All these women were held back in some way, whether that was by their family, opponents, drama, a crush, or even themselves. Throughout these films based on real female athletes you can see how most persevered and found their way. A list of the most famous movies were made showcasing these women’s journeys.
A league of their own (1992)
A League of Their Own directed by Penny Marshal is based in the time of 1992. It tells the story of the Rockford Peaches, a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Although fiction, it shows what women in real-life had to go through. Throughout the film they show the troubles and dramas that they encountered with their interesting yet drunk manager.
Girlfight (2000)
Diana, a troubled teenager, discovers boxing as a way to redirect her aggression. Despite the disapproval of her father, male competitors, and prospective trainers, Diana manages to persevere alongside with finding and dealing with a new love interest.
Bend it like Beckham (2002)
18-year-old Jess Bhamra, the daughter of strict British Indian Sikhs, loves to play football. It’s a problem because her parents want her to instead get married and learn to cook. According to them, no girl should ever play football. One day while playing, Jules Paxton convinces Jess to join a semi-pro team. From then on, they make their way to the top of their league. In the meantime, Jess has to deal with her crush, who happens to be her coach.
Blue Crush (2002)
Anne Marie, a dedicated surfer prepares for a big-time surfing competition called the Pipe Masters. She lives and breathes surfing, but when she meets Matt Tollman (a pro quarterback) she starts to lose focus and balance within her life. With time she finds it while also falling for Matt.
Million dollar baby (2004)
Maggie Fitzgerald, an aspiring boxer, asks Frankie Dunn to train her. At first, he rejects her because she is a woman, but then impressed by her talent and determination, and some persuasion from his old friend Eddie “Scrap Iron” Dupris, he decides to coach her. With time you see the development of their relationship and how they are affected by it.
Secretariat (2010)
After Penny Chenery’s father falls ill, she takes over the management of the family Thoroughbred farm despite being a mother and a housewife. In the male-dominated world, she learns to make her way along with the trainer Lucien Laurin. Together they foster Secretariat to become a champion racehorse.
Soul surfer (2011)
Bethany, a teen surfer loses her arm in a shark attack. She learns to live and adapt with many ups and downs. While on a tsunami relief trip to Thailand, she discovers a purpose in life of helping others while also giving her hope to one day surf again.
Battle of the Sexes (2013)
Billie Jean King is challenged by Bobby Rigg (both renowned tennis players) to a tennis match where they both have something to prove on and off the court. Billie wants equal pay for the sport, while Bobby wants to relive his glory days. In 1973 this match became the most watched televised sports event of all time.
I, Tonya (2018)
Tonya Harding was the first American woman to land a triple axel in competition in 1991. Once her figure-skating career started to go downhill in 1994, her ex-husband conspired against Nancy Kerrigan by bashing her knee out, taking her out of competition and the possibility of the Olympics. This became the biggest sports scandal in history therefore tarnishing her life forever.
Fighting With My Family (2019)
Paige and Zak, both siblings and children of wrestlers, dream of entering the professional world of WWE. Paige ends up making it and has to learn how to go through it all without Zak. She’s forced to dig deep and show the world that she’s one of a kind.
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Talya is a Mexican American student who is currently at the University of Aberdeen studying Business Management. This is her first experience working in the film industry and loves having new and diverse experiences. Eventually, she aims to work in Construction Project Management.
