Tennis is one of the most famous sports around the globe. It has the 4th largest fan base around the world and has more than 1 billion followers. Tennis has evolved, in every aspect, it has been played. It has given the podium, to many hardworking and dedicated players to emerge as legends such as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, etc. Moreover, players around the globe have achieved a lot through this game, money, fame, fans and most importantly unforgettable moments to cherish.
Many books have been written since then on the magical achievements of many. As the technology evolved many movies have been made on the legends or some of the famous controversies. Do you know which are those movies, let’s discuss about 10 Best Tennis Movies of All-Time. For the convenience of readers, IMDB ratings of the movies have been attached in descending rating order. Sit back and binge-watch.
| MOVIE | IMDB RATING | |
| MATCH POINT | 8/10 | |
| BORG V MCENROE | 7.8/10 | |
| THE PRINCE OF TENNIS | 7.4/10 | |
| BATTLE OF SEXES | 7.3/10 | |
| 7 DAYS IN A HELL | 7.1/10 | |
| UNMATCHED | 7.1/10 | |
| SECOND SERVE | 6.7/10 | |
| WIMBLEDON | 6.2/10 | |
| HARD, FAST AND BEAUTIFUL | 6.1/10 | |
| 16-LOVE | 5.6/10 | |
Let’s Discuss in Detail about 10 Best Tennis Movies of All-Time
Match Point
This is the first and the most fantastic movie in the list of 10 Best Tennis Movies of All-Time. This movie is less of a tennis related movie and more of a psychological horror. It was directed by Woody Allen in 2005. If you like psychological thrillers, movies that have twists and turns, and the lovely Scarlett Johansson, then this is the one for you. This movie completely revolves around the love triangle and the consequences of being in illicit relationship.
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Borg vs McEnroe
Every person who follows tennis around the globe, must have heard the name of two famous legends, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. This movie projects healthy and competitive rivalry. A rivalry between the well-established Borg and the young stunning John McEnroe who just began dominating the arena of tennis.
This movie is based on the real events that happened in 1980 Wimbledon finals. Rated R due to graphic language and nudity. It was released in 2017 and labeled as a sports drama, though there is humor, rivalry, banter, and some really great tennis.
The Prince of Tennis
The Prince of Tennis is a Japanese movie cum a sports anime, which can be watched with subtitles. Ryoma Echizen a 12-year-old boy who has been an experienced tennis player joins Seishun academy where he becomes a regular tennis player. To join the nationals, he works hard and struggles endlessly. This movie project the dedication, hard work, and willpower required to succeed in the arena of professional tennis.
Battle of Sexes
As the name very well suggests, this movie is based on the struggle for equality back then. The starring by Emma Stone as Billy Jean King, and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs is exceptional. During the movie, the duo battles each other, as well as complex personal issues. It concludes with one of the most-watched tennis matches in television history, and some of the greatest reincarnated tennis points ever witnessed. The film was finally nominated for a total of 23 awards and won three, including the 2017 Women’s Film Critics Circle Awards.
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7 Days in a Hell
Released in 2015, 7 Days in a Hell, is regarded as a mockumentary. 7 days in hell depicts the entire scenario of the famous match of the 2010 Wimbledon championship between Nicholas Mahut and John Isner. The match lasted for 3 days. Yes, a total of 183 games.
It is funny diversion of the actual moments that happened and some great memories.
Unmatched
This movie was released in 2010, the plot of the movie revolves around the greatest rivalry in the tennis era on the women’s side Chris Everett and Martina Navratilova. The actual happening is depicted very beautifully in the movie. Despite, the players having a great rivalry on the field, they were very close friends off the court. The two would battle each other in just about anything, and they also practiced together more often than not.
Second Serve
In the present era, there is an ample amount of awareness among people regarding LGBTQ. Back then, it was a very challenging time. People try to make sense of whether or not a transgender player should play against women. She finally won the right to play in the U.S. Open, making it to the third round in 1979. The movie keeps things pretty straightforward and easy to understand, even for people not familiar with the situation.
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Wimbledon 6.2
This Movie is relatable to Hard, Fast and Beautiful. It is a kind of sports comedy, which you will definitely like watching. Wimbledon is a sports comedy, which perhaps is the best out there, starring a washed-up tennis pro teaching a prodigy how to take their game to the next level. As they both grow closer and closer, they fall in love with each other. Wimbledon is the best Rom-Com, in the arena of tennis ever made.
Hard, Fast and Beautiful 6.1
Released back in 1951 when tennis was not at its peak, still it managed to leave a great impact on many players. Hard, fast and beautiful, directed by Ida Lupino and starring Claire Trevor. This movie basically showcases the way in which a tennis prodigy player tries to figure out things in her life. She is not able to decide between her budding lover and her mother’s ambitions of her daughter becoming the greatest tennis player. That’s how little some things have changed however there are still plenty of parents trying to live out their dreams with their children.
16-Love
16-Love placed last on the list of 10 Best Tennis Movies of All-Time and is a must-watch movie for everyone who is reading the following article, especially those who are teenagers. One of the best tennis movies for teenagers ever made. For those who hustle, work hard, and dream of success. The player can feel very isolated and different being a top player in the world at a young age, and sacrifices are made all the time as far as social lives are concerned.
As the name suggests (16-love) she founds love in the early stage of her life, when she just began to explore the world of tennis. This movie has great insights as to how teenagers should handle success and focus on their ambition in life.
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