Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed and Illustrated

by Kyle Bandujo, Rick Bryson

This irreverent, balls-out celebration of the greatest matchups in sports movie history includes analysis, maps and diagrams, and designed memorabilia, perfect for movie buffs and sports fans.

Including Caddyshack, Rocky IV, White Men Can’t Jump and 23 more classic flicks!

If you’re the kind of fan who cheers every single time you watch Rocky beat Drago, or remembers who said “If you build it, he will come,” or has ever wished you were in the stands at the ADAA Dodgeball Finals when Peter LaFleur took out White Goodman, then Movies with Balls is the book for you.

Movies with Balls celebrates and analyzes more than two dozen of the greatest sports films of all time. You’ll be transported into fictional arenas, stadiums, gyms, fields, and golf courses to relive the climactic moments

The NaturalField of DreamsTeen WolfThe Karate KidShe’s the ManThe WaterboyBend It like BeckhamCreedAnd many more!
Illustrated with fictional ticket stubs, trading cards, play maps, and more, Movies with Balls brings to life the iconic films and characters that we love and admire—just as much as we love our real-world sports and athletic heroes—letting us cheer them on, again and again.

Genres: Sports, Media Tie In

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Brady McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody should have to watch A Knight’s Tale.

[Mike Schubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movies with Balls is a wonderfully unique approach to discussing your favorite sports films both in the engaging writing and the gorgeous artwork. The breakdowns and deeps dives put a smile on my face, the art consistently marveled me, and I let out audible exclamations of "No way!" multiple times. It's a fun read whether you knock it out in a few sittings or pick it up and put it down with each chapter. I also loved that they stretched the definition of sports movie (i.e. Hot Rod) while still devoting the same amount of dedication towards analyzing those

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun way of looking at sports movies

A lot of fun to not just consider the graphic possibilities, but the play breakdowns, the bonus essays, the whole nine. A fun and excellent read.

[Nicole Auerbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a totally delightful book and fun way to revisit some of my favorite sports movies. Highest of recommendations.

[David Kateeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well planned, well written, great illustrations. The fake tickets to all the games from the movie sporting events were creative and added a nice touch.

[Brent Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sports movies so loved the premise. Just wish they'd picked a few more of my favorites. But funny little comments on the movies and liked the fake sports tickets.

[Kimberly Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cheesy, but very entertaining…much like most of the movies in this book!

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for any sports movie-loving/appreciating fan. You have a mix of critical analysis of if certain coaches, security guards, and stepdads are good at their jobs and quotes like, “The splash zone on the first few rows of this fight rivaled Sea World in the ‘90s” when talking about the climax of Rocky IV. Buy this book for yourself, your best friend, your dad, your uncle, heck - maybe your childhood bully who can’t read (there are lots of great illustrations). Can’t recommend the book highly enough.

[Justin Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying this book was written specifically for me (or at least people like me). I discover Kyle's podcast years ago when it first started, and was instantly hooked, so I knew I was going to enjoy this. This book somehow exceeded my expectations. It features so much detail for every movie covered, it's hard not to appreciate the work that went into this. It also has to be one of the most visually pleasing books I've ever seen. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys movies, sports, or even art.

[Leslie Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an advance copy of this, and can highly recommend it! The writer examines classic sports movies with a sharp wit and wry sense of humor, encouraging the reader to view their favorites through a new lens. The illustrations were thoughtfully done, flowing well with the text and peppering in additional humor throughout. This book deserves a prime spot in anyone’s library!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movies With Balls is a truly delightful tour de force through some of my all-time favorite sports movies. The addition of the expertly crafted faux event tickets stokes nostalgia for these great fictional sports moments, to the point you almost feel like you’re transported back to the time you actually attended those games or matches. It’s strikes a perfect balance of satisfying both my movie nerdom and sports fanaticism.

[John Schorg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A completely unsurprising book about a bunch of movies that are fondly remembered by folks of a certain age. There isn't a single shocking inclusion here, but the writing about each entry is entertaining, and it's easy to see someone grabbing this volume for some quiet reading while sitting in the can. There is a certain disappointment that the authors didn't tackle the baseball game at the end of The Naked Gun.

[Ryan Giacomini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book about sports movies. Great read for any sports fan! Great visuals as well!

[Neil Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and gives a great perspective about movies with balls.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Really fun blurbs and interesting approaches to some of the best sports movies ever made. The illustrations alone make it the coffee table book of the year.

[Danny Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a blast! Perfect coffee table book. Buy this for your dad.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic and fun read for the first half, really well done. Fizzles out toward the end but overall a great book.

[Tobin Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a FANTASTIC read for anyone who loves sports, movies, pop culture, or really awesome visuals. Loved every page of this!