In movies, the underdog's ultimate triumph serves as an ideal feel-good narrative, and sports dramas have a way of getting to our hearts by making us root for them against all odds. A 2024 sports drama, You Gotta Believe, starring Luke Wilson, fits perfectly into this mold. Despite its divisive reception among critics, the movie has struck a chord with audiences. You Gotta Believe arrived on Netflix in January 2025 and is now sitting pretty at #2 on Netflix's Top 10 movies list (via Flix Patrol).
You Gotta Believe follows the story of Bobby Ratliff (Wilson), a dedicated assistant coach of the Westside All-Stars, a youth baseball team from Fort Worth, Texas. The team, as you'd expect, isn't very good at the sport, and it doesn't help that Ratliff is diagnosed with terminal cancer just as they're on a path to enter the 2002 Little League World Series. The diagnosis serves as a catalyst for the team's determination to succeed and as the young players rally around him, Ratliff stands by the sidelines, with his belief in the team, eventually driving them towards a heartwarming climax.
The cast of the sports drama is headlined by Luke Wilson, who brings depth and emotional complexity to the role of Bobby Ratliff. Greg Kinnear plays Coach Jon Kelly and Sarah Gordon stars as Ratliff's wife, Patti. Several young actors portray the Westside All-Stars, delivering authentic performances. However, critics were split, with some calling the plot predictable. Despite its 59% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, You Gotta Believe has a superb 90% score from audiences and has found devoted viewers on Netflix. Check out the official synopsis below:
"'YOU GOTTA BELIEVE' is based on the inspiring true story of one team's transformational journey from district underdog to taking its place in the Little League record books. After dedicating the season to a teammate's ailing father, a group of underestimated youth baseball players from Fort Worth, Texas, takes its Cinderella run all the way to the 2002 Little League World Series -- culminating in a record-breaking showdown that became an instant ESPN classic. "
Is 'You Gotta Believe' Based on a True Story? Close
Yes, You Gotta Believe is indeed based on a true story. Bobby Ratliff, played by Luke Wilson, was the real assistant coach of the Westside All-Stars team when they entered the Little League World Series in 2002. The team from Fort Worth, Texas, was nowhere close to being prepared to play such a huge tournament, were considered underdogs, and their journey to success was nothing short of miraculous.
Related 20 Best Underdog Movies That Aren't About Sports or Superheroes
These underdog movies are not about caped heroes or perfect touchdowns; they're stories of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary feats.
Posts
Ratliff, whose son Robert was on the team, was diagnosed with melanoma just before the Little League World Series elimination bracket in August 2002. Sam Knight, a local store owner who sold baseball memorabilia, played a crucial role in motivating the kids by urging them to draw inspiration from Ratliff himself. His courage, resilience, and determination awakened something in the team, something bigger than the game, and drew them to victory.
The story behind You Gotta Believe is one of grit and the power of belief. Ty Roberts (12 Mighty Orphans), who directed the movie and co-wrote the screenplay with Lane Garrison, has done a decent job of bringing the inspiring tale to life on screen and demonstrating how one person's strength can have an extraordinary impact on the lives of others.
3 /5 Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 You Gotta Believe PG SportsFamily Release Date August 30, 2024 Runtime 104 Minutes Director Ty Roberts Writers Lane Garrison, Ty Roberts Cast Sarah Gadon Greg Kinnear Luke Wilson
Powered by Expand Collapse