5 Films I Love That Feature Women in Sports

You already know I love sports (no way!), but did you know I also have a degree in film? It's time I finally put together my film expertise and love for sports to make the ultimate film watchlist for women's sports fans!

Whether you're ready to get cozy on the couch this fall, are looking for a new film to watch and log on Letterboxd, or just need something to fill up the evening on your favorite team's day off, I've got you covered.

Here are five films I love that feature women in sports.

A League of Their Own (1992)

Sport: Baseball

Where to watch: Tubi

The "Citizen Kane" of women's sports films. "A League of Their Own" isn't just one of the best films about women in sports, it's one of the best baseball films, period. The film follows the Rockford Peaches, a team in a women's baseball league that was created while World War II impacted Major League Baseball. The team bonds and grows, as does the rivalry between sisters Dottie and Kit. Kit gets traded to the Racine Belles, and the two teams face each other in the World Series, with game seven coming down to the two sisters. The film is fun and bittersweet, as its present-day moments take place at the exhibit for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which only existed for a decade, at the Baseball Hall of Fame. But there's no crying in baseball; the Women's Pro Baseball League is slated to begin in the spring, making "A League of Their Own" the perfect watch as women are finally getting the chance to step up to the plate again!

Stick It (2006)

Sport: Gymnastics

Where to watch: Internet Archive

There aren't many films about gymnastics, and there certainly aren't many that are accurate to the sport. But "Stick It" is a certified gymnastics cult classic, and you knew it'd be a staple in this watchlist! The film follows Haley, a rebellious teenager who wants to get away from the world of elite gymnastics. Haley doesn't agree with the judging system as cleaner, easier routines are preferred over difficult routines that might come with more deductions. The film's final act features a movement, a revolution for the gymnasts, in which they all come together to stick it to the judges.

While elite gymnastics has changed since the film came out nearly two decades ago, switching out the 10.0 scoring system for a code of points that now favors higher difficulty, it is still a fun film that satirizes the once overly strict judging in the sport. And Haley's coach's words of advice before her final floor routine are also impactful for women in sports to take in: "Don't you dare hold back. And floor it."

I, Tonya (2017)

Sport: Figure Skating

Where to watch: Tubi

If you want a good drama, then “I, Tonya” is for you. The film switches between a narrative and interview-style retelling of Tonya Harding’s figure skating career leading up to the 1994 assault on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. The film shows Harding’s struggle growing up, between class struggles and difficult relationships with her mother and husband, and pairs it with figure skating, which was the most important thing in her life. It is worth noting that the film tries to paint a more sympathetic image of Harding and takes its creative liberties. But it is a great, critically acclaimed film full of drama on and off the ice, intensity, dark humor, and features powerful acting performances from Margot Robbie as Harding, Sebastian Stan as Harding’s first husband, and Allison Janney, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress with her portrayal of Harding’s mother.

Fast Girls (2012)

Sport: Track

Where to watch: Tubi

If you love the Olympics (and if you specifically loved the 2012 Olympics), strong women athletes, and unlikely people needing to come together to be a team, "Fast Girls" has all that. Shania Andrews and Lisa Temple, the two best sprinters in the UK, have very different backgrounds. Shania comes from a difficult home life, while Lisa is the daughter of a former Olympian and UK Olympic chairman. But their goal is the same: to win gold at the World Championships. While both athletes excel in the 200m, they struggle to work together in the 4x100m relay. The film follows Shania and Lisa as they learn to bury the hatchet, understand each other, and put the team first. Can Shania and Lisa find their footing to win gold in the relay?

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Sport: Football (soccer)

Where to watch: Disney+

Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without this classic. 18-year-old Jess loves football and idolizes David Beckham, but her parents, who are British Indian Punjabi Sikhs, would rather she focus on her studies instead. While playing in the park with her friends, she is discovered by Jules (Keira Knightley) and is invited to try out for a local women's amateur team. Jess joins the team and travels to matches behind her parents' backs. She struggles with following her heart to play football and following her parents' wishes for her. The film is lighthearted while still being realistic in how it depicts cultural constraints and familial strains, and the interweaving of Jess' expectations versus her wants (or goals, if you will) is so brilliantly done.

These films are at the top of my list for films focusing on women in sports, but it's a very short list overall, as a very small percentage of sports films feature a woman as the lead. With growing popularity, viewership, investment, and opportunities in women's sports, it's time we have more films with accurate representations of them. Women in sports deserve to have stories told through all forms of media.

Watch, support, and invest in women's sports!

Is there a women's sports film you love that wasn't on this list? Share in the comments below!

Edited by: Kelly Cassette