The career of Dennis Quaid has been packed with fantastic performances, and it’s incredible just how many sports movies he’s played a part in. Whether as a leading man or in a supporting role, Quaid has consistently elevated every sports movie in his filmography with committed performances in biopics, comedies, and heartbreaking dramas. From his breakout role in Breaking Away right through to recent successes such as The Long Game, Quaid’s sports movie roles have been a defining aspect of his career.
Many of the best Dennis Quaid movies were sports films, as his emotional range and acting talents translate well to underdog stories of inspirational achievements. Quaid has brought to life the true stories of incredible athletes while also making fictional characters feel real and lived in as they sought to overcome adversity and excel in baseball, cycling, football, and every sport in between. Sports movies have the power to showcase the very essence of the human spirit, and Quaid has embodied several astounding stories of human perseverance and sportsmanship.
15 Playing For Keeps (2012)
Dennis Quaid as Carl
Playing for Keeps 0
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A struggling former athlete begins coaching his son’s soccer team to turn his life around.
Director Gabriele Muccino Release Date November 29, 2012 Writers Robbie Fox Cast Gerard Butler , Jessica Biel , Noah Lomax , Dennis Quaid , Uma Thurman , Catherine Zeta-Jones Runtime 95 minutes Main Genre Comedy Expand
Dennis Quaid played the supporting role of Carl in the box office bombPlaying for Keeps, a sports rom-com where Gerard Butler played a ‘has been’ former professional football player. When Butler reluctantly agrees to coach a kids’ soccer team, Quaid portrays a jerk father attempting to bride him into giving his children preferential treatment. As a lowest common demeanor rom-com wholly lacking in substance, one highlight out of this abysmal film was Jessica Biel as Butler’s ex-wife Stacie, the only character who feels like an actual three-dimensional person and not being played on total autopilot.
14 Our Winning Season (1978)
Dennis Quaid as Paul Morelli
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Director Joseph Ruben Release Date May 1, 1978 Writers Nicholas Niciphor Cast Scott Jacoby , Deborah Benson , Dennis Quaid , Robert Wahler , Randy Hermann , Joe Penny , Jan Smithers , P.J. Soles , Joanna Cassidy Character(s) David Wakefield , Alice Baker , Paul Morelli , Burton Fleishauer , Jerry McDuffy , Dean Berger , Cathy Wakefield , Cindy Hawkins , Sheila Runtime 92 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Our Winning Season was a sports drama about David Wakefield, a distance runner for his high school’s track and field team who, along with his classmates, was forced to reassess his life after their friend died in the Vietnam War. With Dennis Quaid as the school pal Paul Morelli, this 1960-set high school story addressed pressing social and political issues. As one of Quaid’s earliest film roles, Our Winning Season would be vastly overshadowed by his strikingly similar breakout role in Breaking Away the following year.
13 Soul Surfer (2011)
Dennis Quaid as Tom Hamilton
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Soul Surfer is a biographical drama film based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young surfer who returns to the sport after losing her arm in a shark attack. Directed by Sean McNamara, the film stars AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton, with supporting roles by Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, and Lorraine Nicholson. The film details Hamilton’s journey of recovery and resilience, highlighting her unwavering determination and faith.
Director Sean McNamara Release Date April 8, 2011 Cast AnnaSophia Robb , Helen Hunt , Dennis Quaid Character(s) Bethany Hamilton , Cheri Hamilton , Tom Hamilton , Sarah Hill , Holt Blanchard , Noah Hamilton , Timmy Hamilton , Alana Blanchard , Byron Blanchard , Malina Birch , Dr. Rovinsky , Keoki , Ben Aipa , Sydney Blanchard Runtime 106 Minutes
The biographical sports drama Soul Surfer told the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a surfer who lost who her arm in a horrific shark attack. With Dennis Quaid as Bethany’s father, Tom, Soul Surfer was an inspirational movie of extreme hardship and the road to recovery that was unfortunately held back by an overload of Hollywood melodrama. While Soul Surfer told an engaging and heartfelt story that boasted an important message, its formulaic nature stopped it from standing up against the very best Quaid sports films.
12 Born A Champion (2021)
Dennis Quaid as Mason
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Born A Champion (2021) follows the story of a veteran jiu-jitsu fighter, Mickey Kelley, who is drawn back into the competitive world he left behind. Set against a backdrop of intense martial arts action, the film explores themes of resilience, honor, and redemption as Mickey confronts past rivals and personal challenges.
Director Alex Ranarivelo Release Date January 22, 2021 Writers Alex Ranarivelo , Sean Patrick Flanery Cast Sean Patrick Flanery , Dennis Quaid , Katrina Bowden , Maurice Compte , Costas Mandylor , Currie Graham , Reno Wilson , Ali Afshar , Paul J. Alessi , Jonathan Kowalsky , Chris Boudreaux , Johnny Jay Lee Character(s) Mickey Kelley , Mason , Layla , Rosco , Dimitris , Burchman , Terry Pittman , The Sheik , Irate Driver , Travis , Jimmy , Boyfriend Runtime 111 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Born a Champion told the story of Mickey Kelley, a former marine and one of the first American black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, getting involved in an unsanctioned MMA tournament. With some real mixed martial artists among the cast and Dennis Quaid as manager Mason, this video-on-demand release was an enjoyable martial arts film that didn’t break any new ground as it retreads the same odds stacked against the star story that’s been seen in every sports movie from Rocky to The Fighter. Although Quaid fans will find a lot to enjoy as he delivered a fine performance here.
11 Tough Enough (1983)
Dennis Quaid as Art Long
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Tough Enough (1983) is a drama that follows a country singer who enters an amateur boxing contest to earn extra money, navigating the complexities of both the music and boxing worlds while facing personal and professional challenges.
Director Richard Fleischer Release Date March 25, 1983 Writers John Leone Cast Dennis Quaid , Carlene Watkins , Stan Shaw , Pam Grier , Warren Oates , Bruce McGill , wilford brimley , Fran Ryan , Christopher Norris , Terra Perry , Big John Hamilton , Steve Ward , Susan Benn , Mark Edson , Steve ‘Monk’ Miller , Jimmy Nickerson , Rod Kieschnick , Preston Salisbury , Darryl Poafpybitty , Tino Zaragoza , Pat Reilly , John Hyden , Charles Griffin Character(s) Art Long , Caroline Long , P.T. Coolidge , Myra , James Neese , Tony Fallon , Bill Long , Gert Long , Christopher Long , Wet T-Shirt Girl , Big John , Heckler in Torreyson’s , Girl in Torreyson’s , Janitor in Torreyson’s , Tigran Baldasarian , Jackhammer Malamud , Gregor Samsa , Ike Kennedy , Mad Dog Redfeather , Mando Chandovar , Fort Worth – First Referee , Fort Worth – Second Referee , Fort Worth Fan Runtime 106 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
With a wife and child to support and bills to pay, Dennis Quaid played a down-on-his-luck country singer turned boxer named Art Long in Tough Enough. With very few options, Art entered a boxing competition and did surprisingly well, to the point he qualified for the nationals and had to choose between his love of music and his newfound potential as a sports star. While the script of Tough Enough left a lot to be desired, Quaid’s exceptional performance helped elevate this film to being a total knockout.
10 The Hill (2023)
Dennis Quaid as Pastor James Hill
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The Hill (2023) is a drama film directed by Jeff Celentano. The film stars Colin Ford as Rickey Hill, a young boy with significant spinal issues who aspires to play professional baseball. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the story explores Rickey’s determination and challenges in overcoming both physical and social obstacles in pursuit of his dream.
Director Jeff Celentano Release Date August 25, 2023 Distributor(s) Briarcliff Entertainment Writers Angelo Pizzo , Scott Marshall Smith Cast Dennis Quaid , Colin Ford , Joelle Carter , Scott Glenn , Randy Houser , Bonnie Bedelia Runtime 126 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
While Dennis Quaid’s solid performance as Pastor James Hill helped elevate The Hill from mediocrity, this true sports drama about a baseball player overcoming his physical disability suffered from slow pacing and unnecessary subplots. While the story of Rickey Hill (Colin Ford) was truly inspiring, its depiction on screen was not nearly as impressive as the true story. While there is some enjoyably lighthearted humor and impressive commitment performances, The Hill was just too formulaic to truly stand out among the litany of other movies with similar plots.
9 At Any Price (2012)
Dennis Quaid as Henry Whipple
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*Availability in US Director Ramin Bahrani Release Date September 27, 2012 Writers Ramin Bahrani , Hallie Elizabeth Newton Cast Zac Efron , Dennis Quaid , Heather Graham , Clancy Brown , Kim Dickens , Chelcie Ross Runtime 105 minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
At Any Price paired Dennis Quaid with Zac Efron as a father and son whose relationship is tested as their family’s farming business faces serious financial difficulties. While Efron’s character’s desire to become a professional race car driver stood in the way of his father’s hope to pass on their business, bigger issues revealed themselves as At Any Price addresses themes of fractured communication and familial strain. At Any Price featured strong performances from the entire cast and was a layered and unpredictable story.
8 American Underdog (2021)
Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil
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Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, American Underdog is a sports biopic about Kurt Warner, a popular football player who was a successful quarterback for the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals. Zachary Levi stars as Kurt Warner alongside Anna Paquin, Hayden Zaller, Ser’Darius Blain, Dennis Quaid, and Chance Kelly.
Director Andrew Erwin , Jon Erwin Release Date December 25, 2021 Studio(s) Kingdom Story Company , Erwin Brothers Entertainment , City on a Hill Productions Distributor(s) Lionsgate Writers Jon Gunn , David Aaron Cohen , Jon Erwin Cast Ser’darius Blain , Bruce McGill , Anna Paquin , Dennis Quaid , Zachary Levi , Adam Baldwin Runtime 112 Minutes Budget $25 million Expand
American Underdog told the inspirational story of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner in a compelling sports drama that proved once again that biopics don’t have to reinvent the wheel to tell a compelling story. With Zachary Levi as Warner and Dennis Quaid as the longtime NFL head coach Dick Vermeil, American Underdog showcased an astounding rise from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming a major American sports star. This feel-good underdog story stood out among similar biopics due to its great performances, inspiring star, and emotional impact.
7 Blue Miracle (2021)
Dennis Quaid as Wade
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*Availability in US Director Julio Quintana Release Date May 27, 2021 Writers Julio Quintana , Chris Dowling Cast Anthony Gonzalez , Dana Wheeler-Nicholson , Nathan Arenas , Bruce McGill , Steve Gutierrez , Raymond Cruz , Jimmy Gonzales , Silverio Palacios , Isaac Arellanes , Dennis Quaid , Fernanda Urrejola , Miguel Ángel García Runtime 95 minutes Expand
The fishing drama Blue Miracle will be sure to hook viewers in with its compelling story of two men doing everything they can to save an orphanage. With strong performances from Dennis Quaid and Raymond Cruz, Blue Miracle was an enjoyable, albeit predictable, true story about a fishing competition potential to save the Casa Hogar in Cabo San Lucas. As a feel-good film that the entire family can enjoy, Blue Miracle effectively showcases that even in the latter stage of his career, Quaid still has what it takes to deliver compelling, heartwarming, and engaging performances.
6 Everybody’s All-American (1988)
Dennis Quaid as Gavin “Grey Ghost” Grey
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Director Taylor Hackford Release Date November 4, 1988 Writers Frank Deford , Thomas Rickman Cast Dennis Quaid , Jessica Lange , Timothy Hutton , John Goodman , Carl Lumbly , Ray Baker , Savannah Smith Boucher , Patricia Clarkson , Aaron Neville , Wayne Knight Character(s) Gavin Grey , Babs Rogers Grey , Donnie Cake , Lawrence , Narvel Blue , Bolling Kiely , Darlene Kiely , Leslie Stone , Man with Gun , Fraternity Pisser Runtime 127 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Dennis Quaid and Jessica Lange gave two astounding performances in Everybody’s All-American, a sports drama that covers 25 years in the life of a college football hero. With Quaid as Gavin “Grey Ghost” Grey, viewers are brought on a journey through the highs and lows of Grey’s early glory days and later career challenges as it tests and fractures his relationship with his wife, Babs Rogers Grey. With themes around how one can deal with life after their glory days are behind them, Everybody’s All-American explored what happens to a sports star after the crowds stop cheering.
5 The Long Game (2024)
Dennis Quaid as Frank Mitchell
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In 1956, JB Peña and his wife moved to the small town of Del Rio, TX, partly for a job as a school superintendent, but mostly to fulfill JB’s dream of joining the prestigious, all-white Del Rio Country Club. So when JB is rejected on the basis of his skin color, he is devastated. But his world soon collides with a group of young latino golf caddies who work at the country club, and JB is inspired by the handmade course the boys built in the country to teach themselves golf. With little experience and even fewer resources, JB convinces the boys to start their own high school golf team, starting them all on a journey where they learn that it takes more than just golf skills to make history.
Director Julio Quintana Release Date April 12, 2024 Writers Paco Farias , Humberto G. Garcia , Julio Quintana Cast Dennis Quaid , Gillian Vigman , Jay Hernandez , Jaina Lee Ortiz , Brett Cullen , Oscar Nunez , Cheech Marin , Julian Works Runtime 112 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
The Long Game told the true story of the San Felipe Mustangs, a group of Mexican-American youths in Del Rio, Texas, who set out to play golf at a whites-only country club. Based on the book Mustang Miracle by Humberto G. Garcia, this insightful and thought-provoking sports movie addressed racial prejudices and discrimination in 1950s Texas. Dennis Quaid gave an impressive performance as Frank Mitchell, an older white golfer who offers his support to the controversial group of Mexican golfers.
4 The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008)
Dennis Quaid as Ben Schwartzwalder
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Director Gary Fleder Release Date October 10, 2008 Writers Charles Leavitt Cast Rob Brown , Dennis Quaid , Darrin Henson , Omar Benson Miller , Nelsan Ellis , Charles S. Dutton , Justin Martin , Justin Jones , Nicole Beharie , Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor , Elizabeth Shivers , Clancy Brown , Danny McCarthy , Regina Hoyles , Chelcie Ross , Saul Rubinek , Craig Hawksley , Jeff Still , Geoff Stults , Derek Graf , Evan Jones , Maximilian Osinski , Enver Gjokaj , LaRoyce Hawkins , Lucas Ellman Character(s) Ernie Davis , Ben Schwartzwalder , Jim Brown , Jack Buckley , Will Davis Jr. , Willie Pops Davis , Young Ernie , Young Will , Sarah Ward , Marie Davis , Elizabeth Davis , Roy Simmons , Bill Bell , Sister , Lew Andreas , Art Modell , George Marshall , Al Malette , Bob Lundy , Maury Youmans , Roger Hound Dog Davis , Gerhard Schwedes , Dave Sarette , Art Baker , Squirrel Runtime 130 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
With themes around civil rights, racism, discrimination, and the nature of athleticism, The Express: The Ernie Davis Story is an inspirational biopic set during the Civil Rights era. Starring Rob Brown as Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the prestigious college Heisman Trophy, this story of a society undergoing a time of great chance struck an emotional chord. Dennis Quaid also excelled as Ben Schwartzwalder, a tough but fair football coach who almost accidentally became a civil rights hero.
3 Any Given Sunday (1999)
Dennis Quaid as Jack “Cap” Rooney
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Any Given Sunday, directed by Oliver Stone, delves into the turbulent world of professional American football. The film stars Al Pacino as seasoned coach Tony D’Amato, alongside Cameron Diaz as the ambitious team owner Christina Pagniacci. The narrative explores the personal and professional challenges faced by players and staff, highlighting the intensity and complexities of the sport within the context of modern society.
Director Oliver Stone Release Date December 22, 1999 Writers Daniel Pyne , John Logan , Oliver Stone Cast Al Pacino , Dennis Quaid , Cameron Diaz , James Woods , Jamie Foxx , LL Cool J , Matthew Modine , Jim Brown Main Genre Sport
Director Oliver Stone explored the story of a fictional American football team in the star-studded drama Any Given Sunday. Boasting a cast including Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, and Dennis Quaid, this intense, action-packed story explores the world of professional football from countless angles to provide the full spectrum of this all-American profession. While all the performances were great, the scenes between Pacino and Quaid stood out as particularly effective.
2 Breaking Away (1979)
Dennis Quaid as Mike
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Breaking Away is a 1979 coming-of-age film directed by Peter Yates, following four teenagers in Bloomington, Indiana, facing the transition to adulthood. Dennis Christopher stars as Dave, an aspiring cyclist, who alongside his friends navigates the societal divisions epitomized by their town’s prestigious university. The film explores themes of identity, ambition, and friendship while depicting the challenges and triumphs of youthful aspiration.
Director Peter Yates Release Date July 20, 1979 Writers Steve Tesich Cast Dennis Christopher , Dennis Quaid , Daniel Stern , Jackie Earle Haley , Barbara Barrie , Paul Dooley , Robyn Douglass , Hart Bochner Character(s) Dave Stoller , Mike , Cyril , Moocher , Evelyn Stoller , Ray Stoller , Katherine , Rod Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
Dennis Quaid’s breakout role came in the comedy-drama Breaking Away, an excellent coming-of-age story about four cycling-obsessed friends forced to confront life’s big questions after graduating high school. With fights over who gets the girl and uncertainty about what’s next, it’s no surprise Quaid’s career went from strength to strength following his excellent performance here. As Mike, an introspective former quarterback who fears his best days are already behind him, Quaid showcased he had the emotional range and acting chops to make it in Hollywood.
1 The Rookie (2002)
Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris
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The Rookie is a sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock. Starring Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris, a high school teacher and baseball coach who makes an improbable return to professional baseball in his mid-30s. Based on a true story, the film follows Morris as he attempts to fulfill his dream of pitching in Major League Baseball despite numerous setbacks and personal challenges.
The Rookie told the incredible true story of Jim Morris, a high school science teacher whose students convinced him to try out for the major league, a childhood dream his father forced him to let go of. As a story that proved itself never too late to chase one’s dreams, The Rookie featured one of Dennis Quaid’s very best performances. It was a story so incredible that nobody would believe it if it wasn’t based on fact. As a heartwarming sports story packed with emotional honesty, Dennis Quaid helped this underdog story rise into a truly spellbinding movie.