Plot: Based on the true story of the Monterrey, Mexico Little League team who became the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.

KBZ’s Take: This is a great family film for parents to watch with the kids. While parents will likely see the cinematic sports formula in this Disney film, kids will be inspired by the team of scrappy underdogs who literally do the impossible. Acting is adequate in the film but is overshadowed by the truly inspirational tale of the little league team from Monterrey.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/40dUkWx

Plot: True story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost an arm during a shark attack and overcame incredible odds to win a surfing championship.

KBZ’s Take: This film starts off with some very overt Christian faith messaging but eventually settles into a gripping tale of Bethany’s desire to surf again. That’s where the film excels in showing the pure determination by an individual to do what was thought impossible – surf with only one arm. Though the special effects are a bit dated, it’s still a very inspiring tale and redemption story. The film also has some amazing surfing sequences which make the film highly recommended.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wEUxnV

Plot: A college gymnast meets a stranger who changes his life.

KBZ’s Take: Similar to Soul Surfer, this film is about an injured athlete overcoming the odds to compete again. However, where this film differs is with the Fantasy type elements involving Socrates (Nick Nolte) who uses philosophical teachings to slowly change the mental mindset of Dan (Scott Mechlowicz). It’s the philosophical teachings that differentiate this story from countless others and make it quite an engaging film.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3HcV05C

Plot: Penney Chenery, despite her lack of horseracing knowledge, becomes the first owner to win the Triple Crown in 25 years.

KBZ’s Take: The challenge with Biopics about historical people or events, is the knowledge of the outcome. Secretariat takes the smart approach by focusing on Penny (Diane Lane) and how she overcame significant odds and a belief in herself to rise to the top of the horseracing world with Secretariat. While her rise to glory is inspirational, it’s also the amazing horse racing scenes that make this an incredible film.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kTDgVD

Plot: A disgraced basketball coach is given a chance to coach a team of intellectually disabled athletes.

KBZ’s Take: Unlike films that also featured disabled athletes in The Ringer (2005), Champions succeeds by making the supporting cast of athletes the main focus of the film. And this is a great supporting cast of actors, all with their own unique personalities that you end up cheering for by the end of the film. There’s also a great message in the film that the disgraced coach isn’t necessarily helping the intellectually disabled athletes themselves, but rather they are the ones fostering redemption within the coach. This is a great, great inspirational film that shouldn’t be missed.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kTbcBE

Plot: The life story of New Zealander Burt Munro, who built a 1920 Indian motorcycle and set the land speed world record in 1967.

KBZ’s Take: This film blends Fish out of Water comedy with exhilarating race sequences for one fantastic experience. It’s a true story that seems almost unbelievable with Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) building an older motorcycle that sets the land speed record. Hopkins is great in his role as the New Zealander out of his element in California and he makes the story of Munro that much more endearing. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3kINSGD

Plot: Biographical drama of the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda in 1976.

KBZ’s Take: Though this film had a major release, it’s amazing how many people have still not seen this film. It’s not only one of the first Sports Drama films we recommend, but also a top Inspirational Sports film we can’t talk enough about. The story is about the rivalry and eventual respect between Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Lauda (Daniel Brühl) with amazing race sequences throughout. The film has competing messages in the film with Lauda’s arc being the most inspirational. Highly recommended film of the subgenre (even if you aren’t that keen on Formula 1 racing).

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3jiSaUM

Plot: Devoted high school football coach leads a scrawny team of orphans to the Texas state championship during the Great Depression.

KBZ’s Take: Fans of Sports Films will absolutely love this film. While the film itself is inspirational involving the underdog orphans, it’s the fact-based scenes involving a new spread offense that are truly amazing. Football at the time did not have a Quarterback line up underneath center, and the introduction of the spread offense revolutionized the game. It’s great Football history wrapped around an engaging and inspirational tale of David vs. Goliath. Highly recommended film of the subgenre.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3wK9Uf3

Plot: Based on the real-life friendship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers.

KBZ’s Take: Yes, this film is known as the ‘only film men are allowed to cry while watching’ but the film is much more than that. While it is a popular film for older generations, we wanted to include the film for younger generations. It’s a classic tale of a budding friendship between teammates that goes beyond race and competitive obstacles. While it does have a heart wrenching ending, it’s still a very inspirational tale. Highly recommended for younger generations that have not yet seen this Sports classic.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3RkKE8x

Plot: The true story of how Richard Williams coached and raised his daughters, Venus and Serena, to be legendary tennis players.

KBZ’s Take: Love him or hate him for the ‘slapped seen round the world’ at the Academy Awards, this is Will Smith’s defining role as Richard Williams. While the story’s focus is mostly on the elder Williams, it’s the scenes of Venus and Serena growing into their roles as tennis phenoms that steals the film. There are so many great performances in this film that it’s hard to select one. On top of that, there’s some truly amazing Tennis scenes that make for exciting and tense viewing. Even if you’re not a fan of Tennis, this is one of the most inspirational tales of family and sports you will ever see. It’s truly a remarkable film and shouldn’t be missed.

Where to Stream / Buy: https://amzn.to/3JtFMMu