The Sports Movie Now Trending On Netflix Is Based On A True Story, And It Stars An Actor From One Of The Best Baseball Movies In History

Netflix's library has only grown over the years to include movies and TV shows from all genres and corners of the world, and in January 2025, the streaming service added one intriguing sports film that immediately started trending upon its arrival. It certainly helps that a familiar face from one of the best baseball movies of all time appears in the flick. Plus, its popularity partly stems from the fact that it tells an inspirational story (that happened in real life).

From Field of Dreams toA League of Their Own, Hollywood has distributed several iconic baseball films over the years. Many of them are hailed as some of not only the best baseball movies, but the best sports movies ever made. Unfortunately, the new flick added to Netflix can't say the same. However, it only just premiered in 2024 and is gaining traction on the streaming service.

The Sports Film Premiered In 2024

You Gotta Believe, which premiered on August 30, 2024, in select theaters, is now streaming on Netflix, and many are taking advantage of its availability. As of the writing of this article, the family sports drama film is trending in the Top Ten Movies in the United States Today list. Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz's Back in Action is a bit higher than You Gotta Believe on the list, but that's understandable given the hype surrounding the spy action comedy film. Nevertheless, many are discovering You Gotta Believe for the first time, thanks to its arrival on Netflix.

You Gotta Believe, directed by Ty Roberts and written by Roberts and Lane Garrison, follows the Fort Worth Westside Little League All-Stars baseball team from Fort Worth, Texas, that made it to the Little League World Series in 2002. Jon Kelly, the head coach, and Bobby Ratliff, the assistant coach, lead the group of kids to the big stage in a story that is sure to bring tears to viewers' eyes. They are regarded as the underdogs, but audiences will just have to watch You Gotta Believe on Netflix to learn how the team performs in the Little League World Series in the film.

You Gotta Believe Is Based On The True Story Of A Little League Baseball Team

Luke Wilson Stars As Bobby Ratliff

As one might have guessed, You Gotta Believe is based on a true story. According to Deadline, Bobby Ratliff, played by Luke Wilson, was the real assistant coach of the Westside All-Stars team when they made it to the Little League World Series in 2002, as depicted in the 2024 family sports drama movie. The team from Fort Worth, Texas, made it to the championship stage against all odds. They were considered the underdogs, and it was a surprise that the young boys made it as far as they did. However, they had something motivating them throughout the journey to the Little League World Series — Ratliff himself.

You Gotta Believe Cast	Role
Luke Wilson	Bobby Ratliff
Greg Kinnear	Coach Jon Kelly
Sarah Gadon	Patti Ratliff
Michael Cash	Robert "Rocket" Ratliff
Etienne Kellici	Walker Kelly
Molly Parker	Kathy Kelly
Martin Roach	Sam Knight
Patrick Renna	Kliff Young

Sam Knight, the owner of a store that sold baseball memorabilia, inspired the kids to look for something that could give them the drive they needed to win, and that was Ratliff. Ratliff, whose son Robert was on the Westside All-Stars, was diagnosed with melanoma prior to the Little League World Series elimination bracket in August 2002. Sadly, his cancer was terminal. So, the Little League team rallied around their assistant coach, determined to bring Ratliff to the championship level. Their dedication and tenacity ultimately paid off when the Westside All-Stars made it into the Little League World Series elimination bracket.

You Gotta Believe Features A Star From The Sandlot

Patrick Renna Appears In The Movie

Greg Kinnear and Patrick Renna in You Gotta Believe

Many will recognize the man who plays Kliff Young, a local baseball organizer in Fort Worth, in You Gotta Believe — Patrick Renna. The actor is most known for his role as Hamilton "Ham" Porter in the renowned 1993 baseball movie The Sandlot. So, Renna's appearance as Kliff in You Gotta Believe is quite exciting, to say the least.

Since starring as the young catcher in The Sandlot, Renna has continued acting in a wide variety of projects, from independent films to hit Netflix series. He played Cupcake in GLOW. However, You Gotta Believe is Renna's latest movie, and it's unclear what's next for the actor.