Nothing sets up a chill vibe like a quality golf movie: A laid-back night with your buddies, cold drinks at the ready, and films that capture golf’s heart, humor, and occasional heartbreak. This list blends classics, comedy, drama, and real-life caddie stories because golf isn’t just a game… it’s a lifestyle.
1. Pat and Mike (1952)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85% | IMDb Score: 6.9/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.3/5 |
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Aldo Ray
Director/s: George Cukor
Katharine Hepburn plays an athlete pressured into familiar, “normal” sports until Spencer Tracy introduces her to golf… and then on to stardom. This is a classic piece of vintage Hollywood glam, available to rent or buy on Apple TV. It’s a perfect flick to watch before tee time.
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2. The Caddy (1953)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83% | IMDb Score: 6.4/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.2/5 |
Genre: Comedy/Sports
Cast: Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Donna Reed
Director/s: Norman Taurog
A comedic look at caddie life at a U.S. Open-style tournament. Expect Lewis’ slapstick, Martin’s charm, and vintage on-course action. Stream or rent via Amazon Prime.
3. Caddyshack (1980)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73% | IMDb Score: 7.2/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.4/5 |
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield
Director/s: Harold Ramis
Slobs vs. snobs at an elite country club… complete with an all-out, Vietnam-esque war on a cute little gopher. Chase and Murray headline, but Ted Knight and Rodney Dangerfield steal the show. Rent or buy via Amazon.
4. Happy Gilmore (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63% | IMDb Score: 7.0/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.4/5 |
Genre: Comedy/Sports
Cast: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald
Director/s: Dennis Dugan
A hockey enforcer turned golfer whose anger allows him to really lay into the ball finds that friendship, along with a newfound love of golf, can change everything. The original is now streaming on Starz, and the sequel Happy Gilmore 2 is now a Netflix exclusive. Both movies are good, dumb fun, so switch off your brain, kick back, and enjoy the madcap antics of the Sandman.
5. Tin Cup (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74% | IMDb Score: 6.4/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.2/5 |
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Sports
Cast: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Cheech Marin
Director/s: Ron Shelton
A washed-up pro running a driving range tries to qualify for the U.S. Open… often through comedic trials and tribulations. It’s a classic ’90s rom-com melded with a thoughtful human drama and/or triumph of spirit… and who doesn’t love a great comeback story?
6. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 43% | IMDb Score: 6.7/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.1/5 |
Genre: Sports/Drama
Cast: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron
Director/s: Robert Redford
A mystical caddy helps a troubled golfer rediscover his swing and inner peace. Stay for the always stunning Theron; bail the when the outright douchebaggery (see what I did there?) of Smith grows tiresome. Stream on Prime Video.
7. Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 27% | IMDb Score: 6.6/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.2/5 |
Genre: Biopic
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Jeremy Northam
Director/s: Rowdy Herrington
A deep dive into golf legend Bobby Jones’s comeback drive, love for the sport, but ultimate retirement at 28… which should have been his prime playing days. A film for quiet evenings.
8. The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 62% | IMDb Score: 7.4/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5 |
Genre: Historical Drama
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane
Director/s: Bill Paxton
Amateur Francis Ouimet shocks the world when he wins the 1913 U.S. Open, defeating previous Open champion (and his golf idol), Harry Vardon. Inspiring and perfect for when you’re pining for a new Cobra Air-X Complete set… so you can strive to take down your golf idols, as well. Now available to stream on Disney+.
9. The Short Game (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84% | IMDb Score: 7.3/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.7/5 |
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Amari Avery, Jed Dy, Allan Kournikova
Director/s: Josh Greenbaum
A cheery, insightful documentary that follows the exploits of the world’s best 7-year-old golfers who travel to Pinehurst, NC, to compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf.
10. Seve: The Movie (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73% | IMDb Score: 7.2/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.4/5 |
Genre: Biopic
Cast: José Luis Gutiérrez, José Navar, Tiger Woods
Director/s: John-Paul Davidson
The rise of Seve Ballesteros from seaside Spain to tour legend. A must-watch for any sincere golf fan; look for streaming or digital rental options on Amazon Prime. Pair with some Peter Millar golf fashions on cozy indoor evenings.
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11. Tommy’s Honour (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68% | IMDb Score: 6.4/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.2/5 |
Genre: Historical Drama
Cast: Benjamin Wainwright, Peter Mullan, Jack Lowden
Director/s: Jason Connery
Tom and Tommy Morris, father and son pioneers of professional golf, relied on skill, business acumen, and working-class savvy to make Tommy one of the world’s first sports superstars while, in turn, founding the modern game of golf.
12. Swing Away (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80% | IMDb Score: 5.2/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.2/5 |
Genre: Family/Drama
Cast: Shannon Elizabeth, John O'Hurley, Karl Theobald
Director/s: Michael A. Nickles
Professional golfer Zoe Papadopoulos, after a tragic meltdown, treks to her native Greece to elude the prying eyes of the international sports world. Between baking bread and eating baklava, she mentors a young girl who is determined to become the next big thing in the golf world… because that happens in Greece all the time.
13. Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75% | IMDb Score: 7.1/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.4/5 |
Genre: Documentary
Cast: Bill Murray, Patrick Arter, Ben Crenshaw
Director/s: Jason Baffa
This documentary, narrated by Bill Murray, tracks the history and importance of the golf caddie… their sacrifices and stories across iconic tournaments. Perfect pre-round viewing while getting ready for an early morning tee time.
14. Round of Your Life (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67% | IMDb Score: 5.0/10 | Letterboxd Score: 2.7/5 |
Genre: Family/Drama
Cast: Cole Allen, Ximena Alvarez, Suhail Arastu
Director/s: Dylan Thomas Ellis
A teen golfer’s viral fame tests his integrity and passion for the sport. Stream it on Amazon Prime if teen melodrama is your bag.
15. The Phantom of the Open (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86% | IMDb Score: 7.0/10 | Letterboxd Score: 3.6/5 |
Genre: Comedy/Biographical
Cast: Mark Rylance, Sally Hawkins, Rhys Ifans
Director/s: Craig Roberts
Based on Maurice Flitcroft’s (a complete and utter amateur) hilarious entry in the 1976 British Open: sweet, silly, and surprisingly uplifting.
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Golf Movies FAQs
What is widely considered the overall best golf movie?
Caddyshack often tops the list for its hilarious portrayal of golf culture and its infinite quotability… on top of being a comedy masterpiece with a rich legacy.
What kind of adult beverages are best when watching a golf movie with your pals?
A crisp lager, a classic Old Fashioned, or a light white wine pair perfectly… something that’s easy to sip without missing your favorite quips or golf-related action scenes.
What is the new Netflix movie about pro golfers?
That’s Happy Gilmore 2, streaming now with Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, and even golf stars like Rory McIlroy, John Daily, and Jack Nicklaus make cameo appearances… Daily in particular stands out as a hysterically burnt out version of himself.
Does Matt Damon really play golf?
He performed many scenes in The Legend of Bagger Vance… yes, including some real swing action. While Hollywood magic helps out here and there, Damon swings a club with surprising credibility… and with no real help from Will Smith, of course.
Movie Night, Anyone?
Whether you’re between rounds or just settling in to laugh, cry, or get inspired… these golf movies tee it up just right. From classics like Caddyshack to heartwarming docs like The Short Game, there’s something for every slice, chip, or arrow-straight drive.
Grab your favorite Sunday Golf gear, maybe a Big Rig for cart nights or a Loma XL for walking down a fairway filled with warm memories, and enjoy the show. Then be sure to share what your favorite golf flick is with your golf buddies next time you’re on the 18th green.
Lights out, popcorn popped and it’s tee time... on the sofa, of course.
