Change my mind, but there might just be no sport as intense, charged and culturally captivating as the game of tennis. Of course, many different sports offer opportunities for different kinds of narratives based on their history, culture and place on the ladder of popular professional sport, but the world of competitive tennis is so undeniably dramatic, and often stylish, that both in real life and on our screens, it always makes for a fabulously wild watch. 

With the excitement of the recent U.S. Open still lingering in the air and our hankering for a good volley with a ton of off-court chaos thrown in, now is the perfect time to dust off the movies about tennis and give them a deserved re-watch. From the late 70s to now, cinema has loved a good tennis movie for all the excitement and edge-of-your-seat energy the kinds of stories the game naturally elicits, either based off history-making moments of the sport that we could never forget or imagined stories so tantalising and high-stakes that they feel excitably real. 

But not all tennis movies are made equal, and based off reviews and ratings from sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, there are some clear winners in the tennis film genre. Ahead, we list the 10 best tennis movies of our time and rank them in order of their compelling narratives, vivid characters and unforgettable cinematic superiority. Game, set, match.

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

10. Players (1979)

An oldie but a goodie, Players delves into the high-stakes world of professional tennis and the personal lives of the athletes who inhabit it. The story focuses on the passionate rivalry between two top players, Tom McHabe, played by Dean Paul Martin, and Jack Kramer, played by Ali MacGraw. Amid the intense competition on the court, the film explores their romantic entanglements and the challenges of fame and fortune. With its blend of sports drama and personal relationships, Players offers a glimpse into the glamorous and often tumultuous lives of tennis stars, capturing the essence of the era's tennis culture and the complexities of love and ambition in the world of professional sports.

Image credit: StudioCanal

9. Wimbledon (2004)

A romantic comedy that revolves around the world of professional tennis, Wimbledon follows the journey of Peter Colt, a fading British tennis player played by Paul Bettany, who, at the twilight of his career, unexpectedly finds love with a rising American star, Lizzie Bradbury, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst. Against the backdrop of prestigious Wimbledon, Peter's unexpected romance rejuvenates his passion for the game, while Lizzie must grapple with the pressures of her newfound fame. Wimbledon serves up a delightful blend of sports, romance, and humour, making it an endearing and heartwarming story for both tennis enthusiasts and rom-com fans alike.

Image credit: Broad Green Pictures

8. Break Point (2014)

Break Point is a sports comedy that follows the tumultuous journey of two estranged brothers, Jimmy, played by Jeremy Sisto, and Darren, played by David Walton, who reunite to make a last-ditch attempt at a professional tennis career. The film humorously explores their dysfunctional relationship as they clash on and off the court, while striving to qualify for a prestigious tennis tournament. Filled with quirky characters, witty banter, and a blend of sibling rivalry and camaraderie, Break Point serves up a lighthearted and endearing take on the world of tennis and the power of family bonds.

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

7. Match Point (2005)

Match Point, a psychological thriller directed by Woody Allen, tells the gripping story of Chris Wilton, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, a former tennis pro who finds himself entangled in a complex web of love, lust, and murder. The film follows Wilton as he becomes romantically involved with high society girl Chloe Hewett, portrayed by Emily Mortimer, while also pursuing a passionate affair with his soon-to-be sister in law Nola Rice, played by Scarlett Johansson. The film takes many a dark turn as Chris's choices lead to a fateful act that threatens to unravel his life, all the while set against the backdrop of the tennis courts of London's high society.

Image credit: HBO

6. 7 Days in Hell (2015)

While most beloved tennis movies are marked by drama, intensity and stoicism, 7 Days in Hell offers a reprieve—a hilarious sports mockumentary, this film parodies the world of professional tennis through a crass yet humorous lens. The film imagines a fictitious, epic seven-day tennis match at Wimbledon between two eccentric and polar-opposite players: the flamboyant and vulgar Aaron Williams, portrayed by Andy Samberg, and the naive, genteel Charles Poole, played by Kit Harington. As the match unfolds, it becomes a sidesplitting circus of bizarre incidents, including celebrity cameos, wild mishaps, and absurdities that push the boundaries of sports comedy. 

Image credit: Nordisk Film

5. Borg vs. McEnroe (2017)

Sports drama Borg vs. McEnroe recreates the legendary rivalry between two tennis icons, Björn Borg and John McEnroe, leading up to their historic clash at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships. The film delves into the clashing personalities and playing styles of the stoic and cool-headed Borg, played by Sverrir Gudnason, and the fiery and temperamental McEnroe, portrayed by Shia LaBeouf. As tensions mount both on and off the court, the movie provides a compelling exploration of the intense pressure and emotional struggles faced by these athletes at the pinnacle of their careers—a riveting portrayal of tennis history and the complex human dynamics that fuelled one of the sport's most memorable rivalries.

Image credit: Searchlight Pictures

4. Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Battle of the Sexes is a spirited and thrilling sports drama that delves into the iconic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Set against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape in the game of tennis and the growing women's rights movement, the film depicts the rivalry and societal pressures faced by King, a groundbreaking female tennis champion committed to paving the way forward for women in tennis, and Riggs, a flamboyant former champion desperate to hold onto his glory days. At its core, the movie explores the larger themes of gender equality and women's empowerment as King faces Riggs in a highly publicised exhibition match that became a symbol of the fight for women's rights. With a blend of humour, drama, and stellar performances from Emma Stone as King and Steve Carell as Riggs, Battle of the Sexes is a compelling portrayal of a pivotal moment in tennis history.

Image credit: StudioCanal

3. Final Set (2020)

Universally acclaimed French film Final Set is a captivating sports drama that revolves around the true life story of Thomas Edison, a promising young tennis player on the verge of making it big in the sport. The film follows Edison as he confronts his own demons and personal struggles, including a strained relationship with his father, as he faces the intense pressure of competing at the French Open. The film explores themes of determination, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence, offering a gripping narrative of one athlete's journey to achieve his dreams against all odds. With brilliant performances and a compelling storyline, Final Set serves up a riveting portrayal of the relentless pursuit of success in the world of professional tennis.

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

2. King Richard (2021)

King Richard is a captivating, and award-winning, biographical drama that chronicles the life and journey of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film follows Richard's relentless dedication and unorthodox coaching methods as he prepares his daughters for their careers from a young age, never failing to believe in their future as tennis champions. In the setting of Compton, California, dealing with the challenges of racism and adversity, the film shines a light on the Williams family's remarkable story, their triumphs, and the unbreakable bond between father and daughters, making it a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and familial love—and legendary tennis, of course.

Image credit: Magnolia Pictures

1. Citizen Ashe (2021)

The film that takes the crown for the most highly rated tennis movie is actually a documentary—and for those who cringe at the thought of a non-fiction film, you'll be more than pleasantly surprised by this incredibly moving film. Citizen Ashe is a powerful and inspiring documental retelling of the extraordinary life of tennis legend and civil rights activist, Arthur Ashe. Released in 2021, the film traces Ashe's journey from his humble beginnings in segregated Virginia to becoming the first African American man in history to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. But the film goes beyond Ashe's tennis achievements, shedding light on his unwavering commitment to social justice and equality. The documentary explores Ashe's activism during the tumultuous era of the civil rights movement, his outspoken views on racial issues, and his courageous battle with AIDS. Through a blend of archival footage, interviews, and insightful commentary, Citizen Ashe paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable individual whose legacy extends far beyond the tennis court.

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