A lot of baseball fans love to debate about what are the best baseball movies of all time. We all have our different opinions but for the most part we all agree that any baseball movie is better than most of the movies that are released each month. Check out my top 10, the ones that just missed the cut and my pick for worst baseball movie ever. If you agree, disagree or simply think I missed something leave a comment for me I love talking baseball movies just as much as I love talking baseball.
My Top 10 Movies
1. For Love of the Game
This movie has been one of my favorites from the moment it came out because of how it goes into the thought process of a player. The only sport that is more mentally challenging than baseball is golf. Baseball players have plenty of time to think about other things and this movie does a great job of showing how great players have to learn to refocus on every pitch. Plus Kevin Costner is the greatest baseball movie actor in history.
2. Mr. Baseball
This movie is often overlooked for being a great baseball movie but it is amazing. Tom Selleck makes Japanese baseball look fun. With the trash talk, practical jokes and the great baseball footage this movie is a classic.
3. Moneyball
I went into this movie expecting it to be stupid and a waste of my time and as the movie ended all I could think about is how I wanted to watch it again. It was amazingly well done and gave fans an insight into some behind the scenes action that most movies miss.
4. Field of Dreams
If I have to explain why this made my top 10 then you aren’t a baseball fan.
5. Major League
A great cast is assembled to make up the Indians team but it is the amazing casting of the three die hard fans in the outfield that make this movie so great.
6. Bull Durham
Did I mention that Kevin Costner is the greatest baseball actor in history? The three best parts of this movie include when the mascot gets drilled with the pitch, the wedding gift discussion on the mound and the ‘I believe’ speech.
7. The Natural
Really has been the baseball movie that all others are compared with when they come out. The lightning bolt on the sleeves and the bat are still iconic for baseball fans to this day.
8. League of their Own
If I was making a fantasy baseball team from characters in baseball movies Tom Hanks’ character would be the head coach simply so I could hear him yell “there’s no crying in baseball!”
9. The Rookie
Not only is this a true story (minus some Hollywood additions) but it is actually a fun story. It is the American dream of an individual who thinks it’s too late to fulfill their dream and then they get a second chance.
10. Soul of the Game
If you want to get some insight into what It was like for Jackie Robinson and the other Negro League Players this is a great movie. I would also recommend watching the Jackie Robinson movie from the 1950’s and next year the new Jackie Robinson movie.
Just Missed the Cut
Angels in the Outfield
Sandlot
Eight Men Out
61*
Never Even Considered EVER
The Fan (Worst Baseball Movie EVER)
Don’t Forget
If you don’t agree with me feel free to post your thoughts on what should be in my top 10 movies in the comments section.
Field of Dreams has to be my favorite baseball movie of all time. The last scene where he plays catch with his father gets me every time.
Since I am the dad of the guy known as 9 inning know it all I have to say the best movie is Field of Dreams just for the last scene of a father and son having a catch. I tear up every time I see it.
Good list! My favorites are ‘The Rookie’, ‘The Final Season’, and ‘Major League’. All good movies, though. I did a post like this last year, so here’s my prime 9:
http://minoringinbaseball.com/2010/11/07/m-i-b-prime-9-favorite-baseball-movies/
–Mike
The Rookie is great. I love movies that touch on the minor league life and is a big reason why I love Bull Durham.