Growing up I always felt there was a lack of sports movies with female athletes as the leading role. If there were any, they didn’t recieve as much showing time as other sports movies. So I compiled a list of the top 10 sports movies with female athletes because this topic deserves more attention than it’s recieving.
1. A League of Their Own
Starring Madonna and Geena Davis, this movie is about the women who played in the MLB during World War II because many of the players were fighting in the war. This movie is important because it recognizes these women and their ability to play baseball.
2. She’s the Man
She’s the Man addresses what every female athlete has faced in her career: being questioned if she could “keep up with the boys.” This movie, to me, was the most empowering of the bunch because she proves to everyone who doubted her, that she is capable of “keeping up with the boys.”
3. Double Teamed
Double Teamed is a movie about twins who are star basketball players forced to leave their old school to have a better chance at receiving college scholarships. This movie does a great job of recognizing the pressure athletes face whether it’s from their parents, their coaches or themselves.
4. Right on Track
Right on Track is a based on a true story of two sisters who participate in drag racing. Although they receive a lot of pushback because people believe girls should not partake in drag racing, they still end up on top.
5. Eddie’s Million Dollar Cook-Off
Although the protagonist of this movie is a guy, it does challenge gender norms and how they impact our lives. Eddie is a baseball player who wants to also pursue cooking. The reason I included this movie on the list is because of one scene in the movie where Eddie’s friend Hannah calls out the coach for his sexist remarks.
6. Go Figure
Go Figure is a movie about a figure skater named Katelin Kingsford who wishes to train with a top figure skater trainer. I included it on this list to gain attention for a sport that goes underreported.
7. Whip It
Just like Go Figure, roller derby is another sport that goes underreported. Whip It is about a girl named Bliss who refuses to partake in beauty competitions and instead joins her local roller derby team.
8. Bend it Like Beckham
Bend it Like Beckham is about a soccer player named Jess who is torn between her family and her love for soccer. Similar to Double Teamed, this movie addresses the pressure that one is faced with when playing a sport they are passionate about.
9. Gotta Kick It Up
Gotta Kick it Up is a movie, starring America Ferrera, about a school dance team that receives a new coach who challenges them both on the stage and off. It addresses how social issues can be overcome through something you are passionate about.
10. All You’ve Got
All You’ve Got is about three volleyball players transferring to their rival school after their old school burns down. The movie addresses how these athletes were able to overcome barriers to continue to do what they loved.
All of these movies have one thing in common: the struggles female athletes when playing sports. Although it’s unfortunate it is important that we address these issues to combat sexism in sports, whether it’s on the field or on the screen.