It’s understandable that not everyone shares the same tastes when it comes to genres, and sports movies seem to be a particular challenge for many viewers. Perhaps it’s due to excessive use of stereotypical underdog tropes, an overemphasis on team stats, or dull representations of sporting events that people find uninteresting, but persuading someone to watch a movie about any sport, like football, baseball, or Olympic synchronized swimming, can be quite challenging.
Despite the misconception of sports haters, sports films delve deeper into human drama, exploring themes such as striving for the seemingly impossible, teamwork with unlikely partners, and proving naysayers wrong about one’s abilities. They offer more than just watching people play a game, and we’ve handpicked ten examples that showcase this depth and beyond.
These are films that primarily focus on drama (or comedy, or tragedy), and the sporting events take a back seat. However, it’s important to note that the sport in these ‘sports’ movies is not neglected or understated – quite the contrary. They boast some of the most captivating fictional games, matches, and races ever depicted on screen, along with memorable performances from renowned actors, thoughtfully crafted scripts, and engaging storylines. From dramas about historical football to tear-jerking pro wrestling tales, comedic dodgeball yarns, and even a beloved film about a ghost baseball team, these are the sports movies for those who think they dislike sports (or sports films).
10 Great Sports Movies for People Who Hate Sports
Rocky (1976)
Throughout the years, the film “Rocky” has developed a somewhat stereotypical label as a “bro movie.” This is largely due to its widespread presence on college dorm walls and the customary visit to a well-known Philadelphia staircase. However, Rocky is far more than just a story about a man toughening up to win a boxing match – it’s also about that, of course. Sylvester Stallone’s script, penned by Stallone himself, creates a portrait of a resilient and aspiring individual striving to lift himself and his loved ones out of a lifetime of struggle by finding a way to accomplish something truly challenging. By the end of the movie, after losing the decisive match against his formidable opponent, Rocky’s only concern is locating the woman he adores among the spectators.
Field of Dreams (1989)
In essence, baseball enthusiasts might find enjoyment in seeing renowned actors embody baseball icons on screen, but “Field of Dreams” goes beyond this, focusing primarily on the significance of dreams. At first glance, the plot may appear overly sentimental: A man, facing foreclosure, is urged by a voice in his mind to construct a baseball field on his land so that townsfolk and a contentious author can revisit their youthful fantasies of watching phantom ballplayers play. However, Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones’ profoundly sincere performances, coupled with the audacity of the concept, propel the movie to its climax, making it more than just a simple baseball tale.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
The film “Jerry Maguire” offers an exceptional viewing experience that makes it seem like watching talented actors engaged in phone conversations is the most thrilling, captivating, and nerve-wracking entertainment ever produced. Directed by Cameron Crowe, this movie revolves around two sports agents competing to keep their clients following one’s dismissal, which indeed contains a wealth of elements: an outstanding performance by Tom Cruise, numerous well-known footballers from the 1990s, one of the greatest on-screen romances ever, and approximately half of the most memorable lines in cinematic history. Indeed, phrases such as “You complete me,” “You had me at hello,” “Show me the money,” and “Help me help you” all originate from this very movie.
Bring It On (2000)
Remember the Titans (2000)
If you’re searching for a football movie that could turn even the sternest critic into a fan, look no further than “Remember the Titans.” Not only is it an exceptional sports film, but it ranks among the greatest movies ever produced. Its mixed reviews upon release suggest that we underestimated its quality at the time. Denzel Washington plays the role of real-life high school coach Herman Boone, who led a football team at a newly integrated Virginia school to a perfect 13-0 season in 1971, as school segregation was gradually being abolished nationwide. While it contains several historical inaccuracies, it remains an outstanding sports drama and one of Denzel Washington’s finest performances.
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)
The movie “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” is just as much a hilarious sports comedy as it is a snapshot of what humor was considered funny during the early 2000s. Ben Stiller, essentially reprising an even more evil twin version of his fitness guru camp counselor character from the cult classic “Heavyweights,” takes on the role of a selfish gym owner who is coerced into participating in a dodgeball tournament to gain the right to buy and shut down another local gym. While it may not be historically accurate when it comes to the finer points of team-based dodgeball, it skillfully creates a universe where dodgeball is treated with the same importance as jousting tournaments might have been in medieval times. If you can avoid getting hit by a wrench, then you can certainly dodge…well, you know the rest!
Moneyball (2011)
As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that if you’re not typically drawn to sports movies but still crave an engaging film experience, “Moneyball” should undeniably be at the top of your list. This captivating biographical drama transforms the mundane act of statisticians analyzing data into the most compelling aspect of the cinematic world. In the role of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, Brad Pitt delivers a powerful performance that will leave you spellbound.
Faced with an almost insurmountable challenge – building a competitive team on a shoestring budget and utilizing a contentious data-driven approach to player evaluation known as sabermetrics – Beane embarks on a remarkable journey. The story unfolds as he assembles a team of underdogs and overlooked players, giving them the chance to make history by winning the 2002 season. And trust me, this underdog story has a happy ending that will have you immediately jumping onto Wikipedia to learn more about sabermetrics once the credits start rolling.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
A film about one of the longest and fastest automobile races worldwide is undeniably thrilling, but what’s surprising is that the underhanded business dealings within the powerful global auto corporations make for an equally captivating cinematic experience. James Mangold’s “Ford v Ferrari” skillfully combines intricate corporate machinations with pulse-pounding race scenes, creating a movie that delivers both action and in-depth insights into 1960s car racing. With a trio of charming leads like Matt Damon, Christian Bale, and Jon Bernthal, the film is sure to be a hit.
The Iron Claw (2023)
As a movie enthusiast, if you’re in search of a film that will tug at your heartstrings while delving into the gritty world of early professional wrestling, “The Iron Claw” is an excellent choice. In this captivating production, Zac Efron portrays Kevin Von Erich, one member of the legendary Von Erich wrestling family, famously known as the “Iron Claw.” The film presents a dramatized account of their collective journey, which, in reality, was even more heart-rending. Despite the film’s depiction, the true story is so filled with sorrow and resilience that it feels almost unbelievable. “The Iron Claw” skillfully blends sports history with a deeply moving family drama, with the brothers’ unbreakable bond serving as the emotional core of the narrative. The movie masterfully explores the complexities of sibling rivalry, familial love, and the relentless pursuit of success that often leads to heartache.
Challengers (2024)
In this new venture, director Luca Guadagnino delivers a powerful start with the psychosexual comedy-drama titled “Challengers”. This intriguing tale revolves around three individuals who are as passionate about their tennis rivalry as they are romantically entangled. Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist take on the roles of former doubles partners, now bitter enemies due to a dispute over a mutual love interest – none other than Zendaya. As she attempts to reunite them for a genuine match, the story becomes steamy, humorous, and filled with stunning cinematic techniques that elevate a good sports film into a truly exceptional one.
10 Huge Movies That Didn’t Last a Month in Theaters
Heaven’s Gate (1980)
In the realm of cinema, the notorious flop known as “Heaven’s Gate,” directed by Michael Cimino, is a tale that echoes through the halls of filmmaking lore. This ambitious Western film, centered around a land dispute in 1890s Wyoming, was plagued with difficulties during production, from accusations of animal cruelty to claims about Cimino’s autocratic directorial approach. Had it not been for these challenges, it could have been a masterpiece among American epics.
The film’s production costs spiraled out of control, ultimately reaching four times the initial budget. The negative reviews that ensued led to the distributor pulling the movie from theaters just a week after its limited release, and a revised version was released six months later, which was even more poorly received. This catastrophe is often cited as the end of director-driven film production in America, with studios taking over the final decisions.
Despite its disastrous debut, the film’s high-profile failure has sparked a reevaluation of its quality by critics over the years. Some now consider it one of the great American films, a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Watcher in the Woods (1980)
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve always admired Disney for maintaining a family-friendly vibe, even in their more mature productions. However, they’ve only dared to venture into horror once throughout their century-long journey. The response to this film, “The Watcher in the Woods,” was so chilling that it seemingly dissuaded Disney from ever revisiting the genre again. Yet, despite its brief run in theaters and less-than-warm reception, it remains one of Disney’s most intriguing ventures.
In this film, two sisters embark on an eerie journey to uncover the truth behind a missing girl from the English countryside house they’ve just moved into. The story is based on Florence Engel Randall’s novel and features the legendary Bette Davis in a captivating supporting role. After just ten days in theaters, the studio yanked it due to a crushing wave of criticism from both critics and audiences. They even attempted a re-cut and re-release a year later, but alas, that too flopped.
Revolution (1985)
The historical drama film titled “Revolution,” set during the American Revolutionary War (a warning sign from the start), nearly drove its leading actor, Al Pacino, away from acting following its disappointing premiere. Four years later, he made a successful comeback with the thriller “Sea of Love.” In this movie, Pacino portrays a fur trapper from New York’s colony who unwittingly gets entangled in the Revolutionary struggle against the British. The film was universally criticized by critics, with Pauline Kael describing it as “so bad it leaves you in a state of shock.” Its release in New York was delayed, and ultimately, it turned out to be a catastrophic flop at the box office, recovering only a fraction of its $28 million production cost.
It’s Pat (1994)
The character Pat, played by Julia Sweeney on Saturday Night Live, is known for a joke about their gender being unclear. While this works well within the context of skits, it doesn’t translate effectively into a full-length feature film. Unfortunately, when they tried to create a movie centered around Pat’s enigmatic identity, they discovered this firsthand.
In the movie “It’s Pat,” we follow Pat’s relationship with Chris, another character with an indeterminate gender, and their neighbor Kyle, who develops an unhealthy fixation on figuring out Pat’s true identity. The band Ween is also featured in the film for some reason.
The movie received poor reviews as one of the worst from Saturday Night Live, had a limited release in only three cities before its home video release, and failed to attract audiences as anticipated.
This version aims to maintain the original’s meaning while using simpler and more natural language.
From Justin to Kelly (2003)
In their first project post-“American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson, the show’s first winner, and Justin Guarini, the runner-up, were bound by contract to star in the rom-com musical “From Justin to Kelly.” Unfortunately, this film, often criticized as one of the worst movies ever made, is a testament to that commitment. The story revolves around a small-town Texas waitress who visits Fort Lauderdale for spring break, where she meets a college student and party promoter. However, their budding romance encounters numerous obstacles from friends and other beach town antics. The film also features songs. Clarkson later admitted that she begged the studio to let her out of her contract after reading the script, and fortunately, “Idol” never attempted a similar venture again.
Gigli (2003)
The movie “Gigli,” directed by Martin Brest and starring two highly popular actors whose off-screen romance sparked widespread interest, seemed destined for success. However, as we now know, the film was a dismal failure. It barely lasted in theaters for three weeks before being withdrawn, marking one of the largest second-weekend drops in American box office history. The reason? Intense disputes between Brest and the studio led to forced re-shoots and edits that the director disapproved of but was compelled to carry out or risk losing his position on the project entirely. To this day, “Gigli” remains Brest’s only financial flop, a movie he later described as a “grisly corpse.
Delgo (2008)
In the realm of animated space operas, the film Delgo, boasting a distinguished cast and praised by Brazil’s Anima Mundi festival, seemed destined for greatness in the entertainment world. Tragically, the story didn’t quite live up to expectations, with subpar quality and minimal marketing leading to an opening weekend that set a dismal record for films screening in over 2,000 theaters (a mark later broken by The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure, another production from the same studio). The plot of Delgo, which revolves around a conflict between two warring species over the same planet and the romantic entanglements of characters on opposing sides, was often criticized as a hodgepodge of other, more successful films. After only a week in cinemas, it was withdrawn from theaters.
Jem and the Holograms (2015)
Prior to John M. Chu’s successful ventures with “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked,” he directed the 2015 adaptation of the ’80s cartoon series “Jem and the Holograms.” Regrettably, this project didn’t resonate as much with audiences compared to his subsequent projects. The reasons could have been due to the cast, the challenge of modernizing the show’s distinctly ’80s style, a less engaging storyline, or perhaps a mix of these factors. Essentially, a mid-’80s musical comedy about a pop star girl group embarking on a robot treasure hunt in the mid-2010s didn’t strike a chord with viewers. Critics often drew parallels to the far superior TV cartoon adaptation “Josie and the Pussycats,” and the film was withdrawn from cinemas after just over two weeks.
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
In simpler terms, the movie “A Cure for Wellness,” directed by Gore Verbinski (known for films like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Ring”), struggled to attract viewers. Despite its chilling eel imagery and roots in a century-old German novel about a health resort, the film’s slow pace and narrative inconsistency didn’t meet the expectations set by 20th Century Fox. The movie failed to reach its projected box office earnings during its opening weekend and saw its theater count drastically reduced after earning only $1 million in its second week, leaving it on the verge of disappearing from most cinemas nationwide.
The Disappointments Room (2016)
Reflecting on it now, it’s not surprising that a film named “The Disappointments Room” turned out to underdeliver. Directed by D.J. Caruso and co-written by Wentworth Miller of “Prison Break,” the movie stars Kate Beckinsale as an architect who moves with her family into a dilapidated mansion, which hides a secret, haunted room where former residents imprisoned their daughter. The film was made two years before its release – usually not a positive sign – and was ensnared in Relativity Media’s scheduling chaos following the distributor’s bankruptcy. When it was finally unveiled, its declining box office revenue during the second and third weekends led to it being withdrawn from all but 36 theaters, breaking the previous theatrical pull record, a feat previously achieved only by “Gigli.
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2025-07-18 16:27