If you loved the hilarious and heartwarming antics of 'DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story' (2004), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 movies and TV shows that capture the same spirit of underdog triumph, raucous humor, and feel-good moments. Whether you're a fan of sports comedies, quirky characters, or just need a good laugh, these picks will keep you entertained and cheering for the little guy.

Major League (1989)
Description: Like 'DodgeBall', 'Major League' is a sports comedy about a ragtag team of misfits who come together to defy expectations. Both films feature a mix of humor and heart, with the underdogs overcoming a villainous opponent. The team dynamics and comedic training sequences are particularly similar.
Fact: The film was inspired by the Cleveland Indians' real-life struggles. Charlie Sheen's fastball was actually clocked at 85 mph during filming. The movie's success led to two sequels.


Happy Gilmore (1996)
Description: Like 'DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story', 'Happy Gilmore' is a sports comedy that follows an underdog protagonist who enters a professional sport in an unconventional way. Both films feature over-the-top humor, a rivalry with a smug antagonist, and a ragtag group of supporting characters. The films share a similar tone of absurdity and heart, with the underdog eventually proving themselves against all odds.
Fact: Adam Sandler performed his own golf swing stunts in the film. The famous fight scene between Bob Barker and Happy Gilmore was improvised. The film was inspired by Sandler's real-life frustration with golf.


The Waterboy (1998)
Description: This film shares 'DodgeBall's' underdog sports story and over-the-top humor. Both protagonists are initially dismissed but find success through their unique approaches to the sport. The films also feature memorable supporting characters and a feel-good ending.
Fact: Adam Sandler based the character's voice on a combination of his own childhood friends. The film was shot in just 45 days. It was the highest-grossing sports comedy of its time.


Kicking & Screaming (2005)
Description: This film shares 'DodgeBall's' theme of an underdog coach leading a team to success against all odds. Both movies feature a mix of physical comedy and heartfelt moments, with a focus on teamwork and personal growth. The over-the-top rival coach is also a common element.
Fact: Will Ferrell improvised many of his lines. The film features a cameo by Mike Ditka as himself. The soccer scenes were choreographed by professional players.


Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Description: This film shares the same comedic style and underdog theme as 'DodgeBall'. Both movies feature a protagonist who must overcome personal and professional challenges to reclaim their status, with plenty of slapstick humor and satirical takes on their respective sports. The ensemble cast and ridiculous scenarios are reminiscent of the team dynamics in 'DodgeBall'.
Fact: Will Ferrell ad-libbed most of his lines. The film's director, Adam McKay, is a frequent collaborator with Ferrell. The movie's title is a play on the phrase 'The Ballad of Davy Crockett'.


Balls of Fury (2007)
Description: This film shares 'DodgeBall's' parody approach to its sport (ping pong) and features an underdog protagonist who must train to defeat a villainous opponent. The humor is similarly broad and physical, with a focus on ridiculous training sequences and over-the-top characters.
Fact: Christopher Walken's character was inspired by a combination of Elvis and a Bond villain. The film's ping pong scenes were choreographed by a professional player. The movie was originally titled 'Ping Pong'.


The Benchwarmers (2006)
Description: Like 'DodgeBall', this film is about a group of underdogs who form a team to compete against more skilled opponents. Both movies feature a mix of slapstick humor and a message about inclusivity and perseverance. The ridiculous training montages and eccentric characters are also similar.
Fact: The film was produced by Adam Sandler's production company. It was inspired by Sandler's own childhood experiences with sports. The movie features a cameo by Reggie Jackson.


Blades of Glory (2007)
Description: Similar to 'DodgeBall', 'Blades of Glory' is a sports comedy that parodies its sport (figure skating) while still delivering an underdog story. The film features a rivalry-turned-partnership, exaggerated characters, and a climactic competition. The humor is broad and physical, much like 'DodgeBall'.
Fact: Will Ferrell and Jon Heder trained with professional skaters for their roles. The film's choreography was done by a former Olympic skater. The movie was inspired by a real-life pair of male figure skaters who competed together.


Nacho Libre (2006)
Description: This film shares 'DodgeBall's' underdog story and absurd humor. Both protagonists are initially dismissed but find success through their unique approaches to their respective sports. The films also feature a mix of physical comedy and heartfelt moments, with a focus on personal growth.
Fact: Jack Black trained in lucha libre wrestling for the role. The film was inspired by a real-life Mexican priest who wrestled to support an orphanage. The movie's director, Jared Hess, also directed 'Napoleon Dynamite'.


Semi-Pro (2008)
Description: Like 'DodgeBall', 'Semi-Pro' is a sports comedy that parodies its sport (basketball) while still delivering an underdog story. Both films feature a ragtag team, a ridiculous owner/coach, and a climactic game. The humor is similarly absurd and irreverent.
Fact: Will Ferrell performed many of his own basketball stunts. The film's director, Kent Alterman, was a first-time director. The movie's soundtrack features 1970s funk and soul music.
