Best movies like American Anthem
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Steve is a talented gymnast who has given up competition and is working at his father's bike shop. Julie is the new girl at his old gym, who has moved to town to train with their powerful coach. Inspired by Julie, Steve resumes training. While dealing with the conflicts in their personal lives and the stress of training, they prepare for the US Olympic Trials.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 102 min
Plot tags: independent film, sincere, touching, feel good, captivating, realistic, semi serious
Best tv shows and movies like American Anthem (1986):
Similar in 88%
Sticks & Stones (1996)
Plot Summary:
For three high school friends, growing up takes a dangerous turn when the local bully targets them with his aggression. With no one to turn to but each other, they muster the courage to take a shot at settling the score.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 544
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: independent film, sentimental, touching, serious, realistic
Similar in 88%
Stealing Home (1988)
Plot Summary:
Billy Wyatt (Harmon), a former high school and minor-league baseball baseball player receives a telephone call from his mother revealing that his former child-sitter, and later in his teens, his first love, Katie Chandler (Foster), has died. Wyatt returns home to deal with this tragedy reminescing over his childhood growing up with his father, Katie and best friend Alan Appleby.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sentimental, emotional, sincere, serious, realistic, touching, fairy tale, light, inspirational, romantic
Similar in 79%
The Circuit (2008)
Plot Summary:
Al Shines, former king of the US race car track circuit, has a hard time starting his own team, once he's fired by his sponsor Robin Cates. Robin hired Al's immature daughter Kylie Shines instead. She resents Al's inevitable 'absence' as a widowed father, as well as the reigning champion, equally young but professionally vetted Kid Walker. Kylie tries to prove herself against Kid while having an on-off affair with him. Cates's marketing strategy dictates his intentions to manipulate Walker and both Shines racers.
IMDB Rating: 5.0
IMDB Votes: 573
Genere: Action, Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: semi serious, sentimental, realistic, touching, captivating, melancholic, teen
Similar in 87%
Landspeed (2002)
Plot Summary:
Two teams are in a heated race for the money and the honor that comes with breaking the land speed world record.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 491
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: semi serious, captivating, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 87%
White Palms (2006)
Plot Summary:
Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, champion Hungarian gymnast Miklos moves to Canada years later in search of a new start - only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Hungary
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, realistic, captivating, thought provoking, psychological, touching, gloomy
Similar in 89%
Home of the Giants (2007)
Plot Summary:
A story about basketball and befriending. Gar is a High School journalist who, while covering the team to the state championship, is best friends with the teams' main "Star" Matt Dunbar. Matt's older brother persuades him to steal money from a drug dealers' home. Gar tags along, but soon things go horribly wrong. One question to ask is "Will the Giants win the big game?.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 706
Genere: Crime, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: serious, captivating, realistic, suspenseful
Similar in 89%
Australian Rules (2002)
Plot Summary:
Friends Gary Black (Nathan Phillips) and Dumby Red (Luke Carroll) are on the same soccer team in their coastal Australian town. But to local racists, they're a world apart: Gary is white and Dumby is an Aborigine. This becomes an issue when one of the team's Aboriginal players becomes involved in a crime. In response, Dumby is demoted even though he's the star player, and Gary is given his place. Will Gary have the courage to speak out before tragedy results?.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 846
Genere: Drama, Romance, Sport
Country: Australia
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, uplifting, touching, serious, emotional, realistic
Similar in 86%
Dans les cordes (2007)
Plot Summary:
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IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 109
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: France
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, suspense
Similar in 88%
My Brother's Keeper (2004)
Plot Summary:
Identical twin brothers Lou and Eric plan to compete together in the National Rowing Championships. But when Eric leaves their small town to attend an Ivy League University, the brother's bond is torn apart.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 219
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 96 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, exciting, crying, freeze frame
Similar in 88%
The Slaughter Rule (2002)
Plot Summary:
A young man finds solace with a young woman, his mother, and a high-school football coach who recruits him to quarterback a six-man team.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, cult classic, indie film, independent film, emotional, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 85%
A Second Chance (2011)
Plot Summary:
A young girl and her coach overcome adversity to make their way into the National Australian Gymnastics Squad.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Adventure, Drama, Family, Mystery, Sport
Country: Australia
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: feel good, realistic, inspirational, captivating, touching, serious
Similar in 79%
One on One (1977)
Plot Summary:
Henry Steele is a basketball phenom at his small town high school, but when he matriculates to a big city university on a scholarship, soon realizes that he has few skills outside the sport. Expected by his coach to contribute significantly to the team, Henry is overwhelmed by the demands on his time, the "big business" aspect of college sports, and the fact that he never fully learned to read. Things look bleak for Henry when Janet Hays, a pretty graduate student, is assigned as Henry's tutor. Her intellect and strength lift Henry out of his doldrums just in time to battle the coach, who attempts to rescind Henry's scholarship.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, sincere, melancholic, grindhouse
Similar in 90%
Going for Gold (2018)
Plot Summary:
Seventeen year old, Emma joins a high school cheerleading team when she moves to Australia with her dad who is a former Air Force Officer.
IMDB Rating: 4.8
IMDB Votes: 631
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Australia
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: feel good, captivating, light, sincere
Similar in 84%
The Kid (1997)
Plot Summary:
Jimmy Albright is a young athlete with a passion for boxing. His mentor, Harry Sloan, an aging trainer and former boxer, sees Jimmy's potential, not only as a boxer but as a young man. With Harry's guidance, Jimmy trains and fights his way to the top of his division. All things appear to be on track, except for one small twist: Jimmy's parents, Don and Doreen, don't know he's a boxer.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 192
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: Canada
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: independent film, psychological, sincere, uplifting, touching, feel good, serious, realistic
Similar in 76%
A Gentleman's Game (2002)
Plot Summary:
A drama revolving around characters whose lives are transformed one summer at an exclusive East Coast country club.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 828
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 112 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, serious, scenic, independent film, realistic
Similar in 81%
American Flyers (1985)
Plot Summary:
When Dr. Marcus Sommers realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he decides to make peace with his sibling, and invites him on a trip to the Rockies. There, the brothers bond over their shared enthusiasm for cycling and decide to enter a grueling bike race through the mountains. However, Marcus' health soon begins to fail, and David must compete without his brother at his side.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 113 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, sad, sincere, uplifting, serious, realistic, exciting, light, inspirational
Similar in 77%
Madison (2001)
Plot Summary:
In 1971, air-conditioner repairman and boat enthusiast Jim McCormick entertains his desire to 'go down' as a legend in the record books when the Gold Cup hydroplane boat race improbably comes to his small town of Madison, Indiana. Immediately, Jim seizes his opportunity to enter the contest. With a motley crew of fellow mechanics and friends at his side, Jim fixes up his old boat and brings hope to the blighted industrial city. Written by Sujit R. Varma.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: feel good, serious, realistic, melancholic, anamorphic, independent film
Similar in 76%
Amazing Grace and Chuck (1987)
Plot Summary:
Chuck Murdock, a 12-year-old boy from Montana and son of a military jet pilot, becomes anxious after seeing a Minuteman missile on a school field trip. He protests the existence of nuclear weapons by refusing to play baseball, which results in the forfeit of a Little League game by his team. "Amazing Grace" Smith, a fictional Boston Celtics player, played by NBA star Alex English, decides to join the boy in his protest by resigning from professional basketball. This gives it nationwide coverage, inspiring more pro athletes to join the protest against nuclear weapons. The film reaches a climax when the President of the United States personally meets with Chuck, admiring his resolve but at the same time explaining the practical difficulties of disarmament. Sinister forces, meanwhile, threaten the lives of Amazing Grace and his agent, Lynn.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: sentimental, inspirational, melancholic, uplifting, touching, serious, sincere, captivating, emotional, realistic
Similar in 75%
A Shot at Glory (2000)
Plot Summary:
Scottish second division football team Kilnockie is taken over by American Pete Cameron. The new owner puts pressure on manager Gordon McLeod to improve the fortunes of the team, and hires first division player Jackie McQuillan.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 114 min
Plot tags: realistic, sentimental, inspirational, captivating, cult classic, feel good, humorous, semi serious
Similar in 81%
Stick It (2006)
Plot Summary:
Haley is a naturally gifted athlete but, with her social behavior, the teen seems intent on squandering her abilities. After a final brush with the law, a judge sentences her to an elite gymnastics academy run by a legendary, hard-nosed coach. Once there, Haley's rebellious attitude wins her both friends and enemies.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 30000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: Germany, USA
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: feel good, teen, funny, inspirational, exciting, humorous, epic, cult classic, sexy, realistic
Similar in 81%
Finding Buck McHenry (2000)
Plot Summary:
When an 11 year old boy gets cut from his Little League baseball team, he sets out to form his own team.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 282
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: Canada, USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, feel good, humorous, uplifting, realistic, non-linear, semi serious
Similar in 85%
Ping Pong Summer (2014)
Plot Summary:
In 1985 a summer vacation in Ocean City, Md., changes the life of a shy white teen who's obsessed with table tennis and hip-hop music.
IMDB Rating: 5.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Comedy, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: humorous, realistic, captivating, light, happy, touching, offbeat, semi serious, independent film, whimsical
Similar in 90%
All You've Got (2006)
Plot Summary:
Two Southern California volleyball teams determined to prove their superiority on the court find out that they're not as different as they previously thought after tragedy strikes close to home in director Neema Barnette's affectionate sports drama. The Madonnas and the Phantoms are two volleyball teams with a longstanding grudge. With a bitter rivalry that frequently spills off of the court and into the streets, the Madonnas and the Phantoms appear to have nothing in common until fate forces them to break down the social and cultural barriers that bind them. Now determined to keep it together on the court as they make their way to the championships, these former rivals are about to find out what true sportsmanship is really all about.
IMDB Rating: 4.2
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: humorous, semi serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 76%
An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012)
Plot Summary:
A young girl (Jade Pettyjohn) struggles to maintain her school grades while competing as a gymnast.
IMDB Rating: 5.7
IMDB Votes: 845
Genere: Drama, Family, Sport
Country: USA, Canada
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: touching, sentimental, humorous, semi serious, realistic
Similar in 84%
The Bronx Bull (2016)
Plot Summary:
A combination "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times.
IMDB Rating: 4.7
IMDB Votes: 697
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 94 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, realistic, captivating
Similar in 85%
Price of Glory (2000)
Plot Summary:
An ex-boxer, living with the knowledge that his fight career was cut short by a crooked manager, channels his bitter disappointment in a single-minded quest for boxing championships for his three sons. We see them in pee-wee Silver Glove matches with dad constantly pushing them. Ten years later, they're young men, with dad as both father and manager. A professional promoter, Nick Everson, wants to sign the boys, but dad rejects those offers. Then, in expressions of their varied relationships with their father, each son makes his own decisions. Can dad ever step aside, and can the family hold together?.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 899
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 118 min
Plot tags: sincere, realistic, serious, tense
Similar in 77%
From the Rough (2013)
Plot Summary:
The coach of a women's swim team parlays her success into an opportunity to build her school's men's golf team.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: uplifting, captivating, touching, feel good, serious, inspirational, sincere, realistic
Similar in 88%
The Gabby Douglas Story (2014)
Plot Summary:
The true story of Gabby Douglas who becomes the first African American to be named Individual All-Around Champion in artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Biography, Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: captivating, realistic, serious, disturbing, suspenseful, inspirational, crying
Similar in 88%
A Fine Step (2014)
Plot Summary:
A Fine Step is an uplifting family drama centering on Cal Masterson (Luke Perry, Beverly Hills 90210) an award winning horseman whose relationship with his beloved horse Fandango allows him to achieve multiple championship wins. However tragedy strikes when Cal and Fandango are involved in a serious accident, ending Cal's horse riding days forever. Cal's devastation is slowly overcome when his new neighbour, 14 year old Claire Mason (Anna Claire Sneed, Glee) takes an interest in Fandango and convinces him that Fandango's competing days might not be over.
IMDB Rating: 5.3
IMDB Votes: 394
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, captivating, emotional, touching, serious, realistic
Similar in 84%
The Final Season (2007)
Plot Summary:
True story of Kent Stock, who in the early 90's, gives up a job and ditches his wedding plans to take over as head coach as the Norway High School baseball team. Kent must win over his players and convince them and himself that he can fill their former coach's shoes and that they can go out winners. In the summer of 1991 Norway High's baseball tradition ended on a triumphant but sombre note.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama, Sport
Country: USA
Duration: 119 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, touching, realistic, historical drama, serious, captivating, emotional, independent film