The 10 Best Sports Movies Of All Time, According To The AFI

Some believe that sports movies are only enjoyable for people who like the activities the films display. For this reason, many viewers are not interested in this genre of film. However, some sports movies can be incredibly gripping, telling about the lives of famous athletes, inspiring people through tales of overcoming obstacles, or otherwise entertaining audiences that watch them.

The American Film Institute (AFI) has compiled a list of its picks for the best sports movies of all time, featuring titles from various areas of athletics and professional levels. The thing they have in common is that they are all thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

The title character of the film Jerry Maguire is a sports agent who chooses to start his own agency after an incident causes him to reevaluate his current place of employment.

While much of the movie focuses on his business dealings, the emotional center of the film comes from his relationship with Dorothy Boyd and her son Ray. As one of the best sports-themed rom coms, Jerry Maguire offers an excellent blend of comedy and heart, and it remains one of the most quotable movies of the 1990s. It also features stellar actors who show a fascinating side of the sports world that most are not familiar with.

National Velvet (1945)

Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney, National Velvet is about a young girl who wins a horse and is determined to have it run in the Grand National horse race. She meets a former jockey with a complicated history who helps her in the pursuit of her dreams.

The heartwarming story about overcoming fears and being determined to accomplish goals are timeless lessons that are beautifully displayed in this film. National Velvet features exceptional performances from the cast and has lived on as a classic among sports movies.

Breaking Away (1979)

Breaking Away follows a group of friends who have recently graduated from high school as they clash with several University students who look down upon them. The main character, Dave, has a passion for cycling and seeks to defeat the students in an upcoming race.

The film is a coming-of-age story that excellently mixes the drama between the major characters and the aspects involving cycling, creating a captivating, funny, and heartfelt film that stands tall in the several genres it occupies.

Caddyshack (1980)

Centered on the character of Danny Noonan, a young man who is a caddy at a high-end country club, Caddyshack is a hilarious movie that features some excellent performances from well-known actors.

Most of the characters in the film have entertaining personalities, and many moments have gone on to become incredibly iconic. A highlight in the career of most of those involved, Caddyshack lives on as both one of the most memorable sports movies and one of the funniest comedies of the decade, putting it alongside some of the most rewatchable movies of the 1980s.

The Hustler (1961)

With Paul Newman starring in one of his most highly regarded roles, The Hustler has endured as an iconic story about a man who makes a living for himself by hustling in pool halls. Through his actions and associations with certain immoral people, the main character experiences various hardships.

The film is a fascinating character study, showing the figure as he tries to balance his personal life with his desire for greatness. Many of the figures in the movie are complex, helping to add to the realism of the characters on screen and making the film much more interesting.

Bull Durham (1988)

Bull Durham is a romantic comedy/drama film that centers on the characters of “Crash” Davis, Annie Savoy, and Ebby LaLoosh. Davis is a minor league baseball player who has been tasked with teaching LaLoosh, a promising young pitcher, more about the game as he prepares to head to the majors. Savoy is a loyal fan of the minor league team who has a romantic interest in both men and tries to help LaLoosh in her own way.

Filled with funny moments and great chemistry between all three members of the main cast, Bull Durham is a great film that fans of romantic comedies will surely enjoy. The performances from Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins help to elevate the movie and turn it into a classic.

Hoosiers (1986)

Taking place in 1951, Hoosiers is about a man who becomes the coach of the basketball team for a school in rural Indiana. The coach has a complicated history and seeks to bring this team to the championships.

With incredible performances from the cast and fantastic writing, Hoosiers feels grounded and heartfelt in its presentation. With messages about never giving up and working hard to attain one’s dreams, the film continues to inspire audiences that watch it to this day.

The Pride Of The Yankees (1943)

The Pride of the Yankees is a heartwarming and heartbreaking homage to Lou Gehrig, a beloved baseball player for the New York Yankees whose untimely passing left fans in mourning. The film follows Gehrig, played by Gary Cooper, at various points in his life, including his initial decision to play professionally and many moments throughout his career.

The performances are compelling and feature some real-life baseball players who were teammates with Gehrig, adding to the realism of the movie. The Pride of the Yankees is a touching film that pays tribute to a true legend of the game.

Rocky (1976)

Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone in a role that propelled him to worldwide fame, Rocky follows an aspiring boxer who works as a debt collector in Philadelphia. He receives an invitation to fight heavyweight world champion Apollo Creed, prompting him to train and dedicate himself to giving it his best effort.

Rocky’s journey is an inspirational story that has connected with many viewers since its release. As one of the best sports movies for people who are not sports fans, Rocky gives an important message to viewers about believing in themselves and always giving their all to accomplishing their dreams.

Raging Bull (1980)

As one of the best movies directed by Martin Scorsese, Raging Bull stands proudly as an incredible sports movie. The biographical film follows Jake LaMotta, played by Robert De Niro, at several stages in his life. LaMotta is a boxer whose behaviors cause various elements of his world to crumble around him.

The performances of the entire cast are excellent, including Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty in supporting roles. Raging Bull is a tense, dramatic, and thoroughly enjoyable character study on the complicated figure.