The Top 10 Baseball Movies Of All Time (In My Opinion)

9 months ago

In light of it being the first month of baseball season, this list felt imperative to make.

10. For The Love of the Game

Movie poster for "For Love of the Game" with Kevin Costner holding a baseball, with dramatic lighting.

Universal Pictures

The fact is Kevin Costner is just GOOD at baseball movies. For Love of the Game makes the list even as his third best. It has a little of this and a little of that as it explores the story of an All-Star pitcher about to retire, the ghosts in his life, and a romance he is trying to repair.

9. Trouble with the Curve

Clint Eastwood in casual attire with a cap leaning on a fence, outdoor setting

Warner Bros. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Oh Clint Eastwood, you are such a great talent that honestly I would have added any baseball movie you were in to this list. That being said, I did love this film for its story. Trouble with the Curve follows an older scout who is going blind and who many have lost faith in. This movie is sure to rile some emotions in you.

8. The Sandlot

Movie poster of 'The Sandlot' featuring hands clutched around a baseball bat against a sky backdrop

20th Century Studios

This movie induces nostalgia and brings it back to when we were kids. Since I'm sure most people are familiar with it, I'll just say that it's a fun and entertaining classic!

7. Major League

A cardboard cutout of a woman with a comic bubble saying "You guys stink!" next to a man with a mustache in a baseball uniform

Paramount Pictures

This movie is an '80s classic. Between the young, hard-throwing yet glasses-wearing Rick Vaughn and the broken-down, on-his-last-legs catcher Jake Taylor, there seems to be no hope for this team. But maybe that's all they need to come together.

6. A League of Their Own

Movie poster for "A League of Their Own" featuring actors Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, and a scene of women playing baseball

Columbia Pictures

This movie follows a women's league during WWII. It's a great story with great acting, which I'm sure you could guess based on the all-star cast that includes Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Geena Davis.

5. Moneyball

Crowd at a baseball game cheering, a person holds a sign, excitement visible

Melinda Sue Gordon / Columbia Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Aside from the amazing story and performances, this movie holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in the East Bay and witnessed the story live by going to so many games and feeling the heartbreak year after year. Sadly, the Oakland A's are still waiting to win a World Series using the tactics of this film. 

4. Eight Men Out

Two baseball players in vintage Chicago White Sox uniforms converse on the field

Orion Pictures Corp. / Courtesy Everett Collection

Eight Men Out is such a great movie about the 1919 Chicago White Sox who compromised their World Series chances by making a deal with gamblers. This real-life scandal, referred to as the "Black Sox Scandal," is played out on-screen by a star-studded cast.

3. Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner stands on a baseball diamond with a moon backdrop for "Field of Dreams" film poster

Universal Pictures

One of the greatest science-fiction stories of all time, Field of Dreams has baseball, ghosts, time travel, and James Earl Jones. As per usual, Costner is fantastic.

2. The Natural

Movie poster of "The Natural" featuring Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs in a suit and hat with a ghostly couple below

TriStar Pictures

Based on the book of the same name, The Natural is a complete fable and a complete joy of a story. Robert Redford literally hit it out of the park with this one.

1. Bull Durham

Movie poster of "Bull Durham" with Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon leaning on a car. Costner holds a bat; Sarandon, a drink

Orion Pictures

This 1988 film directed by Ron Shelton is regarded as one of the best sports movies of all time, and for good reason. Bull Durham is a love story, comedy, and baseball epic starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins. A true classic, this story revolves around an ace pitcher in the minors and the struggle of preparing him for the majors.

I'd like to throw an honorable mention to Fever Pitch, 42, The Rookie, The Bad News Bears, Brewsters Millions, and Angels In The Outfield. Sadly, they don't make my top 10, but they are all great films.

Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

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