1. Bull Durham 1988
IMDB Rating: 7.1，Douban Rating: 6.9，ID: tt0094812
Bull Durham is a romantic comedy sports film that depicts the love triangle between a veteran catcher, a rookie pitcher, and a baseball groupie. The film is partly based on the minor-league baseball experiences of writer and director Ron Shelton, who played in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system. The film stars Kevin Costner as Crash Davis, Susan Sarandon as Annie Savoy, and Tim Robbins as Ebby Calvin “Nuke” LaLoosh. The film explores the themes of baseball, romance, and philosophy, and features many memorable scenes and quotes.
One of the main topics of the film is which actors made for the best and worst movie athletes. According to Shelton, Costner and Robbins trained extensively to play their roles convincingly, while Sarandon had to learn how to throw a baseball.
2. Field of Dreams 1989
IMDB Rating: 7.5，Douban Rating: 7.6，ID: tt0097351
Field of Dreams is a classic sports fantasy drama film that stars Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, a farmer who builds a baseball field in his cornfield that attracts the ghosts of baseball legends, including Shoeless Joe Jackson and the Chicago Black Sox. The film explores themes of family, faith, and redemption, as Ray follows a mysterious voice that leads him to meet different people who are connected to his past and his love for baseball. One of the people he meets is Terence Mann, a reclusive author who helps him understand the meaning of his field and his dreams. The film is based on the novel Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella, and was directed by Phil Alden Robinson. It was released in 1989 and received critical acclaim and three Academy Award nominations.
It was also selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The film features several actors who played athletes in the movie, such as Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson, Frank Whaley as Archie “Moonlight” Graham, and Burt Lancaster in his final film role as Dr. “Moonlight” Graham. According to some sources, these actors were among the best movie athletes, as they looked convincing and natural in their roles. For example, Ray Liotta trained with professional baseball players to learn how to bat left-handed like Jackson, and Frank Whaley had a background in baseball from his high school days.
3. For Love of the Game 1999
IMDB Rating: 6.6，Douban Rating: 7.9，ID: tt0126916
For Love of the Game is a sports drama film that stars Kevin Costner as Billy Chapel, an aging baseball pitcher who is about to play his last game for the Detroit Tigers. He faces the New York Yankees, who are trying to clinch the division title, while also dealing with his on-and-off relationship with Jane Aubrey, played by Kelly Preston. The film alternates between the present game and flashbacks of Billy and Jane’s romance, as well as Billy’s career highlights and struggles. The film is based on a novel by Michael Shaara and directed by Sam Raimi.
4. Tin Cup 1996
IMDB Rating: 6.4，Douban Rating: 7.3，ID: tt0117918
Tin Cup is a romantic comedy and sports film about Roy McAvoy, a former golf prodigy who owns a run-down driving range in West Texas. He falls in love with Molly Griswold, a psychologist who is dating his rival David Simms, a top professional golfer. To impress Molly and prove himself, Roy decides to qualify for the U.S. Open, despite his reckless and unpredictable style of play. The film follows Roy’s journey from obscurity to fame, as he faces challenges, temptations, and his own demons on and off the course.
The film is co-written and directed by Ron Shelton, who also made Bull Durham, another sports comedy with Kevin Costner. The film features a cast of well-known actors, such as Rene Russo, Don Johnson, and Cheech Marin. The film also includes cameo appearances by real-life golfers and commentators, such as Gary McCord, Craig Stadler, and Jim Nantz.
5. The Longest Yard 1974
IMDB Rating: 7.1，Douban Rating: 7.5，ID: tt0071771
The Longest Yard is a classic prison sports comedy-drama that features Burt Reynolds as Paul Crewe, a disgraced former NFL quarterback who is sentenced to 18 months in a Florida prison. There, he is coerced by the sadistic warden Hazen (Eddie Albert) to form a team of inmates to play against the guards in a football game. Crewe recruits a diverse and colorful group of convicts, including Samson (Richard Kiel), a giant weightlifter, Caretaker (James Hampton), a clever and friendly inmate, and Nate Scarboro (Michael Conrad), a former pro player who becomes Crewe’s coach.
6. Semi-Tough 1977
IMDB Rating: 5.9，Douban Rating: ，ID: tt0078227
Semi-Tough is a sports comedy film that parodies the self-help movement and the American football culture. It stars Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, and Jill Clayburgh as three friends who are involved in a love triangle. The film is based on a novel by Dan Jenkins, but it deviates from the original story by adding a subplot about a self-improvement program called B.E.A.T., led by a charismatic guru named Friedrich Bismark.
‘The film mocks the absurdity and hypocrisy of the B.E.A.T. seminars, which promise to transform the participants into confident and successful people, but actually manipulate and brainwash them. The film also makes fun of the macho and competitive attitude of the football players, who are willing to do anything to win, even if it means cheating or hurting others. ‘The film mocks the absurdity and hypocrisy of the B.E.A.T. seminars, which promise to transform the participants into confident and successful people, but actually manipulate and brainwash them. The film also makes fun of the macho and competitive attitude of the football players, who are willing to do anything to win, even if it means cheating or hurting others.
7. Fear Strikes Out 1957
IMDB Rating: ，Douban Rating: ，ID: tt0050383
Fear Strikes Out is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Jimmy Piersall, a baseball player who struggled with mental illness and his father’s pressure. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Piersall and Karl Malden as his father. The film is based on Piersall’s memoir of the same name, co-written with Al Hirshberg. The film depicts Piersall’s rise from the sandlots of Waterbury, Connecticut, to the Boston Red Sox, where he played as a shortstop and an outfielder.
Along the way, he faced his father’s high expectations and harsh criticism, as well as his own anxiety and insecurity. He married Mary, a supportive and loving wife, but they had to live with his parents. He also had to deal with the stress of playing in front of large crowds and competing with other players.
8. Million Dollar Baby 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0405159
Million Dollar Baby is a sports drama film that tells the story of Maggie Fitzgerald, a waitress who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She convinces Frankie Dunn, a grizzled trainer, to coach her and they form a close bond. Maggie rises to the top of the women’s boxing division, but faces a tragic fate after a brutal injury in the ring.
9. The Replacements 2000
IMDB Rating: 6.6，Douban Rating: 7.4，ID: tt0191397
The Replacements is a comedy film about a group of misfit football players who are hired as substitutes during a strike by the professional league. The film follows the journey of Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), a former college star who gets a second chance to prove himself as a quarterback under the guidance of coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman).
Along with his teammates, who include a receiver who can’t catch, a soccer player who can’t kick, a cop who can’t control his temper, a sumo wrestler who can’t fit in his helmet, and a convict who can’t stay out of trouble, Falco must overcome his fears and doubts to lead the team to victory. The film is a fun and entertaining tribute to the underdogs and the outsiders who defy the odds and find their place in the game. The film also features a romantic subplot between Falco and Annabelle (Brooke Langton), the head cheerleader of the team.
10. Point Break 1991
IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 7.4，ID: tt0102685
Point Break is a crime action film that features Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Lori Petty and Gary Busey as the main actors. The film revolves around the undercover investigation of a group of bank robbers who are also surfers, led by the charismatic Bodhi (Swayze). The film explores the themes of adrenaline, loyalty, and identity, as the FBI agent Johnny Utah (Reeves) becomes fascinated by the surfers’ lifestyle and philosophy.
The film is also known for its thrilling action sequences, such as skydiving, surfing, and chasing, that showcase the skills and stunts of the actors and other extreme athletes. Point Break is a cult classic that has influenced many other films and genres, such as The Fast and the Furious franchise and surf movies.
11. Summer Catch 2001
IMDB Rating: 5.1，Douban Rating: 6.6，ID: tt0234829
Summer Catch is a romantic comedy film about Ryan Dunne, a local baseball player who falls in love with Tenley Parrish, a wealthy woman who encourages him to pursue his major league dreams. The film is set in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where Ryan plays for the Chatham A’s.
The film features several actors who played athletes in other movies, such as Freddie Prinze Jr., Jessica Biel, Matthew Lillard, and Brian Dennehy. However, not all of them were convincing in their roles. According to some critics and fans, Prinze Jr. was one of the worst movie athletes ever.
12. A League of Their Own 1992
IMDB Rating: 7.3，Douban Rating: 7.5，ID: tt0104694
A League of Their Own is a sports comedy drama that tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, a women’s baseball league that was formed during World War II. The film focuses on the Rockford Peaches, one of the teams in the league, and their manager Jimmy Dugan, a former baseball star who has to deal with his own personal demons and the challenges of coaching a group of diverse and talented women. The film features a stellar cast of actors who portray the fictionalized versions of the real-life players and coaches.
Tom Hanks plays Jimmy Dugan, a washed-up ballplayer who initially treats his job as a joke, but gradually grows to respect and care for his team. Geena Davis plays Dottie Hinson, the star catcher and leader of the Peaches, who has to balance her love for the game with her loyalty to her husband and sister. Lori Petty plays Kit Keller, Dottie’s younger sister and pitcher, who struggles with her inferiority complex and sibling rivalry. Madonna plays Mae Mordabito, a flirtatious and rebellious center fielder who becomes friends with Doris Murphy, a tough and sarcastic third baseman played by Rosie O’Donnell.
The film is not only a hilarious and heartwarming comedy, but also a tribute to the women who broke barriers and stereotypes in the world of sports. The film shows the hardships and prejudices that the female players faced, such as sexism, racism, media scrutiny, and lack of recognition.
13. Rocky 1976
IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0075148
Rocky is a classic sports drama film that tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer who gets a chance to fight the world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. The film is not only about boxing, but also about Rocky’s personal struggles and relationships, especially with his shy love interest, Adrian. Rocky is played by Sylvester Stallone, who also wrote the screenplay and created one of the most iconic characters in cinema history.
Apollo Creed is played by Carl Weathers, a former football player who delivers a charismatic and confident performance as the champion. The film also features memorable roles by Talia Shire, Burt Young, and Burgess Meredith as Rocky’s love interest, brother-in-law, and trainer respectively.
14. Creed 2015
IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 7.6，ID: tt3076658
Creed is a sports drama film that follows Adonis Johnson, the son of the late boxing legend Apollo Creed, as he pursues his dream of becoming a professional fighter. With the help of Rocky Balboa, his father’s former rival and friend, Adonis trains for a shot at the title against the reigning champion, ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan.
Along the way, he also falls in love with Bianca, an aspiring singer who suffers from progressive hearing loss. Creed is a spin-off of and a sequel to the Rocky film series, and features stellar performances from Michael B. Jordan as Adonis, Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, and Tessa Thompson as Bianca.
The film is directed by Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the screenplay with Aaron Covington. Creed is a tribute to the legacy of Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa, as well as a fresh and inspiring story of its own.
15. Raging Bull 1980
IMDB Rating: 8.2，Douban Rating: 8.4，ID: tt0081398
Raging Bull is widely regarded as one of the best sports movies of all time, and Robert De Niro’s performance as Jake LaMotta is often praised as one of his finest. De Niro convincingly portrays the rise and fall of the middleweight boxing champion, who struggles with his violent temper, his jealousy, and his self-destructive tendencies. De Niro trained extensively with LaMotta himself, and gained 60 pounds to play the older version of the boxer. He also delivers some of the most realistic and brutal fight scenes ever filmed, thanks to the meticulous choreography and direction of Martin Scorsese. De Niro won an Oscar for his role, and cemented his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
16. The Wrestler 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt1125849
The Wrestler is a powerful and poignant drama about Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a former wrestling star who tries to revive his career and reconnect with his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and a stripper he loves (Marisa Tomei). The film shows the harsh reality of the wrestling world, where the performers risk their health and dignity for the entertainment of the fans. Rourke delivers a stunning performance that captures the physical and emotional pain of his character, as well as his passion and pride for his craft.
He makes us empathize with Randy, even when he makes bad choices or hurts the people who care about him. Tomei and Wood are also excellent as the women in his life, who offer him a chance to find some happiness and meaning outside the ring. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky, who creates a gritty and realistic atmosphere that contrasts with the flashy and colorful scenes of the wrestling matches. He also uses a documentary-style camera that follows Randy closely, making us feel like we are part of his journey.
17. Space Jam 1996
IMDB Rating: 6.5，Douban Rating: 7.0，ID: tt0117705
Space Jam is a sports comedy film that combines live-action and animation, starring basketball legend Michael Jordan as himself. The film also features several NBA players, such as Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Muggsy Bogues, who lose their talents to a group of aliens who challenge the Looney Tunes to a basketball game.
The film is a fun and nostalgic ride for fans of Jordan and the Looney Tunes, but it also raises the question of which actors made for the best and worst movie athletes. On the one hand, Jordan does a decent job of playing himself, showing his charisma, humor, and competitiveness. He also interacts well with the animated characters, especially Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, who provide most of the laughs. Jordan’s basketball skills are undeniable, and he delivers some impressive moves on the court. He also has a touching scene with his family, where he expresses his doubts about his baseball career.
On the other hand, some of the NBA players who appear in the film are less convincing as movie athletes. Barkley, Ewing, and Bogues are great players in real life, but they seem awkward and stiff in their acting. They also have limited screen time and dialogue, mostly playing themselves as depressed and confused after losing their talents. They do have some funny moments, such as when Barkley tries to play with a group of girls who reject him, or when Ewing visits a therapist who asks him about his sex life. However, they do not have much impact on the plot or the outcome of the game.
18. Trainwreck 2015
IMDB Rating: 6.2，Douban Rating: 6.3，ID: tt3152624
Trainwreck is a romantic comedy film written by and starring Amy Schumer as Amy Townsend, a magazine writer who doesn’t believe in monogamy and has a series of casual hookups. She meets Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), a sports doctor who treats famous athletes, and starts to develop feelings for him.
The film follows their relationship as they deal with their different lifestyles, expectations, and insecurities. One of the highlights of the film is the performance of LeBron James, who plays himself as Aaron’s best friend and confidant. James shows his comedic skills and charisma, stealing every scene he is in. He also participates in a charity slam dunk contest that features impressive stunts and dancers.
Evert and Romo play commentators at the slam dunk contest, who make fun of Aaron’s lack of athletic ability. Trainwreck is a funny and heartfelt film that explores the challenges of modern romance and commitment. Schumer and Hader have great chemistry and deliver hilarious and touching moments. The film also showcases the talents of James and other athletes, who add more humor and entertainment to the story.
19. Rollerball 2002
IMDB Rating: 3.1，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt0246894
If you are looking for a movie that features some of the best and worst movie athletes, you might want to check out Rollerball, a remake of the 1975 sci-fi classic. The film stars Chris Klein as Jonathan Cross, a former NHL hopeful who joins a violent sport called Rollerball, where teams of skaters and bikers compete for a metal ball in a circular arena. Along with his teammates Marcus (LL Cool J) and Aurora (Rebecca Romijn), Jonathan becomes a star player and a target for the ruthless promoter Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno), who wants to boost the ratings by increasing the bloodshed. Rollerball is a film that tries to be an action-packed thriller, but fails miserably on every level.
The plot is thin and nonsensical, the characters are bland and unlikable, the dialogue is cheesy and clichéd, and the action scenes are poorly edited and hard to follow. The film also lacks any of the social critique or satire that made the original film interesting and relevant. Instead, it relies on cheap thrills and gratuitous violence that are neither exciting nor fun to watch. The only redeeming quality of Rollerball is the unintentional comedy that comes from the terrible acting and writing. Chris Klein is especially hilarious as Jonathan, who delivers his lines with a wooden expression and a monotone voice. He also has no chemistry with Rebecca Romijn, who plays his love interest and fellow Rollerball player. Jean Reno is wasted as the villainous Alexi, who has a ridiculous Russian accent and a penchant for opera music. LL Cool J is the only actor who seems to have some charisma and talent, but he is given nothing to do except look cool and crack jokes. Rollerball is a film that should be avoided by anyone who values quality cinema. It is a waste of time and money, and an insult to the original film. It is not even worth watching as a guilty pleasure, because it is not so bad that it’s good, it is just bad. Rollerball is a roller coaster of boredom, frustration, and disappointment.
20. Eastbound & Down Season 1 2009–2013
IMDB Rating: 8.2，Douban Rating: 8.2，ID: tt0866442
If you are looking for a comedy series that features a hilarious and outrageous protagonist, you might want to check out Eastbound & Down Season 1. The show stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a former major league baseball pitcher who has fallen from grace and is forced to return to his hometown and work as a middle school PE teacher. Kenny is arrogant, rude, vulgar and delusional, but also strangely charismatic and endearing.
He tries to reclaim his glory by pursuing his old flame April (Katy Mixon), who is engaged to the school principal Terrence (Andy Daly), and by challenging his rival Reg Mackworthy (Craig Robinson), who is still a successful baseball player. The show is a satire of sports dramas and American culture, as it mocks Kenny’s inflated ego, his obsession with fame and money, and his lack of self-awareness. The show also features some hilarious supporting characters, such as Kenny’s loyal but dim-witted sidekick Stevie (Steve Little), his sensible brother Dustin (John Hawkes) and his sarcastic sister-in-law Cassie (Jennifer Irwin).
The show is full of crude humor, absurd situations, and memorable quotes, such as “I play real sports. I’m not trying to be the best at exercising.” or “You’re fucking out, I’m fucking in.”. Eastbound & Down Season 1 is a comedy series that will make you laugh out loud and cringe at the same time. It is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended, but if you enjoy dark humor and irreverent comedy, you will love watching Kenny Powers’ antics and misadventures. The show is well-written, well-acted, and well-produced, and it has a cult following among fans and critics alike. It is one of the best and worst movie athletes ever.
