What makes people forget all their differences in the first place and have a mutual feeling of oneness? Well, it’s definitely sporting their differences in the first place and having a mutual feeling of oneness. Well, it’s definitely sports! Sports unite us like no other, and the passion displayed on the field is always reciprocated outside the field. Some may come to mind when we think of sports movies or sports TV shows, but which ones would make the list of the greatest sports-based movies and TV shows? So, here is an all-time best list of the best sports movies and TV-OTT series worthy of inspiring men, in reverse chronological order.
Moneyball (2011), starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, is an absolute baseball classic based on the book of the same name by Michael Lewis. Moneyball is regarded as one of the best sports and baseball movies ever made. It is riveting and brilliantly acted by the actors. Brad Pitt received an Academy Award nomination for the role of Head Coach Billy Beane. The film is about a baseball team, the Oakland A’s, and the frustrations of its head coach, Billy Beane, about not being able to afford big-money players, eventually delving into a whole new strategy to change the game.
Where to watch: Netflix
Break Point (2023): Break Point is a Netflix 5-part documentary series about the lives and struggles of top-seeded professional tennis players, as well as their attempts to deal with high-level pressures. It features both male and female professional tennis players and their journeys in big tournaments such as the US Open, the Madrid Open, and Indian Wells. Break Point is a must-watch as it shows the professional lives of players in a never-before-seen way. What happens before and after the match, the anxieties, and the fight in all aspects are all rivetingly documented.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Blind Side (2009): Based on a true story, a homeless teen finds success on an American football field after being adopted by a determined mom and her affluent family. The movie was a great commercial success and is regarded as one of the best sports movies ever made for its great plot and storyline. Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for Best Actress for the film, which was also nominated for Best Picture. The Blind Side offers a unique cinematic experience and moves the audience emotionally.
Where to watch: Netflix
King Richard (2022): King Richard is a biopic on the life of Richard Williams, father of professional tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Venus and Serena are both rated as the greatest of all time in professional tennis. The story of King Richard is about perseverance and family, and how these two things can impact and change their world. Will Smith plays King William and was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for his performance. King Richard is an inspirational story about dreams, passion, and family. It’s an emotional story about struggle and success.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Friday Night Lights (2006–2011): Friday Night Lights is a mammoth 5-season series that revolves around football. The show, a critical success, follows the story of a high school football team in the fictional town of Dillon, a small, close-knit community in rural West Texas. The series also addresses several other issues, such as racism, substance abuse, and adolescent issues, in an engaging manner. Friday Night Lives is an inspiring piece of work that captivates the audience’s mind through its characters and storyline. It also inspires!
Lagaan (2001): Lagan is an Indian period drama film starring Aamir Khan. Lagan is regarded as one of the best sports movies. Lagan was nominated for an Academy Award for the best movie in the best foreign film category. It was praised for its captivating storyline, where villagers fight it out against the erstwhile rulers, the Britishers, over a match of cricket. It is one of the best Indian movies to ever come out and has received accolades at international levels. Truly an inspiring story, Lagan is a must-watch!
Where to watch: Netflix
Hoop Dreams (1994): Hoop Dreams is a sports documentary that was shot for almost 5 years and features the real stories of African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee as they travel 90 minutes each way from inner-city Chicago to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominantly white suburban school well-known for the excellence of its basketball program. Gates and Agee dream of NBA stardom, and with the support of their close-knit families, they battle the social and physical obstacles that stand in their way. The documentary is one of the most inspiring sports documentaries that you will ever watch.
Rent it on Amazon Prime Video.
Rocky (movie franchise): One of the best sports movies ever made, Rocky took the world by storm in the year 1976 and was one of the highest-grossing movies that year. Rocky is the story of boxer Rocky Balboa, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone in what became an iconic role. The movie follows a “rags-to-riches” story depicting Stallone’s humble roots before becoming a World Champion. Praised by critics and audiences alike for its terrific performances and great storyline, Rocky is a complete entertainer. Why should men watch it? because it is an inspirational story worthy enough to motivate and change procrastination habits. Rocky was the first in the successful Rocky franchise; later, five more movies were released.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
The Last Dance (2020): The Last Dance is a miniseries falling into the category of docu-reality. Well, this mini-reality series has the potential to bring a sudden change in any man’s life. It is an Emmy Award-winning series that focuses on arguably one of the greatest sporting legends, Michael Jordan (MJ), and the Chicago Bulls’ dominance in the NBA. The Chicago Bulls became world champions six times and are regarded as the most competitive team ever to grace a basketball court. Captivating and alluring in its story, “The Last Dance” hooks the viewer from the very start. It celebrates the heroic, larger-than-life persona of MJ and his teammates. It also gives us a glimpse of American society in the last decade of the twentieth century. The Chicago Bulls and their veracious glory are depicted in a very enticing manner.
Where to watch: Netflix