It seems like you have decided that softball is your new favorite game. Congratulations! Softball is a highly enjoyable and competitive game that can evoke a range of emotions. To push it even more, here are our top 11 softball movies of all time for your inspiration.
Whether you want to learn more about softball, get inspired, nurture softball passion for your kids, or just enjoy quality time with family, this article is the one you need.
Your movie’s taste might be different from mine. However, this softball movie collection is carefully hand-picked to suit various tastes, genders, and ages. I hope you enjoy them.
Softball Movies List: The Top 11 of All Time
While this article is mainly focused on “softball movies,” it does include some baseball content. However, the emotions and essence of these two sports can often be quite similar.
One more thing, the list below contains all the best movies about softball (and baseball) I found interesting. Though it’s not in any particular order. Feel free to scroll and check out the titles that attract you.
1. A League of Their Own (1992)
- Category: Sports, Drama
- Age recommended: PG
- Directed by: Penny Marshall
- Starred: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
- Rating: 4.9/5 (because nothing is perfect, but this movie deserves a Five for some people)
This is a baseball movie. However, I put it first because it’s a MUST-WATCH movie for every baseball and softball fan and player.
This movie tells the story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II. Although it’s about baseball, the movie portrays the same passion and spirit that is present in softball. The film celebrates the strength and resilience of women and how they can excel in sports. It’s a timeless classic that is both heartwarming and inspiring.
2. Fastpitch (2016)
- Category: Documentary, Sports
- Age recommended: PG-13
- Directed by: Jeremy Spear
- Starred: NA
- Rating: 4.5/5
This documentary explores the world of women’s fastpitch softball and the challenges that female athletes face in pursuing their dreams. The film highlights the passion and dedication that these athletes have for the sport and how they are breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. It’s an inspiring and empowering movie that showcases the importance of equality in sports.
3. How Do You Know (2010)
- Category: Romantic Comedy/Sports
- Age recommended: PG-13
- Directed by: James L. Brooks
- Starred: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson
- Rating: 4/5
How Do You Know is a romantic comedy that also incorporates the sport of softball into its plot. The movie follows a former national softball player named Lisa, played by Reese Witherspoon, who is struggling to find direction in her life after being cut from the national team.
Softball serves as a backdrop to the story, as Lisa is constantly practicing and playing in various recreational leagues throughout the film. The movie also features several scenes set on the softball field, with some decent depictions of the game. Overall, How Do You Know is a pleasant romantic comedy with plenty of enjoyable softball moments.
4. Burn the Ships (2017)
- Category: Documentary, Sports
- Age recommended: 13+
- Directed by: Danielle Miller, Julia Thorndike
- Starred: Brooke Turner, Kelly Stickel, Andrew Albers
Burn the Ships is a documentary that follows the softball team of Concordia College as they strive to become the best in the nation. The film captures the team’s journey through the ups and downs of a grueling season, as they face injuries, losses, and personal setbacks. The coaches and players share their insights on the team’s culture, work ethic, and resilience. The film also explores themes of leadership, teamwork, and the importance of mental toughness in sports. Overall, Burn the Ship is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that offers valuable lessons not only for athletes but for anyone looking to achieve their goals.
Burn The Ships trailer on Youtube.
5. Bad News Bears (2005)
- Category: Sports Comedy
- Age recommended: PG
- Directed by: Michael Ritchie
- Starred: Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal, Chris Barnes
- Rating: 4.5/5
This classic underdog story highlights the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience. While the humor is often raunchy, the film is ultimately a heartwarming story about the importance of believing in oneself and each other. Walter Matthau gives a memorable performance as the drunken, ex-professional ballplayer who coaches a group of misfit Little Leaguers.
6. Grounders (2009)
- Category: Documentary, Sports
- Age recommended: PG
- Directed by: Matt Gifford
- Starred: N/A (documentary)
- Rating: 4/5
While documentaries may not be a preferred genre for everyone, this movie was included for its valuable collection of rare footage of softball games.
Grounders is a captivating documentary that explores the world of youth softball and the dedication and hard work that goes into becoming a successful team. The film follows the journey of the 2008 Virginia State Champions, as they work to defend their title.
The documentary provides an in-depth look at the lives of the girls, their families, and the coaching staff. It also highlights the challenges they face on and off the field. Overall, Grounders is a must-watch for anyone interested in softball and youth sports.
7. Beer League (2012)
- Category: Comedy/Sports
- Age recommended: R
- Directed by: Frank Sebastiano
- Starred: Artie Lange, Ralph Macchio, Anthony De Sando
- Rating: 4/5
Beer League is a comedy movie that revolves around a group of friends who form a softball team to compete in a local league. The games and practices are well portrayed, with realistic game sequences and actual softball players as extras.
However, the humor in the film can be crude and may not be suitable for all audiences. Overall, Beer League is a decent sports comedy that will appeal to softball players and fans of adult-oriented humor.
8. Hardball (2001)
- Category: Sports, Drama
- Age recommended: PG-13
- Directed by: Brian Robbins
- Starred: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes
- Rating: 4.7/5 (because you know, it’s Keanu Reeves!)
This movie is about a gambler who coaches a Little League baseball team in a low-income area of Chicago. Although it’s about baseball, the film highlights the importance of mentoring and how sports can be a way to provide guidance and structure for kids. It’s a moving and heartfelt movie that showcases the power of sports in changing lives.
9. The Perfect Game (2009)
- Category: Sports, Drama
- Age recommended: PG
- Directed by: William Dear
- Starred: Clifton Collins Jr., Cheech Marin, Moises Arias
- Rating: 4.5/5
Based on a true story, this movie celebrates the power of sports in bringing together diverse communities and instilling valuable life lessons such as hard work, determination, and courage. It’s an inspiring story of young boys from Mexico who become the first non-American team to win the Little League World Series.
This musical comedy about a college a cappella group features a hilarious scene that includes a softball game. The movie is full of catchy songs, witty humor, and charming performances by its cast. It’s a fun and entertaining film that celebrates the power of music and friendship.
10. The Broken Hearts Club (2000)
- Category: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Age recommended: R
- Directed by: Greg Berlanti
- Starred: Timothy Olyphant, Dean Cain, Zach Braff, Justin Theroux
- Rating: 4/5
The Broken Hearts Club is a comedy-drama film that follows a group of gay friends in West Hollywood. Although the movie is not directly related to softball, it features a subplot involving one of the characters, Jack, who plays on a gay softball team.
The film explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The cast is talented, and the humor is both witty and heartfelt. Overall, The Broken Hearts Club is a charming and entertaining movie that is worth watching, especially for fans of LGBTQ+ cinema.
11. All Stars (2014)
- Category: Comedy, Family
- Age recommended: PG
- Directed by: Lance Kinsey
- Starred: John Goodman, Fred Willard, Illeana Douglas, Richard Kind, Mary Lynn Rajskub
- Rating: 4.5/5
Review: All Stars is a heartwarming and comedic movie that follows a group of misfit kids who form a softball team to compete in a local tournament. Although the film is focused on the kids and their softball journey, it also explores themes of friendship, family, and overcoming obstacles. The cast is stellar and the humor is suitable for both kids and adults. Overall, All Stars is a fun and entertaining movie that is perfect for a family movie night.
Nourish Your Passions with Softball Movies
In conclusion, movies have the power to inspire and ignite a passion for softball in individuals of all ages, genders, and skill levels.
From showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork of a championship team to the personal struggles and triumphs of individual players, softball movies offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of the sport.
By watching these films, players can be motivated to work harder, push past their limits, and embrace the joy of playing softball. So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, let these movies be your guide and source of inspiration on your softball journey.
Norman Dang is a diehard softball fan with full of energy and enthusiasm. He has over ten years of experience in playing softball and coaching softball for kids. He shares his expertise on the SoftballTriple blog.