Interest in the sports drama genre remains strong for many reasons — be it a star-studded cast or an engaging storyline — but most of all, these films stay afloat thanks to the dynamic nature of their plots, where there's always room for powerful emotional moments.
On top of that, the fact that these stories are based on real events adds another layer of impact — meaning the film doesn’t need to rely on outright fiction to grab attention. This selection includes sports films based on true stories that are well worth watching at least once.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Although the film was criticized at the time for its rather underwhelming ending, A League of Their Own offers a fairly accurate cinematic version of the events surrounding the Women’s Baseball League in 1943. At the center of the story is Jimmy Dugan, a former baseball player whose career was nearly over when he was suddenly asked to coach the women’s team. While the men were off at war, the women were eager to try their hand at a new sport — and seeing their determination, Dugan gradually lets go of his pessimism and rediscovers his belief in the team’s success.
Seabiscuit (2003)
Based on events from the 1930s, this film tells the story of a literal underdog — a small horse named Seabiscuit, initially seen as completely unsuitable for racing. It seems the horse is destined for obscurity: his jockey, John 'Red' Pollard, begins to lose his eyesight, and rival horses appear far superior. Nevertheless, Seabiscuit would go on to earn the title of 'Horse of the Year' in 1938 after managing to defeat the seemingly unbeatable favorite.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
This biographical drama is based on events from the 1960s, when Ford Motor Company’s chairman Henry Ford II decides to revamp the company’s image amid a decline in sales by hiring top engineers to develop sleeker, faster cars. Eventually, Carroll Shelby joins the team — but he refuses to work without the already legendary, yet notoriously difficult driver Ken Miles. Together, they would go on to create the famous Ford GT40 sports car.
Hoosiers (1986)
Loosely inspired by real events involving the Milan High School basketball team in Indiana, this film tells the story of Norman Dale, a former soldier with a complicated personality, who teams up with a local alcoholic to lead the school’s team to long-awaited victory. Along the way, Dale must convince the townspeople to believe in his team — all while navigating a workplace romance.
Raging Bull (1980)
A cult classic directed by Martin Scorsese, the film is based on the memoirs of American boxer Jake LaMotta, a world champion of Italian descent. At the heart of the story is LaMotta himself, who channels all his personal struggles into his time in the boxing ring. Over time, love enters his life — but even that won’t be spared from the relentless demands of his rising career.
