13 Christian Baseball movies (Strong faith-based films)

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If you're looking for great Christian baseball movies to watch with your family, this curated list shares Christian films and mainstream movies with faith-based themes.

We're a baseball family. Both boys played ball, and my husband and I played baseball and softball.

We've loved how baseball has brought our family together, and how we’ve shared lessons of faith that apply on and off the baseball diamond.

  • For a great Christian film, my family loved “The Hill,” which follows the true story of Rickey Hill overcoming physical challenges to play baseball.

    Based on a true story, Rickey overcomes a degenerative spine disorder through determination and faith.

    He hit thousands of rocks with sticks, instead of balls with a baseball bat, because rocks were free.

  • For a secular movie with Christian themes,Field of Dreams” is a classic. And yes, we’re a little biased. We do live in Iowa!

    It’s an uplifting family story of following your God-given purpose despite opposition.

Speaking of “Field of Dreams,” did you know you can visit the baseball field where the movie was filmed or sign up to play in a youth baseball tournament there?

If you time your visit for the growing season (i.e., mid-summer), you can even walk through the corn fields as the ball players did in the film and say:

“Is this heaven?”

“No, it’s Iowa.”

(Seriously, it’s so fun!)

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Quick guide: Christian baseball movies

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I’ve included both Christian movies and mainstream movies with strong Christian themes.

Table of Contents

Little League baseball

  • “Mercy Rule” (G) — A father fights for his business against a corrupt lobbyist while his son, a struggling pitcher, attempts to make the Little League team in this uplifting Christian movie. (Watch the trailer)

  • “The Perfect Game” (PG) — A faith-driven Mexican Little League team wins the World Series through prayer and perseverance in this Christian underdog story. (Watch the trailer)

High school baseball (faith-based themes)  

College baseball

  • “Full Count” (PG) — A college baseball player returns home to run the struggling family after his father's death; it’s a redemptive Christian movie about unwavering faith. (Watch trailer)

  • “One Hit From Home” (PG-13) — A retired professional baseball player becomes a reluctant college coach and finds healing and renewed faith in this Christian movie about second chances. (Watch the trailer)

Professional baseball movies

  • “42” (PG-13) — A faith-fueled biopic about the true story of Jackie Robinson's courage as he breaks professional baseball’s color barrier and faces overt racism. (Watch the trailer)

  • “Angels in the Outfield” (PG) — A light-hearted family comedy with Christian themes, a foster boy’s prayer is answered when angels help his favorite pro team — and him. (Watch the trailer)

  • “Field of Dreams” (PG) — An Iowa farmer obeys a mysterious voice to build a baseball field. He finds redemption through faithful obedience in this beloved, subtly Christian-themed classic. (Watch the trailer)

  • “The Hill” (PG) —The true story of a young man who overcomes a spinal disease to pursue professional baseball. Rickey Hill relies on his strong Christian faith in this inspirational film. (Watch the trailer)

  • “Home Run” (PG-13) — A struggling pro baseball player finds redemption and faith in Christ through the “Celebrate Recovery” program and coaching. (Watch the trailer)

  • “The Rookie” (G) — A teacher’s dream of becoming a professional baseball player is related through faith and perseverance in this uplifting true-story Christian film. (Watch the trailer)

  • “Trouble with the Curve” (PG-13) — An aging baseball scout and his estranged daughter reconcile through baseball and quiet faith in this heartfelt drama. (Watch the trailer)


Top 13 Christian baseball movies (Faith-based)

These Christian and faith-based movies make for a great Friday night movie night.

You’ll discover some good baseball movies for kids and adults alike!

Please note: Streaming availability is subject to change and may vary by region.

Check JustWatch.com for up-to-date streaming information.

 

1. The Hill (2023)

Rating: PG-13

Based on the true story of Rickey Hill (Colin Ford), a young man with a degenerative spinal disease.

As a boy growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, in the 1970s, he dreamed of playing professional baseball despite his physical limitations and his father’s opposition.

This Christian film shows unwavering faith and determination as Ricky pursues his calling, facing trials.

He wears leg braces and is often picked on. Dennis Quaid stars as his father, a pastor who opposes Ricky’s baseball aspirations, in this uplifting journey of overcoming odds.

Its message will resonate: Jesus Christ is the driving force behind Rickey's motivation in this great movie.

Why watch: Highlights trusting God’s plan amid suffering, parental guidance, and pursuing dreams with faith-driven perseverance.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


2. Home Run (2013)

Rating: PG-13

A professional baseball player is battling substance abuse. After getting a DUI, he was forced to return home and attend a rehab program, derailing his career.

The player, Cory Brand (Scott Elrod), attends “Celebrate Recovery,” a faith-based recovery program that helps him confront past wounds through faith.

He begins coaching a Little League team, and reconnects with his high school sweetheart and his estranged son.

Why watch: “Home Run” is a powerful story of redemption, breaking cycles of addiction through Christ, forgiveness, and second chances.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


3. Running the Bases (2022)

Rating: PG

A small-town high school baseball coach uproots his family to take a job at a large school, where his coaching methods — including praying with his team — prompt controversy and community opposition.

The coach, Luke Brooks (Brett Varvel), must stand firm on his convictions through trials that test his leadership.

It's a great baseball movie that exposes the intersection of faith, its public expression, and community.

Why watch: It’s an uplifting Christian movie about a small-town coach who takes a bold stand for his values in public life, with themes of integrity and trusting God through adversity and trials.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


4. Full Count (2019)

Rating: Not Rated

An aspiring college baseball star’s dreams are derailed by family tragedy.

Milton Young (John Paul Kakos) is forced to return home to take over the farm.

Still grieving his father’s death, Milton struggles with his purpose through the challenges of a financially struggling farm, a debilitating injury, and accusations of a crime he didn’t commit.

It’s a family drama about relying on faith and persevering through challenges.

Why watch: Themes of surrender to God’s timing, finding hope in unexpected paths, and family restoration through faith.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


5. The Perfect Game (2009)

Rating: PG

Based on the true story of a ragtag Little League team from Monterrey, Mexico, this Christian film is an uplifting story of the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.

Led by a local priest, the team recruits Cesar Faz (Clifton Collins Jr.), a former St. Louis Cardinals player.

The team overcomes poverty and prejudice through the power of community and prayer. It’s an uplifting underdog story.

Why watch: The story celebrates team unity and humility, with heartfelt messages of hope and divine provision.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


6. One Hit From Home (2012)

Rating: Not Rated

A professional baseball player returns home after a devastating knee injury.

Forced to confront painful memories from his past, and with his baseball career over, he goes down a downward spiral that includes anger and legal trouble.  

Jimmy Easton (David Aaron Stone) agreed to coach a struggling college baseball team as part of his community service.

He meets a troubled yet talented player, Brandon Elliot (Johnny Meier), who’s struggling with a verbally abusive father.

This Christian movie follows Jimmy and Brandon as they discover recovery and a renewed sense of faith and purpose.

Why watch: Focuses on healing from failure, second chances in life and sport, and the role of Christian community in recovery.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


7. Mercy Rule (2014)

Rating: Not Rated

Challenges mount in this family-oriented film as a father, John Miller (Kirk Cameron), fights to save his business from a corrupt lobbyist pushing an environmental agenda.

At the same time, John’s son Cody is struggling as a not-so-great pitcher who’s attempting to make the baseball team.

With trials mounting from every direction, this Christian movie takes aim at community politics as John and Cody learn to prioritize their faith and relationships.

It was produced by Kirk Cameron’s Camfam Studios.

Why watch: It’s an uplifting story of biblical parenting, mercy over competition, and living out your faith.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


8. Pitching Love and Catching Faith (2015)

Rating: Not Rated

This Christian romance movie shares the story of a softball player, Heather (Lauryn Kent), who hasn’t had much luck with guys. Until she meets a baseball player, Tyler (Derek Boone).

The two high school athletes are competitive, and the story follows their playful, “cat-and-mouse” rivalry. It’s a lighthearted film about teen relationships and dating.

As they navigate sports injuries, high school romance, and rivals, Heather and Tyler must navigate doubts and priorities through faith.

Why watch: It’s a sweet exploration of faith-based relationships, trusting God’s timing in love and career, and staying faithful despite setbacks.

Where to watch:

  • Stream: Great American Pure Flix

  • Free with ads: Tubi

  • Rent or buy: DVD

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


9. Field of Dreams (1989)

Rating: PG

This is a favorite, Christian-themed movie in our household. (And yes, my family is biased. We live in Iowa!)

It’s the story of an Iowa farmer, Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), who hears a mysterious voice telling him, “If you build it, he will come.”

Ray plows under his cornfield to build a baseball diamond, drawing legendary players from the past and leading to profound personal reconciliation and healing.

It’s a powerful story of faithful obedience despite community misunderstanding or opposition.  

Why watch: Many appreciate the subtle Christian themes of believing in the unseen world, obedience to a divine calling, and redemption.

Where to watch:

  • Streaming: Availability changes; often on Peacock, AMC+, or Paraumount+

  • Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or DVD

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


10. Angels in the Outfield (1994)

Rating: PG

A lonely foster kid, Roger Bowman (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), prays desperately for his baseball team, the last-place California Angels, to win the pennant.

Roger becomes an unlikely “consultant” to the team, and real angels start showing up to help the players, including a witty “chief” angel. More importantly, they help Roger find a new family and friends.

It’s a humorous, light-hearted story that shows how a child’s faith can transform your life and God’s desire for all of us to be part of a family and community.

Why watch: It’s a joyful secular film that celebrates childlike faith, prayer, and miracles.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


11. 42 (2013)

Rating: PG-13

Our family loved this inspiring film, which is based on the true story of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) breaking baseball’s color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.

General Manager Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) endures fierce criticism for his decision to play Jackie, and the two show courage and strength in the face of open racism.

“42” is a mainstream film with strong Christian themes. Robinson refuses to fight back and instead models a strong character through his restraint.

It’s a powerful depiction of Jesus’ command to “turn the other cheek.”

“If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” — Matthew 3:59 (NIV)

Why watch: It’s encouraging to see that the general manager’s Christian faith drives his decision to play Jackie.

There are references to the Bible and themes of turning the other cheek, justice, and God-given dignity.

Where to watch:  

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


12. The Rookie (2002)

Rating: G

A high school teacher and coach, Jimmy Morris (Dennis Quaid) gets a miraculous second chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

It’s based on the true story of Morris, who began his MLB career at age 35.

Why watch: This secular movie emphasizes perseverance, trusting God's timing, and faith.

Where to watch:

  • Stream: Disney+

  • Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or DVD

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


13. Trouble with the Curve (2012)

Rating: PG-13

An aging baseball scout with the Atlanta Braves, Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood), asks his estranged daughter, Mickey (Amy Adams), to join him on a trip to scout a young player.

Mickey, now a workaholic lawyer, goes on the trip. She eventually confronts Gus about why he was always absent growing up.

When he shares the truth, they begin to reconcile their past for a brighter future.

Why watch: Its themes of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Where to watch:

➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️


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➡️ Looking for an uplifting source of Christian encouragement? Join our newsletter and receive testimonies, movie and gift guides, and more.

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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story” and the editor of the Faith Storytellers website, which publishes Christian testimonies and curated lists of Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.

 

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