Top 50 Sports Movies - Part One

With almost every competition around the globe either suspended or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and most people forced to stay indoors for weeks on end, I think it's a good moment to watch or re-watch some of the greatest sports movies of all time. I have compiled a list of 50 sports movies that I liked the most, but I decided to sort the list using the IMDb rating of each movie. 

So, without further ado, let's see the first ten titles, places 50 to 41 in this ranking: 

50. Blades of glory (2007)

In this movie two rival ice skaters get banned after a punch-up on top of the podium. That event makes them consider teaming up and forming the first ever all-male pairs team. This is a very enjoyable comedy, starring Will Ferrell and Jimmy MacElroy. Olympic figure skating medallists Nancy Kerrigan and Sasha Cohen also appear in this movie, which is not a masterpiece by any means but it does provide at least a few laughs. 

49. Wimbledon (2004)

This year's Wimbledon tournament has been cancelled, so this movie might provide a much-needed fix to my fellow tennis addicts. This is a romantic comedy before being a sports movie, and the story is that a British player, played by Paul Bettany, falls in love with an American rising star, played by the fine-looking Kirsten Dunst. The male protagonist finds some good form but the girl's dad is not happy as the romance distracts her from the game. 

48. Tin Cup (1996)

This is another romantic comedy, a perfect watch for a lazy Sunday afternoon. In this movie the male protagonist, played by Kevin Costner, takes on the impossible challenge of trying to qualify for the US Open against all odds. He never made it among the pros, but this time he has the motivation, in the form of an attractive woman that is dating his former rival from college, who became a star. 

47. The Mighty Ducks (1992)

This one is a classic, I have watched it several times on TV and I could always watch it again if it runs. A junior sports team gets inspired by their coach to become a winning group, while they inspire him to become a better human being. Emilio Estevez plays the coach and does a great job at it. The protagonist also gets involved in a love story with team captain Charlie's mum, so there's something for all tastes in this movie. 

46. Bend it like Beckham (2002)

This movie has an inspiring story as well. The story is about an 18-year-old girl in London, obsessed with David Beckham and extremely passionate about playing football. She comes from a Sikh family, though, and her parents are completely against her dreams. This one will make you laugh at times but it also has very emotional moments and a powerful message. Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers are the start of the cast. 

45. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2004)

This one is a hilarious comedy featuring some absolutely crazy NASCAR drivers. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay are starring in this film, so you can imagine that it's all about laughs. Ricky Bobby is the main character, a successful driver that sees his prominence threatened by rival French star Jean Girard. You can expect a relaxing time while watching this one and quite a few smiles as well. 

44. Battle of the Sexes (2017)

This is a true story, that of Billie Jean King, a former number one in the world of women's tennis. The action takes place all the way back in 1973, when women players had a really hard time in a world dominated by males. Billie Jean also had another battle to take as she was in love with another woman while being married to male tennis player Larry King. Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Sarah Silverman do a brilliant acting job in this must-watch movie. 

43. Escape to Victory (1981)

This is a timeless classic, a movie that I have watched several times and probably will watch again in the future. The cast mixes huge stars of the screen like Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, John Huston and Max von Sydow with legendary football players like Bobby Moore, Pele and Ossie Ardiles. The story is about a team of Allied World War II prisoners of war playing an exhibition match against German team. It's a definite must-watch for any football fan. 

42. Fever Pitch (1997)

This is another must-see title for football fans, and even more so for Arsenal fans. The story is something that most football fans can relate to: how do you choose between the woman you love and the club that you've been supporting since you were a kid? Tough one... The main character is played by Colin Firth. 

41. Maradona by Kusturica (2008)

This is one of my personal favourites, most likely because I am a fan of Diego Maradona and also a big fan of Serbian director Emir Kusturica. This is a documentary that goes through the most important moments of Maradona's life but also shows just how important he is to people in Argentina and Naples. I have watched this one about four times so far and I will definitely play it again soon. 

Please share your favourites in the comments below and make sure you check out part two, part three and part four!