10 Movies & Shows Like The Natural (1984)

Description: A biographical sports drama that captures the inspirational and tragic aspects of a baseball legend's career, emphasizing perseverance through adversity.

Fact: Gary Cooper had to learn to bat and throw left-handed to portray the right-handed Lou Gehrig. The famous 'luckiest man' speech is recreated word-for-word from Gehrig's actual farewell address.

Description: Combines America's pastime with romantic and comedic elements, exploring the human side of baseball players and the wisdom that comes from experience in the game.

Fact: Considered one of the most accurate baseball movies ever made. The famous 'rainout speech' about what players really believe in was entirely ad-libbed by Tim Robbins.

Description: A heartwarming story blending baseball with themes of redemption, second chances, and the mystical connection between the sport and personal fulfillment.

Fact: The famous line 'If you build it, he will come' was voted the 39th greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute. The baseball field built for the movie remains a popular tourist attraction in Iowa.

Description: A biographical film about one of baseball's most legendary figures, showcasing both his incredible talent and human flaws, with dramatic game sequences.

Fact: John Goodman gained 40 pounds to play Babe Ruth. The film used actual footage from the 1932 World Series where Ruth allegedly called his shot.

Description: Celebrates baseball's ability to inspire and empower, focusing on overcoming societal barriers through determination and teamwork in the sport.

Fact: The actresses went through weeks of intensive baseball training. Many of the background players were actual former players from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Description: Captures the nostalgic, magical quality of baseball as seen through children's eyes, with themes of friendship, adventure, and growing up around the game.

Fact: The iconic 'You're killing me, Smalls!' line was completely improvised. The treehouse in the film was actually built by the production crew in just three days.

Description: A poignant examination of a veteran pitcher's career crossroads, blending in-game action with personal reflection and the emotional weight of life decisions.

Fact: Features one of the longest continuous baseball game sequences in film history. The Tigers' uniforms were intentionally made to look slightly off because MLB wouldn't license real team logos.

Description: Focuses on an underdog's late-in-life pursuit of a baseball dream, emphasizing perseverance, family support, and the magic of believing in oneself against all odds.

Fact: Based on the true story of Jim Morris who made his MLB debut at age 3The real Jim Morris threw a 98 mph fastball during his tryout scene.

Description: While more analytical in approach, it shares the core baseball theme and explores unconventional paths to success in the sport, challenging traditional notions.

Fact: Brad Pitt actually ate constantly throughout filming to stay in character as Billy Beane. The real Billy Beane has a cameo as the guy who tells Brad Pitt 'You can't start Hatteberg'.

Description: Tells the true story of a baseball player overcoming physical disability to return to the game, highlighting determination and the healing power of sports.

Fact: The first baseball biopic to win an Academy Award (Best Motion Picture Story). Monty Stratton, the real-life pitcher, served as a technical advisor and can be seen pitching in some long shots.