40 Best Baseball Movies of All Time

40 Best Baseball Movies of All Time

Baseball is one of the most beloved games and it experienced an explosion of popularity just about the time motion pictures were becoming part of the popular culture. This was during the first half of the 20^th century and right about the time people first experienced watching a live sports event. Hence, baseball became a very big deal. The electrifying feel of the bat swinging and the pitch swiftly slapping the gloves at such a high speed sounded good to the ears and this is something filmmakers took to notice. They therefore started providing fans their favourite popularly known as ‘American pastime,’ and these were essentially inspirational tales of those considered underdogs and how they eventually emerged as winners regardless of the odds set against them. Besides the motivational edge they present, viewers have also been always able to catch redemptive storylines comedy, and family dramas that revolve around the sports of the screens. There have been so many movies that have the baseball theme too and among these, here is a list

1. Twelve– 2019

This 2019 movie is a Stephen Grimaldi sports drama movie that did quite well upon its release. In the movie, we see a young boy known as Kyle Cooke who takes help from his father in order to realize his dream of playing in the Little League World Series. As much as it is a beautiful story about family, it also tries to convey how baseball can end up providing people with many life lessons that are quite significant. It talks more about the tale of hard work and dedication and if you have ever doubted your true potential and even questioned your self-worth, then this is a must-watch.

2. A Mile in His Shoes– 2011

 Directed by William Dear, we are introduced to a character known as Mickey Tussler, a man who has autism but gets selected to pitch for a minor league game. People around him are not too kind but he nevertheless ends up having a deep-seated influence on them then eventually becomes a part of their lives and squad too. The play carries so many meaningful moments that are very sweet and they are bound to bring tears to your eyes. The movie gives you a good feel and restores your hope in humanity if you ever find yourself losing it. Moreover, the movie is based on Frank Nappi’s acclaimed novel, ‘The Legend of Mickey Tussler’ and Dear did a good job, of bringing to life the novel itself.

3. Little Big League – 1994

 This movie released in 1994, tells a story of a young 12-year-old boy who becomes the owner and ultimately the manager of the Minnesota Twins Baseball team. It is not a very popular baseball movie compared to the others, but it is one of the best in the sense that it avoids coming out as too predictable and silly. That’s not quite an easy thing to achieve with these movies. Additionally, ‘Little Big League,’ does an exceptional job of portraying the challenges that often baseball teams have to go through when they are in season. 

4. Angels in the Outfield– 1994

 ‘Angels in the Outfield,’ is a remake of the 1951 film that goes with the same name. In this movie, the protagonist, who goes by the name Roger, prays for a genuine family and victory for his all-time favourite baseball team. He then is very surprised when angels (quite literally) arrive to help him fulfill his wishes and this is where as the viewer you cannot help but wish this was to happen to you. In a world full of unkind people and so many challenges, having an angel or two helping us out wouldn’t be such a terrible idea. The movie retains the appeal of the original and carries some striking moments for every baseball fan to marvel at. 

5. Fever Pitch– 2005

This 2005 film directed by the Farrelly brothers is a romantic comedy-drama film starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon as the lead. As a remake of the 1997 film of the same title, this doesn’t disappoint at all. It follows a guy who spends most of his time watching matches of the Boston Red Sox. This however makes his girlfriend feel like she is being taken for granted and while the original mostly focuses on soccer, the subject of this one revolves around baseball so as to appease the American people who love anything to do with baseball. It has an amazing charm that every baseball fan will find appealing and hence it has always been appreciated as one of the best baseball movies.

6. Hardball- 2001

‘Hardball,’ is a 2001 film by Brian Robbins, that tells the story of Conor O’Neil, a hopeless gambling addict who grudgingly agrees to coach a children’s baseball team in Chicago. He wants to exchange his efforts for a large amount of money so that he can finally be able to clear his debts. It is a typical, predictable baseball movie that contains very touching moments that make you appreciate the beauty of teamwork and togetherness. The coach struggles at first to deal with his own vices but eventually learns even children can be so smart sometimes and give an insight or two that becomes of great help eventually.

7. 42: The Jackie Robinson Story– 2013

 The movie traces the journey of Jackie Robinson, an aspiring sportsman who served in World War 2. After returning from the war, he became the first black player in a major baseball league. What’s more exciting about this movie is the capture of this very inspiring story and the fact that it stars Robinson himself. After all, who better to play a character about you, than yourself? Even more impressive, the story follows his role in playing in Major League Baseball despite the widespread segregation that was there at the time. Prejudice was so much and Robinson had such a hard time fitting in but despite the odds and the hardship he faced during his career, he ended up setting a high bar for baseball biopics.  

8. Cobb– 1994

 Released in 1994, ‘Cobb,’ was written and directed by the legendary Ron Shelton and stars  Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Wuhl, and Lolita Davidovich. The movie tells of a story of a sports reporter, who gets hired to write an official biography of the baseball player known as Ty Cobb, hence the title of the film.  To his surprise, stump finds out that the real-life story of the ultimate baseball legend is truly dark. And the story tries to unfold this and Tommy Lee Jones delivers a very impressive performance as the player character. 

9. The Pride of St. Louis– 1952

 This movie tells the real-life story of Jerome Dean, popularly known as Dizzy who was a major league baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs in the 30s and 40s. The film was close showcasing how things turned out in both his personal and professional lives of Dean on the big screens. It is not particularly a biographical sports drama but any fan of baseball will definitely find it amazing and interesting. 

10. For Love of the Game– 1999

This movie is one of the most liked baseball movies in the U.S. It traces the journey of the legendary baseball player who at the age of 40, is ready to retire and hang his boots. Before deciding however to call it quits, he gets one more chance to demonstrate exactly what he is capable of. He hopes to win the heart of the woman he has loved for years while at the same time wrapping up his career on a high note. As much as the narration is pretty good, the father-son relationship is something that connects with the viewers because of how realistic and encouraging it is

11. Take Me Out to the Ball Game- 1949

 This oldie baseball movie is another that will just blow your mind. Having been headlined by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Esther Williams, and Gene Kelly, this great movie directed by Busby Berkeley outlines the journey of K.C. Higgins, the very attractive lady who became the new owner of the Wolves Baseball team. Her life however comes apart when a gambler puts a lot of money on her team to lose an important match. The film features the pair of Kelly and Sinatra as a team of the big leaguers who just dreams of becoming bonafide performers. They eventually end up performing well in their areas although critics have always felt that the project lacked substance. 

12. The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings – 1976

 This sports drama traces the journey of the Negro League’s pitcher, Bingo Long, and his fellow players during a time when racial segregation was as common as drinking water. The movie is entirely based on William Brashler’s novel of the same name. It stars Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones, and Richard Pryor in very crucial roles. It is an entertaining sports movie that even more importantly, sheds light on an era of baseball that has somewhat been forgotten over time. What better way to keep reminding people of this time in history?

13. Bang the Drum Slowly– 1973

Fun fact: Robert De Niro has actually ever appeared in a baseball movie and this particular movie is it. The movie traces the story of the companionship between a wise star pitcher and a halfwit catcher whose bond is put to test when in fact it is revealed that the catcher is battling a terminal illness. This sports drama film heavily thrives on De Niro’s noteworthy portrayal of Bruce Pearson. 

14. The Perfect Game– 2009

This 2009 movie is based on William Winokur’s book of the same title. It tells the true story of a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who end up becoming the first non-American team to win the Little League World Series. More than anything else, it is very inspiring and has been praised for its attempt to tell a story that had a major impact. The performances of the young actors made the scenes so authentic and thrilling. It is indeed a very captivating story and one to look forward to. 

15. It Happens Every Spring– 1949

This movie directed by Lloyd Bacon is plainly put enjoyable and unpretentious and very funny. It is a comedy mainstream feature that introduces the viewers to an ambitious scientist who toils on experimental substances. He accidentally discovers an extraordinary formula that helps him invent a baseball that actually gets repelled by wood. Of course, he gets too overwhelmed with the discovery and goes ahead to test it on the baseball field and ends up becoming a star for the major league. 

16. Trouble with the Curve– 2012

 This 2012 drama film was helmed by Robert Lorenz and it featured very high-ranked actors like Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, and John Goodman. It basically tracks the journey of an aging baseball scout who insists on one more scouting job as his last gig. For his mission, he is chaperoned by his estranged daughter and the iconic Eastwood gives his everything to this role. Fans couldn’t miss this opportunity to see the legendary on screen again hence why it was quite a popular film.

17. The Rookie– 2002

‘The Rookie,’ is a John Lee Hancock film that does a commendable job in trying to exhibit the attitude of  “Never give up!” in athletes. The movie plot introduces us to Jim, a high school baseball team coach who works very hard to ensure that his mediocre team gets to win the championship. They are put to the test when they face a very well-known and big-time league team. They eventually win after all the mockery and hence get to remind us that anyone can win and achieve anything they keep their mind to. 

18. Everybody Wants Some!! – 2016

This movie is set in the 80s and it is a feel-good teen film that tells the story of college athlete, Jake Bradford. He moves into the communal house of his baseball team but notices that his roommates begin to navigate the pros and cons of growing up without adult supervision. Their quest for freedom and self-discovery is very relatable hence why it is a popular one. As much as it uses baseball as its subplot, it resonates with anyone who gets to watch it especially if you’ve ever gone through college. 

19. Fear Strikes Out– 1957

This oldie movie tells the story of the life of Jimmy Piersall, who battles mental illness but still manages to achieve fame in a major league baseball team. It incorporates documentary footage of the stadium scenes as they showcase the exciting game sequences. The drama is perfect for family time and just bonding over a cool and interesting baseball game. 

20. Damn Yankees– 1958

This is another oldie film that tells the story of a Wahington Senators fan, who ends up making a deal with the devil, in order to help his hopeless baseball team be able to emerge triumphant in the league. The movie mostly works as a photographed stageplay and is presented in an amusing manner. Given it was released in the late 50s, this was not so common. But when all is said and done, if you want to savor a musical comedy that has a touch of sports, then ‘Damn Yankees,’ is your movie of choice. It will entertain you, make you laugh, and even surprise you. 

21. Knuckleball!– 2012

This is more a documentary film that is an absolute favourite for die-hard fans of baseball and even those wanting to pursue it professionally. It showcases baseball’s most unpredictable pitch hence why it is this popular and even introduces its audience to some men who have tried to master the technique of the knuckleball. As much as the film is more for baseball fans, it is also a brilliant film for those wishing to be better acquainted with the sport.                                              

22. Four Days In October– 2010

 The beauty of this 2010 film is that it was produced by ESPN and MLB Productions. It served as an episode in the first season of EPNS’s ‘30for 30 series.’ The film gives an insight into some great comebacks that have been made throughout the history of baseball. For instance, the film covers the 2004 ALCS games that saw the Boston Red Sox becoming the first team throughout history to erase a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees, their all-time favourite rivals. It has been rated as one of the best documentary movies to ever have been made by ESPN for any kind of sport and as much as it starts off by giving a historical background of where the popular rivalry between Yankees and Red Sox came from then soon after dives into focusing onthe2004 championship.

23. Million Dollar Arm– 2014

 This 2014 film is a Craig Gillespie movie that is a favourite baseball-themed motion picture for so many. It tells the true story of a reality contest that is run by a prominent baseball executive who is a bit desperate to find fresh baseball talent for the company he has recently established. The film drama uses baseball to deliver its plot and above everything else, it is a very uplifting film. If you are a fan of sports movies, then you should definitely give this one a chance. Even more admirable, ‘Million Dollar Arm,’ is a story of faith, family, and friendship.

24. Bull Durham-1988

 Starring the handsome and legendary Kevin Costner, this 1988 movie is based somewhat on the minor-league baseball experiences of Ron Shelton, the writer and director. It traces the journey of Crash Davis, a catcher who is a veteran, hired to train by a mentally challenged guy, popularly known as Nuke. They both however get involved with Annie, the young woman who greatly shares their love for baseball. It has hence become one of the first major films to have sexual undercurrents and Sports even described it as the “Greatest Sports Movie” of all time. 

25. The Stratton Story– 1949

 “The Stratton Story,” is another baseball oldie that you just can’t help but be fascinated with. The legendary James Stewart headlines this sports film where he portrays the character of Monty Stratton, a baseball player fighting to continue his professional career even after losing his leg. Basically his life in this kind of sport. The film showcases Monty as learning to walk on his false leg and because of his resilience and fighting spirit, he is able to toss a baseball again within months. Stewart did an amazing job in this film that even the real Monty Stratton admitted to it. The film was ultimately a huge success and it even won the Academy Award for Best Motion Picture Story.

26. Past the Bleachers -1995

 Released in 1995, this Michael Switzer movie focuses on the story of a mute boy by the name of Lucky Diamond. Lucky enables a Little League coach and his wife, to come to terms with the loss of their son. The actor also delivers such a convincing performance and the main focus is on healing and second chances hence why it just resonates with everybody. Even though it is a sports film, it still makes everyone who watches it appreciate its deep message.

27. Under the Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story– 2020

 This is another sports documentary film that sheds light on the life and career of one of the most successful and competitive pitchers in the history of baseball, CC Sabathia. Sabathia faces a number of challenges and hardships and doesn’t give up no matter how hard it gets. Apart from being an entertaining sports movie, it also encourages viewers the need for patience and resilience. The need to keep on keeping on even when all odds are totally set against you and it is almost clear that giving up is the best option.

28. Eight Men Out– 1988

 This film is based on Eliot Asinof’s book, ‘Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series.’It was written for the screen by John Sayles and it follows the story of the popular team, Chicago White Sox, which ends up losing a very critical match in the coveted World Series. The loss was deliberate though and while the story may not necessarily be too dramatic and hilarious it has an important message of respect and integrity that must be upheld in the sports industry

29. Sugar– 2009

This 2009 film follows the journey of Miguel Santos, a Dominican pitcher who works his way up until he reaches the big leagues. His main aim is to help himself and his family get out of poverty which he manages to do. This sports drama actually deserves more mainstream media given how it was also a spotlight film at the 2008 Hamptons International Film Festival. Moreover, the lead star of the film, Algenis Perez Soto does an outstanding job, especially given the fact that it was his first major film, hence providing an edge to the movie.

30. Up for Grabs– 2004

 Released in 2004, this film was directed and produced by the legendary Michael Wranovics. The film is about two men who end up battling for custody of a baseball. Even more impressive, the film not only received the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2004 Los Angeles Film Festival, but also won the Best Documentary trophy at the Gen Art Film Festival in New York and the Phoenix Film Festival. It is a film that depicts perfectly the vice of greed, and arrogance that every human being is plagued with deep inside.

31. A League of Their Own– 1992

 Directed by the legendary Penny Marshall, this movie released in 1992 tells the story (although fiction), of the story of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). It tells the story of characters named, Dottie and Kit, who get drafted into a professional baseball league team alongside other talented women. Things however spin out of control when a former star, who is a big alcoholic, is entrusted with managing them. The film is a great one because also it created awareness of the fact that there’s an American Girls’ baseball team and it has been making waves ever since it was put together 

32. The Bad News Bears– 1976

 This movie released in 1976 tells the story of Morris Butter, who reluctantly agrees to coach a minor league team after being requested by a lawyer named Bob Whitewood. Apart from winning the games on the field, Morris also has a way of bringing his squad to shape. He does a good in the film and that’s why it isn’t really a surprise that he eventually gets nominated for a BAFTA award, for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedy.

33. Fastball– 2015

 Another baseball game that starts Kevin Costner, this 2015 film documentary features so many legends and scientists and they try to decide who threw the fastest pitch in the history of baseball. Fans of the game get to see how difficult it can actually be to hit a fastball. However, as far as determining who the fastest pitch has ever been goes, it is still a mystery yet to be solved.

34. Soul of the Game– 1996

 Directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan and released in 1996, this movie showcases the challenges the legendary baseball players, Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson have to go through in their attempt to make it to the Major Leagues. It is about the Negro league baseball that was in existence at a time when segregation was too much but this film is one of the most unsung and underappreciated baseball movies of the 90s. It genuinely arrests the attention of genuine baseball fans.

35. The Natural– 1984

 Released in 1984, this is the kind of movie that will absolutely impress you to believe that baseball players are enabled by mythical powers and magical abilities. It follows the story of a middle-aged baseball player known as Roy Hobbs who helps a struggling baseball team be able to soar to the top of the league, during the 1930s. He is a mystery since people do not know much about him and he has a bat made out of a tree that was struck by lightning while in his possession hence the mythical powers. ‘The Natural,’ has been considered one of the best works of Robert Redford, based on the novel written by Bernard Malamud, by the same name. The film was further nominated for four Academy Awards and rightfully so.

36. Mr. 3000- 2004

Released in 2004, this film is a sports comedy-drama that features the legendary Bernie Mac. He plays as a retired player who comes back to the game after years of retiring just so he can get his 3,000th hit. It is an emotional film also, something that catches you by surprise because more than anything it is very funny.

37. Field of Dreams– 1989

 ‘Field of Dreams,’ is one of the most popular baseball movies of all time that stars such popular, legendary and talented Hollywood icons. These include; Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, and even Burt Lancaster. It follows the story of Ray Kinsella, a baseball fan and farmer, who hears voices alongside a vision of a baseball diamond. The voices convince him to build a baseball field in his backyard and he starts a team right there. It a culturally and historically significant motion picture that even got to be nominated for three Academy Awards.

38. The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg– 1998

 This is a documentary film that is very good but rather underrated. It tells the story of the icon Hank Greenberg, who was the first major Jewish baseball star in the Major Leagues. Above everything else, this film is a very well-researched documentary that is also affectionate and paints a picture of a true pioneer of the sport, who was a big hero back in the day. Greenberg was appreciated as one of the many baseball stars who briefly gave up on his career so as to serve in the military. This is one aspect that is always respected about him.

39. Moneyball– 2011

Released in 2011, ‘Moneyball,’ is one of the most crowd-pleasing blends of nostalgia, realism, and practicability that traces the journey of a baseball general manager and economic graduate who openly challenges the norms. They strive to develop a competitive sports squad using computer-based techniques.  Brad Pitt takes the lead and the film revamps a typical sports drama film and revolutionizes it in modern baseball. It did so well that after it aired, it was nominated for six Academy Awards.

40. The Sandlot– 1993

This film released in 1993, tells the story of an awkward young lad named Scotty, who moves into a new neighbourhood but finds it difficult to make friends. He decides to join the local baseball team after being invited by one of its best players and what was supposed to be a time of learning tricks of the game, transforms the whole thing into a series of adventures for Scotty. Even more impressive, this is the kind of film that is suitable for people of all age groups and hence promises to stand the test of time.

Baseball is a great game and all these films have done a great job of showcasing just how great they can really be. Furthermore, the teamwork and strategy required makes it all the more remarkable.

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