.jpg "Top 10 Sports Movies of the 21st Century: Inspiring Classics")
What's better than sports? Sports mixed with cinematography, perhaps. The 21st century has gifted us with a popcorn bucket full of cinematic gems that capture the essence of sports. These films interpret the thrill of competition. They show us the human spirit, personal struggles, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
In this article, we’ll pick some of the top-ranking sports films of the 21st century. So grab your jerseys and popcorn. These inspiring sports movies will ignite your passion and make you believe that anything is possible.
Topping our list is the critically acclaimed Moneyball. Rated 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is based on Michael Lewis's 2003 book—Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game. The biographical drama stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the Oakland Athletics' general manager who changed the game of baseball with his unorthodox strategy.
As Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) famously says in the movie, "Adapt or die." The film is a brilliant showing of how human perseverance and thinking outside the box is vital in the face of adversity. For fans looking for movies similar to Moneyball, keep reading our list to find out.
Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby is one gut-wrenching tale. Hilary Swank delivers a brilliant performance as Maggie Fitzgerald, an aspiring boxer trained by the reluctant Frankie Dunn.
Although a tale of determination and sacrifice, this film goes beyond the typical sports movie tropes. It's a bleak yet beautiful depiction of the American Dream, showcasing the harsh realities of professional sports. As Frankie advises Maggie, "It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you." What a powerful message. That’s just part of what makes it one of the most inspiring sports movies of our time.
Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler is a raw and emotionally devastating portrayal of a former wrestling star trying to reclaim his past glory. Here, Mickey Rourke delivers a career-defining performance as Randy "The Ram" Robinson. He recently even came out to reflect on how challenging the role was, saying, “I honestly regret putting on 70 pounds to look the part. I did not feel comfortable in my own skin and it took almost 4 or 5 years to get back to 180.”
Either way, this film lets us in on the physical and emotional toll of professional wrestling. It touches on fame, addiction, and the struggle to find meaning outside the ring. While not one of the best feel good sports movies, it sure is one of the most impactful.
Creed II builds on the legacy of the Rocky franchise and it packs a powerful punch. Yes, pun very much intended. Ladies man Michael B. Jordan reprises his role as Adonis Creed, facing off against Viktor Drago, son of the man who killed his father in the ring.
Although most of us aren't professional boxers, the film finds its way to connect with the audience, making us reflect on our own struggles. This film stands out among 2000s sports movies for its ability to honor its roots while telling a fresh story.
You loved Moneyball, so here's a gift as promised. James Mangold's Ford v Ferrari brings the world of 1960s motorsports to life. Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in this thrilling tale of Ford's quest to build a car capable of defeating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Beyond engineering, this film excels in portraying human drama. It's a story of friendship, determination, and the pursuit of perfection. Certainly among the best new sports movies you can watch.
This breathtaking documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. What's the catch? The mad lad sought to do so without any safety equipment. Free Solo is as much a psychological study as it is a sports film. It inspects the mindset required for such a death-defying feat.
Honnold's philosophy is both inspiring and terrifying: "With free-soloing, obviously I know that I'm in danger, but feeling fearful while I'm up there is not helping me in any way." In need of inspirational sports movies? This Oscar-winning documentary is for you.
While not as recent as some entries on this list, Remember the Titans is a powerful story of unity through sports. Denzel Washington shines as Coach Herman Boone, tasked with leading a newly integrated high school football team in 1971 Virginia.
The film tackles issues of racism and prejudice head-on, showing how sports can break down barriers and forge lasting bonds. It is definitely one of the best feel good sports movies of the early 2000s.
Margot Robbie delivers a memorable performance in this darkly comedic biopic about figure skater Tonya Harding. I, Tonya doesn't exactly follow the typical sports movie formula. It provides a close look at class struggles in America and the price of fame, doing so with a pretty unconventional narrative style. Above all, it reminds us that there's often more to an athlete's story than what we see in the headlines.
Ron Howard's Rush brings to life the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. This biographical drama captures the danger and allure of 1970s racing. We get to see the psychological aspects of competitive sports, which we often aren't used to. It's a story of mutual respect born from fierce rivalry. For those seeking movies similar to Moneyball that focus on real-life sports stories, Rush is another perfect drama.
Rounding off our list with one of the most memorable 2000s sports movies, we have Stephen Chow's hilarious and action-packed Shaolin Soccer. This Hong Kong film mixes martial arts with soccer in a way that's both ridiculous and ridiculously entertaining.
It may not have the dramatic heft of other entries on this list, but Shaolin Soccer is pure, unadulterated fun. Sometimes, that's enough. It's a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and thinking outside the box. What's better? It's all wrapped up in a package of over-the-top comedy and interesting special effects. Easily one of the best sports comedies of the 21st century.
What do you think about our top picks for the best sports movies of the 21st century? These films do more than entertain. They inspire, educate, and can even change lives. From the underdog stories that make us believe in the impossible to the biographical dramas that humanize our sports heroes. We advise you to get a napkin alongside your popcorn. You will be deeply moved.
MightyTips tipster and iGaming expert, Evelyn Balyton believes that for sports betting enthusiasts, these films should offer more than just entertainment. According to her, they also provide insights into the:
psychology of athletes
inner workings of sports organizations
unpredictable nature of competitions
Thankfully, websites like mightytips.ph recognize the connection between sports cinema and sports betting. This is why it offers analysis that goes beyond mere statistics to consider the human elements that often determine outcomes.
Looking for inspiration, a good cry, or just an adrenaline rush, the best sports movies of all time from the 21st century have something for everyone. With all that said, which one are you watching first?