Great Christian sports movies to watch with family in 2026

Discover the best Christian sports movies that blend heart-pounding athletic drama with uplifting messages of faith, resilience, and unity.

Perfect for fans seeking inspiring stories, these films capture the power of belief on and off the field. Explore our curated list of Christian sports films that resonate with audiences searching for stories of triumph and spirituality.

In addition to highlighting our family’s top 7 Christian sports films, I’ve included links to faith-based movies about football, basketball, soccer, running, and more!

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Top Christian movies about sports

Our family loves watching sports films — even better if there’s a faith element included! I’ve included our top 7 choices in the list of Christian sports movies below, as well as links to our curated guides for faith-based films about specific sports, such as football or basketball.

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The 7 best Christian sports movies

1. Woodlawn (2015)

Rating: PG

Why watch: It’s a great selection if you’re after a Christian movie about unity.

About: Woodlawn is a solid faith-based sports drama. It captures the 1970s Alabama vibe well, showing how a high school football team, led by Tony Nathan, bridges racial divides through shared faith and grit.

The story leans heavily on Christian themes, culminating in a revival that feels earnest, if a bit idealized. Expect strong performances and a heartfelt narrative, though it doesn’t shy away from preaching its message. Perfect if you’re into movies that blend football, faith, and social healing.

2. Soul Surfer (2011)

Rating: PG

Why watch: If you’re looking for Christian movies about triumph, consider this uplifting story of overcoming adversity.

About: Soul Surfer is a standout faith-based sports film. It follows Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer in Hawaii, who, after a devastating shark attack, leans on her Christian faith to stage an inspiring comeback.

This is family-friendly and resonates deeply with themes of resilience and trust in God. The story shines for its authentic surfing scenes and Hamilton’s unyielding spirit, though it occasionally leans hard into its inspirational tone.

3. Chariots of Fire (1981)

Rating: PG

Why watch: Among the best historical Christian movies. You’ll also enjoy it if you’re looking for faith-based running stories.

About: Chariots of Fire is a remarkable faith-based sports classic. Set during the 1924 Olympics, it tracks Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish runner, whose refusal to compete on the Sabbath stems from his deep Christian convictions.

This Oscar-winning film blends historical drama with family-friendly appeal. Its stirring score and authentic portrayal of faith-driven resolve make it timeless, though the pacing may feel deliberate to some. This film is a powerful testament to standing firm in belief while chasing glory.

4. Unbroken (2014)

Rating: PG-13

Why watch: A great selection if you’re seeking Christian movies about resilience or faith based WWII stories.

About: Unbroken is a gripping faith-based epic. It follows Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned WWII bombardier, whose survival through harrowing trials is anchored by his resilient Christian faith.

This movie is intense yet inspiring, suitable for older family audiences. The film blends athletic grit with spiritual depth, though its wartime focus can feel heavy.

Standout visuals and Zamperini’s unyielding spirit shine, this movie is. ideal for fans of epic tales of endurance and hope.

5. Greater (2016)

Rating: PG

Why watch: This is a great movie selection if you’re looking for underdog Christian films or faith-based football stories.

About: Greater (2016) is a compelling faith-based sports drama. It chronicles Brandon Burlsworth, an Arkansas walk-on who rises to All-American lineman through sheer determination and Christian faith, only to face a tragic end.

This family-friendly movie will resonate deeply, though the pacing can feel somber. The heartfelt performances and authentic football scenes make this movie worth watching. You’ll love thus inspiring tale of perseverance and devotion.

6. The Blind Side (2009)

Rating: PG-13

Why watch: An inspiring faith-based football story for fans of Christian movies about kindness.

About: The Blind Side (2009) is a favorite football film based on a true story. It follows Michael Oher, a homeless teen who, with the support of a caring Christian family, rises to become an NFL star.

It’s family-friendly movie with a heartfelt mix of football and compassion, though some moments lean heavily sentimental. Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning performance and Oher’s uplifting journey shine. It’s perfect for viewers who love emotional tales of second chances and family.

7. Blue Miracle (2021)

Rating: PG

Why watch: A fresh spin on a story with competition and takes, Blue Miracle is among our favorite unique Chrisitan movies.

About: Blue Miracle is a refreshing faith-based drama. It follows Omar, a guardian at Casa Hogar, and his orphaned boys as they enter a high-stakes fishing tournament, finding hope through Christian faith.

This film is family-friendly with a unique blend of competition and heart, though its underdog vibe can feel familiar. Vibrant visuals and genuine performances make it ideal for fans of uplifting tales about perseverance and community.

Christian movies by sport

1. Football movies

2. Basketball movies

3. Baseball movies

4. Soccer movies

5. Running movies

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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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