Our Must Watch Baseball Movies
Dive into the heart of baseball with our top picks for the best baseball movies ever. From laugh-out-loud comedies to inspiring underdog stories, each film captures the spirit of the game and its impact on and off the field. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for storytelling, these classics are sure to be a memorable time.
Number Five
Field of Dreams (1989)
Why you should watch: Its compelling story and memorable characters, all wrapped in the world of baseball history.
Field of Dreams is a classic baseball movie wrapped up in a little fantasy and baseball history. The movie’s plot is about Kevin Costner’s character Ray who lives in a cornfield in Iowa when he starts hearing a voice that tells him “If you build it, they will come”.
I don’t want to dive much deeper into the movie’s plot just in case it might be spoiled for someone. But what's epic about Field of Dreams is how it’s a massive love letter to the game of baseball and its history.
Rated PG, it's the kind of movie you can watch with the whole fam or even solo when you’re feeling nostalgic or just need a good pick-me-up. It’s got this gentle touch to it that’s pretty unique for a sports movie, kind of mystical but totally relatable. This great mix make the movie one of the best baseball movies ever.
Best Line: “If you build it, they will come”
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Number Four
The Sandlot (1993)
Why you should watch: Its perfect blend of humor, baseball action, and childhood nostalgia.
The Sandlot really nails that sweet spot of being a movie about baseball that's also about so much more. It's set back in the summer of 1962, where a bunch of kids spend all their daylight hours at the local sandlot, playing baseball and getting into all sorts of mischief.
What's great about The Sandlot is how it throws you back to those endless summer days of just hanging out with your friends, getting into adventures, and, of course, playing ball. It's got a ton of classic moments and lines that everyone remembers, like the epic showdown with "The Beast".
Rated as family-friendly, "The Sandlot" is one of those movies you can watch with anyone, making it a great pick for a movie night, no matter who's in the crowd. It's not just a kid's movie; it's a trip down memory lane for adults and a bunch of fun for new viewers, proving that some things, like the joy of summer and the love of the game, are universal. It’s a classic baseball movie that everyone who loves baseball should watch at least once.
Best Line: “You’re Killing me smalls”
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
Number Three
Bull Durham (1988)
Rated R
Why you should watch: Its sharp wit, authentic look at minor league baseball, and love story.
Bull Durham stands as a quintessential baseball film, bringing the true feel of baseball culture with layers of humor and romance. Kevin Costner is here again but as a different character "Crash" Davis, a seasoned catcher, who is tasked with mentoring Tim Robbins, an up-and-coming pitcher with a powerful arm and a lack of direction. Susan Sarandon shines as a dedicated baseball fan who takes romantic interest in baseball players. Her storyline along with what’s going on in the game are a great tandem to carry the film.
It’s a good baseball movie filled with memorable quotes, baseball nostalgia and a good love story. I also like that the movie isn’t just about winning a championship, it can feel like so many sports movies have that feel. While it’s one the best baseball movies ever it’s still a good movie even if you don’t like baseball.
Best Line: “I believe in the Church of Baseball”
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Number Two
Moneyball (2011)
Why you should watch: It’s the real story behind one of the biggest underdogs in modern sports.
An adaptation of the great book of the same name. Moneyball transcends the traditional sports movie genre, showcasing the true story of the Oakland Athletics' innovative approach to overcoming financial constraints. With Brad Pitt embodying Billy Beane, the A's general manager, the film brings to life the saga of using analytics to challenge baseball norms. Pitt's portrayal captures Beane's determination and visionary mindset, making the complex world of baseball statistics both engaging and inspirational.
Jonah Hill delivers a standout performance as Peter Brand, a character partially based on the real-life Paul DePodesta, who plays a crucial role in applying the novel statistical approach to player selection. Together, Pitt and Hill form a great duo to carry the film. In much smaller roles you might be surprised to see Chris Pratt and Phillip Seymor Hoffman who also shine in their brief time on screen.
For baseball nerds this is the movie about baseball analytics revolutionizing the sport from perhaps the most unlikely major league team. It also serves as a compelling entry point for those intrigued by the story but hesitant to dive into the book's detailed analysis. The film cleverly condenses the essence of the book's revolutionary ideas into a narrative that's accessible to all, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for inspiration in thinking differently to achieve success. The Moneyball book is a classic baseball book and it’s no shock to me the movie stands as one best baseball movies ever.
Best Line:
“What’s your greatest fear?”
“A baseball being hit in my general direction.” (Scott Hatteberg)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Number One
Major League (1989)
Rated R
Why you should watch: It’s a classic sport comedy loaded with funny quotes.
Major League is a beloved baseball film, blending comedy with a plot that, while straightforward, supports the film's true stars: its characters. The essence of "Major League" lies not just in its storyline but in the memorable, funny characters and their great quotable moments. Charlie Sheen's portrayal of the "Wild Thing" stands out, not only because of his convincing performance but also because of the genuine baseball skills he learned playing baseball growing up.
The movie features a diverse cast that perfectly captures the spectrum of personalities found in baseball, from the ambitious rookie to the seasoned veteran. Wesley Snipes is funny and entertaining as Willie Mayes Hayes. Dennis Haysbert, as Pedro Cerrano, is probably the most entertaining depiction of baseball superstition around. Additionally, Bob Uecker's work broadcasting in the film does bring some realism to the film. Where he surprises is by delivering some of the film’s funniest lines that are tough to not repeat after watching.
Despite its somewhat exaggerated plot, involving an owner's attempt to sabotage the team to facilitate a move, the film's charm and humor never wane. It's a testament to the movie's appeal that, despite being released in 1989, its comedic and entertaining qualities have withstood the test of time.
Best Lines:
“Just a bit outside”
“This guy threw at his own kid in a father-son game.”
Where to Watch: HBO MAX
References
- OpenAI’s DALL-E “Baseball Movies” Generated March 7th, 2024]