Wimbledon, starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst

Missing the thrill of Wimbledon? These are the best tennis movies to watch now

If you’re already feeling Wimbledon withdrawal, we’ve got you covered. From court-side dramas to underdog triumphs, these tennis-centric films channel all the elegance, grit, and high-stakes tension of the gam. BYO strawberries and cream.

Wimbledon (2004)

A charming underdog rom-com starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst, Wimbledon follows a fading British pro who rediscovers his competitive edge — and unexpected love — at the iconic tournament. Lighthearted yet heartfelt, it deftly blends tennis tension with classic early naughts romance.

King Richard (2021)

Will Smith delivers an Oscar-winning performance in this inspiring biopic about Richard Williams, the visionary father and coach behind Venus and Serena. With grit, ambition, and unconventional tactics, King Richard serves a compelling portrait of resilience, family, and sporting greatness.

Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Emma Stone and Steve Carell go head-to-head in this sharp, stylish retelling of the infamous 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. More than just a spectacle, it explores gender politics, media frenzy, and the enduring fight for equality on — and off — the court.

Challengers (2024)

Zendaya sizzles in this sultry, psychologically charged drama set in the high-stakes world of pro tennis. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Challengers spins a love triangle into a taut, slow-burn exploration of ambition, desire, and the blurred lines between competition and intimacy.

Match Point (2006)

Woody Allen’s moody London-set thriller uses tennis as a metaphor for fate, luck, and moral ambiguity. Jonathan Rhys Meyers plays a social climbing ex-pro entangled in a deadly affair, in a film that’s more noir than sports — but still brims with tension and style.

Borg vs. McEnroe (2017)

Two icons. Two temperaments. One unforgettable rivalry. This gripping drama chronicles the legendary 1980 Wimbledon final between ice-cold Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and fiery John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf), exploring obsession, pressure, and the personal toll of greatness.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2002)

While not strictly a tennis movie, Wes Anderson’s cult classic earns its spot thanks to Richie Tenenbaum — retired prodigy, headband icon, and portrait of melancholic decline. Tennis is a backdrop to the film’s quirky, bittersweet meditation on talent, family, and lost potential.

Final Set (2021)

This French indie offers a gritty, realistic take on aging and ambition. Alex Lutz plays a former tennis prodigy chasing one last shot at glory at Roland-Garros. With emotional depth and raw athleticism, Final Set is a sobering look at what it costs to keep fighting.

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