Reflecting on the past decade's sports movies, the shift in the genre (most recently from the Disney-dominated 2000s) is both interesting and expansive. In the years since Rocky, The Karate Kid, and Sandlot, sports films have branched out and gotten more specific or niche, taking on athletics that received little attention in the past, or diving even deeper into the major ones.
As a result of this natural progression, the 2010s produced some of the most unique and complex films of the genre and provided fresh takes on classic archetypes that drew in audiences both new and old alike.
The Art Of Racing In The Rain (2019) - 7.6
In one of the rare sports movies told primarily through the point of view of a dog (whose name isn't Air Bud), The Art Of Racing In The Rain follows golden retriever Enzo as he accompanies his race car driving owner through trials and tribulations both on and off the racetrack.
From director Simon Curtis, the film stars Milo Ventimiglia (of This Is Us fame) as the aforementioned race car driver, Amanda Seyfried (Mank, Mean Girls) as his wife, and the legendary Kevin Costner, lending his signature voice to the golden retriever protagonist.
Creed (2015) - 7.6
There are fewer film legacies greater to shoulder than that of Rocky, the godfather of the modern sports movie. But Creed succeeds in not only carrying it but lifting it to greater heights.
Directed and co-written by prominent filmmaker Ryan Coogler, the film follows Apollo Creed's son, Adonis, as he tries to make it as a professional boxer, enlisting the help of the man, the myth, the legend himself, Rocky Balboa. Starring Michael B. Jordan and of course Sylvester Stallone, Coogler successfully revitalizes the Rocky franchise, giving it a fresh take while staying true to its predecessors.
The Fighter (2010) - 7.8
Keeping in line with the sport of boxing, Oscar winner The Fighter tells the story of real-life boxer, Micky Ward, an up-and-coming fighter vying for his own chance at contention while trying to escape the influence of his more famous older brother.
From celebrated writer/director, David O. Russell, the film features a star-studded ensemble including six-time Academy-Award nominee Amy Adams (receiving a nomination for this film), Christian Bale as the older brother Dicky (who picked up an Oscar for his performance), and Mark Whalberg as the aforementioned Micky Ward.
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) - 7.8
Continuing the trend of biopics, the hugely popular sport of cricket takes center stage in the film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. The movie tells the true, inspirational story of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the goalie of the school soccer team who gets recruited by the cricket coach, starting him down a path that culminates with him as captain of the world cup winning national team.
From award-winning writer, director, and producer Neeraj Pandey, the film stars Kiara Advani, Anupam Kher, Disha Patani (in her Bollywood debut), and Sushant Singh Rajput in the titular role of M.S. Dhoni.
Ford v Ferrari (2019) - 8.1
In 2019, renowned filmmaker James Mangold took a respite from the tentpole franchise fare (though he's returning to his old stomping grounds to helm the next Indiana Jones movie) to make an Oscar-winning race car film.
Ford v Ferrari recounts the true story of car designer Carrol Shelby and driver Ken Miles, as they team up to take on car maker Ferrari in the 1966 24 hours of Le Mans race. Starring Matt Damon as Carrol Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles, Mangold reminded the Academy he could still cater to their tastes.
Rush (2013) - 8.1
Yet another race car movie from a prominent filmmaker, Rush continues to cement the decade's trend of keying in on narratives that take place in the vicinity of a race track.
From legendary director Ron Howard (Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind), and writer of Netflix's The Crown, Peter Morgan, the film follows the storied rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1970s. Starring as the two dueling drivers are MCU standouts Daniel Brühl (AKA Baron Zemo) and Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth.
Warrior (2011) - 8.2
The fighting sport of MMA essentially took over boxing in the past decade, becoming a worldwide phenomenon thanks to professional leagues like the UFC. And in the midst of this rise in consciousness, came the powerhouse film, Warrior. Directed and co-written by Gavin O' Connor (also known for The Accountant), Warrior tracks a young fighter (Tom Hardy) who goes into training with his father (Nick Nolte), a former boxer, for an upcoming tournament. However, the younger fighter's quest puts him on course for a clash with his estranged older brother (Joel Edgerton), stepping back into the ring for his own reasons.
Paan Singh Tomar (2010) - 8.2
Steeplechase is without a doubt one of the most obscure athletic disciplines, even among track and field, but it is the sport that takes center stage in the biopic, Paan Singh Tomar. Helmed by director and co-writer Tigmanshu Dhulia, the film follows the titular character, a seven-time national steeplechase champion who is recruited by the army before eventually transforming into a notorious dacoit (a class of criminal in India who terrorize and travel in gangs). The film stars the late great Irrfan Khan, who successfully crossed over to American audiences in hit films such as Jurrasic World, Life of Pi, and Slumdog Millionaire.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (8.2)
Keeping in the sport of track and field, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag tells the remarkable story of real-life Olympic sprinter, Milkha Singh (AKA The Flying Sikh).
From BAFTA-nominated director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and writer Prasoon Joshi, the film recounts his ascent to international prominence, overcoming the massacre of his family, civil war, and homelessness along the way. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag stars Divya Dutta, Sonam Kapoor, Pawan Malhotra, and Farhan Ahktar as the titular role of Milkha Singh.
Dangal (8.4)
The sport of wrestling dates as far back as the ancient Greeks, where they held it as an event during the earliest iterations of the Olympic Games. In the time since, the Olympics have ballooned with countless more events, but Dangal puts the sport squarely back in the spotlight.
Based on a true story, former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat takes his two daughters under his tutelage, defying gender norms and striving for victory at the Commonwealth Games. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film stars Aamir Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, and Fatima Sana Shaikh.