Sports movies have always been a source of inspiration for millions of people worldwide. With the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the triumph of the human spirit, these movies can captivate and motivate us. As streaming platforms are widely available, it has become very easy to watch any movie of your favorite genre, including sports movies.
Join us on the journey as we discover the best sports movies on HBO Max. Whether you are a die-hard fan of football, basketball, or baseball, or you prefer the drama of boxing or the grace of surfing, there is a movie on this list that will inspire and entertain you.
So, grab your popcorn and get ready to discover the best sports movies on HBO Max. These movies will surely leave you feeling uplifted and entertained!
15 Best Sports Movies on HBO Max
In this article, we have selected the top 15 sports movies that are available on the popular streaming service, HBO Max. Here is the list of these movies as per their IMDb ratings:
| S. No | Movie | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | Hoop Dreams (1994) | 8.3/10 |
| 2 | Rocky (1976) | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Tokyo Olympiad (1965) | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | 42 (2013) | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Love and Basketball (2000) | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Eight Men Out (1988) | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | We Are Marshall (2006) | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Chasing Mavericks (2012) | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | He Got Game (1998) | 6.9/10 |
| 10 | Bend it Like Beckham (2002) | 6.7/10 |
| 11 | Varsity Blues (1999) | 6.5/10 |
| 12 | Days of Thunder (1990) | 6.1/10 |
| 13 | Semi-Tough (1977) | 5.9/10 |
| 14 | Blue Crush (2002) | 5.7/10 |
| 15 | Boogie (2021) | 5.2/10 |
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Hoop Dreams is a documentary film that follows the lives of two African-American high school basketball players. Hailing from Chicago, William Gates, and Arthur Agee strive to make it to the NBA. The movie showcases the challenges and opportunities presented by the American Dream, as well as the impact of sports on individuals and communities. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 8.3/10.
- Director: Steve James
- Starring: William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates
- Release Date: 14 October 1994
- Runtime: 2h 50min
Rocky (1976)
You must have heard about Rocky Balboa if you are a boxing fan. Rocky is a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a shot at the world heavyweight championship. The movie revolves around him as he displays the themes of determination and perseverance. It’s a classic film that has inspired generations of athletes and moviegoers. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 8.1/10.
- Director: John G. Avildsen
- Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
- Release Date: 3 December 1976
- Runtime: 2h
Tokyo Olympiad (1965)
Tokyo Olympiad is a documentary film that covers the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. In the movie, we can experience the events, the athletes, and the cultural and historical significance of the games. The film is renowned for its innovative cinematography and editing, which capture the beauty and drama of the competition. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.8/10.
- Director: Kon Ichikawa
- Starring: Abebe Bikila, Jack Douglas, Hirohito
- Release Date: 20 October 1965
- Runtime: 2h 50min
42 (2013)
42 is a biographical sports movie that tells the story of Jackie Robinson. He is the first African-American baseball player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB). The film showcases the challenges and racism Robinson faced during his journey to becoming a baseball legend. It is a powerful portrayal of his struggles and triumphs. Moreover, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in baseball and history. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.5/10.
- Director: Brian Helgeland
- Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie
- Release Date: 12 April 2013
- Runtime: 2h 8min
Love and Basketball (2000)
Love and Basketball is a romantic sports drama that follows the story of two childhood friends, Monica and Quincy. They share a passion for basketball and fall in love. The film explores the themes of love, gender roles, and the challenges faced by female athletes. The film stars Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps in lead roles. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.2/10.
- Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman
- Release Date: 21 April 2000
- Runtime: 2h 4min
Eight Men Out (1988)
Eight Men Out tells the story of the Black Sox scandal, a controversial event that occurred during the 1919 World Series. The movie explores the motivations and actions of the eight Chicago White Sox players. These players were accused of intentionally losing the games in exchange for money from gamblers. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.2/10.
- Director: John Sayles
- Starring: John Cusack, Clifton James, Michael Lerner
- Release Date: 2 September 1988
- Runtime: 1h 59min
We Are Marshall (2006)
We Are Marshall is a sports drama based on the true story of the Marshall University football team. The team suffered a tragic plane crash in 1970 that killed most of the team, coaches, and staff. The movie follows the story of the new coach, Jack Lengyel, who is tasked with rebuilding the team and the community in the aftermath of the tragedy. It’s a moving and inspiring movie that celebrates the human spirit and the triumph of hope over adversity. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.1/10.
- Director: McG
- Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie
- Release Date: 22 December 2006
- Runtime: 2h 11min
Chasing Mavericks (2012)
Chasing Mavericks is a biographical sports drama that tells the story of a young surfer named Jay Moriarity. He dreams of conquering the Mavericks, a legendary surfing spot in Northern California. During the movie, we will see his training and mentorship under a local surfer, Frosty Hesson, who teaches him the importance of discipline, courage, and respect for nature. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 7.1/10.
- Director: Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson
- Starring: Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue
- Release Date: 26 October 2012
- Runtime: 1h 56min
He Got Game (1998)
He Got Game revolves around Jesus Shuttlesworth, a highly recruited high school basketball player. He is pressured by his father to attend the governor’s alma mater in exchange for a reduced sentence for his father’s criminal conviction. In this movie, we will explore themes of family, race, and the corrupt nature of college sports recruitment. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 6.9/10.
- Director: Spike Lee
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Ray Allen
- Release Date: 1 May 1998
- Runtime: 2h 16min
Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
Bend it Like Beckham is a British romantic comedy-drama. It follows the story of a young Indian girl who dreams of playing football (soccer) professionally, but her conservative parents disapprove of her passion. It’s an inspirational and entertaining movie that will make you laugh, cry, and root for the protagonist’s dreams. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 6.7/10.
- Director: Gurinder Chadha
- Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
- Release Date: 12 April 2002
- Runtime: 1h 52min
Varsity Blues (1999)
Varsity Blues follows the story of Jonathan Mox Moxon, a backup quarterback who becomes the team’s leader after the star quarterback is injured. It’s a gripping and emotional movie that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of high school sports. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 6.5/10.
- Director: Brian Robbins
- Starring: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker
- Release Date: 15 January 1999
- Runtime: 1h 46min
Days of Thunder (1990)
Days of Thunder is a sports action-drama movie that centers around the world of NASCAR racing. Cole Trickle, a young and talented race car driver is the protagonist of the movie, who aspires to be the best in his sport. The movie showcases the adrenaline-fueled racing scenes, as well as the personal and professional struggles of the characters. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 6.1/10. If you are a fan of racing and action games, stream this movie today!
- Director: Tony Scott
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall
- Release Date: 27 June 1990
- Runtime: 1h 47min
Semi-Tough (1977)
Semi-Tough is a satirical comedy that takes a humorous look at the world of professional football. In the movie, we follow the story of two friends, Billy Clyde Puckett, and Shake Tiller. They play for the Miami Dolphins and are both in love with the same woman. It’s a fun and lighthearted movie that will appeal to fans of sports comedies. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 5.9/10.
- Director: Michael Ritchie
- Starring: Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Clayburgh
- Release Date: 18 November 1977
- Runtime: 1h 48min
Blue Crush (2002)
Blue Crush centers around a group of female surfers who are preparing for a big surfing competition. The film showcases the challenges and risks of professional surfing, including the dangerous waves. In this movie, we will also experience how male-dominated the culture of the sport is. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 5.7/10.
- Director: John Stockwell
- Starring: Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriguez, Matthew Davis
- Release Date: 16 August 2002
- Runtime: 1h 44min
Boogie (2021)
Boogie is a coming-of-age sports drama that tells the story of a young Chinese-American basketball player named Alfred Boogie Chin, who dreams of playing in the NBA. The movie explores themes of identity, culture, and family expectations, as Boogie struggles to balance his passion for basketball with his parents’ traditional values. The IMDb Rating of this movie is 5.2/10.
- Director: Eddie Huang
- Starring: Taylor Takahashi, Pamelyn Chee, Jorge Lendeborg Jr.
- Release Date: 5 March 2021
- Runtime: 1h 30min
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Final Thoughts
HBO Max offers an impressive collection of sports movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat, cheering for your favorite team, and feeling inspired by the incredible stories of perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. From classic titles like Rocky and Raging Bull to modern hits like Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Way Back, there’s something for everyone on HBO Max. Moreover, if you like this list of sports movies, we hope you will also love the compilation of the best war movies available at Disney Plus and Peacock TV. For now, grab some snacks, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and get ready for a cinematic journey through the best sports movies ever made. With HBO Max, the excitement and emotion of your favorite sports are just a few clicks away.
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