From 'Moneyball' to 'Hustle', here are 6 sports-drama films to warm your heart before 'The Beautiful Game' hits Netflix
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Calling all sports enthusiasts and those seeking an uplifting cinematic experience! With 'The Beautiful Game' landing on Netflix soon, it's the perfect time to dive into the world of sports dramas.
'The Beautiful Game' (2024) isn't your typical sports film. This heartwarming drama follows a team of homeless English footballers led by a dedicated coach as they compete in the inspiring real-life Homeless World Cup.
Get ready for emotional journeys, second chances, and the power of teamwork on the beautiful game's biggest stage.
But before you get swept away by 'The Beautiful Game', here are 6 sports dramas that will warm your heart and get you pumped. These films capture the power of dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, leaving you feeling motivated and inspired.
Hustle (2022)
Adam Sandler ditches the goofball routine for a dramatic slam dunk in 'Hustle'! This Netflix film showcases Sandler's impressive range as Stanley Sugarman, a down-on-his-luck basketball scout who stumbles upon a raw, but troubled, talent overseas.
Forget silly antics - 'Hustle' delves into the grittier side of the game. Stanley, facing his own career woes, sees a chance at redemption by mentoring this young player (played by real-life NBA star Juancho Hernangomez).
Their journey is one of hard work, second chances, and overcoming obstacles, both on and off the court.
If you enjoyed Sandler's dramatic chops in 'Uncut Gems' but craving a more hopeful story, 'Hustle' is the perfect play. It's a crowd-pleaser with heart, perfect for basketball fans and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
Icarus (2017)
'Icarus' starts off with a wild premise: filmmaker Bryan Fogel sets out to dope himself to win an amateur cycling race.
However, this documentary takes a shocking turn as Fogel connects with Grigori Rodchenkov, the head of Russia's anti-doping lab. Their initial collaboration on Fogel's doping experiment unravels a massive international conspiracy.
'Icarus' morphs from a quirky self-experiment into a gripping exposé of Russia's state-sponsored doping program.
Fogel exposes the dark side of sports, where athletes are pawns in a larger political game.
'Icarus' is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see a documentary that transcends sports and dives into the depths of international intrigue.
Pelé (2021)
Dive into the legend of Pelé - a Netflix documentary that celebrates the iconic footballer's life and legacy. This 2021 film, released shortly before Pelé's passing, offers a unique perspective narrated by the legend himself.
Pelé wasn't just a superstar athlete; he was a cultural and political symbol for 20th-century Brazil. The documentary explores his awe-inspiring skills on the field, his triumphs and defeats, and his reflections on becoming a national icon during a complex political era.
Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply curious about a sporting legend, 'Pelé' has something to offer.
Enjoy insightful interviews with Pelé himself as he recounts his journey, from his remarkable talent to his unfiltered opinions on the role he played in Brazilian history.
Gran Turismo (2023)
Hitting the big screen in 2023 was 'Gran Turismo', a biopic that takes you on the real-life ride of Jann Mardenborough.
This British teenager wasn't just a whiz at the popular racing simulator game; his skills behind the virtual wheel translated to the real track, propelling him to become a professional race car driver.
'Gran Turismo' isn't the first attempt at a film adaptation of the beloved game series. The project had a bumpy road to production, going through several director changes before Neill Blomkamp took over at the helm in 2022.
Archie Madekwe steps into the driver's seat as Mardenborough, with a supporting cast including David Harbour and Orlando Bloom.
The film garnered praise for Blomkamp's direction and the adrenaline-pumping racing sequences. However, some critics took issue with the screenplay and the use of a real-life racing incident involving Mardenborough.
Regardless, 'Gran Turismo' is a crowd-pleaser for racing fans and those who enjoy underdog stories – a must-watch for anyone who's ever dreamt of turning virtual wins into real-life victories.
Moneyball (2011)
Baseball with a twist! Released in 2011, 'Moneyball' isn't your typical sports flick.
This biographical drama tells the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), the general manager of the underdog Oakland Athletics. Faced with a shoestring budget, Beane and his assistant Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) defy the status quo.
Instead of chasing big-name players, they utilize a revolutionary statistical approach called sabermetrics to identify undervalued talent. Think underdog athletes with hidden potential!
With Philip Seymour Hoffman also starring, 'Moneyball' is more than just a sports film. It's a captivating story about challenging the system, finding success against all odds, and the power of unconventional thinking.
Brian Banks (2018)
Injustice tackled on the gridiron! 'Brian Banks' is a powerful true story about resilience in the face of a wrongful conviction.
Aldis Hodge portrays Brian Banks, a former high school football star whose dreams of playing in the NFL are shattered by a false rape accusation. Pressured by a bad lawyer, Brian pleads no contest, leading to years in prison and a lifetime as a registered sex offender.
Determined to clear his name, Brian seeks help from the California Innocence Project. Greg Kinnear steps in as Justin Brooks, a lawyer who fights for Brian's chance at a retrial. Together, they navigate the complexities of the justice system, searching for new evidence to prove Brian's innocence.
'Brian Banks' is a compelling drama that explores themes of wrongful conviction, the fight for justice, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream.