Top 25 Highest-Grossing Sports Movies of All Time
1. Cars 2 (2011) - $559.9 Million
Pixar's animated sequel takes Lightning McQueen and Mater on an international adventure as they compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix. This globetrotting race film combines thrilling automotive action with espionage, making it the highest-grossing sports movie worldwide.
2. F1 (2025) - $509.7 Million
This high-octane racing drama, starring Brad Pitt, plunges viewers into the thrilling world of Formula 1. Following a veteran driver's return to the sport, the film combines intense on-track action with compelling character drama, quickly becoming a global box office phenomenon and setting a new standard for sports films.
3. Cars (2006) - $462.0 Million
Pixar's animated hit introduces Lightning McQueen, a hotshot rookie race car who learns life lessons in a small town. This charming film blends thrilling auto racing sequences with a heartwarming story about friendship and community, captivating audiences worldwide and sparking a successful franchise.
4. YOLO (2024) - $433.6 Million
This Chinese comedy-drama centers on a woman who takes up boxing to transform her life. It became a massive box office success, particularly in its home country, resonating with audiences through its inspiring story of personal growth, determination, and the power of sport.
5. Pegasus 2 (2024) - $422.9 Million
A sequel to the popular Chinese comedy-drama, this film continues to follow the adventures and challenges of rally car racers. It delivers more thrilling automotive action and comedic elements, appealing to a broad audience and further cementing its status as a successful sports film series.
6. Cars 3 (2017) - $383.9 Million
Lightning McQueen faces new challenges and a new generation of faster, high-tech racers. This animated sequel explores themes of aging and legacy in the world of professional auto racing, continuing the beloved franchise's success with both young and adult audiences.
7. Hello Mr. Billionaire (2018) - $367.0 Million
This Chinese comedy features a soccer goalkeeper who is given a massive sum of money and must spend it all within a month to inherit an even larger fortune. While a comedy, the central character's athletic background and the presence of soccer elements place it in the sports genre.
8. The Karate Kid (2010) - $359.1 Million
A remake of the classic, this film relocates the story to Beijing, where a young American boy learns kung fu from a maintenance man. It showcases martial arts as a path to discipline and self-discovery, appealing to a global audience and achieving significant box office success.
9. The Blind Side (2009) - $309.2 Million
Based on a true story, this film follows Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who becomes an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring family. It's a heartwarming drama about compassion, opportunity, and the transformative power of American football.
10. Dangal (2016) - $303.7 Million
This inspiring Indian biographical sports drama tells the true story of a former wrestler who trains his two daughters to become world-class wrestlers. It became the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, celebrated for its powerful performances, emotional depth, and strong feminist message.
11. Rocky IV (1985) - $300.5 Million
Sylvester Stallone's iconic boxer Rocky Balboa faces off against Soviet champion Ivan Drago in this Cold War-era boxing epic. Known for its intense training montages and patriotic themes, it became the highest-grossing film in the Rocky franchise, cementing its place in sports cinema history.
12. Real Steel (2011) - $299.3 Million
Set in a future where human boxers are replaced by giant robots, this film stars Hugh Jackman as a former boxer who teams up with his estranged son to build a championship robot. It's a heartwarming story about redemption and father-son bonding within the unique world of robot boxing.
13. Turbo (2013) - $282.6 Million
An animated comedy about a garden snail who dreams of becoming the fastest racer in the world. After a freak accident gives him super speed, he aims to compete in the Indy 500. It's a fun, family-friendly take on the underdog sports story, featuring thrilling racing sequences.
14. Creed III (2023) - $275.2 Million
Adonis Creed faces a formidable opponent from his past in this continuation of the Creed series. Michael B. Jordan not only stars but also makes his directorial debut, delivering powerful boxing sequences and a compelling narrative about legacy, forgiveness, and fighting for your future.
15. Jerry Maguire (1996) - $273.6 Million
Tom Cruise stars as a sports agent who has a moral awakening and starts his own agency with only one client, a football player. This romantic comedy-drama offers a behind-the-scenes look at the business of professional sports, blending heartfelt relationships with the cutthroat world of sports representation.
16. Rocky III (1982) - $270.0 Million
Rocky Balboa faces the formidable Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T, and finds himself struggling after losing his mentor. This installment is famous for its iconic training montage with Apollo Creed and its focus on Rocky's journey to regain his "eye of the tiger" in the boxing ring.
17. The First Slam Dunk (2022) - $257.5 Million
This Japanese animated sports film is based on the popular Slam Dunk manga series. It follows the high-stakes basketball game between Shohoku High and Sannoh Kogyo, captivating audiences with its dynamic animation and intense portrayal of a championship basketball match.
18. Pegasus (2019) - $255.8 Million
The first film in the Chinese comedy-drama series about a former rally car champion who attempts a comeback. It combines humor with exhilarating racing scenes, appealing to a wide audience and highlighting the passion and challenges involved in professional motorsports.
19. Space Jam (1996) - $250.2 Million
Michael Jordan stars alongside the Looney Tunes characters in this live-action/animated sports comedy. When aliens threaten to enslave the Looney Tunes, they challenge them to a basketball game, leading to an iconic showdown that blends real-life basketball with cartoon antics.
20. Planes (2013) - $240.2 Million
A spin-off of the Cars franchise, this animated film follows Dusty Crophopper, a crop duster who dreams of competing in a famous aerial race. It brings the excitement of air racing to the screen, offering a family-friendly adventure about overcoming limitations and pursuing your dreams.
21. Ford v Ferrari (2019) - $225.5 Million
This biographical drama tells the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby and British race car driver Ken Miles as they battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford to challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
22. Rocky (1976) - $225.0 Million
The original underdog story, Rocky follows a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets an improbable chance to fight for the heavyweight championship. This iconic film launched a beloved franchise and remains a powerful tale of perseverance and self-belief in the world of boxing.
23. Million Dollar Baby (2004) - $216.8 Million
Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this poignant drama about a determined female boxer who enlists the help of a grizzled trainer. The film delves into the demanding world of professional boxing, exploring themes of mentorship, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a dream against all odds.
24. Creed II (2018) - $214.2 Million
Adonis Creed faces Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago, who killed his father Apollo Creed in the ring. This sequel continues the boxing legacy, blending intense fights with a deep emotional narrative about family, revenge, and the pressures of living up to a legendary name.
25. Rocky II (1979) - $200.2 Million
Following the events of the first film, Rocky Balboa gets a rematch against world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. This sequel continues Rocky's journey in the boxing world, focusing on his training, personal life, and the intense preparation for another high-stakes championship fight.
