Baseball Movies: MLB Opening Day | Bull Durham | A League of Their Own | Field of Dreams | Moneyball | Bang the Drum Slowly | The Sandlot | Eight Men Out | The Natural | The Rookie | The Bad News Bears |
MLB Opening Day: A Celebration of America’s Pastime
March 27 marks Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, the start of a new season filled with hopes, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Fans across the country will watch as all 30 teams take the field, aiming for a shot at the World Series. This tradition dates back to the late 19th century, making Opening Day one of the most anticipated events in sports.
To celebrate, we’re offering up the top 10 best baseball movies ever made. The following selections are a mix of rankings from Major League Baseball’s list of the 25 best baseball movies and Rotten Tomatoes’ list of the 66 best baseball films of all time, and my own personal favorites. Some picks are timeless classics, while others capture the fun, heartbreak, and magic of the game in unique ways. Whether you love classic dramas, comedies, or underdog stories, there’s something for every baseball fan.
Bull Durham (1988)
Directed by Ron Shelton
Starring Kevin Costner (Crash Davis), Susan Sarandon (Annie Savoy), Tim Robbins (Nuke LaLoosh)
Few baseball movies capture the soul of the game like Bull Durham. Ranked as the top baseball film by MLB and boasting a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s the undisputed champion of the genre. More than just a sports movie, it’s a love letter to baseball’s quirks—whether it’s the superstitions, the hilarious mound meetings, or the art of getting out of a slump.
Kevin Costner delivers an iconic performance as Crash Davis, a seasoned minor league catcher tasked with mentoring the wild but talented Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). Susan Sarandon’s Annie Savoy adds another layer of charm and mysticism, guiding players with her unique brand of baseball wisdom. The result? A perfect blend of humor, romance, and pure baseball authenticity.
From the dugout antics to the life lessons learned on and off the field, Bull Durham nails the romance and madness of America’s pastime. It’s a grand slam of a movie, balancing sharp wit with heartfelt moments. And, of course, it teaches one of the most important baseball lessons of all—when you’re in a fight, always swing with your non-throwing hand.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Directed by Penny Marshall
Starring Geena Davis (Dottie Hinson), Tom Hanks (Jimmy Dugan), Lori Petty (Kit Keller), Madonna (Mae Mordabito), Rosie O’Donnell (Doris Murphy)
“There’s no crying in baseball!” If you’ve ever stepped foot on a diamond, you’ve probably heard this line—one of the most iconic in sports movie history. But A League of Their Own is more than just quotable moments. It’s a film with baseball in its bones, telling the little-known but incredible story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) with heart, humor, and an all-star cast.
Geena Davis shines as Dottie Hinson, the ultra-talented but reluctant leader of the Rockford Peaches, while Lori Petty’s Kit Keller brings sibling rivalry to a whole new level. Tom Hanks steals scenes as the washed-up, no-nonsense manager Jimmy Dugan, delivering one of the most memorable coaching performances ever. Even Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell knock it out of the park with their comedic timing and chemistry.
But this isn’t just a feel-good sports movie. It’s about sisterhood, resilience, and carving out a place in a world that doesn’t always make room for you. The film captures the joy and grind of baseball, the sting of loss, and the bittersweet reality that not every player gets a Hollywood ending.
With a near-perfect mix of drama, laughs, and some truly great baseball sequences, A League of Their Own is a grand slam. And if you ever need a reminder of its legacy, just listen for someone quoting, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.”
Field of Dreams (1989)
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Starring Kevin Costner (Ray Kinsella), James Earl Jones (Terence Mann), Ray Liotta (Shoeless Joe Jackson), Amy Madigan (Annie Kinsella), Burt Lancaster (Moonlight Graham)
“If you build it, he will come.” A simple whisper in an Iowa cornfield became one of the most iconic lines in movie history. Field of Dreams isn’t just a baseball movie—it’s a love letter to the game, to family, and to the moments we long to get back.
Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, a struggling farmer who hears a mysterious voice that leads him to plow under his crops and build a baseball field. It sounds absurd—until long-departed players start emerging from the cornstalks, including the legendary Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta). As Ray searches for answers, he crosses paths with reclusive writer Terence Mann (James Earl Jones) and a forgotten ballplayer turned doctor, Moonlight Graham (Burt Lancaster). What unfolds is a heartfelt journey about second chances, belief, and redemption.
When this movie hit theaters, it struck an emotional nerve—especially with fathers and sons. I remember seeing it in a packed house, where by the final scene, there wasn’t a dry eye. The moment Ray asks, “Hey, Dad… wanna have a catch?” is pure cinematic magic. And when the credits rolled with the dedication—“This film is dedicated to all the dads who have ever played catch with their sons.”—you could hear the audience choke up.
With its stunning cinematography, poetic script, and an unforgettable score, Field of Dreams isn’t just a great baseball movie. It’s a film about the connections we hold onto, the regrets we try to mend, and the magic that happens when we believe in something bigger than ourselves. It’s a grand slam straight to the heart.
Moneyball (2011)
Directed by Bennett Miller
Starring Brad Pitt (Billy Beane), Jonah Hill (Peter Brand), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Art Howe), Robin Wright (Sharon Beane), Chris Pratt (Scott Hatteberg)
Baseball has always been about guts, instincts, and tradition—until Moneyball came along and changed the game. This film, based on Michael Lewis’ best-selling book, tells the real-life story of how analytics revolutionized baseball. It’s not just a sports movie; it’s a masterclass in strategy, risk-taking, and thinking outside the box.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his best performances as Billy Beane, the real-life general manager of the Oakland A’s. Facing a tiny budget and the loss of his star players, Beane turns to a young, numbers-obsessed economist, Peter Brand (Jonah Hill, in a career-defining role). Together, they challenge baseball’s old-school scouting system, betting on undervalued players using sabermetrics instead of traditional scouting methods.
The film is loaded with tension, humor, and heart. From the stubborn resistance of manager Art Howe (Philip Seymour Hoffman) to Beane’s battles with skeptical scouts, every scene crackles with energy. Chris Pratt brings surprising depth as Scott Hatteberg, a struggling catcher turned first baseman who becomes one of the team’s unlikely heroes.
You don’t need to understand WAR (Wins Above Replacement) or on-base percentage to get swept up in Moneyball. It’s about the underdog mentality, the fight to prove everyone wrong, and the sheer brilliance of reinvention. And let’s not forget one of the film’s most emotional moments—Beane listening to his daughter’s song, “The Show.” It’s a reminder that, for all the stats and strategy, baseball is still about people, dreams, and taking chances.
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
Directed by John D. Hancock
Starring Robert De Niro (Bruce Pearson), Michael Moriarty (Henry “Author” Wiggen), Vincent Gardenia (Dutch Schnell), Phil Foster (Joseph Jaros)
Bang the Drum Slowly is a baseball movie with a beating heart, one that’s as much about friendship and mortality as it is about the game itself. Based on Mark Harris’s novel, this poignant drama follows the bond between two players on the fictional New York Mammoths—star pitcher Henry Wiggen and his terminally ill catcher Bruce Pearson.
Robert De Niro, in one of his earliest roles, delivers a beautifully understated performance as Bruce, a simple, good-natured ballplayer diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Michael Moriarty plays Henry, the ace pitcher who becomes Bruce’s protector, ensuring that his friend gets to play one last season without the team knowing about his illness. Their bond grows stronger on and off the field, forcing Henry—and the audience—to confront life’s fragility.
The film stands out for its raw emotion and quiet power. It’s not your typical rah-rah sports movie; instead, it’s a deeply human story wrapped in the world of baseball. Vincent Gardenia steals scenes as the gruff yet caring manager, earning an Oscar nomination for his role. The film’s title, drawn from a folk song, becomes a metaphor for Bruce’s slow farewell, making the final moments even more gut-wrenching.
If Brian’s Song made you cry, Bang the Drum Slowly will do the same—only this time, with the backdrop of the baseball diamond. It’s a reminder that the game isn’t just about stats and wins, but about the people who play it and the connections they forge along the way.
The Sandlot (1993)
Directed by David Mickey Evans
Starring Tom Guiry (Scott Smalls), Mike Vitar (Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez), Patrick Renna (Hamilton “Ham” Porter), James Earl Jones (Mr. Mertle), Karen Allen (Mom), Denis Leary (Bill, Scott’s stepdad)
“You’re killin’ me, Smalls!” If you played baseball as a kid—or just grew up in a neighborhood where summer days stretched forever—The Sandlot is your movie. It’s not just about baseball. It’s about childhood, friendship, adventure, and one legendary lost baseball.
Set in the summer of 1962, the story follows Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry), the new kid in town who doesn’t know the first thing about baseball. When he gets invited to play with a group of local boys led by the ultra-cool Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez (Mike Vitar), he learns the game—and the power of lifelong friendship. But when Smalls accidentally smacks his stepdad’s signed Babe Ruth baseball over the fence into the yard of “The Beast,” a monstrous dog with a legendary reputation, the boys embark on an epic quest to get it back.
This movie is nostalgia gold. The banter, the goofy insults, the Fourth of July fireworks lighting up a night game—it all feels so real. And let’s not forget the pool scene, where Squints (Chauncey Leopardi) fakes drowning to steal a kiss from lifeguard Wendy Peffercorn. Classic.
James Earl Jones shows up for a pitch-perfect cameo, reminding us that sometimes, legends aren’t what they seem. And in the end, Benny “The Jet” makes it to the majors, while the rest of the gang drifts into adulthood, proving that The Sandlot isn’t just a story about baseball—it’s a story about growing up.
Eight Men Out (1988)
Directed by John Sayles
Starring John Cusack (Buck Weaver), Charlie Sheen (Happy Felsch), D.B. Sweeney (Shoeless Joe Jackson), David Strathairn (Eddie Cicotte), Christopher Lloyd (Bill Burns), John Mahoney (Kid Gleason)
Baseball’s darkest scandal gets the Hollywood treatment in Eight Men Out, a gripping retelling of the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal. It’s not a feel-good baseball flick—it’s a fascinating, heartbreaking, and impeccably crafted drama about betrayal, corruption, and the cost of playing for love versus money.
Director John Sayles dives deep into the story of the Chicago White Sox, a supremely talented team manipulated into throwing the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Underpaid and mistreated by their miserly owner, Charles Comiskey, eight players—including Buck Weaver (John Cusack), Eddie Cicotte (David Strathairn), and the legendary Shoeless Joe Jackson (D.B. Sweeney)—find themselves caught up in a gambling conspiracy that ultimately ruins their careers and taints baseball history.
The film masterfully captures the tension of the scandal, from secret meetings with shady bookies to courtroom drama and shattered friendships. John Cusack brings moral conflict to Buck Weaver, who refused to take money but still got banned from baseball. D.B. Sweeney gives Shoeless Joe Jackson a quiet, tragic dignity, portraying him as a baseball savant caught in something bigger than himself. Charlie Sheen, in his prime, adds swagger as outfielder Happy Felsch.
Unlike more romanticized baseball movies, Eight Men Out is raw and devastating. It reminds us that, while baseball may be America’s pastime, it hasn’t always been pure. It’s a must-watch for fans who want to understand one of the sport’s most infamous chapters. When it’s over, you’ll be left wondering—were all eight men really guilty?
The Natural (1984)
Directed by Barry Levinson
Starring Robert Redford (Roy Hobbs), Robert Duvall (Max Mercy), Glenn Close (Iris Gaines), Kim Basinger (Memo Paris), Wilford Brimley (Pop Fisher), Richard Farnsworth (Red Blow), Darren McGavin (Gus Sands)
Few baseball movies capture the mythic power of the game like The Natural. It’s a story of redemption, destiny, and the sheer magic of baseball, with Robert Redford’s Roy Hobbs as the ultimate baseball hero. With an all-star cast, stunning cinematography, and Randy Newman’s legendary score, this film is the kind of baseball fairy tale that still gives chills.
Roy Hobbs is a naturally gifted ballplayer whose career is nearly derailed before it even begins. A mysterious, life-changing encounter sidelines him for years, but he resurfaces as a middle-aged rookie, joining the struggling New York Knights. With his homemade bat, “Wonderboy,” and a quiet determination, Hobbs transforms the team—and his own fate.
There’s so much to love about The Natural: Wilford Brimley as the grumpy, long-suffering manager Pop Fisher, Robert Duvall’s relentless sports reporter Max Mercy, and Glenn Close’s luminous performance as Roy’s childhood love, Iris. The film is packed with baseball’s greatest tropes—walk-off home runs, sneaky gamblers, and the eternal battle of good vs. corruption.
And then there’s that ending. When Hobbs smashes a home run into the stadium lights, sparks rain down as he rounds the bases in slow motion, bathed in golden light. It’s pure movie magic. Even if you’ve seen it a hundred times, it still makes your heart race.
The Natural is more than a baseball movie—it’s a story of second chances, fate, and the kind of sports legend we all dream about. Roy Hobbs wasn’t just a great ballplayer. He was The Natural.
The Rookie (2002)
Directed by John Lee Hancock
Starring Dennis Quaid (Jim Morris), Rachel Griffiths (Lorri Morris), Angus T. Jones (Hunter Morris), Brian Cox (Jim’s Father), Jay Hernandez (Joaquin “Wack” Campos)
The Rookie is the ultimate underdog story, proving that sometimes life throws you a second chance—if you’re brave enough to take it. Based on the true story of Jim Morris, a high school science teacher turned Major League pitcher, this inspiring sports drama delivers all the heart and magic of baseball.
Dennis Quaid shines as Jim Morris, a former minor-league pitcher whose big-league dreams faded into a career as a Texas high school coach. When his struggling team makes a deal with him—if they win district, he has to try out for the majors—Morris reluctantly agrees. Against all odds, the aging coach discovers his fastball is stronger than ever, landing him a spot with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the age of 35.
Quaid’s performance is effortlessly likable, balancing Jim’s family struggles, his strained relationship with his father (played by Brian Cox), and the sheer wonder of getting a second shot at the game he loves. The film delivers standout moments, including Jim’s emotional call-up to the majors and his first time stepping onto a big-league mound.
More than just a baseball movie, The Rookie is about perseverance, belief, and the power of dreams—no matter how long they take to come true. It’s a feel-good, crowd-pleasing home run that reminds us it’s never too late to chase what we love. If you don’t get chills when Jim finally takes the field, check your pulse.
The Bad News Bears (1976)
Directed by Michael Ritchie
Starring Walter Matthau (Morris Buttermaker), Tatum O’Neal (Amanda Whurlitzer), Jackie Earle Haley (Kelly Leak), Vic Morrow (Roy Turner)
Before The Mighty Ducks and Little Giants, there was The Bad News Bears, the ultimate underdog sports movie. This scrappy, foul-mouthed little-league comedy is pure 1970s magic, filled with unforgettable characters, sharp humor, and a whole lot of heart.
Walter Matthau is pitch-perfect as Morris Buttermaker, a washed-up former minor-league pitcher turned reluctant little league coach. Buttermaker takes on a ragtag team of misfits and rejects—kids no other team wanted—who can barely catch a fly ball, let alone win a game. His coaching philosophy? A mix of beer, sarcasm, and indifference. But when he recruits tomboy pitching phenom Amanda Whurlitzer (a fantastic Tatum O’Neal) and bad-boy slugger Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley in full rebel mode), the Bears start to find their groove.
This isn’t your typical feel-good sports movie. The kids swear, fight, and openly rebel against authority. But that’s what makes it so honest. They aren’t playing for the love of the game or for some grand life lesson—they just want to prove they belong. The final game is one of the most unconventional climaxes in sports movie history, and without spoiling it, let’s just say it sticks with you.
Bitingly funny, refreshingly unpolished, and surprisingly touching, The Bad News Bears captures the messy, imperfect beauty of youth sports. It’s not about turning losers into champions—it’s about giving them a shot in the first place. And in doing so, it created one of the most beloved baseball movies of all time.
The Final Inning
Baseball and movies share a deep connection. Whether telling true stories, legendary underdog tales, or capturing the magic of the game, these films remind us why we love baseball.