The 10 Best Sports Movies of the 2000s

The story of the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team defeating the mighty Russians on their way to Olympic gold is considered by many to be the greatest moment in sports history.

So, naturally the Miracle on Ice would make an incredible movie, and it did when Disney released the movie Miracle in 2004.

Whittling down the decades best sports movies to a top ten was not an easy task. Along the way I had to let some excellent flicks slide off of my list. However, after a lot of thought, I am proud to present to you, the The 10 Best Movies of the 2000s.

To see where Miracle, and other fall on my list, click below!

No. 10 Friday Night Lights (2004)

Friday Night Lights tells the story of the Permian Panthers and their march to the 1988 Texas state semifinals. Set in Odessa, TX the characters learn a lot about life along the way in the economically struggling and racially divided city. Based on the book by H.G. Bissinger, Friday Night Lights is portrayed by an ensemble cast lead by Billy Bob Thornton.

No. 9 Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)

This documentary takes a look at the evolution of skateboarding, from surfer time-killer to today’s go to extreme sport. The film starts in the California surf community of Dogtown, and tells the story of skateboarding’s development from the 1970 through the 1990s. Sean Penn provides the narration.

No. 8 Bend it Like Beckham (2002)

Jesminder Bhamra is an 18-year-old London girl with dreams of playing professional soccer. The problem is her family’s East Indian Sikh faith calls for her to hang up her football boots and find a nice Indian boy to marry. Along the way she meets Jules Paxton, and the two develop a friendship that is called into question during the movie. The flick stars Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra.

No. 7 Murderball (2005)

Murderball is a documentary about the sport of wheelchair rugby, played by quadriplegics. It introduces the brutally physical sport to the world, and documents the heated rivalry between the teams from the United States and Canada. It’s an eye-opener that also brings into question the price of war.

No. 6 The Wrestler (2008)

Randy “The Ram” Robinson was one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his time. That time has past. However, Robinson continues to do low-budget wrestling shows to keep his life from falling apart completely.

After trying to make a life outside of the world of wrestling, Robison returns to the ring one more time. Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei headline an outstanding cast.

No. 5 Cinderella Man (2005)

Former boxing great James Braddock loses everything when the stock market crashes leading to the Great Depression. He and his family must learn to survive and little.

Braddock’s former manager Joe Gould offers him the chance to return to boxing, and Braddock becomes a symbol of hope to a hopeless nation. Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger lead a strong cast.

No. 4 The Blind Side (2009)

Based on Michael Lewis’s book of the same title, The Blind Side tells the true story of NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher. We follow the life of Oher from his days living on the streets to his new life as a member of the wealthy Touhy family. It’s a heartwarming tale of love and opportunity.

Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron star in the newest of the movies in my top 10.

No. 3 Miracle (2004)

Miracle is the true story of the U.S. Men’s hockey team’s run to gold at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. In the heart of the Cold War, the a team of amateurs from the United States pulls off the greatest upset in sports history when they defeat the best team in the world, the Soviet Union’s national team.

Kurt Russell does an incredible job depicting U.S. coach Herb Brooks.

No. 2 Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Maggie Fitzgerald doesn’t have much going for her, but decides she wants to make a difference as a boxer. Her hard work pays off when she finally convinces experienced boxing trainer Frankie Dunn to coach her. Maggie’s finds unbelievable success, until in one moment it all comes crashing down.

The incredible cast is highlighted by Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman.

No. 1 Remember the Titans (2000)

Based on actual events in Virginia in 1971, Remember the Titans tells the story of two high schools brought together after segregation laws are lifted.

Tensions mount when football players from both schools are forced onto one team, and African-American Herman Boone is named head coach. Denzel Washington leads a stellar cast.

What are your 10 Best Sports Movies of the 2000s?