10 inspirational sports films to watch

Starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, Challengers is an exploration of both ambition and romance in the realm of professional tennis. This film centres around an injured tennis star turned coach, her ex-boyfriend, and her tennis champion husband, chronicling thirteen years of their shared relationship.

This sports comedy tells the story of Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra, a Punjabi Sikh girl in London. While her passion lies with football, her traditional family does not support her interest. Bend It Like Beckham inspires young women to bend the rules and shatter stereotypes to work towards their dreams. 

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In The Blind Side, Big Mike, a homeless African-American teenager who is in foster care due to his biological mother’s drug addiction, is taken in by a wealthy white family. With their support, he recognises his potential and becomes a successful football player. This film explores family and the transformative power of kindness, showing how compassion and support can change a person’s life.

Based on the historic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, this film explores gender equality and the fight for women’s rights. Emma Stone’s critically acclaimed performance as King depicts her passion and her determination to give women an equal standing in professional tennis.

This classic American sports drama follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer in Philadelphia, who gets a chance to fight against the heavyweight boxing world champion, Apollo Creed. Played by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky goes on a journey of determination and resilience and is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Based on the life of Richard Williams, father and coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams (both of whom worked as executive producers on this film), Will Smith plays a persevering man whose unconventional coaching methods and unwavering belief in his daughters bring them from humble beginnings to international stardom. A tale of family, drive, and the pursuit of excellence, King Richard delves into the role of a supportive parent in shaping the future of two of the greatest athletes in tennis history.

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Based on the 1966 Le Mans race, Ford v Ferrari follows visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British driver Ken Miles, portrayed by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, respectively, collaborating on a revolutionary race car for Ford to compete with Ferrari's dominance. This film captures their fight against corporate interference, personal conflicts, and competition in the high-stakes world of motorsport.

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Creed is a spin-off of the previously mentioned Rocky, and follows Adonis Johnson, the son of Apollo Creed who is pursuing his own boxing career. Adonis seeks out Rocky Balboa, once again portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, to be his mentor, as he strives to step out of his father’s shadow and hold his own as an athlete.

This biographical sports drama is based on the story of Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter, who prioritises academic excellence alongside athletic performance. Carter implements strict academic standards for his team, implementing a strict contract requiring the players to sit in the front rows of their classes, maintain a 2.3 GPA, and submit progress reports on grades and attendance, believing that the boys need education to avoid a life of crime or limited prospects.

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