Best Sports Movies to Watch During the Holidays

It may be exhilarating to see athletes perform in films as well. The wonder of cinema is that it can condense the suspense of a sporting story or contest into an enjoyable film.

Holidays are the ideal time of year to curl up in front of the TV with a good movie playing. You've probably made the decision to buy a sports movie for yourself or a friend who enjoys sports. Congratulations! What about picking one or two of these motivational sports movies to sweeten your holiday season? Choosing which movies to watch is now a difficult decision.

Sportmob decided to compile a list, and every kind of sports enthusiast will find something on the list that follows.

Best Sports Movies to Watch During the Holidays

Here is a look at the list of the best sports movies to watch during the holidays. Twenty sports movies are listed here that will keep you in the festive spirit.

20. Ice Princess 2005

• IMDb

  : 6

• Director

  : Tim Fywell

• Writers

  : Meg Cabot, Hadley Davis

• Stars

  : Michelle Trachtenberg, Kim Cattrall, Trevor Blumas

Most of the young girls have once imagined themselves floating on the ice. In the movie Ice Princess, Casey, a young girl, has the ambition to compete in the Winter Olympics.

This film features the winter cold and snow, and Casey's relationship with the Zamboni driver heats the situation to the maximum. Nothing will be able to stop Casey (Trachtenberg) from achieving her goal of being a world-champion figure skater. 

The movie earned $6 million in its first weekend in North America, placing it fourth at the box office. By the time Ice Princess's run was up, it had earned $24 million locally and $3 million abroad.

19. Tin Cup 1966

• IMDb

  : 6.4

• Director

  : Ron Shelton

• Writers

  : John Norville, Ron Shelton

• Stars

  : Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson

The Tin Cup movie was released on August 16, 1966, and starred Kevin Costner as legendary golf ball striker Roy McAvoy. At the University of Houston, Cup competed in collegiate golf matches against David Simms, the main opponent and PGA pro.

Johnson is a part of a fantastic cast that also features Rene Russo as Dr. Molly Griswold, Cheech Marin as McAvoy's best friend Romeo, and several PGA players who make brief appearances, including Phil Mickelson, Craig Stadler, John Cook, Johnny Miller, Lee Janzen, Billy Mayfair, Corey Pavin, Fred Couples, and Peter Jacobsen.

The golf scenes, which were shot at a course in North Carolina, give the movie its realism. Lance Barrow, Peter Kostis, Jimmy Roberts, and Brian Hammonds are all acting as themselves while running the production trailer. A fantastic sports film not to be missed, and one of the

best sports movies to watch in Christmas holidays

is Tin Cup.

18. Ice Castles 1978

• IMDb

  : 6.5

• Director

  : Donald Wrye

• Writers

  : Donald Wrye, Gary L. Baim

• Stars

  : Lynn-Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, Colleen Dewhurst

Ice Castles is a 1978 American romantic drama film starring Lynn-Holly Johnson and Robby Benson that was directed by Donald Wrye. It tells the tale of teenage figure skater Lexie Winston's ascent to fame and subsequent tragedy.

Lexie's only goal is to become a world-class figure skater. Nick, her boyfriend, wishes to play hockey professionally. Wintery and freezing, the mood of Christmas is nearly palpable. Nick and Lexie both lose their sight, but Nick demonstrates to Lexie that she can recover from her wounds. 

17. Iron Will 1994

• IMDb

  : 6.6

• Director

  : Charles Haid

• Writers

  : John Michael Hayes, Djordje Milicevic, Jeff Arch

• Stars

  : Mackenzie Astin, Kevin Spacey, David Ogden Stiers

American adventure movie Iron Will came out in 1994. It is based on the actual events of a 1917 dog sled race between Manitoba and Minnesota, a distance of 522 miles.

The actual event from more than a century ago served as the inspiration for this family-friendly film. In the movie Iron Will, a young South Dakotan boy, Will Stoneman, enters a dog-sled race in an effort to raise the funds required to save his family's farm. Mackenzie Astin plays the main character.

The dogs are fantastic, the weather is freezing, and there is a lot of snow. What else is necessary for a winter sports movie? Enjoy one of the

best sports movies to watch during the holidays

.

16. Mystery, Alaska 1999

• IMDb

  : 6.7

• Director

  : Jay Roach

• Writers

  : David E. KelleySean O'Byrne

• Stars

  : Russell Crowe, Burt Reynolds, Hank Azaria

In the 1999 American sports comedy-drama Mystery, Alaska, an ice hockey team competes in a match against the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.

Most of it was filmed in what is now known as Quarry Lake Park in Canmore, Alberta. The "Saturday game" is now featured in Sports Illustrated, and the New York Rangers travel to the town of Mystery to play the match.

The game takes place outside in a celebratory atmosphere, and The mystery loses 5-4. Mystery Alaska is well known as one of the

holiday sports movies everyone will love to watch

.

15. Rocky IV 1985

• IMDb

  : 6.8

• Director

  : Sylvester Stallone

• Writer

  : Sylvester Stallone

• Stars

  : Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young

The 1985 American sports drama film Rocky IV, starring Sylvester Stallone, was written, produced, and directed by Stallone. It is Rocky IV and the follow-up to Rocky III in the Rocky film series.

Additionally included are Brigitte Nielsen, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Talia Shire, and Dolph Lundgren. Rocky Balboa faces up to Ivan Drago in the movie, a Soviet boxer who brought about a tragic event.

By competing against the monstrous Ivan Drago in a boxing fight on Christmas Day, the protagonist exacts revenge on Apollo Creed, who was killed by him. This movie not only has a fantastic musical score, but it also has Rocky's first confrontation with a formidable opponent. Rocky's chilly workout in Russia will undoubtedly make you feel much colder.

The next movie regarded as one of the

best sports movies to watch during Christmas

is Cutting Edge.

14. Cutting Edge 1992

• IMDb

  : 6.9

• Director

  : Paul Michael Glaser

• Writer

  : Tony Gilroy

• Stars

  : D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice

Paul Michael Glaser and Tony Gilroy's sports-romantic comedy The Cutting Edge was released in 1992. The story revolves around a figure skater partnered for Olympic skating with an injured ice hockey player.

Professional figure skater Kate Moseley is genuinely talented, but working with her is challenging because of the years she spent being indulged by her father, Jack. At the same Winter Olympics, Doug Dorsey is leading the American ice hockey squad as the captain.

He and Kate bump into each other in the arena's corridor moments before the match. Just when you think Doug and Kate can no longer endure one another, Cutting Edge surprises you with a love story that would melt anyone's heart.

13. Heaven Can Wait 1978

• IMDb

  : 6.9

• Directors

  : Warren Beatty, Buck Henry

• Writers

  : Elaine May, Warren Beatty, Harry Segall

• Stars

  : Warren Beatty, James Mason, Julie Christie

The 1978 American fantasy-comedy-sports movie Heaven Can Wait is about a young man who is erroneously carried to heaven and the difficulties of how this blunder can be undone.

It was directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. The quarterback returns in a brand-new, out-of-shape physique. He has trouble getting in shape so he can play in the Super Bowl. In this film, a few former NFL players and sportscasters appeared.

It's interesting to note that Muhammad Ali was initially supposed to play the protagonist role as a boxer. When it was first released, this enjoyable comedy was well-appreciated and got several Academy Award nominations.

The next movie regarded as one of the best sports movies to watch in Christmas holidays is Cool Runnings.

12. Cool Runnings 1993

• IMDb

  : 7

• Director

  : Jon Turteltaub

• Writers

  : Lynn Siefert, Michael Ritchie, Tommy Swerdlow

• Stars

  : John Candy: Leon, Doug E. Doug

Jon Turteltaub directed the 1993 American sports movie Cool Runnings. It is primarily based on the real account of the 1988 Winter Olympics competitive debut of the bobsleigh squad.

One of the most-watched Olympic films in recent years is Cool Runnings. After missing the Summer Olympics in the 100-meter race, a Jamaican man and his three colleagues strive to make it into the Winter Olympic arena as a bobsled team.

This movie is so enjoyable and heartwarming that it may make everyone feel cheerful.

11. Slap Shot 1977

• IMDb

  : 7.3

• Director

  : George Roy Hill

• Writer

  : Nancy Dowd

• Stars

  : Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin

The story revolves around a minor league ice hockey squad that uses rough play to become famous in a failing industrial town. It is undoubtedly one of the best hockey comedies ever.

As an aged veteran commanding his gang of thugs to preserve the business, Paul Newman is superb. He transforms a motley crew of nerds into a successful hockey team. The Slap Shot movie is considered one of the best sports movies to watch during the holidays.

10. Eddie the Eagle 2015

• IMDb

  : 7.3 

• Director

  : Dexter Fletcher

• Writers

  : Simon Kelton, Sean Macaulay

• Stars

  : Tron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello

Dexter Fletcher's biographical sports film Eddie the Eagle was released in 2015. This film tells the actual tale of Michael Edwards' attempt to qualify for the 1988 Winter Olympics as a ski jumper. Critics gave the movie very favorable reviews, and in 2017 it was nominated for the Empire Award for Best British Film. Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play Movies, and more platforms let you rent or buy Eddie the Eagle.

9. Hoosiers 1986

• IMDb

  : 7.4

• Director

  : David Anspaugh

• Writer

  : Angelo Pizzo

• Stars

  : Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper

The 1986 American sports drama movie recounts the tale of a basketball team that is trained to become a top contender to compete in the state championships. The Milan High School squad that captured the 1954 state title served as inspiration for the movie.

The coach is portrayed by Gene Hackman. It was recognized by the American National Film Registry for preservation. It's a fantastic movie and one that any basketball enthusiast should watch. 

8. Miracle 2004

• IMDb

  : 7.4

• Director

  : Gavin O'Connor

• Writer

  : Eric Guggenheim

• Stars

  : Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West

You must see Miracle if you haven't already. It tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Men's Hockey team, which was dispatched to Lake Placid to compete in the Winter Olympics.

The year 1980 in the United States was difficult due to rising energy costs and lengthy queues at the petrol pumps. However, for two weeks in February, Americans turned their attention away from problems at home and settled in to follow the progress of the America Princess's Team.

On a $28 million budget, the film brought in $64.5 million and garnered favorable reviews.

7. I, Tonya 2017

• IMDb

  : 7.5

• Director

  : Craig Gillespie

• Writer

  : Steven Rogers

• Stars

  : Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney

This film is based on the real-life experiences of Tonya Harding, a figure skater noted for being engaged in an attack on Nancy Kerrigan just prior to the 1994 Winter Olympics. I, Tonya, one of the best sports movies to watch during Christmas, stars Margot Robbie in the lead role, with Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney McAvoy acting as supporting cast members.

6. Moneyball 2011

• IMDb

  : 7.6

• Director

  : Bennett Miller

• Writers

  : Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin

• Stars

  : Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill

Moneyball is based on the 2002 campaign of the Oakland Athletics baseball club. After a defeat to the New York Yankees, general manager Billy Beane is entrusted with upgrading a squad to contend for a championship.

After receiving positive reviews for its performances and writing, Moneyball had its world debut at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Six Academy Awards were shortlisted for the movie. Moneyball is one of the holiday sports movies everyone will love to watch.

5. The Rookie 2002

• IMDb

  : 6.9

• Director

  : John Lee Hancock

• Writer

  : Mike Rich

• Stars

  : Dennis Quaid, JD Evermore, Rachel Griffiths

Another movie with inspiration from a real-life event. Jimmy Morris, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, turned into MLB at age 35, becoming the oldest rookie ever. Jim's father opposes his desire to pursue a baseball career despite his considerable skills.

He can't play in high school since they relocate to a town where the sport has lost popularity and football has supplanted it as the popular sport. When he breaks his shoulder, an opportunity to sign with the new team is eliminated. His sporting potential is finally recognized, and he helps the Big Lake Owls to some glory before overcoming all obstacles to pitch in Major League Baseball. The Rookie is considered one of the best sports movies to watch during the holidays and it should be really enjoyable if you like baseball.

4. Friday Night Lights 2004

• IMDb

  : 7.2

• Director

  : Peter Berg

• Writers

  : Buzz Bissinger, David Aaron Cohen, Peter Berg

• Stars

  : Billy Bob Thornton, Jay Hernandez, Derek Luke

The movie focuses on the players and a coach of a high school football team. Actually, three players —quarterback Mike Winchell, fullback Don Billingsley, and safety Brian Chavez— are the film's primary concern. It reveals their highly personal stories attractively.

Friday Night Lights is regarded as one of the best sports movies to watch during the holidays. The beauty of the flick is rooted in how history and community are essential parts of high school football in Texas. Players are revered, coaches are elevated to the status of gods, and a single title may keep a community alive for a century.

3. Warrior 2011

• IMDb

  : 8.2

• Director

  : Gavin O'Connor

• Writers

  : Gavin O'Connor, Anthony Tambakis, Cliff Dorfman

• Stars

  : Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton

What better time to see a movie on familial passion? In the end, an MMA competition pits two brothers against one another. Despite not being financially successful, the movie earned favorable reviews from critics and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

2. Cinderella Man 2005

• IMDb

  : 8

• Director

  : Ron Howard

• Writers

  : Cliff Hollingsworth, Akiva Goldsman

• Stars

  : Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko

Ron Howard's sports drama is based on James J. Braddock's real-life experiences. The boxer, played by Russell Crowe, is forced to give up the competition after fracturing his hand in combat. Losing the opportunity to return to the arena for a significant bout, he goes on to work as a manual laborer, but he surprisingly triumphs in earning himself a trophy. In 1935, James destroys the frightening reigning title holder to win the title of Heavyweight World Champion.

1. 30 for 30 2009

• IMDb

  : 8.8

• Creators

  : Connor Schell, Bill Simmons

• Stars

  , Brent Musburger, Chuck D, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

This one is simply a selection of sports-themed documentaries. Thirty distinct unique storylines from thirty different filmmakers covered thirty years of sports, making it one of the

best sports movies to watch during the holidays

.

Yes, these are the most thrilling athletic events of the last 30 years, directed by some of Hollywood's best film directors: Barry Levinson (The Natural director), Ron Shelton (Bull Durham and Tin Cup director), and Peter Berg (director of Friday Night Lights).

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