Sports movies often have the power to inspire and entertain, but not all make the cut. Today, we’re giving you the 8 sports films that, despite their efforts, failed to score with audiences and critics.
8. Wimbledon – IMDb: 6.3
Starting our list is the 2004 romantic comedy ‘Wimbledon,‘ directed by Richard Loncraine. Featuring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst, the film attempts to blend tennis with romance but ends up being a predictable affair. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 61% and an IMDb rating of 6.3, the movie couldn’t rise above its clichéd plot.
7. Fever Pitch – IMDb: 6.2
Next up is ‘Fever Pitch‘ from 2005, a romantic comedy-drama directed by the Farrelly brothers. Starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon, this film is a remake of a British film and switches its focus from soccer to baseball. It managed a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 65% and a 6.2 IMDb score, but that wasn’t enough to fully engage the audience.
6. The Babe – IMDb: 5.9
‘The Babe‘ is a 1992 biographical film about Babe Ruth starring John Goodman. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the film was critiqued for Goodman’s unconvincing portrayal and its depressing tone. Garnering a mere 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.9 IMDb rating, the film struggled to even get Goodman’s approval, as he once said he was disappointed in his performance.
5. The Fan – IMDb: 5.9
In fifth place is ‘The Fan,‘ a 1996 psychological thriller featuring Robert De Niro and Wesley Snipes. Directed by Tony Scott, the film’s attempt to reflect the obsession with sports failed to impress, landing a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.9 IMDb rating. ‘The Fan’s discomforting narrative and lack of genuine thrills contribute to its lackluster reception.
4. Amazing Grace and Chuck – IMDb: 5.8
Directed by Mike Newell and starring William Petersen, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Gregory Peck, 1987’s ‘Amazing Grace and Chuck‘ is set against a backdrop of U.S.-Soviet tensions. It received a critical panning for its implausible plot and mundane execution. It has a 38% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 5.8 on IMDb.
3. Mr. 3,000 – IMDb: 5.6
Number three is ‘Mr. 3000,‘ a 2004 sports comedy directed by Charles Stone III. Starring Bernie Mac and Angela Bassett, this film about a baseball player’s comeback falls short in execution. It has a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 55% and a 5.6 IMDb score, failing to hit a home run with its mix of humor and sports drama.
2. Like Mike – IMDb: 5.4
Just shy of the bottom is John Schultz’s 2002 film ‘Like Mike,‘ another sports comedy. Despite its family-friendly premise and a 57% Rotten Tomatoes score, this film about a boy who gains basketball skills scored only 5.4 on IMDb. Its predictable storylines and underwhelming narrative failed to make it a compelling sports movie.
1. Rocky V – IMDb: 5.3
At the bottom of our list is ‘Rocky V,‘ the 1990 sequel in the famed Rocky series. Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone, this film missed the mark with its storyline and character development. Earning the lowest score of 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.3 on IMDb, it’s widely regarded as the weakest link in the Rocky series. Even Stallone himself expressed regret and hatred towards the film.
