17+ Best Sports Movies of All Time Based On True Stories You Must Watch!
The life of a sportsperson is filled with exciting and gripping stories. Such stories often catch the attention of moviemakers and directors. They are always in search of outrageous stories from the sports world as they make great movie plots. This is why we have so many iconic sports movies that are based on true stories.
The moviesbased on sports are never exactly about the sports itself. It is always entwined with the tales of human determination and spirit. They often teach us how to overcome hurdles even in the toughest situations. Such movies are filled with emotions.
We are lucky to have received many incredible stories from the sports world over the years. These movies are not only inspiring, but they also teach us a lot of other good things. So if you are looking for movies based on true-life stories, then you are in the right place. In this post, we will suggest some of the best sports movies of all time from Bollywood, Hollywood, Netflix, and other major platforms.
Recommended:Best spy drama movies to watch in Hollywood
Best Hollywood Sports Based Stories
Hollywood has always amazed us with their way of storytelling, especially when those movies based on true life events. These movies are based on some of the iconic people from the sports world.
1. The Blind Side (2009)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.6/10
- Available On:Netflix/Amazon Prime/Hungama/Vudu/Youtube/Apple TV/Google Play
Plot:The Blind Side is a 2009 movie starring Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher (Big Mike), a high school student living in poverty who was taken in by Sean Tuohy (Tim McGraw) and Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock).
This is the story of Big Mike who went from a poverty struck kid to become one of the most iconic footballer players. It was because of his new family that his life was changed forever.
2. Ali (2001)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:6.8/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Netflix/Youtube
Plot:Ali is considered to be one of the best sports biopics ever made in Hollywood. The film is based on the life story of famous Muhammad Ali’s early days. The story navigates through his life and how he became the most iconic boxing champion in history.
This is a heart touching movie that beautifully showcases the life struggles of Ali and his refusal to participate in the Vietnam War. The movie starred Will Smith who put up a commendable performance for this role.
Latest on binge post:Best Netflix movies & series recommendations
3. We Are Marshall (2006)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.1/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Netflix
Plot:This movie showcases a tragic plane crash that ends the lives of the Marshall University football players. An incident that shakes the entire University and the nation. But the students of Marshall University won’t give up as they form a new team to convince the university administration to let them play.
Matthew McConaughey, the new head coach leads the team to achieve their lost glory. Despite facing challenges and hurdles on his way, he just won’t give up.
4. Cool Runnings (1993)
- Genre:Sport/Comedy
- IMDb rating:7/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Disney+ Hotstar
Plot:Cool Runnings is a famous movie based on the story of athletics from Jamaica. The movie is all about a group of athletes from Jamaica who are determined to take part in the bobsledding in the Olympics.
John Candy, the coach teaches us that anything can be achieved if you have the right attitude for it. This group of athletes takes part in the Olympics in a game that is not even prevalent in their land.
5. Coach Carter (2005)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.3/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Youtube/Netflix
Plot:Coach Carter starred Samuel L. Jackson who plays the role of a strict coach who wants to teach his players the hard way. He has created a high school basketball team that is undefeated.
The actual story takes place in Richmond, California, an area known for its less-than-optimal surrounding. The coach is confronted by the school board for his actions. But he explains to them that he is trying to make his players perform the best and also have a life past basketball.
Recommended:Free movie download websites & apps for the latest releases
Best Bollywood Sports Based Movies
Bollywood understands the Indian audience well. They know that our nation has great involvement with sports and that’s why they dared to make such iconic sports-based movies that inspire us all. We have several sports movies being released every year, but here are some of the top favorites that are based on true-life stories. We are sure that you have already watched some of them.
1. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:8.2/10
- Available On:Disney+ Hotstar/Amazon.com/Msn
Plot:Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is one of the most famous sports biopic made in Bollywood. It is based on the story of the famous athlete Milkha Singh who was a national runner. He proved his mettle not only to his country but also on the Olympic level.
The role of Milkha Singh is played by Farhan Akhtar. The movie is directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra who did an excellent job to make this movie stand out. The movie showcases the hard work, determination, and passion for running that Milkha Singh had. It is filled with inspiring events and is a must-watch for all sports lovers.
2. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
- Genre:Sport/Action
- IMDb rating:8.2/10
- Available On:Netflix/Amazon.com/Youtube
Plot:Paan Singh Tomar is the story of an Indian athlete and soldier whose talent for running was discovered while serving in the Indian Army. He was a 7-time national champion who represented his country in the Asian Games1958. But life had other plans for him as he turned into one of the biggest and most feared Dacoits in history.
The movie starred Irrfan Khan in the lead role and showcases all the events that forced this athlete to turn into a dacoit.
3. Chak De! India (2007)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:8.2/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Msn/Amazon.com
There is not a single person in Indiawho hasn’t heard of this movie. The story is based on the real-life events of coach Mir Ranjan Negi, who was a famous hockey player. In Asian Games 1982, he was charged with match-fixing after losing to Pakistan. This put an end to his hockey career, but he soon returned as a coach for the Asian Games 1998.
He was also the assistant coach for the Women’s team that won Gold at the Hockey Asia Cup 2004. The lead role was played by Sharukh Khan who did an incredible job.
4. Patiala House (2011)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:5.6/10
- Available On:Netflix/Amazon Prime/Youtube
Plot:This movie is loosely based on the life story of a sports personality. The lead role is played by Akshay Kumar.
The story shows how an Indian family moves to London, after which the lead character emerges to be one of the best bowlers in the world. Akshay Kumar played the role of a fast bowler but, somehow the story is a bit similar.
Recommended for you:Details about Akshay Kumar’s film Laxmi bomb
5. Mary Kom (2014)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:6.8/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Netflix/Youtube/Jio Cinema/
Plot:Mary Kom is the biopic of Mary Kom who is the only female boxing champion in the world to win a medal in all the six world championships. The life story of Mary Kom is an inspiring one that led Omung Kumar to make a movie on her.
This movie was proved to be a great hit. It shows the life struggles of Mary Kom and how she fought with her family to enter the boxing world. The lead role was played by Priyanka Choprawho took special boxing training just to play this role. No doubt, she turned out to be the perfect choice to play Mary Kom.
6. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.8/10
- Available On:Disney+ Hotstar/Amazon.com/Youtube
Plot:This is yet another biopic movie made by Bollywood which turned out to be a massive hit. As you have already guessed, the movie is the biography of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
The story is based on Dhoni’s life which is shown in chronological order. The movie focuses on the journey of Dhoni and the challenges faced by him in life. The story of Dhoni is an inspiring one that teaches the youth how to not back down during difficult times. The lead role is played by Sushant Singh Rajput who did an exceptional job in the movie.
7. Azhar (2016)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:5.8/10
- Available On:Netflix/Youtube
Plot:Azhar is a movie based on the story of Mohammad Azharuddin who is a famous cricket player. During his career, he was regarded as one of the best players in the game. But his career came to an end when he was accused of match-fixing which banned him for life from cricket.
The lead role was played by Emraan Hashmi and directed by Ekta Kapoor. This a tragic story on Azharuddin and his downfall.
Recommended:50 Best Indian web series to watch in 2020
Best Sports Based Movies On Netflix
If you are a Netflix subscriber, then you must watch these inspiring sports movies on the platform.
1. Remembering The Titans (2000)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.8/10
- Available On:Disney/Youtube
Plot:Remember the Titansis one of the epic sports movies ever made. It is the movie that brought sports genre in the mainstream. The movie is based on the true-life events of TC.
It starred Will Patton andDenzel Washington who put in some powerful acting in the movie to make it a hit. However, the movie received a lot of backlash for inaccuracy. Despite all the controversy, the movie is an inspiring one and is a must-watch for all the sports lovers.
2. The Program (2016)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:6.5/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Vudu
Plot:Ben Foster plays the role of Lance Armstrong, who is a 2 time Tour de France winner. The movie follows an Irish journalist who would not leave a single chance to expose Armstrong and his consumption on illegal.
The story of Lance Armstong is a strong one. Although the movie doesn’t dig deep into the details, it still raises the question of whether he is a good sportsman or not.
3. Dangal (2016)
- Genre:Sport/Action
- IMDb rating:8.4/10
- Available On:Netflix/Airtel XStream/Youtube
Plot:Dangal is one of the greatest hits Hindi cinema which starred Amir Khan. This is the story of Phogat sisters who entered the wrestling world fighting against sexism to win a gold medal for the country the Commonwealth games.
They are trained by Mahavir Singh Phogat played by Aamir Khan. The Phogat sisters including Babita and Geeta won gold in the Commonwealth Games 2010. Although the story is not 100% official, it still manages to put across the motivating message. The movie motivates us to fight against all odds to reach our goals.
4. Soorma (2018)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.4/10
- Available On:Netflix/Youtube
Plot:Soormais a movie that focuses on the journey of Sandip Singh, former Hockey captain of the Indian team. The movie showcases how a tragic gunshot accident almost ended Singh’s hockey career.
In the lead role, we have Diljit Dosanjh who did a commendable job. The movie stresses the details of Soorma’s comeback despite facing so many challenges. This is a motivational tale and is a must-watch.
Popular:15 Best Halloween Movies on Netflix
Best Sports Based Movies On Amazon Prime
In this section, we would like to suggest some of the epic sports movies available on Amazon Prime.
1. Moneyball (2011)
- Genre:Sport/Drama
- IMDb rating:7.6/10
- Available On:Netflix/Amazon Prime/Hulu/Youtube
Plot:Moneyballis a movie based on the life story of Billy Beane played by Brad Pitt. He was the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics. After losing the American League Division Series in 2001, he had to deal with the departure of some of his greatest players.
The movie shows how Beane and Peter Brand, his Yale graduate develops a metric system to assess players based on their on-base percentage. The movie received a lot of strong criticism. However, it is still an inspiring story for the audience.
Also Check:15 best youtube originals to watch now in 2020
Best Sports Based Movies On Hotstar Premium
We also have some good sports-based movies you can watch on Hotstar Premium.
1. Foxcatcher (2014)
- Genre:Sports/Drama
- IMDb rating:7/10
- Available On:Amazon Prime/Vudu
Plot:Foxcatcher is one of the best sports movies made in Hollywood. This movie has won several awards and also Academy Award nominations for the brilliant acting by Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell. However, the movie is still very underrated.
The story focuses on the world ofsports and how it’s related to crime. It follows the story of John du Pont who recruits two 1984 Olympic gold medalists Mark Schultz and David Schultz to train US wrestlers for competitions. The movie is beautifully shot and also showcases some brilliant moments that will make you want to watch the movie again and again.
Trending:Most Underrated Hollywood Movies on Netflix
FAQs About The Best Sports Based Movies In 2020
1. Do OTT Platforms Have Sports Movies Category To Watch?
Yes, many of the OTT Platforms have plenty of Sports movies available from action, drama, thriller, suspense genres to watch online.
2. How To Find Best Sports Based Movies To Watch Online?
OTT Platforms have a Sports movie category, but you can watch some sports movies on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, Youtube, and Disney+ Hotstar Etc. To find and watch the best sports-based movies on platforms like Netflix or Amazon prime simply search for the desired movie you want to watch online and click on the watch now button.
3. What Are Some Of The Best Sports Based Hollywood Films?
You can find a wide range of sports movies from old to the latest ones to watch online or download within the OTT app. Some of the best Hollywood sports movies are:
- Ali (2001)
- Cool Runnings (1993)
- Coach Carter (2005)
4. What Are Some Of The Best Bollywood Sports Movies?
Some of the best Bollywood Sports movies to watch online are listed below:
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
- Chak De! India (2007)
- M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)
5. What Are Some Of The Best Sports Movies On Netflix?
Some of the best sports movies on Netflix to watch online are listed below:
- Dangal (2016)
- Soorma (2018)
6. What Are Some Of The Indian Sports Based Movies?
Some of the best Indian sports-based movies to watch online are listed below:
- Paan Singh Tomar (2010)
- Patiyala House (2011)
- Azhar (2016)
7. Is It Possible To Download Sports Based Movies Online?
Yes, it is possible to download Sports movies on some of the OTT Platforms like Youtube, Netflix, Hulu. To download movies on Netflix or youtube follow these steps:
- First of all, you need to take a monthly/annual subscription to any of these services.
- Now, log in your Netflix or Youtube account and search for war movies you want.
- Click on the particular movie and use the “Download” or “Save Offline” option to download the movie within the app or website.
8. Can We Watch Sports Movies Online For Free Without Paying?
No, Almost all of the sports-based movies listed in this article are only available to watch on their respective OTT platforms, by taking paid monthly/annual subscription.
Checkout: The best cyberpunk content on Netflix
Wrapping It Up!
As we said, the world of sports is filled with memorable and exciting stories. Some stories are bad, while others are inspiring. This attracts the filmmakers to make movies that will be remembered by the audience for a long time. If you are a true sports fanatic, then you must watch the films mentioned in this list.
Don’t forget to check:Best Fantasy Movies to Watch on Netflix
Disclaimer (Important)
Online Piracy of any authentic content material on any website is a punishable crime and we completely oppose this piracy thing. The content material that’s given above is simply to provide the wanted details about unlawful actions. We have only provided the official and legal links to watch those movies or webseries on their respective OTT platforms. We request our readers to please steer clear of such web sites and decide the precise manner or authorized websites for downloading/watching any movie online.
