Rally your spirit with a serve into the exciting realm of tennis on screen – every ace, match point, and personal victory revealed.
From gripping rivalries to the quirks of tennis culture, these titles serve up slices of life both on and off the court.
Are you game to discover the top tennis movies, shows, and documentaries that ace the entertainment match?
Best Tennis Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Wimbledon (2004)
- Battle of the Sexes (2017)
- Borg vs McEnroe (2017)
- 7 Days in Hell (2015)
- Match Point (2005)
- Unmatched (2010) – Documentary
- Strokes of Genius (2018) – Documentary
Table of Contents
#1 Wimbledon (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Richard Loncraine
- 🌟 Starring: Paul Bettany, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Neill, Jon Favreau
Wimbledon is a romantic comedy centered around a washed-up tennis pro named Peter Colt (Paul Bettany) who gets a wildcard entry to the Wimbledon tournament and finds himself falling for an up-and-coming American tennis star Lizzie Bradbury (Kirsten Dunst).
As their romance blossoms, so does Peter’s game, in a heartwarming and comedic tale that serves up love both on and off the court.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Battle of the Sexes (2017)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris
- 🌟 Starring: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman
Battle of the Sexes dramatizes the true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and former champion and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell).
Beyond the spectacle of the match, the film delves into the personal and professional struggles faced by King and tackles the cultural discussions around gender equality that the historic event symbolized.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu
#3 Borg vs McEnroe (2017)
- 🎬 Directed by: Janus Metz Pedersen
- 🌟 Starring: Sverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgård
Borg vs McEnroe is a biographical sports drama that focuses on the famous rivalry between ice-cool Swedish tennis player Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and volatile American John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf), culminating in their epic encounter at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships.
The film explores the psychological pressures of being at the top of the game and the personal demons that both athletes battle.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#4 7 Days in Hell (2015)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jake Szymanski
- 🌟 Starring: Andy Samberg, Kit Harington, Will Forte, Fred Armisen
7 Days in Hell is a mockumentary-style comedy that parodies professional tennis. It tells the fictional story of two professional tennis players, Aaron Williams (Andy Samberg) and Charles Poole (Kit Harington), who face off in what becomes the longest and most grueling match in history.
The film, presented as a mockumentary, is filled with absurdist humor and cameos by real-life tennis stars.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#5 Match Point (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Woody Allen
- 🌟 Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Scarlett Johansson, Emily Mortimer, Matthew Goode
Match Point is a psychological thriller directed by Woody Allen, featuring an element of tennis as a backdrop to its dramatic narrative.
A former tennis pro, Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), befriends a wealthy student, leading to a job offer and entry into high society. The film’s tension builds as Chris becomes entangled in an affair that challenges his newly found status and leads him down a dark path.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
#6 Unmatched (2010) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern Winters
Unmatched is a sports documentary that brings together tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, recounting their storied rivalry and deep-rooted friendship.
The film showcases their journey from fierce competitors on the court to close friends off it, providing a unique glimpse into their personal lives and the evolution of women’s tennis.
here to watch: ESPN+, iTunes
#7 Strokes of Genius (2018) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Andrew Douglas
Strokes of Genius is a documentary based on the book by Jon Wertheim, delving into the career-defining rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, particularly focusing on their historic 2008 Wimbledon final, widely considered one of the greatest tennis matches of all time.
The film intertwines their contrasting styles and approaches to the game while highlighting their respect and admiration for one another.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play
FAQ
What is the best Tennis movie of all time?
“Borg vs McEnroe” (2017) is the best Tennis movie of all time, capturing the intense rivalry and psychological play between two Tennis legends.
What are some good Tennis movies?
“Wimbledon” (2004), “Battle of the Sexes” (2017), and “7 Days in Hell” (2015) are good Tennis movies that celebrate the sport and its unique stories.
What Tennis movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Tennis movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “The Outsider” (2020), “Untold: Breaking Point” (2021), and “Naomi Osaka” (2021).