Zendaya and Josh O’Connor star in Challengers (Image: MGM)
Film enthusiasts on the hunt for some tennis-themed movies need look no further. With Wimbledon 2026 now firmly underway on the BBC, many sports fans may find themselves seeking out further tennis-related content, reports the Mirror.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most enjoyable films set in the world of tennis — ideal whether you’re a devoted fan of the sport or simply fancy a great watch. From biopics and romantic comedies to fierce rivalries and love triangles, there’s something here to satisfy every type of film lover. Plus, here’s exactly where you can stream these movies right now.
1. King Richard
Will Smith took the lead in the tennis biopic King Richard (Image: WARNER BROS.)
King Richard is a biopic about Reinaldo Marcus Green, the father of Venus and Serena Williams, and charts how he helped his daughters achieve tennis glory in the face of adversity.
The film was headlined by Will Smith in the title role, alongside Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton, with Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal taking on supporting parts.
IMDb users have heaped praise on King Richard, with one reviewer awarding it 8/10 and writing: “Incredible performance from Will Smith, maybe his best ever.”
The user went on to describe Smith’s portrayal as “masterful”.
Another viewer awarded a perfect 10/10, calling it “outstanding overall” and adding: “It’s a given Will Smith is great. However, Aunjanue Ellis is exceptional as the matriarch and the two girls playing the young Venus and Serena stand out as well.”
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer.
2. Wimbledon.
Paul Bettany stars in romcom Wimbledon (Image: UNIVERSAL)
Devotees of the quintessentially British romcom should not miss 2004’s Wimbledon, featuring Paul Bettany as a washed-up tennis champion handed one final opportunity when he receives a wildcard entry to Wimbledon.
Yet his ambitions for triumph could be derailed after he becomes smitten with a rising tennis sensation.
Wimbledon also stars Kirsten Dunst, Jon Favreau, Sam Neill, James McAvoy, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
One admirer on IMDb wrote in their 10/10 review: ” Wimbledon is filled with quick wit, dry English humor, fantastic (although computer-generated) tennis matches and a stand-out leading man. What’s not to like? It’s a great film for a good laugh and is a definite pleaser. Game-set-match! [sic].”
A second viewer posted in their top-rated review: “If you like romantic comedies or sports movies than I definitely recommend this movie [sic].”
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.
3. Challengers
Zendaya stars in tennis drama Challengers (Image: WARNER BROS.)
Challengers stands as one of the most contemporary tennis films and centres on former tennis prodigy-turned-coach Tashi (portrayed by Zendaya) as she attempts to help her professional tennis player husband Art Donaldson (Mike Faist) break free from a losing streak by competing against his former best friend and her ex-boyfriend Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor).
Praising the film, one viewer posted in their 10/10 review: “Challengers is a deeply layered film that explores complex emotions and relationships through a brilliant narrative and subtle yet powerful visual storytelling.”
A second viewer stated in their 9/10 review: “Highly recommended film. I’m biased because I love tennis, but I’m a sucker when a literal theme is used as metaphor as well.”
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer.
4. Borg vs. McEnroe
Shia LaBeouf stars as the iconic John McEnroe in Borg vs. McEnroe (Image: NORDISK FILM)
Borg vs. McEnroe chronicles the intense tennis rivalry between players Björn Borg and John McEnroe.
Featuring The Girl in the Spider’s Web star Sverrir Gudnason as Borg and Transformers’ Shia LaBeouf as McEnroe, the pair clash in 1980 at Wimbledon.
One audience member likened it to the racing film Rush and described how it was “another excellent film that deftly explored an iconic sports rivalry and how each athlete helped to shape the other”.
Another stated in their 8/10 review that it was “excellent” as they elaborated: “[T]he tennis sequences were utterly spellbinding – and surprising emotional heft and depth make this a wholehearted “Yes – see it” recommendation from me.”
Where to watch: Disney+ and Prime Video.
5. Battle of the Sexes
Emma Stone in Battle of the Sexes (Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
Battle of the Sexes retells the 1973 tennis encounter between World number one Billie Jean King and former champion Bobby Riggs.
The film is fronted by Emma Stone and Steve Carrell, alongside performances from Andrea Riseborough, Alan Cumming, Sarah Silverman, and Bill Pullman.
One supporter remarked in her 7/10 review: “A compelling and relevant sports drama.”
They continued: “Beyond the tennis match itself, “Battle of the Sexes” explores the broader social and cultural context of the time. The film portrays the struggles faced by women in the sports industry and the larger feminist movement of the 1970s.”
A further reviewer awarded the film 8/10, heaping praise on the leading cast members, stating: “Great performances by Emma Stone and Steve Carell.”
They went on to add: “It was an interesting story told very well.”
