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Top Ten Highest Rated Sport Biopics, On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, we check out new research that revealed the highest rated sport biopics of all time, and ask what makes them so popular.
Sports biopics have captivated audiences for decades, offering inspiring tales of athletic triumph, personal struggles, and the unyielding human spirit. From underdog stories to legendary careers, these films have the power to move, motivate, and entertain.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into a recent study conducted by the bet calculator website AceOdds.com, that revealed the highest-rated sports biopics of all time. The study obtained data from IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic to determine the ranking. An average score out of 100 was then awarded to each film based on the ratings across these sites. The biopics with the highest average rating determined the rating.
Sport biopics are a fantastic way to educate audiences about legendary sporting figures, ranging from Tonya Harding to the Von Erich brothers. Biopics have always been a popular mode of storytelling, and it’s great to see sporting fanbases grow due to the popularity of these films.
It’s fascinating to see where iconic biopics place on the ranking and whether they have stood the test of time. Even though it has been almost 44 years since Raging Bull’s release, it’s exciting to see Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece still connects with modern audiences.
–Scott Byrom, Head of Analytics at AceOdds.com
| Rank | Film | Final Rating |
| 1 | Raging Bull | 89 |
| 2 | Dangal Yuddham | 88.33 |
| =3 | Ford v Ferrari | 88 |
| =3 | Senna | 88 |
| 4 | Moneyball | 85.75 |
| 5 | King Richard | 84.75 |
| 6 | The Fighter | 84.25 |
| 7 | The Iron Claw | 83.25 |
| 8 | Rush | 83 |
| 9 | I, Tonya | 82.50 |
| 10 | Maidaan | 82.33 |
Claiming the top spot with an average rating of 89 out of 100, the 1980 film Raging Bull reigns supreme as the highest-rated sports biopic. Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and starring the incomparable Robert De Niro, this cinematic masterpiece chronicles the tumultuous life and career of Jake LaMotta, the middleweight boxing champion.
The film chronicles LaMotta’s rise to prominence in the boxing world, as well as his tumultuous personal life. LaMotta was a fiercely competitive boxer who was known for his aggressive style and his tendency to get into fights both inside and outside the ring. However, his success in the ring was overshadowed by his personal problems, including his volatile relationship with his wife, Vickie, and his alcoholism.
Raging Bull is a powerful and gritty film that explores the dark side of the American Dream. It is a complex and nuanced portrait of a man who was both a talented athlete and a deeply troubled individual. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of violence, its unflinching look at the human condition, and De Niro’s tour-de-force performance.
Raging Bull has garnered critical acclaim and enduring popularity, boasting an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDb and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Powerful Performance: De Niro’s transformative performance as Jake LaMotta is widely regarded as one of the greatest acting achievements in film history. His physical transformation and portrayal of the boxer’s complex personality are both captivating and haunting.
Scorsese’s Direction: Martin Scorsese’s masterful direction brings LaMotta’s story to life with raw intensity and visceral realism. The film’s gritty aesthetic and unflinching exploration of violence and self-destruction contribute to its lasting impact.
Compelling Narrative: Raging Bull is not merely a sports film but a character study that delves into the depths of LaMotta’s psyche. The film explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and self-destruction, offering a nuanced and complex portrayal of the boxer’s life.
Securing the second spot with an average rating of 88.33 out of 100, Dangal Yuddham (also known as Dangal) is a powerful and inspiring sports biopic. Released in 2016, the film chronicles the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former wrestler who defies societal norms by training his two daughters for the Commonwealth Games.
The film begins in 1988, when Mahavir Singh Phogat, a former national-level wrestler, is struggling to make ends meet. He dreams of winning a gold medal for India at the Olympics, but his father’s disapproval of his chosen career has forced him to give up his wrestling aspirations.
Determined to fulfill his dream through his children, Phogat convinces his wife to allow him to train their daughters in wrestling. Despite facing opposition from the local community, who believe that girls should not participate in sports, Phogat trains his daughters relentlessly.
Geeta and Babita Phogat go on to achieve great success in wrestling, representing India at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. However, their journey is not without its challenges, as they face discrimination and prejudice from both their family and society.
Dangal Yuddham has garnered widespread acclaim, earning an impressive 89% critics score and a 93% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its position as one of the highest-rated sports biopics.
Inspirational Story: The film’s narrative is both heartwarming and empowering, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of Phogat and his daughters as they defy gender stereotypes and pursue their dreams.
Strong Performances: The film features outstanding performances from the cast, particularly Aamir Khan, who undergoes a remarkable physical transformation to portray Phogat at different stages of his life.
Cultural Significance: Dangal Yuddham explores important social issues in India, such as gender discrimination and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The film’s message of empowerment and breaking barriers has resonated with audiences worldwide.
The 2019 film Ford v Ferrari roars onto the scene with an impressive final score of 88 out of 100. Starring the dynamic duo of Christian Bale and Matt Damon, this exhilarating F1 biopic chronicles the legendary rivalry between Ford and Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
The film follows Shelby and Miles as they work together to develop the Ford GT40, a revolutionary new race car. The Ford GT40 is a radical departure from traditional racing cars, and it faces many challenges during its development.
In 1966, the Ford GT40 competes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race against a field of Ferrari cars. The race is a thrilling battle between the two teams, with Ford ultimately emerging victorious.
Ford v Ferrari has captivated audiences with its high-octane action, compelling characters, and powerful storytelling. The film boasts an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDb and an astonishing 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its position as one of the highest-rated sports biopics.
Thrilling Racing Sequences: The film delivers heart-pounding racing sequences that immerse viewers in the intensity and excitement of the sport.
Strong Performances: Bale and Damon deliver exceptional performances, capturing the essence of their real-life counterparts and creating a captivating on-screen chemistry.
Inspirational Story: The film celebrates the human spirit, showcasing the determination, passion, and ingenuity of the individuals involved in the Ford v Ferrari rivalry.
The 2010 documentary Senna secures a well-deserved final score of 88 out of 100. This poignant film chronicles the life and career of the legendary Formula One driver, Ayrton Senna, before his tragic passing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Senna has captivated audiences worldwide with its intimate portrayal of the Brazilian racing icon. The film’s raw footage, personal interviews, and dramatic storytelling provide a compelling glimpse into Senna’s world, both on and off the track.
Senna was a charismatic and talented driver who was known for his aggressive style and his intense rivalry with Alain Prost. He was also a deeply religious man who was committed to social justice.
The film follows Senna’s career from his early days in karting to his final race at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. It features interviews with Senna’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as archival footage of his races.
With an impressive audience score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, Senna ranks third among the highest-rated sports biopics.
Intimate Portrait: Senna offers a deeply personal and intimate look at the driver’s life, revealing his passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Emotional Impact: The film’s exploration of Senna’s tragic demise and the profound impact of his loss on fans and fellow drivers creates a powerful emotional connection with the audience.
Historical Significance: Senna captures the essence of a golden era in Formula One, showcasing the sport’s intensity, rivalries, and the extraordinary talent of its drivers.
The 2011 film Moneyball secures a well-deserved final score of 85.75 out of 100, solidifying its place among the highest-rated sports biopics. Starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, this captivating film is based on the true story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics baseball team, which revolutionized the sport through innovative statistical analysis.
The film stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand, a young economics graduate who is hired by Beane to help him rebuild the team on a tight budget.
Beane and Brand use statistical analysis to identify undervalued players that other teams have overlooked. They assemble a team of misfits and castoffs that defies the expectations of baseball experts.
The Athletics go on to have a successful season, winning their division and reaching the playoffs. However, their success is met with skepticism from traditional baseball people, who believe that the team’s success is due more to luck than to Beane and Brand’s innovative approach.
Moneyball has garnered widespread acclaim, boasting an impressive 7.6 rating on IMDb and a 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Thought-Provoking Narrative: The film explores the fascinating concept of sabermetrics, a statistical approach to analyzing baseball data. Moneyball challenges traditional notions of player evaluation and highlights the power of data-driven decision-making.
Strong Performances: Pitt and Hill deliver outstanding performances, capturing the essence of their real-life counterparts and creating a compelling on-screen dynamic.
Inspirational Story: Moneyball celebrates the underdog spirit, showcasing how a small-market team can compete with baseball’s powerhouses through strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
King Richard secures a well-deserved fifth place with a final score of 84.75 out of 100, solidifying its position among the highest-rated sports biopics. This inspiring film chronicles the early lives of Venus and Serena Williams as their determined father, Richard Williams, coaches them to become tennis prodigies.
The film stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene Price, Venus and Serena Williams’ mother, Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams, and Demi Singleton as Serena Williams. The film follows Williams’ journey to train his daughters to become world-class tennis players.
Williams faces many challenges in his quest to make his daughters champions. He must overcome financial hardship, racial prejudice, and the skepticism of the tennis establishment. However, Williams is a determined and visionary coach, and he is able to help his daughters achieve their dreams.
King Richard has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances. The film boasts an impressive 98% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic rating of 76, demonstrating its widespread appeal.
Strong Performances: Will Smith delivers a tour-de-force performance as Richard Williams, capturing his unwavering dedication and complex personality. The young actresses portraying Venus and Serena also deliver impressive performances, showcasing their talent and natural chemistry.
Inspiring Narrative: The film offers a heartwarming and uplifting story of family, determination, and the power of dreams. King Richard celebrates the achievements of the Williams sisters and the crucial role their father played in their success.
Social Commentary: The film also explores important social issues, such as race, class, and gender discrimination, highlighting the challenges faced by the Williams family in their pursuit of excellence.
The 2010 film The Fighter secures a well-deserved final score of 84.25 out of 100, cementing its place among the highest-rated sports biopics. This gripping drama is based on the true story of Micky Ward, a boxer who teams up with his brother to revive his flagging career.
The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward and Christian Bale as Dick Eklund, Ward’s half-brother and manager. Ward’s career is struggling, and he is addicted to drugs. Eklund, who is also a former boxer, tries to help Ward get his career back on track.
Ward and Eklund face many challenges, including Ward’s addiction, Eklund’s own personal problems, and the corrupt nature of the boxing business. However, they eventually overcome these obstacles and achieve success.
The Fighter has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its position as a must-watch film.
Powerful Performances: The film features exceptional performances from Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, who portray Micky Ward and his half-brother Dick Eklund, respectively. Their on-screen chemistry and nuanced portrayals of complex characters elevate the film.
Compelling Narrative: The Fighter offers a compelling and emotionally resonant story of redemption, exploring themes of family, addiction, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Authentic Depiction: The film’s gritty realism and attention to detail capture the essence of the boxing world, providing a raw and unfiltered look at the sport.
The Iron Claw is a captivating 2023 drama that chronicles the rise and fall of the Von Erich brothers, a legendary wrestling dynasty that dominated the sport in the 1980s. Starring Zac Efron and Jeremy Allen White, the film offers a gripping portrayal of the family’s journey, filled with fame, fortune, tragedy, and the enduring legacy of their name.
The film stars Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich, Jeremy Allen White as Kerry Von Erich, Lily James as Doris Von Erich, and Holt McCallany as Fritz Von Erich. The film follows the Von Erich family from their rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s to their tragic decline in the 1990s.
The Von Erichs were one of the most popular families in professional wrestling. They were known for their athleticism, their charisma, and their close family bond. However, the Von Erichs also faced many challenges, including injuries, substance abuse, and tragedy.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 94% and a Metacritic rating of 73%.
Powerful Performances: Efron and White deliver exceptional performances, capturing the essence of the Von Erich brothers and their complex family dynamics.
Compelling Narrative: The Iron Claw offers a compelling and emotionally resonant story, exploring themes of fame, fortune, tragedy, and the enduring legacy of the Von Erich family.
Historical Significance: The film provides a glimpse into the golden age of professional wrestling, showcasing the sport’s popularity and the iconic status of the Von Erich brothers.
The 2013 film Rush secures a well-deserved eighth place with a final score of 83 out of 100. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, this thrilling biopic chronicles the intense rivalry between the legendary Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda.
The film stars Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda. Hunt is a charismatic and flamboyant playboy, while Lauda is a methodical and calculating driver. The two drivers become fierce rivals, both on and off the track.
In 1976, Lauda suffers a horrific crash at the German Grand Prix, which leaves him with severe burns. Despite his injuries, Lauda is determined to return to racing, and he does so just six weeks after the accident.
The rivalry between Hunt and Lauda intensifies as the 1976 Formula One season progresses. In the final race of the season, at the Japanese Grand Prix, Hunt must finish third or better to win the championship. Lauda, who is still recovering from his injuries, is also determined to win the title.
Rush has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an 89% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic rating of 74%.
Powerful Performances: Hemsworth and Brühl deliver exceptional performances, capturing the essence of their real-life counterparts and creating a captivating on-screen dynamic.
Compelling Narrative: The film explores the contrasting personalities and driving styles of Hunt and Lauda, highlighting the intense rivalry that fueled their competition.
Historical Significance: Rush offers a glimpse into the golden age of Formula One, showcasing the sport’s intensity, danger, and the extraordinary talent of its drivers.
I, Tonya secures ninth place with a final rating of 82.50 out of 100, solidifying its position among the highest-rated sports biopics. Starring the talented Margot Robbie, this captivating film documents the rise and fall of the controversial figure skater, Tonya Harding.
The film stars Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gillooly, Harding’s ex-husband, and Allison Janney as Harding’s mother, LaVona Golden. The film is told in a non-linear narrative, with Harding and Gillooly giving conflicting accounts of the events leading up to the attack on Kerrigan.
I, Tonya is a dark comedy that explores the themes of abuse, class, and the American Dream. The film has been praised for its performances, its direction, and its screenplay. It is a must-watch for fans of sports films, figure skating fans, and anyone who is interested in a good story.
I, Tonya has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 91% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
Powerful Performance: Margot Robbie delivers a tour-de-force performance as Tonya Harding, capturing the complexity and contradictions of her character with remarkable depth and nuance.
Compelling Narrative: The film offers a nuanced exploration of Harding’s life, challenging preconceived notions and inviting audiences to reconsider their perceptions of the figure skater.
Social Commentary: I, Tonya delves into broader themes of class, gender, and the media’s role in shaping public perception. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the treatment of female athletes and the consequences of fame and scandal.
Rounding out the top ten with a final score of 82.33 out of 100, Maidaan is a captivating sports biopic that tells the inspiring story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the renowned architect of Indian football.
The film stars Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim. The film follows Rahim’s journey as he tries to rebuild the Indian national football team after its disastrous performance at the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Rahim is a passionate and dedicated coach who is determined to make India a force in international football.
With the help of his players, Rahim leads India to some of its greatest victories. However, Rahim’s journey is not without its challenges. He faces opposition from the Indian Football Federation and the media, and he must also deal with the personal struggles of his players.
Maidaan has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an audience score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb rating of 8.5.
Powerful Performance: The film features a strong performance from the lead actor, who brings to life the complex and charismatic figure of Syed Abdul Rahim.
Inspiring Narrative: Maidaan offers a compelling and uplifting story, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of Rahim as he strives to elevate Indian football to new heights.
Historical Significance: The film sheds light on the golden era of Indian football, celebrating the achievements of the national team under Rahim’s leadership.
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