A Sport Film revolves around a sport setting, event, or an athlete. Often, these films will center on a single sporting event that carries significant importance. Sports films traditionally have a simple plot that builds up to the significant sporting event. This genre is known for incorporating film techniques to build anticipation and intensity. Sport films have a large range of sub-genres, from comedies to dramas, and are more likely than other genres to be based true-life events.

Examples of Sport Film:

Field of Dreams - An Iowa farmer hears a mysterious voice in his cornfield and takes it as a sign to build a baseball field for the Chicago “Black” Sox.

Million Dollar BabyWith the help of a hardened trainer, a woman is determined to establish herself as a legitimate boxer.

The Blind Side - The true-life story of Michael Oher, a homeless boy who became an All American football player with the help of a generous family.

Sub-genres of Sport Film:

Sports Bio-Pic

The Sports Bio-Pic dramatizes the life of a historically important athlete or an important sports team. The Sports Bio-Pic often stretches the truth for dramatic effect and the accuracy is often questioned. These films put an emphasis on the large events in the subject’s life and chronicle the fame and glory that accompany sports.

Examples: The Pride of the Yankees, Raging Bull, Ali.

Sports Comedy

A Sports Comedy is a film that incorporates humor into a sports storyline. These films often rely on a “slapstick” humor approach. Traditionally, Sports Comedy films follow a down-and-out hero on his or her journey to prove worthiness through some kind of sporting event.

Examples: Caddyshack, Blades of Glory, The Waterboy.

Sports Drama

A Sports Drama incorporates dramatic elements into a sports storyline. These films tend to examine the more gritty and intense aspects of the sporting world. With more dramatic elements, Sports Drama tends to appeal to a more mature audience. Sports Drama will often examine not only the rise, but the fall of the particular subject as well.

Example: Rocky, Seabiscuit, Cinderella Man.

Sports Family

A Sports Family film is a sub-genre that has a sports storyline, but is intended for audiences of all ages. These films will often have a simple storyline and an inspirational ending. This sub-genre is more likely than other sub-genres to incorporate younger characters. A Sports Family Film will almost always have a moral lesson that shines through at the main culmination of the movie.

Examples:The Karate Kid, Angels in the Outfield, Mighty Ducks.