Best Movies Based On Iconic Athletes

From Will Smith reenacting the heavyweight titles of Muhammad Ali in Ali to the story of familial love and elite success of Serena and Venus Williams in King Richard, the film industry has represented some of the most iconic athletes of our time in sports movies. Stories like the homeless dweller turned NFL player, Micheal Oher in The Blind Side, epitomize the great lengths one can go to with self-respect and support. Cobb represents MLB player Ty Cobb perfectly in all of his grit and fierce temperament. 

Many sports movies take us along the tales and lives of real athletes. The selection of films is iconic by name and enjoyable to watch at any time in your life. The stories of how men and women have transformed their skills into professional careers are inspiring. They also depict the athletes in a raw manner that, had the film not been made, fans may not have seen. The journey to greatness may look easy with rings and trophies, but the training to become the world’s greatest athlete is far more complex than a winning record may seem. Here is a list of the best sports movies based on iconic athletes. We warn you that you will want a bag of popcorn on hand to prepare for some of these old-school flicks.

Remember The Titans is easily one of the greatest football films without even considering the real story behind it. Through this film, the people of Alexandria, Virginia, overcome the adverse circumstances of the ‘70s. This comes through the emergence of Black and white men playing together on one team. Star linebacker Gerry Burtier became paralyzed from the waist down in a tragic car accident. Team captain Julius Campbell rallies his teammates to win their state title in this emotionally moving drama. 

The Rookie is an essential sports film. Based on the true story of coach-gone MLB player Jim Morris, this comeback tale shows that no dream has an age limit. Morris never made it out of the minor leagues, but he had one of the meanest fastballs as a pitcher. He turned to coach high school baseball, where his team made a deal. He’d have to try out for the MLB if they won the state championship. Later, Morris was drafted to the Milwaukee Brewers at a rather older age of 35. He succeeds at sharing his talent and love for baseball in this moving film. 

Miracle is a hockey classic. The film takes us through the experience of the 1980s U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team. The talent on the ice here represents the NHL seamlessly, as this Olympic team comprises the best amateur players. With natural emotion and an extreme passion for the sport, the film takes us through training days, leading us into the game for gold against the hard-to-defend Soviets. With grit and sacrifice, the U.S. wins their well-deserved medal in this seriously epic film with real hockey talent.

Rudy is another football classic. One for the underdogs, this film takes us through the story of Rudy Ruettiger. Upon having dyslexia, he is tutored by his dear friend just in time to receive entrance into the prestigious Notre Dame. With dreams of playing for the ‘fighting Irish’ football team, Rudy dedicates every second to making it onto the roster. Persevering through his hardships, Rudy is eventually given practice rights and gains the respect of his teammates. During his senior night, his coaches refused to play him, despite this being the only game Rudy was given a chance to suit up for. The crowd chants, “Rudy! Rudy!” and he makes an epic play by sacking the Georgia Tech quarterback. This a moving film about what it’s like to never give up on your dreams.

The film 42 is a baseball classic about MLB player Jackie Robinson. He was the first Black man to be drafted into the professional league. Turning a blind eye to the racism he faced, Robinson’s story is that of class and skill that ends in a well-deserved career for the first baseman.

The Mighty Ducks has to be one of the most iconic hockey movies just by its sheer entertainment factor. Never mind the cleverness and talent of the team it depicts. Though the story has no heroism, the film takes us through fictional players of the Anaheim Ducks, an NHL hockey team based in California. From learning how to skate to creating a line formation unlike any other, The Mighty Ducks gives us a comical illustration of a young team determined to win.

Rocky is a standout sports film without considering the story of elite professional boxer Chuck Wepner. Starting as a poor loan shark fighting in local clubs, Wepner earns his way to face off for heavyweight titles in this six-movie saga. Based on his career from 1964-1978, the film is both raw and entertaining. The genius behind its acting depicts Chuck “The Bayonne Bleeder” Wepner’s story with elite skill and emotional depth. 

The Fighter not only has a phenomenal cast that carries the storyline exceptionally but exemplifies the powerful story of a professional boxer gone junkie, Dicky Eklund, and his brother Micky Ward. The film follows Dicky training Micky day and night for his welterweight titles. The character portrayals were spot on with their depiction of life on the narcotic streets of Lowell, Massachusetts, in the ‘80s. This film was not only factual but had the talent to make the story come to life. 

Seabiscuit is a heroic and moving story of a professional racehorse. Unwanted and untamed in the Great Depression, the thoroughbred was jockeyed by a man who had suffered loss and injury. Ultimately, it led Seabiscuit to break records that still stand today.

A League of Their Own is one of the few films based on iconic female athletes. When World War II calls the men to serve, the ladies form one of the first all-women professional American League baseball teams. The story of The Rockford Peaches is both enlightening and emotional. It shows the hardship and losses of loved ones at war. It’s a classic to no end and definitely worth a watch.

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