Woman wearing red classic old school sneakers on green court outdoors, closeup.
rachelkiley
Sports and sapphics go hand-in-hand — at least if stereotypes are to be believed. But while we may have a bunch of real life representation on the court and on the field and wherever else sports are played, we haven't been quite as lucky when it comes to the big screen.
Still, the sapphic sports films we've gotten over the years are ones worth celebrating — even if we have to play a little fast and loose with the definition in the process. So after you've finished watching Bend It Like Beckham for the 46th time and are ready for some more explicit queer rep in the world of insert-your-sport-of-choice-here, take a look through these bangers.
The Novice (2021)
In The Novice, Isabelle Fuhrman stars as Alex, a college rower who becomes dangerously obsessed with being the best. Her intense drive starts to bleed into her personal life, including a messy relationship with her teammate Dani (Dilone).
Where to watch:Netflix
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
All about the iconic 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell), Battle of the Sexes also dives into Billie Jean’s personal life — including her relationship with a woman — as she adjusts to her rising fame.
Where to watch: Rent via Prime Video or Apple
Signature Move (2017)
Signature Move follows Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza), a Pakistani-American lawyer who’s juggling her conservative mother’s expectations and a new relationship with carefree bookstore owner Alma (Sari Sanchez), all while secretly training as a wrestler.
Where to watch:Prime Video or Tubi
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Backspot (2023)
Riley (Devery Jacobs) dives headfirst into a high-stakes elite cheer team while trying to hold onto her relationship with her girlfriend, Amanda (Kudakwashe Rutendo), in 2023's Backspot.
Where to watch: Rent via Prime Video or Apple
Personal Best (1982)
This classic centers on Chris (Mariel Hemingway) and Tory (Patrice Donnelly), track-and-field athletes whose relationship turns romantic as they train for the Olympics.
Where to watch: Rent via Prime Video or Apple
NYAD (2023)
Based on a true story, NYAD follows Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) as she makes a seemingly impossible attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida in her 60s. The film also explores her close bond with her coach Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster).
Where to watch:Netflix
Zen in the Ice Rift (2018)
Maia (Eleonora Conti) doesn’t really fit in — not on her ice hockey team, and not in her small Italian town. But things shift when she forms a complicated bond with Vanessa (Susanna Acchiardi), a rebellious classmate who’s just as adrift as she is.
Where to watch: Currently unavailable to stream
The Gymnast (2006)
A former gymnast named Jane (Dreya Weber) finds a surprising second act in aerial dance, where she forms a deep emotional and romantic connection with her new partner Serena (Addie Yungmee). Does this count as sports? We'll leave that up to you.
Where to watch: Tubi
Rookie (2023)
Ace (Pat Tingjuy) is a shy teenager who joins her school’s volleyball team and quickly falls for the team’s star player, Jana (Aya Fernandez), in this Filipino coming-of-age film.
Where to watch: Currently unavailable to stream
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
Jackie (Katy O'Brian) is a bodybuilder chasing her dream of making it big. When she falls for Lou (Kristen Stewart), a gym manager with some dangerous family ties, their relationship pulls both of them into a world of crime and violence.
Where to watch:Max
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