10 Inspiring Faith-Based Sports Movies
Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? These faith-based sports films show athletes overcoming the odds through hard work and the power of God’s will over their lives. From entire high school football teams giving their hearts to Christ to an inspirational coach changing the lives of his team members, these films will have everyone cheering.
OVERCOMER
Quality: ****
Content: +4 (Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.)
OVERCOMER is a faith-based sports drama about a high school basketball coach who meets a troubled teen when he begrudgingly takes over the cross-country program. They inspire each other to find their identities in the Lord by overcoming obstacles. It’s a powerful movie made by the creators of WAR ROOM that contains a very strong Christian worldview. OVERCOMER contains no violence or foul language, but some mild adult themes might confuse young children. MOVIEGUIDE® suggests caution for kids under 10.
FACING THE GIANTS
Quality: ****
Content: +4 (Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.)
FACING THE GIANTS is an action-packed high school football movie with heart. The story follows a down-on-his-luck coach with a losing team who faces their fears on and off the field. Through prayer, the coach learns the importance of serving God over winning football games. He rebuilds the team, revival breaks out in the school and miracles unfold. The film has a strong evangelical worldview. Parents should know there is mild football violence. FACING THE GIANTS is an exciting film for the 8+ crowd.
RUNNING THE BASES
Quality: ****
Content: +2 Moderately questionable elements.
RUNNING THE BASES is a captivating sports film about a small-town baseball coach who accepts the offer of a lifetime. He uproots his family to coach at a large high school in Texas but soon faces opposition from the school superintendent for the public declaration of his Christian faith. RUNNING THE BASES features a biblical worldview and focuses on relying on Jesus. It contains light violence and mild profanity, so use caution with young children. RUNNING THE BASES is an uplifting romp the whole family can enjoy.
WOODLAWN
Quality: ***
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
WOODLAWN is a faith-based football drama centered around Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Racial tensions flare when the coach is required to include African-American men on the team. A promising African American player must overcome discrimination and embrace his faith on and off the field. The film features a very strong Christian worldview about the power of the Gospel to transform lives. Viewers should be aware of light violence and footage of racial injustice, which may be disturbing. Overall, WOODLAWN is a heartwarming movie.
THE MIRACLE SEASON
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements.
Are you looking for an inspirational sports movie the whole family can enjoy? Look no further than THE MIRACLE SEASON. Based on a true story of a high school volleyball team who bands together after the unexpected death of their beloved team captain in an accident. The team fights to make it to the State Championship in her honor. It features a strong Christian worldview with a focus on encouraging others. The subject matter can be heavy at times, covering the tragic loss, so it’s better suited for children 8 years old and up. THE MIRACLE SEASON is a wholesome flick.
SOUL SURFER
Quality:****
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
SOUL SURFER is a poignant movie based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who loses her left arm after a shark attack. She fights for victory after experiencing a dark night of the soul. This film contains a very strong Christian moral worldview, focusing on the importance of keeping faith amid tragedy. Parents should know there is light violence and jeopardy, so use caution for young children. Hamilton’s courage and faith in God will inspire kids 10 and up.
THE BLIND SIDE
Quality: ****
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
THE BLIND SIDE is a mainstream Hollywood film that delivers a faith-based message. It tells the true story of a Christian family who welcomes Michael Oher, a homeless young man, into their home. The movie contains very strong themes of Christian faith and pro-capitalist worldviews. There is light violence, language and references to sex. Despite these missteps, THE BLIND SIDE is an uplifting and powerful movie appropriate for the 12+ crowd. Football fans should add this one to their must-watch list.
SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA
Quality: ****
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA is one of the best faith-based sports movies. The story centers around a young golfer stranded at a ranch in Utopia, Texas, after a disastrous debut on the pro circuit. There he meets an eccentric rancher who changes his life. This movie has a very strong Christian worldview and is a story of salvation. There’s light profanity, friendly gambling and references to alcohol. SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA is a fun and inspiring experience.
THE FIGHT WITHIN
Quality: ***
Content: -1 Caution advised for older children, including teenagers, and sensitive adults.
THE FIGHT WITHIN is a redemptive film about Mixed Martial Arts fighting. A young MMA fighter must shed his painful past to embrace a new life based on his new-found faith. He’s drawn back to the fighting ring when a rival threatens his Christian girlfriend, who led him to Christ. THE FIGHT WITHIN features an evangelistic worldview, but parents should know there is moderate jeopardy. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children because of some of the martial arts and boxing violence.
GREATER
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements.
GREATER is a sports biopic about the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, the Arkansas Razorbacks walk-on offensive lineman, one of the greatest walk-on football players in American history. Brandon beats the odds to receive a full football scholarship to the University of Arkansas. The film contains a very strong biblical worldview with references to church and prayer. Best of all, it demonstrates an athlete following God’s calling upon his life. However, GREATER has some brief but light foul language, alcohol use and intense moments, so discernment is required for younger children.
OVERCOMER
Watch OVERCOMER:
FACING THE GIANTS
Watch FACING THE GIANTS:
RUNNING THE BASES
WOODLAWN
Watch WOODLAWN:
THE MIRACLE SEASON
Watch THE MIRACLE SEASON:
SOUL SURFER
Watch SOUL SURFER:
THE BLIND SIDE
Watch THE BLIND SIDE:
SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA
Watch SEVEN DAYS IN UTOPIA:
THE FIGHT WITHIN
Watch THE FIGHT WITHIN:
GREATER
Watch GREATER:
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