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Movies centered around sports have consistently resonated with audiences. Frequently tackling multiple themes such as family dynamics, friendships, or various challenges, they usually conclude with resolutions that bring us happiness and instill optimism and strength. These films can be deeply touching and powerful, always imparting a meaningful message in the end.

In the United States, Baseball holds a special place as one of its beloved sports, with numerous films immortalizing captivating tales – both real and fictional – about this intricate and fascinating game. Here are twenty must-see baseball movies available now on Netflix, perfect for refreshing your memory on these classic stories.

Moneyball (2011)

This sports film is based on real events, focusing on the Oakland Athletics baseball squad and their manager Billy Beane who aimed to build a competitive team during the 2002 season, despite financial constraints. Faced with a tight budget for players, Beane and his assistant Peter Brand sought out underestimated talents to form their team.

The team’s top management is unhappy with the decision they made, and prominent critics aren’t optimistic about their chances of success. However, gradually, the team started winning games, breaking a record by achieving their 20th consecutive victory. Beane has been resolute in his efforts to revolutionize baseball by implementing a method that others have since adopted, and eventually, this same strategy began to be used by some other baseball teams.

The Rookie (2002)

In this film, a family-centric plot intertwines with sports action, drawing inspiration from real-life incidents. The protagonist is a father of three, who seizes an unexpected chance to pursue his passion for his favorite sport. This heartwarming narrative follows Jim Morris, a high school chemistry teacher from Texas, who doubles as the coach for his son’s baseball team.

Once upon a time, he was a phenomenal athlete, but a debilitating injury threatened to derail his aspirations. However, now he’s been given another chance to play in a less prominent league. Shortly after, another call comes – this one from the major leagues! It looks like his long-held dreams may finally materialize as he faces a crucial decision about his future.

A-League of Their Own (1992)

One unique sports film features Tom Hanks in the role of a former player, now struggling with alcoholism, who takes on the task of coaching an all-girls baseball team. He manages a talented group of players, among whom is Dottie Hinson, brilliantly played by Geena Davis, who determines to take action and aid her team in a meaningful way.

In a short while, Dottie gains popularity, though not everyone may share this viewpoint. Meanwhile, her fellow teammate Kit – who initially motivated Dottie to join the team – begins to feel overshadowed. During this era of World War II, this movie beautifully portrays the significance of sports and pays a heartfelt tribute to women in a predominantly male-dominated sport.

The Natural (1984)

As a film enthusiast, when I spot names like Barry Levinson, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, and Glenn Close gracing the same movie credit list, it’s a surefire sign that I’m in for something truly captivating. And this particular film is no exception; it tells an extraordinary tale that holds a significant place within the annals of baseball lore. The narrative follows an unassuming middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs who seemingly materializes out of thin air and, with his exceptional talent, transforms a struggling baseball team into a league powerhouse.

In a different setting, Hobbs finds assistance from an unusual bat, crafted from a tree struck by lightning. He ultimately experiences the recognition he deserved sooner. Initially a promising pitcher, his life was altered drastically when a woman of unknown origins shot him. This captivating, fantastical drama, set in the 1930s, underscores that it’s never too late to achieve our dreams.

42 (2013)

The narrative revolves around Jackie Robinson, brilliantly portrayed by Chadwick Boseman posthumously, who was the pioneering Afro-American player to step onto the field in the Major Baseball League. He was handpicked by the visionary team executive Branch Rickey, who aimed to shatter the hidden racial barriers prevalent in this sport. This biographical drama delves into the struggles and hardships Robinson and his family experienced from a prejudiced society during his initial days and months in the league.

Outside the playing field, as well, Robinson faced bullying from both teammates and spectators. Being a strong advocate for himself against racism, Robinson had to combat not only the accusations but also the hurtful words thrown at him. However, he won’t be fighting this battle alone, as he will find support and companionship in unexpected places.

The Bad News Bears (1976)

This story revolves around an amusing blend of comedy and drama featuring Morris Buttermaker, a man once in the minor leagues who now spends his time drinking beer and maintaining pools. He unexpectedly takes on the task of coaching the Bears, a team made up of social outcasts and underdogs with little to no baseball skills. Following their initial match that ends disastrously, the team seems inclined to abandon the effort. However, Buttermaker introduces two skilled players to the mix, an unconventional decision that ultimately proves to be a winning strategy.

Amanda Wurlitzer, who was once trained by him when she was younger, is an accomplished pitcher. She’s also the 11-year-old daughter of one of his former partners. Her presence contributes to a strong team dynamic that eventually leads them to victory in upcoming games. In the end, they find themselves facing their longtime rivals, the Yankees.

The Phenom (2016)

In this film, we witness the repercussions when a top-tier baseball player struggles to maintain his skill and composure on the mound, and the hardships he faces as a result. It delves into the stresses these athletes experience and their strategies for coping under the intense pressure of playing in the Major Leagues.

We track Ethan Hawke’s character, Hopper Gibson, as he navigates through a pivotal phase in his life filled with personal and professional turmoil. His struggles will be far-reaching, affecting not just his job but also his private affairs. Several underlying problems will surface during his therapy sessions, the trickiest of which is his relationship with his father.

The Sandlot (1993)

Scotty Smalls, the latest addition to the community, shifts homes along with his mother and stepfather. Eager to grasp the local pastime, baseball, he settles in this new neighborhood. Before long, he’s mentored by the area’s most skilled baseball player, Rodriguez, and forges friendships with the children residing nearby.

They spend their days enjoying baseball games and embarking on assorted escapades which encompass a traveling carnival, overnight stays in treehouses, and competing teams. It’s all part of an unforgettable summer for them. However, there’s another matter they must attend to. Residing behind the sandlot’s fence is a menacing dog known as The Beast, who devours baseballs, and they will have to confront him.

Field of Dreams (1989)

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, one unforgettable and heartwarming film that stands out in my mind is the magical tale of a farmer from Iowa who mysteriously hears a voice whispering in his cornfield, “If you build it, they will come.” This cryptic message leads Ray Kinsella to construct a baseball field on his very own land. Yet, this voice isn’t the only enigmatic aspect of the story.

One day, Kinsella encounters the spirits of Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other seven Chicago White Sox players. He’s determined to decipher the significance behind these apparitions and enlists a secluded author to help him interpret them and uncover the purpose behind constructing this baseball field. This captivating and emotional tale garnered nominations for three Academy Awards and showcased outstanding performances by the esteemed Kevin Costner, along with other talented actors.

Bull Durham (1988)

A year prior to his breakthrough success with Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner starred in another outstanding baseball-themed film – this time it was a romantic comedy titled Bull Durham. In this movie, he played Crash Davis, an experienced catcher who mentors a young pitcher named Ebby Calvin “Nuke” Laloosh as they prepare for a crucial game that could propel their team to the major leagues.

In addition to this tale, there’s another female character – Annie Savoy, a baseball enthusiast. Initially, she’s smitten by Nuke, but unexpectedly, Cash develops feelings for Crash. Despite this, her bond with Nuke deepens, leading to heated arguments between him and Crash. Ultimately, the story unfolds into an entertaining and engaging comedy, filled with humor and intrigue.

Up For Grabs (2004)

This amusing tale, based on real-life incidents, revolves around a legal dispute concerning the famous “Million Dollar Baseball.” It centers around a court case involving two individuals claiming ownership of the baseball that Barry Bonds hit for his 73rd home run in 2001. One person managed to catch the ball, while another eventually acquired it. Now, they’re trying to determine who the legitimate owner truly is.

It seems that there’s no consensus, not even among baseball enthusiasts or experts. This suggests a spectacle that may appear as irrational: the intense human fascination with this game, pushing some people to extreme lengths to validate their beliefs.

The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg (1998)

In this documentary, we delve into the life and career of Hank Greenberg, an esteemed figure in the Baseball Hall of Fame. By using archived footage and interviews with both Jewish and non-Jewish admirers, friends, relatives, and ex-team colleagues, it paints a vivid picture of his journey.

Greenberg spent his entire career combatting antisemitism, earning him admiration and inspiration within the Jewish community. He served as captain of his Tigers team during the 1930s and was a key player in helping them achieve Major League success. In 1945, he was recognized with the title ‘Man of the Year,’ becoming one of the earliest and most impactful Jewish baseball stars.

Sugar (2008)

Although not as widely recognized as some other films, this one carries a powerful message and an impactful narrative that’s truly significant. By 2008, over a quarter of Major League players hailed from Latin America, and this story follows one of them. The protagonist is Miguel Santos, a 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic who joins Kansas City. His tale unfolds as he’s relocated to live with an Iowa farm family and play for their Class A- team, “The Swing”.

He must depart from his mother and partner, master English, and acclimate himself to a new nation. There are several queries he needs to solve, and he will have to handle friendships while deciphering ambiguous female cues, all while striving for excellence in his competitions to advance to the Majors.

Take me Out to the Ball Game (1949)

A film featuring Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, and Frank Sinatra as main characters undoubtedly has the potential to become a unique classic. In fact, it became renowned as a baseball movie classic. This musical comedy revolves around The Wolves baseball team who are unexpectedly led by K.C.Higgins, who turns out to be a woman with an interest in managing them.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, let me tell you about Higgins – she’s got an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball and has some impressive strategies up her sleeve for her team. However, things start to get complicated when Dennis Ryan, our second baseman, develops feelings for her. To make matters more intriguing, Eddie O’Brien, Dennis’ roommate, has his own ideas on how to handle this situation. The storyline thickens even further when we discover that there are a few shady gamblers who have unresolved business with Eddie.

The Pride of the Yankees (1942)

This time, we’re delving into another timeless baseball tale, focusing on the life story of the exceptionally gifted and widely recognized baseball player, Lou Gehrig. It is a heartfelt tribute to this remarkable sportsman who passed away just a year following the film’s premiere, succumbing to an illness that would later be known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The movie takes us through his vibrant early years and outstanding performances on the field, before he discovered his tragic fate.

Despite being hailed as one of the greatest baseball players in history, this film primarily explores his personal life and relationships, including family, friends, and teammates. It delves deeply into his romance and marriage with Eleanor Twitchell. His playing career is depicted through a series of montages featuring ballparks and Gary Cooper (the actor portraying Gehrig) swinging a bat.

The Bingo Long Traveling All-stars and Motor Kings (1976)

In this comedy filled with a powerful message, we’re transported back to 1930s America where we meet an assortment of humorous and sharp-witted African American baseball players. The protagonist, Bingo Long, is a skilled pitcher who becomes fed up with the mistreatment by his team owner. In a daring move, he assembles a team of fellow African American players from various teams, creating his own baseball squad.

In the towns they go to, they begin engaging in games with local teams, eventually gaining immense popularity and recognition. However, Bingo’s greatest adversary, his ex-handler, presents him with an offer that he should consider if his aim is to join the Major League. Yet, if they were to lose against an all-star team, their players would have to go back to their previous teams.

Everybody Wants Some! (2016)

I’m a firm believer in Richard Linklater’s knack for crafting captivating, dialogue-driven films that invariably impart a message. This film is no different, offering a realistic glimpse into the ’80s through its engaging topics and plotline. It follows the journey of a baseball team relocating to the same off-campus residence in 1980s Texas.

Jake Bradford, a talented freshman pitcher, is on the verge of stepping into a world beyond the baseball diamond – a realm brimming with alcohol, attractive women, and occasionally immature males who will go to great lengths for attention. Yet, this story also offers a clever exploration of friendship and the significance of teamwork, set against the backdrop of fantastic ’80s tunes and an nostalgic atmosphere.

Eight Men Out (1988)

This film is based on a partially true account of one of the most notorious scandals in baseball history, known as the Black Sox Scandal from the 1919 World Series. At that time, the Chicago White Sox were among the greatest baseball teams, but their players felt underappreciated and there were whispers that they wouldn’t receive recognition for their accomplishments.

When two skilled gamblers plan a betting scam and several Chicago White Sox players choose to participate, it’s clear that their intentional losses won’t be effortless, as not every team member may agree with the scheme.

Pelotero (2011)

A film that delves into the extraordinary journeys of two exceptional baseball talents hailing from the Dominican Republic, as they make their way up to the Major Leagues. This documentary offers a glimpse into their private lives and destinies, showcasing them as promising stars in the world of baseball.

Another perspective reveals the prevalence of corruption in Latin America, with children often exploited to build a brighter future for their loved ones. Similarly, Sano and Batista represent numerous athletes immersed in fierce competition and corruption within the sports sphere of this region.

Fear Strikes Out (1957)

This narrative is based on real events, portrayed in monochrome, focusing on Jim Piersall, an exceptionally talented and renowned baseball player. His mental struggles stemmed from his father’s persistent physical abuse over the years. Despite this, Jim yearned to excel and prove himself worthy to his father, who desired him to play in the Major League.

This film serves as a striking illustration of the impact an overzealous parent may have on their child, showcasing the potential outcomes of excessive expectations. Unlike typical sports films, it offers a unique perspective and masterfully portrays the challenges a professional athlete might face under intense pressure.

2025-05-21 03:22