Best Cricket Movies – Top Cricket-Based Movies Every Fan Must Watch

Cricket is more than just a game; it’s a universal language that binds fans across the globe. The sport’s passion, drama, and unforgettable moments have inspired countless movies that tell captivating stories on and off the pitch.

If you’re searching for the best cricket movies, this guide is for you. These films bring the essence of cricket to life through inspiring underdog stories, iconic victories, and deeply emotional tales. Let’s dive into the 20 best cricket-based movies you can’t afford to miss!

The 20 Best Cricket Movies of All Time

1. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

M.S. Dhoni The Untold Story - Best Cricket Movies

Plot: This biopic traces the journey of India’s celebrated cricket captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, from his small-town beginnings to World Cup glory.


Why Watch?

  • Offers a rare glimpse into Dhoni’s personal and professional life.
  • Emotional and motivational.

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Highlight: The recreation of the 2011 World Cup-winning six.

2. Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii (2007)

Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii

Plot: A young orphan discovers a magical cricket bat that transforms him into a superstar, fulfilling his dreams of playing for India.

Why Watch?

  • Perfect for younger audiences.
  • A feel-good story with fantasy and cricket.

Highlight: The boy’s debut match is a magical moment.

3. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India

Plot: Set in colonial India, villagers challenge British officers to a cricket match to avoid oppressive taxes. It’s a story of resilience, unity, and courage.

Why Watch?

  • Oscar-nominated and a global hit.
  • Beautifully combines sports with historical drama.

Highlight: The climactic cricket match is a masterclass in tension and storytelling.

4. Iqbal (2005)

Iqbal

Plot: A deaf and mute boy aspires to play for India. Guided by a retired coach, he fights societal barriers and his family’s skepticism to achieve his dream.

Why Watch?

  • Inspiring and emotional.
  • Shreyas Talpade and Naseeruddin Shah deliver outstanding performances.

Highlight: Iqbal’s determination and final breakthrough moment are unforgettable.

5. ’83 (2021)

Plot: The film chronicles India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup win under the leadership of Kapil Dev, showcasing the team’s resilience against all odds.

Why Watch?

  • A nostalgic tribute to a golden era of Indian cricket.
  • Ranveer Singh’s brilliant portrayal of Kapil Dev.

Highlight: The iconic win and Kapil Dev’s unforgettable innings.

6. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)

Sachin: A Billion Dreams

Plot: A part-documentary, part-drama showcasing Sachin Tendulkar’s rise from a young boy to a cricketing legend loved by billions.

Why Watch?

  • A must-watch for every Sachin fan.
  • Provides exclusive insights into the maestro’s life.

Highlight: Tendulkar narrating his journey adds authenticity and emotion.

7. Kai Po Che! (2013)

Kai Po Che!

Plot: Three friends start a cricket academy amidst political and religious turmoil, navigating their dreams, relationships, and ambitions.

Why Watch?

  • A moving story of friendship and cricket.
  • Brilliant performances by Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, and Amit Sadh.

Highlight: The raw emotion during the cricket tournament scenes.

8. Azhar (2016)

Plot: This movie tells the story of Mohammad Azharuddin’s cricket career, showing both the good and bad times. It covers his rise in the sport as well as the match-fixing scandal that caused a lot of trouble for him.

Why Watch?

  • A gripping mix of sports, drama, and scandal.
  • Emraan Hashmi’s nuanced portrayal of Azhar.

Highlight: The courtroom sequences and Azhar’s emotional reflections.

9. Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012)

Ferrari Ki Sawaari

Plot: A father’s quest to fulfill his son’s cricketing dreams takes him on an emotional and hilarious journey, including borrowing a famous Ferrari.

Why Watch?

  • Heartwarming and family-friendly.
  • A unique take on cricket-inspired ambitions.

Highlight: The father-son bond shines throughout the movie.

10. Bodyline (1984)

Bodyline Movie

Plot: This Australian miniseries dramatizes the infamous 1932-33 Ashes series, focusing on England’s controversial “Bodyline” bowling tactic.

Why Watch?

  • A gripping portrayal of one of cricket’s most controversial moments.
  • Historically significant for cricket fans.

Highlight: The intense on-field confrontations and tactics.

11. Million Dollar Arm (2014)

Plot: Based on a true story, this Hollywood film follows a sports agent who scouts two Indian cricket players to play professional baseball in the U.S.

Why Watch?

  • A refreshing blend of cricket, baseball, and cultural crossover.
  • Uplifting and inspiring.

Highlight: The players’ journey from India to professional baseball.

12. Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)

Dil Bole Hadippa!

Plot: A spirited woman disguises herself as a man to join a local cricket team, challenging societal norms and showcasing her talent.

Why Watch?

  • An empowering story about gender equality in sports.
  • Rani Mukerji’s charismatic performance.

Highlight: The climactic match where her identity is revealed.

13. Patiala House (2011)

Patiala House

Plot: A young man’s cricketing dreams are at odds with his family’s expectations, leading to an emotional struggle between passion and tradition.

Why Watch?

  • A moving tale about chasing dreams against all odds.
  • Akshay Kumar delivers a heartfelt performance.

Highlight: The emotional reconciliation between the protagonist and his family.

14. Playing Away (1987)

Playing Away

Plot: This British comedy follows a cricket match between an English village team and a visiting Caribbean team, exploring cultural differences and camaraderie.

Why Watch?

  • A light-hearted yet insightful take on diversity.
  • Perfect for fans of cricket humor.

Highlight: The humorous yet respectful depiction of cross-cultural interactions.

15. Wondrous Oblivion (2003)

Wondrous Oblivion

Plot: A young Jewish boy in 1960s London befriends his Jamaican neighbors through their shared love for cricket, overcoming prejudice and building bonds.

Why Watch?

  • A heartwarming story about friendship and acceptance.
  • Cricket as a unifying force.

Highlight: The backyard cricket scenes brimming with joy.

16. Hansie (2008)

Hansie

Plot: A biographical drama about South African cricketer Hansie Cronje, exploring his rise, fall, and redemption after being implicated in a match-fixing scandal.

Why Watch?

  • A sobering look at the dark side of cricket.
  • Explores themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Highlight: Cronje’s emotional journey after the scandal.

17. 1983 (Malayalam, 2014)

1983

Plot: This heartfelt Malayalam film depicts a cricket fanatic who sacrifices his dreams but finds solace in supporting his son’s journey in cricket.

Why Watch?

  • A touching tribute to cricket enthusiasts.
  • Relatable and deeply emotional storytelling.

Highlight: The protagonist reliving his love for cricket through his son.

18. The Final Test (1953)

The Final Test

Plot: This classic British film revolves around a cricketer playing his last match while trying to balance his love for the game and his relationship with his son.

Why Watch?

  • Nostalgic and charming.
  • Perfect for fans of vintage cinema.

Highlight: The heartfelt father-son dynamics.

19. The Zoya Factor (2019)

The Zoya Factor

Plot: A quirky romantic comedy about a woman who becomes the Indian cricket team’s lucky charm during the World Cup.

Why Watch?

  • A light-hearted mix of cricket and romance.
  • Sonam Kapoor and Dulquer Salmaan’s delightful chemistry.

Highlight: The humorous take on superstition in cricket.

20. Hit for Six (2007)

Hit for Six (2007)

Plot: This Caribbean drama follows a cricketer attempting a comeback after being falsely accused of match-fixing. It delves into personal and professional struggles.

Why Watch?

  • A gripping story about redemption.
  • Showcases cricket’s impact in the Caribbean.

Highlight: The protagonist’s dramatic comeback game

Where to Watch These Cricket Movies

Finding these cricket-based movies is easy with today’s streaming platforms. Many of these titles are available on popular services like:

  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Disney+ Hotstar
  • Zee5
  • YouTube (rent or buy options available)
  • Regional OTT platforms like Sun NXT for regional films.

If you can’t find a movie on your favorite platform, a quick search on Google can help you locate the right service to stream, rent, or purchase.

Why Cricket Movies Matter

Cricket films inspire us with stories of resilience, unity, and triumph. They remind us that cricket is more than a game—it’s a reflection of life. From the triumph of underdogs to the thrill of iconic victories, these films are a celebration of the sport we love.

Conclusion

These 20 best cricket movies capture the spirit of the game like nothing else. Whether you’re reliving iconic moments or discovering heartwarming stories, these films offer something for everyone. Which of these cricket-based movies is your favorite? Share your thoughts and get ready for a cricket movie marathon!

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