How Movies Created a Boom In Sports Interest

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by Alexandra Mansilla

How Movies Created a Boom In Sports Interest

17 Jul 2024

Athletes, especially the winners, are incredibly inspiring. Their drive, perseverance, and work ethic captivate us and draw us in with their charisma. Movies about them, whether based on true events or not, are always memorable because they aim to inspire. They want viewers to leave the theatre feeling motivated and ready to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

When a sports movie nails this, it becomes popular and boosts interest in the sport. A perfect example is Challengers, so let's start with that one.

Challengers

What you want to do after watching: Tennis

Love it or not, this film has made tennis super popular. People are flocking to the courts, and tennis fashion is trending more than ever.

What is it about? This film is about Tashi (Zendaya), a former tennis star turned coach, who is caught in a love triangle with her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his old rival, Patrick (Josh O'Connor). As Tashi trains Art for a crucial match against Patrick, old rivalries and romantic tensions come to the surface.

Borg/McEnroe

What you want to do after watching: Tennis

The tennis craze isn’t new. Borg/McEnroe, from 2017, also got many people into the sport.

What is it about? This movie dives into the intense rivalry between tennis icons Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf). Set around their legendary 1980 Wimbledon showdown, the film explores their vastly different personalities and the psychological games they played.

The Queen's Gambit

What you want to do after watching: Chess

After its release in November 2020, everyone seemed to start playing chess. Netflix reported a 250% increase in chess set searches on eBay, and sales at Goliath Games rose over 170%. Chess.com saw five times more new players.

What is it about? Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young chess prodigy, made a journey from a Kentucky orphanage to global chess fame in the 1960s. The series shows her battling addiction while breaking into the male-dominated chess world. It is about her incredible talent, struggles, and triumphs, making chess look more thrilling than you would ever imagine.

Step Up 2: The Streets

What you want to do after watching: Dance

Watching Step Up, especially the second movie, makes you want to sign up for dance classes right away.

What is it about? This sequel follows Andie (Briana Evigan), a rebellious street dancer who joins the Maryland School of the Arts. She teams up with the school’s top dancer, Chase (Robert Hoffman), to form a crew that competes in an underground dance battle. The film mixes street style with formal training, showcasing high-energy dance routines and a compelling story of finding one's place and passion.

Million Dollar Baby

What you want to do after watching: Boxing

Hilary Swank in the ring makes you want to buy boxing gloves and join a class. If you are in Dubai, here is a list of boxing clubs.

What is it about? Directed by Clint Eastwood, this drama features Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), an aspiring boxer who convinces a grizzled trainer, Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), to coach her. As Maggie climbs the ranks, she faces both victories and heartbreak, forming a deep bond with Frankie. Morgan Freeman adds to the emotional depth as Eddie Dupris, Frankie’s friend and assistant.

Rush

What you want to do after watching: Okay, not participate, but definitely watch and learn more about racing

Even if you had never known anything about racing before, this movie would have interested you in the world of racing.

What is it about? This biographical film tells the story of the fierce 1976 rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). It covers their contrasting personalities, Lauda’s horrific crash and miraculous recovery, and their intense competition on the racetrack. It is a high-speed, high-stakes drama that pulls you into the world of racing.

Ford v Ferrari

What you want to do after watching: Watching races

You might not take up racing after watching this movie, but you will probably want to watch it more often.

What is it about? The true story of how American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) teamed up to take on Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race. It's a thrilling ride of innovation, rivalry, and sheer determination as they push the limits to build a race car for Ford.

Tour de France: Unchained

What you want to do after watching: Ride a bike

This Netflix documentary about the world’s top cycling race will definitely make you want to get on a bike. Even if you are already an avid cyclist, you will enjoy it too, as it brings back the highlights from the 2022 and 2023 races.

What is it about? This documentary series gives a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Tour de France. Follow the cyclists, team managers, and support staff as they navigate the gruelling race, offering an inside perspective on the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of competing at the highest level.

The Last Dance

What you want to do after watching: Play basketball

You can start googling basketball classes now.

What is it about? An inside look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their final championship run in the 1997-98 season. This docuseries is packed with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, showcasing the drive, teamwork, and drama that made this team one of the greatest in sports history.

Goal!

What you want to do after watching: Play football

That is the magic of many soccer films — you watch one, and suddenly you are a fan, even if you weren't really into soccer before.

What is it about? Follow Santiago Muñez, a young soccer player from Los Angeles, on his journey to fulfil his dream of playing professional soccer. Despite the odds, he gets a shot at Newcastle United in England. It's an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and the challenges of chasing your dreams.

by Alexandra Mansilla