I would like to start my article with the quote by the tennis legend Venus Williams that inspired me to curate this list of sports films: “Go ahead and enjoy women’s sports like you would any other sports because they are sports.”
In the realm of sports films, stories of triumph, perseverance, and sheer determination have often been dominated by male protagonists. However, a wave of compelling female-led sports films has emerged over the years, offering narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide. These films not only showcase the physical prowess of women athletes but also delve into the complexities of their personal journeys, societal challenges, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
And let’s be honest, everyone loves a compelling underdog story, especially if it’s a woman narrating the challenges she must surmount to earn equal respect in the sports world. Such sports films are important because of their ability to challenge gender stereotypes and break down norms.
Whether it’s soccer, baseball, or cricket, this genre highlights the skill, passion, and dedication of female athletes while also addressing the barriers they face, both on and off the field. Classic sports film like Mary Kom and Bend It Like Beckham have encouraged the younger female generation to follow their aspirations and not be frightened of rejection from individuals who tell them they’ll never be good enough.
Scroll down to bookmark these 13 iconic female-led sports films to binge on:
1. A League of Their Own (1992)
A sports film (comedy-drama) set during World War II, focusing on the formation and challenges of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The film centres on two sisters, Dottie Hinson (played by Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (played by Lori Petty), who join the Rockford Peaches, one of the league’s teams. Under the guidance of their gruff coach, Jimmy Dugan (played by Tom Hanks), a former baseball star turned alcoholic, the Peaches and other teams struggle to gain recognition and respect in a male-dominated sports world.
Throughout the season, the women face personal and professional challenges, bonding as teammates while challenging societal norms and expectations. As they navigate victories, setbacks, and the impact of the war, the film celebrates the pioneering spirit and resilience of the women who played professional baseball during a pivotal time in American history.
Stream on: Prime Video
2. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley. The film follows Jess Bhamra, a British-Indian teenager with a passion for football (soccer), who defies her conservative Sikh family’s expectations to pursue her dream of playing professionally. Despite her parents’ objections and societal pressures, Jess joins a local women’s football team, the Hounslow Harriers, where she befriends Jules Paxton, another talented player.
Jess’s skills catch the eye of her coach, Joe, who encourages her to strive for success. However, Jess’s secret football activities strain her relationship with her family, especially her traditional mother, who disapproves of her daughter prioritising sports over academics and cultural norms. Ultimately, Jess must navigate between her love for football, her family’s expectations, and her own dreams of breaking free from societal constraints.
Stream on: Apple Tv
3. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
The sports film shares the story of Maggie Fitzgerald (played by Hilary Swank), a determined young woman from a poor background who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. She convinces reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn (played by Clint Eastwood) to take her under his wing, despite his initial reservations about coaching a female boxer. Under Frankie’s guidance, Maggie shows immense talent and dedication, quickly rising through the ranks.
She forms a close bond with Frankie and his former boxer-turned-employee, Eddie “Scrap-Iron” Dupris (played by Morgan Freeman). However, tragedy strikes during a pivotal fight when an illegal move by her opponent leaves Maggie permanently paralysed from the neck down. The film then explores the profound impact of this tragedy on Maggie, Frankie, and Scrap as they grapple with difficult moral and ethical decisions regarding Maggie’s quality of life.
Stream on: Apple Tv
4. Blue Crush (2002)
Directed by John Stockwell, the plot revolves around Anne Marie Chadwick (played by Kate Bosworth), a talented surfer living in Hawaii with her friends Eden (played by Michelle Rodriguez) and Lena (played by Sanoe Lake). Anne Marie dreams of competing as a professional surfer but is haunted by a traumatic wipeout that has left her hesitant about big waves. She works as a hotel maid to support her family and her younger sister, Penny (played by Mika Boorem).
When a pro football player named Matt Tollman (played by Matthew Davis) enters her life and shows romantic interest, Anne Marie is conflicted between her surfing ambitions and her budding relationship. With the support of her friends and her determination, Anne Marie prepares for a prestigious surfing competition, the Pipeline Masters. Throughout the film, Anne Marie confronts personal fears, learns to trust herself in challenging surf conditions, and ultimately discovers her own strength and passion for surfing amidst the backdrop of Hawaii’s beautiful beaches and intense waves.
Stream on: Jio Cinema
5. Whip It (2009)
The directorial debut of Drew BarrymoreThe story follows Bliss Cavendar (played by Ellen Page), a small-town teenager who feels trapped by her mother’s beauty pageant expectations. Discovering a roller derby team in nearby Austin, Texas, Bliss secretly tries out and impresses the Hurl Scouts team members with her skating skills. She adopts the alter ego “Babe Ruthless” and becomes a pivotal player in the fiercely competitive world of roller derby, embracing the sport’s physicality and camaraderie.
As Bliss navigates her newfound passion and independence, she must also confront family tensions, romantic interests, and the pressures of conforming to societal expectations. Through roller derby, Bliss finds empowerment, self-discovery, and a community of strong, supportive women who encourage her to embrace her true identity and ambitions.
Stream on: Prime Video
6. Bring It On (2000)
Directed by Peyton Reed, it centres around Torrance Shipman (played by Kirsten Dunst), the newly appointed captain of the Toro cheerleading squad at Rancho Carne High School. Torrance is determined to lead her team to victory at the national cheerleading championships. However, she discovers that their former captain had been stealing routines from a rival squad, the East Compton Clovers, led by the fiercely talented Isis (played by Gabrielle Union).
Torrance must navigate ethical dilemmas, intense competition, and personal challenges as she strives to uphold her team’s reputation while facing the truth about their stolen routines. Along the way, she forms unexpected alliances, learns valuable lessons about teamwork and integrity, and ultimately discovers the true spirit of cheerleading beyond just winning competitions. The film blends comedy, drama, and sportsmanship to deliver a spirited tale of friendship, rivalry, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of competitive cheerleading.
Stream on: Netflix
7. She’s the Man (2006)
Inspired by William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night, the sports film follows Viola Hastings (played by Amanda Bynes), a talented soccer player who impersonates her twin brother Sebastian to join the boys’ soccer team at his boarding school after her own girls’ team gets cut. Viola’s goal is to prove herself as a capable player and to compete against her ex-boyfriend’s team from her former school.
Disguised as Sebastian, Viola faces numerous challenges, including navigating the intricacies of male friendships, maintaining her secret identity, and grappling with her growing feelings for her roommate Duke (played by Channing Tatum). As she balances her double life, Viola discovers more about herself, and challenges gender stereotypes.
Stream on: Prime Video
8. Chak De! India (2007)
This YRF film tells the story of Kabir Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan), a former men’s field hockey team captain who was accused of deliberately losing a crucial match against Pakistan. Years later, he is given the opportunity to coach the Indian women’s national field hockey team, a group of diverse and initially disunited players from different states across India. Facing scepticism, prejudice, and internal conflicts within the team, Kabir is determined to mould them into champions.
Through rigorous training, teamwork, and his unwavering belief in their potential, the team begins to bond and grow stronger. As they face numerous challenges, both on and off the field, including personal struggles, media scrutiny, and societal expectations, the players unite under Kabir’s leadership to prove themselves on the international stage.
Stream on: Prime Video
9. Mary Kom (2014)
A biographical sports film based on the life of Mary Kom (played by Priyanka Chopra), a renowned Indian boxer and Olympic bronze medalist. The film portrays Mary’s journey from a young girl growing up in rural Manipur, India, to becoming a national and international boxing champion.
Despite facing societal and familial opposition to her pursuit of boxing, Mary is determined to defy the odds and make a mark in the male-dominated sport. With the support of her coach (played by Sunil Thapa) and her husband (played by Darshan Kumaar), Mary overcomes personal challenges, including balancing her roles as a wife and mother, to achieve her dreams.
Stream on: Netflix
10. Dangal (2016)
Based on the lives of Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan) and his daughters Geeta Phogat (played by Fatima Sana Shaikh) and Babita Kumari (played by Sanya Malhotra), Set in rural Haryana, India, the film follows Mahavir, a former wrestler who dreams of winning a gold medal for India in wrestling. When his dreams are dashed due to a lack of support, he decides to train his daughters to wrestle against societal norms that discourage girls from pursuing sports.
Despite initial resistance from the girls and their community, Mahavir’s rigorous training transforms Geeta and Babita into accomplished wrestlers. The film chronicles their struggles, triumphs, and the challenges they face in the male-dominated world of wrestling, culminating in Geeta’s historic victory at the Commonwealth Games.
Stream on: Apple Tv
11. I, Tonya (2017)
A biographical dark comedy-sports film that explores the tumultuous life of Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie), a talented figure skater from Oregon. The film follows Tonya’s rise in the competitive figure skating world, highlighting her fierce determination and raw talent, as well as her tumultuous relationships with her abusive mother LaVona (played by Allison Janney) and her volatile husband Jeff Gillooly (played by Sebastian Stan).
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the infamous 1994 attack on Tonya’s rival Nancy Kerrigan (played by Caitlin Carver), orchestrated by Gillooly and his associates, which ultimately led to Tonya’s ban from competitive figure skating.
Stream on: Apple Tv
12. King Richard (2021)
Even though this one is not entirely led by a woman, this biographical sports film focuses on Richard Williams. He is the father and coach of Venus Williams and Serena Williams, two of the greatest tennis players of all time. The film chronicles Richard’s unwavering determination and unconventional methods as he nurtures his daughters’ tennis talent against significant odds, including financial struggles and skepticism bold vision and relentless commitment to his family’s success are depicted through his rigorous training regime and his belief in Venus and Serena’s potential to become world champions.
Richard’s bold vision and relentless commitment to his family’s success are depicted through his rigorous training regime and his belief in Venus and Serena’s potential to become world champions. The story highlights not only his role as a father but also his personality and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of his daughters’ dreams.
Stream on: Apple Tv
12. Challengers (2024)
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, this sports film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist, West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor, The Crown), his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and present collide and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself: What will it cost to win?
Stream on: Apple Tv
Also, read: From F1 To Cricket, Why Do Most Men Look Down On Female Sports Fans?
