If you're a fan of 'Facing Nolan' (2022), the gripping documentary about legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores documentaries and sports dramas that capture the same intensity, perseverance, and larger-than-life athleticism that made 'Facing Nolan' a must-watch. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or just love inspiring true stories, these picks will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)
Description: This film portrays the struggles and triumphs of a group of Negro League players, offering a historical perspective on the sport. It resonates with themes of perseverance and the love of the game.
Fact: The movie is notable for its authentic depiction of the Negro Leagues and features several real-life baseball legends in cameo roles.


The Natural (1984)
Description: A story about a talented baseball player's rise, fall, and redemption, filled with mythic undertones. It mirrors the exploration of talent, legacy, and the pressures of fame in sports.
Fact: The film's climactic home run scene, where the ball shatters the stadium lights, was achieved using a combination of practical effects and optical illusions.


Bull Durham (1988)
Description: A romantic comedy set in the world of minor league baseball, focusing on the relationships and rivalries within the sport. It offers a humorous yet insightful look at the lives of players.
Fact: The film is often praised for its accurate depiction of life in the minor leagues, drawing from the writer's own experiences.


Field of Dreams (1989)
Description: This film blends fantasy and baseball, exploring themes of redemption and the enduring connection between fathers and sons through the sport. It shares a deep emotional resonance with stories of baseball's impact on personal lives.
Fact: The famous line 'If you build it, he will come' has become one of the most quoted phrases in movie history.


The Sandlot (1993)
Description: A nostalgic look at childhood and baseball, focusing on a group of kids and their summer adventures. It captures the emotional and communal aspects of the sport.
Fact: The film's iconic scene involving a baseball signed by Babe Ruth has become a memorable moment in sports cinema.


42 (2013)
Description: A biographical film about Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. It highlights themes of breaking barriers and the impact of one individual on the sport.
Fact: The number 42, Robinson's jersey number, was retired across all MLB teams in 1997, making it the only number to be universally retired in professional sports.


Moneyball (2011)
Description: This film examines the innovative use of statistics in baseball to build a competitive team on a budget. It shares a focus on the strategic and analytical side of the sport.
Fact: The movie is based on the true story of the Oakland Athletics' 2002 season and their general manager Billy Beane's unconventional approach to the game.


Knuckleball! (2012)
Description: This documentary explores the unique and unpredictable pitch in baseball, focusing on the careers of knuckleball pitchers. It shares a deep dive into the technical and emotional aspects of the sport, much like the detailed examination of a legendary player's career.
Fact: The film features rare footage of knuckleball pitchers in action, including Tim Wakefield and R.A. Dickey, who discuss the challenges and artistry of mastering this difficult pitch.


No No: A Dockumentary (2014)
Description: This documentary chronicles the life and career of Dock Ellis, a pitcher known for his no-hitter game and his struggles with addiction. It mirrors the exploration of personal and professional challenges faced by athletes.
Fact: Dock Ellis famously claimed to have pitched his no-hitter while under the influence of LSD, a story that became a significant part of baseball lore.


Screwball (2019)
Description: A documentary that delves into the darker side of baseball, focusing on a scandal involving performance-enhancing drugs. It shares a theme of uncovering the truth behind the glamour of the sport.
Fact: The film uses a unique storytelling approach, blending real interviews with reenactments featuring child actors to highlight the absurdity of the scandal.
