Sports movies have dominated the big screen for years. Their stories of determination, persistence, and strength in the face of adversity are all messages viewers love to take and apply in their own lives. The lessons that sports movies teach are inspiring and relatable since most of the world has experience with sports - watching, playing, or otherwise.
Most of the sports movies remembered fondly are very male-driven: We Are Marshall, Remember the Titans, Rudy, Radio...not to mention very dominated by football. In the last 20 years, female-led sports movies have made their way into the entertainment industry, and they are reaching an even wider audience with similar stories of perseverance and epic athleticism.
A League of Their Own (1992)
One of the first major female-driven sports movies is A League of Their Own. This film tells the inspiring true story of the first female professional baseball team who set foot on the diamond when all the young men were shipped off in World War II. Geena Davis and Lori Petty steal the show with their outstanding performances as the main characters and sisters on the team.
Tom Hanks plays the grumpy, alcoholic coach who dubs the famous line, "There's no crying in baseball!" Ann Cusack and Rosie O'Donnell can be seen strapping their cleats, even Madonna can be seen in the all-too-familiar pink uniform, in arguably one of her greatest roles. Not only for the star cast but also for the female-driven storyline and amazing baseball playing, this is a must-see.
Bring It On (2000)
The early 2000s stepped up and brought audiences a majority of fan-favorite female sports movies still loved today. Kirsten Dunst stars in Bring it On as the newly elected cheerleading captain of the Rancho Carne High School Toros. The team is set to go to the national championships for the sixth year when Dunst's character realizes that the routine they are so proud of was actually stolen.
This film is full of twists, flips, and high-flying routines that are sure to inspire every young child who views it to want to be a cheerleader. The film has found renewed love years later after the release of Netflix's Cheer. After its initial success in 2000, at least five other remakes and sequels were made from 2004 to 2017.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Bend it Like Beckham, named after the famous footballer David Beckham, stars Keira Knightley as Jules and Parminder Nagra as Jess. The story follows 18-year-old Jess as she becomes fascinated with British Football and decides to join an all-women team, despite her parents forbidding her, which eventually makes its way to the top of the league.
This film inspired so many little girls at the time to try out for soccer, especially as they watch amazing women like Knightley and Nagra on screen. Jess's journey to land her a scholarship and an education in the United States gets complicated and has its ups and downs throughout the film, but as Jess overcomes her hardships, the film takes a heartwarming turn and becomes one of the best feel-good sports movies of all time.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
As one of Clint Eastwood's best directorial projects, Million Dollar Baby stole the show in 2004. Eastwood plays an introverted boxing trainer who only finds himself again when he is pestered by a young female boxer, played by Hilary Swank, seeking his expertise. The story is inspiring and resonates with women who have a little fight in them.
Swank steals the screen and puts on an Academy Award-winning performance. The film was a box-office hit and received raving reviews from critics all over the world. It was nominated seven times for Academy Awards and won four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Morgan Freeman took home a statue for Best Supporting Actor. The film is timeless and truly a must-see for women athletes.
Stick It (2006)
The gymnastics and high-energy tricks in Stick It are visually compelling and keep audiences' eyes glued to the screen. In 2006, the film was released and did well at the box office. Critics had the most to say about Missy Peregrym's phenomenal leading performance. The story follows Haley Graham (Peregrym), a rebellious 17-year-old who agrees to return to competitive gymnastics after having a run-in with the law.
Although she resents him at first, she grows close with her new coach, played by Jeff Bridges, and begins to use her talent to make a statement in the world of gymnastics. She truly inspires audiences to push themselves and use their passions to find their purpose. Although it is not the most critically acclaimed film, it is fun, entertaining, and definitely a must-see.
She's The Man (2006)
She's the Man is a romantic comedy sports film that was released at Amanda Bynes' prime. She plays a talented soccer player who pretends to be a boy, her brother, in order to play on the men's soccer team. The film, directed by Andy Fickman, is a spin-off of William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night. The entire film is fun and entertaining from start to finish.
It has some cringe-worthy moments of young adult complications, but ultimately, the unique storyline and Amanda Bynes' performance make this film a must-see. Not to mention, Channing Tatum stars as Bynes' teammate and eventual love interest. For soccer-lovers everywhere, She's the Man is the perfect film.
The Mighty Macs (2009)
The women's basketball team at Immaculata College is in need of a new head coach, so Cathy Rush, played by Carla Gugino, steps up and starts her journey toward making history in The Mighty Macs. This film, based on a true story, is inspiring for young women across the globe. It highlights a team full of determination who have hope despite a lack of funding, no uniforms, and no gym.
The film is full of spirit and goes to show what a little faith and a whole lot of determination can do to save a team. The film received mixed reviews due to its emphasis on sports film clichés, but viewers were fixated on its inspirational tale, and it will remain a must-see for female athletes everywhere.
Whip It (2009)
It is rare for a film about roller derby to be released, but Whip It takes the cake as one of the best. Elliot Page plays Bliss Cavendar, a young girl who takes up an interest in roller derby and, by lying about her age, is able to join the Hurl Scouts alongside characters played by Kristen Wiig, Zoë Bell, and Drew Barrymore.
Her journey to roller derby lands her in trouble with friends, family, and boyfriends, but she eventually reconnects with her new friends and truly starts to find herself in the sport. Although the film received positive reviews, it was a box office disappointment. Still, for those who love roller derby and an inspiring tale of determination led by a female character, Whip It is a must-see.
Soul Surfer (2011)
Soul Surfer is a wonderfully inspiring tale of a strong young woman, based on a true story. The movie tells the story of Bethany Hamilton, a rising surfer star who faces adversity in her training after she loses an arm in a shark attack. She fought for her life and now must fight for her spot among the elite surfers in the world. Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid play Hamilton's parents who have her back throughout the film.
AnnaSophia Robb's performances as Hamilton was praised by critics. Despite the film's overall mixed reviews, it was a hit with audiences, particularly women under the age of 25. Surfing is not as much of a popular sport, but young women connected with Bethany, and AnnaSophia Robb's convincing performance made it that much more inspiring.
Battle Of The Sexes (2017)
Battle of the Sexes follows the real-life 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Emma Stone puts on a phenomenal performance as King and Steve Carell as Riggs. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors makes this film fun and extremely entertaining to watch. The reviews were mostly positive, many raving specifically about Stone's performance, but it did not do as well in the box office.
Still, it was nominated for Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and SAG awards in various categories. It touches on topics of sexuality, women in sports, and the way male athletes are treated versus female athletes. It is entertaining, relevant, and brings attention to a historical part of sports history.