With the 2024 Paris Olympics reaching fever-pitch, this is the perfect time to celebrate the thrill of competition and the spirit of victory through some of the best sports-themed movies.
From the basketball courts to the boxing ring, and from the football field to the baseball diamond, experience the heart-pounding excitement, the emotional highs and lows, and the winning moments of the real-life athletes and personalities depicted in these titles.
Here are some of the must-watch sports films on Disney+.
“Rise” (2022). This movie chronicles the epic journey of the Antetokounmpo brothers from Nigeria to Greece and Giannis’ (Uche Agada) meteoric rise to NBA stardom. His ultimate flex? Getting drafted into the NBA, snagging two MVPs, and winning a championship. His story is all about grinding, family love, and the immigrant hustle. It’s a hype reminder that no matter where you start, dreams do come true.
“Young Woman and the Sea” (2024). Trudy Ederle (Daisy Ridley) makes waves as the first woman to swim across the English Channel. The film dives into the journey of the 1920s American swimmer — filled with intense training, personal sacrifices, and a failed first attempt. With her grit, mad skills, and unwavering support from her coach and family, this isn’t just about Trudy’s victory; it’s a game-changer for women in sports.
Root for the American Samoa national football team as they score their first-ever competitive victory in ‘Next Goal Wins.’
“Next Goal Wins” (2023). Root for the American Samoa national football team as they score their first-ever competitive victory after years of brutal losses, including a 31-0 smackdown by Australia. This Taika Waititi comedy-drama stars Michael Fassbender as Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen. He takes on the challenge of turning this underdog team into World Cup contenders, illustrating hope, resilience, and the power of sports to bring joy and pride to a whole nation.
“Remember The Titans” (2000). The movie showcases how coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) leads and trains a newly integrated high school football team in 1970s Virginia and unites everyone to break racial barriers and embrace diversity in sports.
“The Rookie” (2002). After realizing he’s still got his fastball, 35-year-old high school teacher and coach Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) steps onto the Major League Baseball field and strikes out a batter with his very first pitch. Watching his incredible journey from struggling high school baseball coach to pro pitcher, Jim’s story is a home run for anyone who’s faced setbacks, reminding us that with perseverance and hard work, it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
“The Greatest Game Ever Played” (2005). Amateur golfer Francis Ouimet (Shia LaBeouf) shocks the world by defeating British champion Harry Vardon in the 1913 US Open. This is an inspiring story of a young athlete’s rise to greatness as he overcomes social and economic hurdles to compete at the highest level.
“Million Dollar Arm” (2014). Talent can emerge from the most unexpected places. This is proven by this film’s portrayal of two young cricket players from India, Rinku Singh (Suraj Sharma) and Dinesh Patel (Madhur Mittal), who are discovered by sports agent J. B. Bernstein (Jon Hamm) through a reality show, scoring professional baseball contracts in the US. Their success not only introduces baseball to a new audience but also bridges cultural gaps in sports.
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Go for glory and enjoy these films that capture the essence of sports and experience the winning moments yourself. All of these and more are available on Disney+.
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