxx an MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.
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  • 42
    23

    42

    Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Alan Tudyk
    101 votes
    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.
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  • Raging Bull
    24

    Raging Bull

    Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
    85 votes
    In Raging Bull, we witness the turbulent life of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a self-destructive boxer struggling with his violent tendencies. Martin Scorsese directs this biographical drama, which earned De Niro an Oscar for Best Actor. The movie is set in the world of mid-20th century professional boxing, where LaMotta battles opponents in the ring and his personal demons outside. His brother and manager Joey (Joe Pesci) tries to keep him on track, but LaMotta's fury proves to be his toughest adversary.
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  • The Wrestler
    25

    The Wrestler

    Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
    87 votes
    Aging wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) is long past his prime but still ready and rarin' to go on the pro-wrestling circuit. After a particularly brutal beating, however, Randy hangs up his tights, pursues a serious relationship with a long-in-the-tooth stripper (Marisa Tomei), and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood). But he can't resist the lure of the ring and readies himself for a comeback.
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  • Million Dollar Baby
    26

    Million Dollar Baby

    Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
    105 votes
    Million Dollar Baby is a riveting drama, skillfully directed by Clint Eastwood. The film revolves around the life of Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), an amateur boxer who is determined to rise above her hardscrabble beginnings. Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood), a grizzled boxing trainer, reluctantly takes her under his wing after initial resistance. Morgan Freeman delivers a compelling performance as Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris, an ex-boxer and Frankie's long-time friend. As Maggie's career takes off, unforeseen circumstances test their bond in profound ways. This critically acclaimed movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Eastwood.
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  • Creed
    27

    Creed

    Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
    73 votes
    In Creed, Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan)‚ the son of boxing legend Apollo Creed, embarks on a pugilistic journey under the mentorship of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Fighting his way from obscurity, Adonis seeks to carve out his own legacy, beyond the shadow of his famous father. The film, a sports drama filled with high-stakes bouts and personal struggle, earned Stallone an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Creed is a poignant continuation of the iconic Rocky series, blending heart-pounding action with a compelling exploration of identity and ambition.
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  • Warrior
    28

    Warrior

    Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte
    86 votes
    Warrior is a visceral sports drama that delves into the world of mixed martial arts. It intertwines the lives of two estranged brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton), who tread their paths in the unforgiving cage-fighting circuit. Tommy, an ex-Marine with a troubled past, seeks redemption, while Brendan, a high-school teacher fighting to keep his family afloat, seeks survival. As they independently enter Sparta, the biggest tournament in the history of the sport, their stories intersect inevitably, leading to a climax that's as intense as it is unexpected. Directed by Gavin O'Connor, Warrior earned Nick Nolte an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Paddy Conlon - the brothers' recovering alcoholic father and former coach.
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  • Chariots of Fire
    29

    Chariots of Fire

    Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, John Gielgud
    56 votes
    In the celebrated film Chariots of Fire, we find ourselves in the post-World War I era. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), two British runners, emerge as central characters. Their paths to victory, driven by personal convictions and defiance against societal norms, intertwine in this tale of athletic prowess. The film is a compelling historical drama, brimming with determination and human spirit. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, underscoring its cinematic significance. The narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of the 1924 Olympics, yet it transcends beyond mere sportsmanship into themes of faith, identity and class distinction. Director Hugh Hudson masterfully encapsulates the essence of these real-life figures - their struggles, triumphs and indomitable will. From training grounds to triumphant tracks, Chariots of Fire races through an engrossing journey that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.
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  • For Love of the Game
    30

    For Love of the Game

    Kevin Costner, Kelly Preston, John C. Reilly
    48 votes
    Forty-year-old pitcher Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) is practically a dinosaur by professional baseball standards, fast approaching the end of his career. But, as Chapel stands on the mound pitching the game of his life, his thoughts don't turn to his prized history in sports, but rather return again and again to his tumultuous relationship with Jane Aubrey (Kelly Preston), a single mom who has stood at his side through the good and the bad but is now on the verge of leaving him.
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