Disney, one of the largest movie producers in the world, has successfully captivated the attention of many by delivering great sports movies that resonate with audiences of all ages.

With thrilling and exciting stories, they inspire young adults and sports fans regardless of the kind of movie they produce. Among their many catalogs of movies, sports movies stand out for their ability to entertain and capture the youthful spirit of passion and determination. This piece delves into the world of the best Disney movies about sports that are sure to win over all fans of Disney and sports alike.

As Kate Richardson, entertainment expert with Mightytips.com, likes to say: “Sports movies have been popular for decades. After all, the high stakes, emotions and desperation that people associate with extreme sports are made just for the big screen. Some movies even have a gambling lineage, serving as a backdrop for suspenseful storylines and exciting events. Others focus on psychology and the satisfaction that comes with winning. But what is the most important thing about all of these pictures? They will keep you in suspense until the end credits.”

In the rest of this article, Kate Richardson dives into her combined expertise with the best bookmakers and movies to highlight some of the most exciting sports movies on Disney currently.  

The Best Disney Sport Movies Ranked

There is no doubt that Disney has created the best movies over the years, especially with the creation of great stories on Disney Plus. Here’s how we rank our top Disney Plus Sports movies based on an inspiring true story:

The Luck of the Irish

The Luck of the Irish is a Disney channel original movie that portrays Kyle’s high school experience as a very well-liked and star basketball player. It teaches embracing heritage even in playing sports.

Herbie: Fully loaded

This movie stars Lindsay Lohan as Maggie Peyton and tells the story of a determined teenager who became impassioned by NASCAR. Choosing Herbie, a Volkswagen Beetle, Maggie has some work ahead of her before she can drive her vehicle as it needs a mechanic’s touch for safety. 

She later defies all odds to win the NASCAR race. This movie is a good one that shows the rewards of never giving up.

Queen of Katwe

The most underrated Disney sports film is based on the remarkable story of Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), who grew up in the skins of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda. Through meeting a missionary who teaches Chess, she discovers new chess skills and finds a chance to escape from poverty.

Safety

This movie is a newer addition to sports movies on Disney, and it is one of the best sports movies on disney plus. Safety tells the true story of Clemson University football player Ray McElrathbey. The movie is an American biographical sports drama family film based on the story of Ray, who battled family adversity to join the Clemson University football team, Clemson Tigers.

As a freshman at Clemson University (having been accepted on a football scholarship for their team), he is introduced to campus life as he tries to balance his school work and football career. Suddenly, he is called from home – his mother falls into a relapse – so his brother, Farrham, is in danger of Social Services taking him away.

Scared that he would lose his brother into the system, he takes responsibility for him, sneaking him into his dorm and taking care of him. However, with the help of his friends, teammates, and even his coach, he is able to work around it to find a job that takes care of him and his brother and also shelters them outside the shores of the school. Thus, Ray had to juggle his school with his football career while raising his brother.

Though considered a sentimental story, this movie portrays the importance of Family and the sacrifices we make for them.

Mc Farland, USA

An American Sports Drama film directed by Niki Caro and Co-Produced by Disney Pictures, the story is based on the true story of a 1987 cross-country team from McFarland High School, a mainly Latino High School in California. Kevin Costner, starring as Jim White, coaches underprivileged students who form a cross-country team and leads the team to win a State Championship.

Despite not having a lot in common, the team sticks together through all of their challenges and becomes outstandingly successful, winning nine state titles over fourteen years. Also, the members of the first team become the first in their families to go to college or into Military Characters. This movie is basically a celebration of hard work and the power of a united community.

As a matter of fact, the real McFarland High School cross-country team went on to win nine state championships.

Invincible

Invincible is a 2006 American Biographical Sports drama film directed by Eric Core. It is a true-life story of 30-year-old Vince Papel, a teacher and bartender, who, after a series of obstacles in his life (including his wife leaving him and saying he’d amount to nothing), features in a tryout to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Being the oldest rookie in the tryout, Coach Dick Vermeil picks Vince Papele to join the Eagles, and despite a slow start for the team, he goes ahead to help the team into Championship victories. Papale played for the Eagles from 1976 to 1978. This story is inspiring for its portrayal of grit and determination, which resonates with ambitious dreamers everywhere.

The Rookie

The Rookie is based on the true story of Jim Morris (played by Dennis Quaid), who, despite injuries at his earlier age, debuted in Major League Baseball at age 35 with an impeccable comeback. This movie is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Miracle

Miracle is an American Sports film directed by Gavin O’Connor and starring Kurt Russell as the lead character, Herb Brooks. It is about the US Men’s Ice hockey team, whose Gold medal victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics over the heavily favored seasoned Soviet team was dubbed the “Miracle on Ice.”

Coach Herb Brooks, having chosen 26 players initially, initiated some of the hardest conditioning practices to reduce the team down to 20 of the best players in the country. In fact, he orders the entire team to the end line on the ice after only trying to team Norway and instructs them to severally skate on the ice, shouting about who they play for, whether their Olympic team or college team.

The “Miracle on Ice” is considered one of the greatest moments in sports history, and the Quote, “Great moments are born from great opportunities,” is an unforgettable line from this film.

The Greatest Game Ever Played

A film directed by Bill Paxton and his last work as a director, it seems poetically fitting that the greatest golf movie ever made is The Greatest Game Ever Played. This movie tells the story of 20-year-old American Francis Ouimet, who battled against his idol and English Golf Champion, Harry Vardon, in the 1913 US Open and surprisingly won. This movie has an underdog appeal and showcases the power of parent-child relationships.

Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings is a sports comedy film loosely based on true stories about the debut of the Jamaican National Bobsleigh team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Former Olympian Irving Blitzer coached a novice four-man Jamaican bobsled team led by Sprinter Device Bannock, and though they didn’t win or get a medal, their story showed exactly where determination and hard work can lead.

“Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up; it’s bobsled time!” captures the Jamaican bobsled film’s energy, and it’s a perfect mix of bobsled team comedy and inspiration. 

Fact: It is one of the best sports movies on Disney plus. 

Remember the Titans

Remember the Titans is widely considered one of the best sports movies. It is an unforgettable story of racial integration and unity in 1970s Virginia.

It portrays the true story of Coach Herman Boone (played by Denzel Washington) and his attempt to integrate the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971. Coach Boone led the team through challenges both on and off the field. As quoted in the movie “attitude reflects leadership, captain,” the story is based on teamwork and proper leadership and its contribution to making the team stand out. 

Whether you’re a football, hockey, or basketball lover, there are many amazing stories available on Disney Sports.