A definitive ranking of the best sports movies to watch right now.

We are well and truly in the full throttle of the 2024 Olympic Games and I can't get enough. I just know that we're all going to fall into a deep sporting slump the minute the events have completed and our great athletes make their way back home. 

To prevent our sad Olympics hangover, we've put together the absolute best sports movies to watch now to keep your spirts high and keep you chanting "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" right up to the finish line. 

Okay, I think I have out-sported my puns. Add these brilliant films on your list to watch...

Watch: What kind of Olympic viewer are you? Post continues below.

9. Stick It

Image source: Mubi

I think every girl who's watched this has attempted to be Haley Graham before they were swiftly put in their place. This film took year six gymnastics to a whole other level. It shows the extreme competitiveness and brutal judging that comes with women's gymnastics. 

Available to stream on Stan.

8. Coach Carter

Image source: IMDB.

Samuel L. Jackson plays Coach Ken Carter, a previous legendary basketball player at his old highschool turned sports store owner. He returns to his old stomping ground to coach and gain the trust of a new generation. Warning: This film is extremely emotional so keep a box of tissues on hand. 

Available to stream on Netflix, Stan & Binge.

7. 42

Image source: IMDB.

42 is a sports biopic about legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. Played by Chadwick Boseman, the story follows Robinson's heart-wrenching journey of being the first Black athlete to play in the Major League, in front of an audience that doesn't fully accept him. 

Available to stream on ABC iview.

6. Next goal wins.

Image source: IMDB.

A more recent pick, this Taika Waititi film came out last year and stars Michael Fassbender as disgraced football coach Thomas Rongen. His mission is to coach the American Samoa football team to give them the confidence of a winning team. Oh, and it's based on a true story.

Available to stream on Disney+.

5. Whip it.

Image source: IMDB.

Ugh! This movie is so brilliant it makes me genuinely happy when I find out that someone hasn't seen it because I now they get to experience watching it for the very first time. I'm probably on my millionth watch. 

Whip it was the very first film that made me believe women can do anything. Directed and co-produced by Drew Barrymore, Whip it stars Elliot Page who plays Bliss — A 17-year-old who lies about her age so that she can join a super intense, super fun, super hardcore roller derby team. 

Brb I need to watch it again immediately. 

Available to stream on Stan & Prime video.

4. Cool Runnings.

Image source: IMDB.

I think every kid watched this film during one of their PE lessons. Also based on the true beginnings of the first Jamaican bobsled team to qualify for the Olympics in 1988, this film left such a huge impression on me as a kid. It has the perfect formula — passionate athletes, a grumpy coach, and a few over-the-top, exaggerated training sequences. 

It's so heartwarming and hilarious. This is literally what they mean by a whole family movie because I remember my parents giggling with me upon every rewatch (and I've rewatched this film A LOT). 

Available to stream on Disney+.

3. Bring It On

Image source: IMBD

A rite of passage for every pre-teen girl. I honestly believed that when I grew up in high school, my number one responsibility would be to turn up for my school's cheerleading squad. Then I was met with disappointment when I found out that my school didn't have a cheer squad and also I was in Australia.

Bring It On follows Torrance played by Kirsten Dunst — Head Cheerleader of her highschool squad, coming face to face with Isis played by Gabrielle Union and head cheerleader of a rival school. Everything unravels when Torrance learns that her squad's ex-captain stole routines and sequences from Isis. 

Bring It On did something to me and every other Bring It On film that came after the original confirmed those feelings. Feelings of drive, passion, and always wearing lip gloss. 

Available to stream on SBS on demand.

2. Remember The Titans

Image source: IMDB

Based on a true story, Remember The Titans stars Denzel Washington who plays Herman Boone, a newly appointed coach of a high-school football team that have been racially integrated for the first time. A lot of action accompanied with a lot of tears. 

Available to stream on Disney+.

1. Bend it Like Beckham 

Image source: IMDB

Bend it like Beckham is the best sports film of all time and you can fight me on this. I could quote this movie from beginning to end. Director Gurinder Chadha is brilliant and only creates masterpieces. 

The film came out in 2002 and follows Jess, played by Parminder Nagra, a brilliant football player who is determined to prover herself on the pitch, while also trying to navigate the pressure her family is putting on her to give up her dreams. 

It's a beautiful story about the complexities of fragile friendships, love, family dynamics and career.  

Available to stream on Stan.

If you want more recommendations by Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem or listen to her every weekday on The Spill podcast.

Feature image: IMDB.

Watch the Olympics on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every event ad-free with 4K and international multi-language channels. Go to Stan.com.au/Olympics for more info.