10 Best Sports Movies Like Rush

Rush, directed by Ron Howard, masterfully depicts the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 racing season – and there are plenty of movies like Rush out there which deliver the same high-octane sports scenes and gripping dramatic movments. 2013’s Rush delves into the personal and professional dynamics of these two competitors, highlighting their contrasting personalities and driving styles.

Praised for its authentic portrayal of the high-stakes world of Formula One racing, Rush combines thrilling race sequences with deep character exploration, making it a standout in the sports drama genre. For those captivated by the adrenaline and drama of Rush, there are several other sports films that offer similar themes of rivalry, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. The best movies like Rush either have a spiritual similarity or are also grounded in the world of racing, but each is worth a watch for fans of the 2013 Ron Howard movie.

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10

Ford V Ferrari (2019)

Directed By James Mangold

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Ford v Ferrari

pg-13

Drama

Sport

ScreenRant logo

7/10

9.2/10

Release Date

August 30, 2019

Runtime

152minutes

Director

James Mangold

Writers

Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller

Cast

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One obvious sporting movie that people will love if they enjoyed Rush is Ford v Ferrari. Directed by James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari chronicles the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British race car driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they collaborate to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company. Their mission: to defeat the dominating Ferrari team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. Like Rush, Ford v Ferrari delves into the challenges they faced both on and off the track, from corporate interference to personal sacrifices, as they strive to make automotive history.

Much like Rush, Ford v Ferrari immerses viewers in the high-octane world of professional racing, emphasizing the intense competition and the personal stakes involved. Both films highlight the camaraderie and conflicts between key figures striving for supremacy on the racetrack. The idea that a car good enough to battle against Ferrari could be created by Ford Motor Company is a gripping one to watch unfold, and both Matt Damon and Christian Bale bring amazing performances here, leading to an amazing viewing experience. Fans of Rush will appreciate Ford v Ferrari for its exhilarating race sequences, meticulous attention to historical detail, and the exploration of complex relationships within the racing community.

9

Moneyball (2011)

Directed By Bennett Miller

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Moneyball

PG-13

Sport

Drama

Biography

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7.5/10

Release Date

September 23, 2011

Runtime

133 minutes

Director

Bennett Miller

Writers

Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian

Cast

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Another movie that brought together an amazing cast just like Rush is Moneyball, which was all about Billy Beane, a general manager of a baseball team looking to put together the best side possible. Beane creatively does this, by using computer methods, which is something that hadn’t been done up until that point. Directed by Bennett Miller, Moneyball tells the story of Brad Pitt’s Billy Beane, during his time as the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team. Faced with a limited budget, Beane employs a revolutionary statistical approach to assemble a competitive team, challenging traditional scouting methods.

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Similar to Rush, Moneyball focuses on an underdog’s determination to challenge the status quo in a highly competitive arena. Both films showcase the tension between tradition and innovation, highlighting the risks and rewards of pursuing unconventional strategies.​ Viewers who enjoyed Rush will find Moneyball compelling for its insightful portrayal of the behind-the-scenes machinations in professional sports. The movie’s emphasis on strategy, coupled with strong performances by Pitt and Jonah Hill, offers a thought-provoking look at the complexities of achieving success against the odds. Much like how the teams in Rush always try to push the limits to get the best possible cars, Moneyball shows that pushing boundaries can be game-changing.

8

The Damned United (2009)

Directed By Tom Hooper

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The Damned United

R

Drama

History

Release Date

October 9, 2009

Runtime

97 Minutes

Director

Tom Hooper

Writers

David Peace, Peter Morgan

Cast

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    Michael Sheen

    Brian Clough

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    Timothy Spall

    Peter Taylor

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    Colm Meaney

    Don Revie

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    Jim Broadbent

    Sam Longson

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2009’s The Damned United, directed by Tom Hooper, centers on Brian Clough’s (Michael Sheen) tumultuous 44-day tenure as manager of Leeds United, one of England’s most successful football clubs. Brian Clough was one of the greatest soccer managers of all time, someone who knew how to make tough decisions and would always do whatever had to be done to get the best out of his team. The movie delves into Clough’s confrontational style, his rivalry with predecessor Don Revie, and the challenges he faces in imposing his vision on a resistant and stubborn group of players.

Fans of Rush will appreciate The Damned United for its character-driven narrative and the exploration of the darker facets of sporting competition. The Damned United is a gripping movie all about one man’s desperation and desire to be the absolute best, which are themes also reflected in Rush. Like Rush, The Damned United explores the intense rivalries and personal conflicts that define competitive sports. Both films provide an intimate look at the psychological battles waged both on and off the field, emphasizing the complexities of leadership and ambition.

7

Fighting With My Family (2019)

Directed By Stephen Merchant

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Fighting With My Family

PG-13

Biography

Comedy

Drama

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

February 14, 2019

Runtime

108 minutes

Director

Stephen Merchant

Writers

Stephen Merchant

Cast

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    Lena Headey

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    Jack Gouldbourne

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Over the years there have been some tremendous movies about the wrestling industry, but few are as engaging and relatable as Fighting With My Family. This movie follows the journey of WWE Superstar, Paige, all the way from her early days until she achieves her dreams of gaining a WWE contract. Directed by Stephen Merchant, Fighting With My Family features an early career appearance from Florence Pugh as Paige, and, like Rush, the story is a classic underdog tale as she rises from local wrestling circuits to becoming a WWE superstar, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she experiences along the way.

Both movies emphasize the importance of resilience, family dynamics, and the sacrifices required to achieve success in a competitive field.

This movie is one that Rush fans will enjoy because of the competitive rivalry that is there between Paige and her brother, as well as Paige and some of the other aspiring female WWE superstars. Both movies emphasize the importance of resilience, family dynamics, and the sacrifices required to achieve success in a competitive field. Viewers who enjoyed Rush will find Fighting With My Family engaging for its heartfelt narrative and authentic portrayal of the wrestling world. Florence Pugh’s compelling performance, combined with the film’s balance of humor and drama, offers an inspiring story of determination and self-discovery that echoes the themes of perseverance found in Rush.

6

The Blind Side (2009)

Directed By John Lee Hancock

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The Blind Side

PG-13

Biography

Drama

Sports

Release Date

November 20, 2009

Runtime

129 Minutes

Director

John Lee Hancock

Writers

John Lee Hancock, Michael Lewis

Cast

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    Quinton Aaron

    Michael Oher

  • headshot Of Sandra Bullock

    Sandra Bullock

    Leigh Anne Tuohy

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    Tim McGraw

    Sean Tuohy

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    Jae Head

    S.J. Tuohy

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While Rush is all about two competitive rivals pushing each other to their limits, The Blind Side focuses on just one individual, taking Michael Oher’s story and bringing it to the big screen. The Blind Side tells the true story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless African-American teenager who is taken in by Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) and her family. With their support, Oher overcomes numerous obstacles to become a successful football player, eventually making it to the NFL.

The movie is packed with an amazing amount of emotion, as Michael Oher goes through a long, sometimes difficult, journey, to reach new heights in the sport that he loves. While Rush focuses on the rivalry between two athletes, The Blind Side emphasizes personal growth and the impact of mentorship. Both films, however, highlight the transformative power of sports and the human stories behind athletic achievements. Fans of Rush will appreciate The Blind Side for its emotional depth and exploration of the personal challenges athletes face beyond the playing field.

5

I, Tonya (2017)

Directed By Craig Gillespie

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I, Tonya

R

Drama

Biography

Comedy

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7.5/10

Release Date

December 8, 2017

Runtime

120minutes

Director

Craig Gillespie

Writers

Steven Rogers

Cast

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    Julianne Nicholson

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Much like Rush, I, Tonya puts in plenty of comedic moments to balance the more serious side of its narrative. Director Craig Gillespie’s often-dark biopic follows Tonya Harding (played by Margot Robbie) as she ends up being exiled and removed from the world of figure skating. Harding rises to fame in the competitive world of figure skating but becomes entangled in scandal after the infamous 1994 attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan. I, Tonya, which also stars Sebastian Stan as Harding’s ex-husband Jeff Gillooly and Allison Janney in an Oscar-winning performance as her abusive mother LaVona, takes a mockumentary-style approach, blending humor, drama, and unreliable narrators to retell Harding’s controversial story.

Just as Rush humanizes James Hunt and Niki Lauda beyond their public personas, I, Tonya provides a fresh perspective on one of the most infamous figures in sports history.

I, Tonya shows the desperation that is often there at the highest level of sports, and that’s something that is also shown a lot throughout Rush. This one is all about a rivalry that leads to things going too far, and that is also what Rush showcases heavily. Like Rush, I, Tonya explores the extreme pressures of professional competition, showcasing the lengths to which athletes go to achieve success. Fans of Rush will appreciate I, Tonya’s high-energy pacing, complex character portrayals, and its unflinching look at the darker side of sports. Just as Rush humanizes James Hunt and Niki Lauda beyond their public personas, I, Tonya provides a fresh perspective on one of the most infamous figures in sports history.

4

Ali (2001)

Directed By Michael Mann

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Ali

R

Biography

Documentary

Drama

Sport

Release Date

December 10, 2001

Runtime

157 minutes

Director

Michael Mann

Writers

Gregory Allen Howard, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson, Eric Roth, Michael Mann

Cast

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    Will Smith

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    Jamie Foxx

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One of the reasons that Rush was such a big success is the fact that the story focused on two of the biggest sporting names in the history of Formula One. Few athletes are more well-known around the world than Muhammad Ali himself, making this another sports movie not to miss. Michael Mann’s Ali is a powerful biographical sports drama chronicling the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, portrayed by Will Smith in an Oscar-nominated performance. The 2001 movie covers key moments in Ali’s career and personal life, including his rise to prominence, his controversial refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, and his legendary bouts with Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman.

There are also plenty of controversies of Ali’s career shown in this movie, just like there are within Rush, which brings a lot of emotion to the table. Like Rush, Ali captures the intensity of high-stakes competition and the toll it takes on the athletes involved. Both movies portray their protagonists as charismatic yet deeply flawed figures, navigating personal rivalries and public scrutiny. Will Smith’s transformation into the legendary fighter, much like Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl’s portrayals of Hunt and Lauda, brings a remarkable depth to a story of greatness, struggle, and redemption.

3

Concussion (2015)

Directed By Peter Landesman

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Concussion

PG-13

Drama

Documentary

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

November 12, 2015

Runtime

123minutes

Director

Peter Landesman

Writers

Peter Landesman, Jeanne Marie Laskas

Cast

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    Hill Harper

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    Stephen Moyer

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One of the most shocking parts of Rush is the consequences of the horrific crash shown in the movie. The accident is an emotional moment and really highlights the dangerous aspects of sports, which is something that 2015’s Concussion also portrays incredibly well. Directed by Peter Landesman, Concussion stars Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist who discovers the link between chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and repeated head trauma in professional football players. Concussion follows Omalu’s fight to bring his findings to light despite pushback from the NFL, which seeks to suppress the dangers associated with the sport.

Both movies underscore the sacrifices made in the name of competition and the consequences of pushing the human body beyond its limits.

Much like Rush, Concussion explores the physical and psychological toll that professional sports can take on athletes. Both movies underscore the sacrifices made in the name of competition and the consequences of pushing the human body beyond its limits. Fans of Rush will find Concussion compelling for its thought-provoking narrative and exploration of the darker side of professional sports. While Rush thrives on its adrenaline-fueled racing sequences, Concussion captivates with its investigative drama and moral dilemmas, making it an essential watch for those interested in the intersection of sports, health, and ethics.

2

Cinderella Man (2015)

Directed By Ron Howard

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Cinderella Man

PG-13

Romance

Drama

History

8.7/10

Release Date

June 2, 2005

Runtime

144 Minutes

Director

Ron Howard

Writers

Cliff Hollingsworth, Akiva Goldsman

Cast

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    Russell Crowe

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One of the best movies like Rush also comes from director Ron Howard – 2015’s Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe in one of his career-best performances. This classic sports movie is based around the boxer, James J. Braddock (Crowe), who was around during the Depression-era. It’s a great story that showcases how people can fight back and succeed even after tough times. With gripping fight sequences and emotional depth, Cinderella Man is a rousing tale of perseverance and redemption. Just as Niki Lauda does in Rush, James refuses to give up in Cinderella Man, and that fighting spirit creates brilliant energy that makes this movie work perfectly.

Like Rush, Cinderella Man is about more than just sports – it’s about the human spirit and the drive to succeed against all odds. Both movies depict athletes who put everything on the line, not just for personal glory but for something greater. Braddock, like Hunt and Lauda, faces insurmountable challenges, both in the ring and in his personal life, but his determination and resilience make his triumph all the more compelling. While Rush delivers exhilarating racing action, Cinderella Man’s boxing sequences are equally intense, with Howard’s direction ensuring that every punch and setback feels deeply personal.

1

Foxcatcher (2014)

Directed By Bennett Miller

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Foxcatcher

R

Drama

Sport

Biography

ScreenRant logo

8/10

7/10

Release Date

November 14, 2014

Runtime

134minutes

Director

Bennett Miller

Writers

Dan Futterman, E. Max Frye

Cast

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    Steve Carell

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    Channing Tatum

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When it comes to sports films, few match the emotion and intensity that Foxcatcher provides, making it easily the best movie like Rush. This movie is based on John du Pont and his two brothers who train him to get ready for the Seoul Olympic Games. However, Foxcatcher ends up being a truly tragic tale. As du Pont’s obsession with controlling his athletes grows increasingly disturbing, Foxcatcher descends into a gripping psychological thriller, leading to a shocking and chilling conclusion. While Rush thrives on the rivalry between two driven competitors, Foxcatcher focuses on the complex, toxic dynamic between an athlete and his benefactor.

However, while there are differences, both movies explore the high price of success in professional sports and the psychological burdens carried by those at the top. Fans of Rush will be captivated by Foxcatcher’s haunting atmosphere, tense performances, and deep character study. Steve Carell’s transformative performance as John du Pont is as unsettling as it is compelling, while Tatum and Ruffalo bring raw intensity to their roles. Like Rush, Foxcatcher is a gripping, character-driven sports drama that explores the human cost of greatness.

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Rush

R

Sport

Action

Drama

Biography

ScreenRant logo

7/10

Release Date

September 27, 2013

Runtime

123 minutes

Director

Ron Howard

Writers

Peter Morgan

Cast

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    Chris Hemsworth

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    Olivia Wilde

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