From the greatest triumphs to the lowest of lows, sports movies depict a wide range of topics and events, whether fictional or based on a true story. While the plot may involve the game, many of these films also shine a light on the human condition. 

Here’s a list of movies based around sports to check out.

Miracle (2004) – Hockey

Kurt Russell plays the head coach of an American team of underdogs going up against a dominant Soviet team. Based on the real-life “Miracle on Ice” when college students defeated the USSR to win the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics, the film is a good depiction of an unforgettable moment in sports history.

Moneyball (2011) – Baseball

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?” Based on the book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis, the movie acts as a dramatized documentary of the Oakland Athletics’ 2002 season and Billy Beane’s, played by Brad Pitt, efforts to improve the roster through sabermetrics, statistical analysis, in scouting prospects. While the film takes artistic liberties, it is an enjoyable look at the behind-the-scenes of business management.

Remember The Titans (2000) – Football

Loosely based on a true story, Denzel Washington stars in the film as a high school football coach who tries to integrate the team after the abolition of racial segregation in public schools. While the film may seem generic, at its core, it has a sense of unity and perseverance as the team goes through adversity.

Rocky (1976) – Boxing

What can be said that has not already been said before? A classic underdog story, Rocky tells the rags-to-riches story of a working-class man given the opportunity of a lifetime. While the film centers around a boxing match, it is much more than that. The sport is a backdrop for a gritty drama that follows Rocky Balboa on his iconic journey to the biggest challenge of his life: proving his worth to everyone, including himself. Headed by stellar performances from Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith, Rocky is a movie full of heart.

The Last Dance (2020) – Basketball

The Last Dance takes a deep dive into the 90’s Chicago Bulls, one of the greatest dynasties in sports history, with a favorable focus on Michael Jordan. While technically not a movie, the 10-episode series provides good insight into the era through the interviews of the personalities involved in the team, including former players Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr and former head coach Phil Jackson.