50 Best Sports Movies Ever

13. Million Dollar Baby

Year: 2004
Sport: Boxing
Starring: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter
Director: Clint Eastwood

Million Dollar Baby is one of the most unique films on this list in that it was ahead of its time. Before Ronda Rousey was dominating the UFC, female boxers such as Laila Ali and Ann Wolfe were fighting to be taken seriously by misogynistic sports fans.

In a testament to the power of film, Hilary Swank’s performance in Million Dollar Baby facilitated the efforts.

Swank’s character, Maggie Fitzgerald, is a boxing trainer who transitions into the professional fighting world with the guidance of Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman’s characters. She battles personal demons and stereotypes en route to an attempt to live a more comfortable life.

The fight scenes were wonderfully crafted, successfully disproving the myth that female fighters are incapable of engaging in all-out wars in the ring.

Swank’s performance was powerful and, at times, tough to watch; the video placed directly above illustrated the balance which the superb fight scenes brought to the film.

Million Dollar Baby is one of the most decorated sports films in cinematic history. It won Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Achievement in Editing.

In other words, the film not only broke down barriers, but served as a brilliant piece of art in cinematography, acting, screen writing, and directing, all the while sending a powerful message.

Next: 12. Field of Dreams