We discuss 10 movies like the Netflix film The Swimmers you must watch. Check out these recommendations.
The Swimmers is a Netflix film that actually was the opening night gala film at the Toronto International Film Festival. From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a harrowing journey as refugees, putting both their hearts and champion swimming skills to heroic use, as per the synopsis on IMDB.
This film is an emotional true story that shows the love between siblings and everything they would do to help each other. They had a dream to become top Olympic swimmers, and whatever obstacles held them back, they kept going. These biographies are always important to bring to the big screen because of how inspirational they can be for many others out there.
The films on this list are all based on inspiring true stories and have all managed to retell something extraordinary that may have been overlooked by history books. There are women that have broken glass ceilings and have overcome the odds that had been made against them.
10 movies like The Swimmers you must watch
42 (2013)
In 1947, Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process, as per the synopsis on IMDB. Boseman gave a knockout performance as Robinson, and this is one of the most memorable in his filmography.
Moneyball (2011)
Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players, as per the synopsis on IMDB. The chemistry between Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill was strong and there was so much tension in a film that had to do with budgeting baseball teams.
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
The story of Eddie Edwards (Taron Egerton), the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics, as per the synopsis on IMDB. Egerton gives a standout performance after Kingsman: The Secret Service that should have gotten him other opportunities as well. His chemistry with Hugh Jackman made this a fun sports bio to watch.
King Richard (2021)
A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching by their father Richard Williams (Will Smith), as per the synopsis on IMDB. Besides the controversy that people continuously bring up, this is definitely one of the best performances by Will Smith. This movie was inspiring, and it was an in-depth look at the lives of Serena and Venus.
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
The true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell), as per the synopsis on IMDB. Films that take place in the 70s always have a different vibe to them and that’s why Battle of the Sexes was enjoyable for the most part. Stone does a great job embodying Billie Jean King, but Carrell as Bobby Riggs added that comedic edge that was needed.
Whip It (2009)
In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock-loving misfit finds a way of dealing with small-town misery after discovering a roller-derby league in nearby Austin, as per the synopsis on IMDB. This film was definitely ahead of its time, and for the people who know its existence, it was sure something special in 2009. The cast consists of Elliot Page, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Sarah Habel, and Jimmy Fallon.
I, Tonya (2017)
Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes, as per the synopsis in IMDB. We all know the story about Tonya Harding and of course, she was shown in a different light by the media because they had to villainize someone at the time. This film, directed by Craig Gillespie explores the mind of Harding and the people around her who made it difficult for her to even move forward in her sport.
Ali (2001)
A biography of sports legend Muhammad Ali, focuses on the triumphs and controversies between 1964 and 1974, as per the synopsis on IMDB. Early on in his career, Will Smith chose some great projects to be part of that got the attention of the Academy. He became a dramatic actor after growing his fanbase as a comedic presence on television. Ali was a difficult film for him to do because he had to get into the mindset of a boxer, which isn’t always easy.
Raging Bull (1980)
The life of boxer Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it, as per the synopsis on IMDB. Director Martin Scorsese had a vision for LaMotta’s life story, and it essentially starts in the ring. All of LaMotta’s personal life was left at the door, and once he stepped in the ring, it was another world entirely for him. We did see his backstory with his wife and the way he treated her, but we also see the decline of the man he used to be as he loses his grip in the ring.
Soul Surfer (2011)
Teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton overcomes the odds and her own fears of returning to the water after losing her left arm in a shark attack, as per the synopsis on IMDB. When this movie was released in 2022, it was a big surprise to many. It’s an underrated favorite with AnnaSophia Robb and it’s probably because the actual shark attack didn’t happen too long ago. The release of biopics is difficult to gauge because of the importance of the subject matter, and in this case, they were able to tell this inspiring true story while people still took a liking to what had actually happened.
Do you have any other recommendations for movies like The Swimmers? Let us know!
