Movies like The Phenom (2016)
The best movies like The Phenom (2016) are Sugar (2008), Million Dollar Arm (2014) and American Flyers (1985). If The Phenom hooked you with its drama, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedOvercomer (2019)7.7/10 from 312 votes
- NewestOvercomer (2019)Released 2019
Sugar (2008)
Like many young men in the Dominican Republic, 19-year-old Miguel "Sugar" Santos dreams of winning a slot on an American baseball team. Indeed, his talents as a pitcher eventually land him a slot on a single-A team in Iowa, but culture shock, racism and other curveballs threaten to turn Sugar's dream sour.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMillion Dollar Arm (2014)
In a last-ditch effort to save his career, sports agent JB Bernstein dreams up a wild game plan to find Major League Baseball’s next great pitcher from a pool of cricket players in India. He soon discovers two young men who can throw a fastball but know nothing about the game of baseball. Or America. It’s an incredible and touching journey that will change them all — especially JB, who learns valuable lessons about teamwork, commitment and family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAmerican Flyers (1985)
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.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJoe and Max (2002)
True story of boxers Joe Louis and Max Schmeling and their enduring friendship.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Resurrecting the Champ (2007)
Up-and-coming sports reporter rescues a homeless man ("Champ") only to discover that he is, in fact, a boxing legend believed to have passed away. What begins as an opportunity to resurrect Champ's story and escape the shadow of his father's success becomes a personal journey as the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne Hit From Home (2012)
After suffering a career ending knee injury, pro-baseball superstar Jimmy Easton returns to a place he has not been in a very long time.... home. Here, Jimmy confronts dark memories from a tragic past as he tries to make peace with a life he once left behind. Things take an unexpected turn when he is forced back into the world of baseball as the coach of an underachieving college team.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
The story of golf icon and legend, Bobby Jones, who retired from competition at the tender age of 28.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisRunning Brave (1983)
The story of Billy Mills the American Indian that came from obscurity, to win the 10,000 meter long distance foot race in the Tokyo Olympics.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Without Limits (1998)
The life of renowned runner Steve Prefontaine and his relationship with legendary coach Bill Bowerman.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBottom of the 9th (2019)
Bobby Stano had everything going for him. Fresh out of high school, he was signed to the majors, had a beautiful girlfriend, everything was looking up. That is, until he and his friends get into a fight with a neighboring gang. The confrontation results in an accidental fatality and quickly changes Bobby's life forever. He's found guilty of murder and locked in prison for the next thirteen years. When Bobby is released, he's faced with a vilified reputation, a relationship to rekindle and a new life to find.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Sprinter (2019)
Sprinter tells the story of Akeem Sharp who is set to be Jamaica's next big track-and-field sensation. Akeem hopes to rise in the track and field world will take him to the U.S. to reunite him with his mother who has supported the family while living as an illegal resident for over a decade. But Akeem's rising star is weighed down by turmoil at home: a volatile father, and an unruly older brother who insinuates himself into Akeem's career as a means of escaping - or perhaps enhancing - his scam artist hustle. Not only does Akeem have to prove to himself and everyone that he can succeed, but also overcome the struggles that may ultimately bring him down.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Prefontaine (1997)
It's the true-life story of legendary track star Steve Prefontaine, the exciting and sometimes controversial "James Dean of Track," whose spirit captured the heart of the nation! Cocky, charismatic, and tough, "Pre" was a running rebel who defied rules, pushed limits ... and smashed records ...
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPit Stop (1969)
Rick Bowman, a drag racing street punk, comes to the attention of crafty businessman Grant Willard. Willard bails him out of jail and offers him sponsorship as a stock car driver. Bowman accepts and enters the demolition derby-adjacent world of "figure eight" racing. As Bowman moves up in the ranks, his regard for his friends slips-- giving way to outright obsession with becoming the best.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Cinderella Man (2005)
The true story of boxer Jim Braddock who, following his retirement in the 1930s, makes a surprise comeback in order to lift his family out of poverty.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisUndrafted (2016)
A team of misfit intramural baseball players become important to a player who was overlooked in the MLB draft, as he tries to come to grips with his dashed dream.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Mr. 3000 (2004)
Aging baseball star who goes by the nickname, Mr. 3000, finds out many years after retirement that he didn't quite reach 3,000 hits. Now at age 47 he's back to try and reach that goal.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Natural (1984)
An unknown middle-aged batter named Roy Hobbs with a mysterious past appears out of nowhere to take a losing 1930s baseball team to the top of the league.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBleed for This (2016)
The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza, who after a near fatal car crash, which left him not knowing if he'd ever walk again, made one of sports most incredible comebacks.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMy All American (2015)
Freddie Steinmark, an underdog on the gridiron, faces the toughest challenge of his life after leading his team to a championship season.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOvercomer (2019)
After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, high school basketball Coach John Harrison helps the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like this42 (2013)
In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball facing unabashed racism from the public, the press and other players.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMoneyball (2011)
The story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball team on a budget, by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCobb (1994)
Al Stump is a famous sports-writer chosen by Ty Cobb to co-write his official, authorized 'autobiography' before his death. Cobb, widely feared and despised, feels misunderstood and wants to set the record straight about 'the greatest ball-player ever,' in his words.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like this61* (2001)
In 1961, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees. One, Mantle, was universally loved, while the other, Maris, was universally hated. Both men started off with a bang, and both were nearing Babe Ruth's 60 home run record. Which man would reach it?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Game of Their Lives (2005)
During the 1950 World Cup, the hastily assembled U.S. soccer team enters as heavy underdogs when matched up against the highest-ranked team in competition — England.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
SnoozefestMovies like thisBreaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story (1997)
Breaking the Surface is about the tough times Greg Louganis had on his way to becoming one of the world's top Olympic divers.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
American Wrestler: The Wizard (2017)
In 1980, a teenage boy escapes the unrest in Iran only to face more hostility in America, due to the hostage crisis. Determined to fit in, he joins the school's floundering wrestling team.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBig Fan (2009)
Paul Aufiero, a 35-year-old parking-garage attendant from Staten Island, is the self-described "world's biggest New York Giants fan". One night, Paul and his best friend Sal spot Giants star linebacker Quantrell Bishop at a gas station and decide to follow him. At a strip club Paul cautiously decides to approach him but the chance encounter brings Paul's world crashing down around him.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Champ (1979)
Billy used to be a great boxer, but he's settled into a hardscrabble life that revolves around drinking, training horses, and the one bright spot in his existence — his young son, T.J. Although Billy has had custody of T.J. since his wife, Annie, left the family years ago, her return prompts a new struggle for the former fighter. Determined to hold on to his son, Billy gets back into the ring to try and recapture his past success.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Brawler (2019)
The true story of underdog boxer, Chuck Wepner, who gets a shot to fight the champ, Muhammed Ali.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both drama
Like The Phenom and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Phenom?
The closest matches to The Phenom are Sugar (2008), Million Dollar Arm (2014) and American Flyers (1985). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Phenom?
People who watched The Phenom most often go on to Sugar (2008), Million Dollar Arm (2014) and American Flyers (1985).
What is the highest-rated movie like The Phenom?
Overcomer (2019), rated 7.7/10 by 312 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Phenom?
Overcomer (2019) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Phenom?
Yes: Sugar (2008), Million Dollar Arm (2014) and American Flyers (1985).
How are movies similar to The Phenom chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Phenom, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.