Los Angeles has served as a vibrant backdrop for numerous baseball films, ranging from heartfelt dramas to comedy classics. With the Dodgers competing in the World Series for the second year in a row, Angelenos are buzzing with baseball fever!
To celebrate the city’s rich baseball culture and keep the Dodgers’ spirit alive off the field, here’s a roundup of must-see baseball movies set in L.A. or filmed in the greater Los Angeles area, featuring everything from sandlot adventures to iconic Dodger Stadium moments.
Here’s a full list of classic baseball movies set or filmed in the L.A. area:
The Sandlot (1993)
A beloved coming-of-age story about a group of kids in the San Fernando Valley during the summer of 1962. While the film was definitely set in L.A., it was primarily filmed in Utah.
The Bad News Bears (1976)
Set in the San Fernando Valley, this film follows a misfit Little League team. Filming took place at Mason Park in Chatsworth, and memorabilia from the movie is displayed at the Valley Relics Museum.
A League of Their Own (1992)
While mostly about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and set in various Midwest locations, some scenes were filmed in California, including Los Angeles, for certain stadium sequences.
Trouble with the Curve (2012)
Starring Clint Eastwood, this film follows an aging baseball scout traveling across the country, including stops in Los Angeles, highlighting the city’s connection to major league baseball.
The Rookie (2002)
Based on the true story of Jim Morris, parts of this film are set in the Los Angeles area during his scouting and tryouts.
Angels in the Outfield (1994)
Set around the California Angels (now Los Angeles Angels), this family-friendly film is centered in the Los Angeles area.
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings (1976)
A comedy-drama about a Negro League baseball team in the 1930s. Filming included several locations around Los Angeles.
The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)
A biographical film about Jackie Robinson’s early life and baseball career. It features scenes set in Los Angeles.
42 (2013)
A biographical film about Jackie Robinson starring the late, great Chadwick Boseman, focusing on Robinson’s time with the Brooklyn Dodgers. While set in various locations, it includes scenes filmed in Los Angeles.
Talent for the Game (1991)
A seasoned baseball scout discovers a raw, talented pitcher in a small town and must navigate the pressures of turning him into a major league star, with key scenes set in Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium as the story follows the player’s journey to the big leagues.
Moneyball (2011)
While much of the story revolves around the Oakland A’s, parts of the film take place in the Los Angeles area as the team scouts players and negotiates contracts.
Brooklyn Dodgers: The Ghosts of Flatbush (2007)
This two-hour HBO documentary takes viewers back to the Dodgers’ 1890 beginnings. It’s a must-watch for any Dodgers fan!