50 Best Sports Movies Ever

15. A League of Their Own

Year: 1992
Sport: Baseball
Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell
Director: Penny Marshall

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but Tom Hanks and movies tend to go well together. That much was proven in 1992, when he continued his ascension up the acting ranks as Jimmy Dugan, manager of the Rockford Peaches—a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Fueled by Geena Davis’ unforgettable performance as Dorothy Hinson, A League of Their Own has worked its way into cinematic history.

Chicago Cubs owner Walter Harvey orchestrates the introduction of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League when many of Major League Baseball’s stars are shipped off to fight in World War II. Hanks’ Dugan, who was once a star for the Cubs, takes over as the condescending manager.

Perhaps the most prominent scene from this iconic film can be summarized by one quote: “There’s no crying in baseball!”

Hanks’ performance was one for the ages, but the women in this film play the most significant role in its placement on this list.

A League of Their Own was as much about fighting stereotypes and misogyny as it was the sport of baseball. It proved that women can be gifted athletes who play the game at a high level.

Unfortunately, they did so while enduringthe sexist demands that they do splits and add glamour to the sport.

After standout showings, Davis was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy or Musical, and Madonna was up for Best Original Song at the 1993 Golden Globes.

Next: 14. Chariots of Fire