12 Best Movies About Bowling That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Movies About Bowling

It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy a movie night with close friends or family members. While some films are excellent, some aren’t. It doesn’t matter what the outcome is; it’s still a positive experience. You can never go wrong by seeing a few films that you can’t go wrong with.

This article will examine 12 of the world’s greatest bowling movies. Grab some popcorn and get ready to watch 12 of the most memorable bowling films of all time. It’s important to note, however, that some of these videos may include violent or sexual content, and as a result, parental supervision is strongly recommended. Let’s get this party started!

1. Dreamer (1979)

Dreamer (1979)

On April 27th, 1979, Tim Matheson, Susan Blakely, and Jack Warden starred in the film. 20th Century Fox distributed this film. The plot revolves around a teenage bowler who sets out to achieve his dream of becoming a champion. As a result, he resolves to put in a lot of effort and sacrifice in order to attain his goal.

The film’s hero is played by Tim Matheson. Fans and critics alike viewed the film as a rip-off of Rocky. Tim portrays a small-time ten-pin prodigy from Alton, Illinois, who aspires to play on the professional tours in the big leagues. Harry (Jack Warder), his cantankerous manager, and Karen (his devoted girlfriend) come to his aid (Susan Blakely). The film also features bowling icon Dick Weber at the beginning and end of the movie portraying the part of Johnny Watkin.

2. Kingpin (1996)

Kingpinis an Americansportscomedy film. Peter and Bobby Farrelly are the film’s producers, while Barry Fanaro and Mort Nathan wrote the script. Among its stars are Woody Harrelson,Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel and Bill Murray. Ernie McCracken, a former professional bowler, decides to avenge himself on Roy Munson, whose career was cut short by McCracken’s wrath. Because Roy defeated Ernie on his first outing, this resulted in Roy’s promotion. Ernie encourages Roy to assist him swindle a group of amateur bowlers who beat up Roy and damage his hand (and his bowling career) in the process of Ernie’s revenge plan. Because of this, he became depressed and alcoholic. His second shot at success came in the form of a $1 million winner-take-all tournament as the manager of a potential prospect, Ismail.

3. Strikes and Spares (1934)

Strikes and Spares (1934)

Strikes and Spares is a 1934 short sports film from the United States. Felix E. Feist, the film’s director, helmed the project. Ray Turner, Pete Smith, and Andy Varipapa, a professional bowler, all appeared. Andy demonstrates the proper technique for handling a bowling ball as well as the rules of the game in the movie. He also performed a number of acrobatic actions. During the 7th Academy Awards season, it was nominated in the Best Short Subject (Novelty) category.

4. Life in the Bowling Lane (2005)

In the opening scene of this film, an unidentified witty character prepares for a sexy date later that night. He was, however, let down when his date called to cancel. He opted to go bowling instead because he was fed up with the situation. During this time, he had one of the strangest and rib-cracking bowling escapades in the weirdest bowling alley ever ever, becoming friends with the bowling instructor in the process. A storyline twist forces him to fight with the other man for her affections after he discovers his “hot date” at the bowling alley with another man.

5. The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Big Lebowski (1998)

In their first collaboration as a team, Joel and Ethan Coen created the criminal comedy The Big Lebowski. Jeff Bridges portrays Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, a Los Angeles-based bowler. He is assaulted because he is mistaken for a wealthy with the same name. When he heard that the intended victim of the assault was a millionaire with the same name, he set out to seek reparations.

At its premiere, the picture received a mixed reception, but it has since received a slew of positive reviews. It is now regarded as a cult favorite.

6. Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988)

David DeCoteau directed this film. Andras Jones, Linnea Quigley, Robin Stille, and Hal Havins are among the cast members. In contrast to the comedic or dramatic character of the other films, which showed how much fun bowling can be, this one has a darker plot and is more of a horror film. Three geeks and two new members of a sorority are sent to a bowling alley to steal a trophy as part of their pledge. It would be so much better if they knew what kind of evil imp was living inside that prize

7. The Bowling Alley-Cat (1942)

The Bowling Alley-Cat (1942)

Everyone has a soft spot for “Tom and Jerry,” the beloved cartoon. When Tom and Jerry meet up in a bowling alley for a game, we all know what hilarious mishaps will ensue as Tom plots to eliminate Jerry while Jerry comes up with his own, far more ingenious plans.

8. Alley Cats Strike (2000)

Rod Daniel directs a Disney Channel original film called The Alley Cats Strike, which is about a group of competitive street cats. When a junior school basketball championship game ends in a draw, the competition finds itself into the bowling alley as two cities find themselves competing for the championship trophy. In the end, only one person will emerge victorious.

9. Gutterballs (2008)

Gutterballs (2008)

This bowling picture, directed by Ryan Nicholson, also features a dark horror plot as a bowling night turns into a gory death bath for a group of teens. A group of teens who went bowling in the wee hours of the morning were brutally murdered by a serial killer on the loose, unresolved grievances, and uncontrolled hormones. No one in your family will enjoy this.

10. Atom the Amazing Zombie Killer (2012)

In a dramatic fashion, this film combines the genres of horror and comedy. Atom (Mark Shonsey) is a horror movie buff and an avid bowler in this Zack Beins and Richard Taylor production.

With his team being kicked out of the league due to league corruption and his hot girlfriend Emily (Lindy Starr) being murdered by his sadistic rival Dario (Zachary Byron Helm), Atom suffers a brain injury that causes him to experience hallucinations in which he believes everyone around him is a flesh-eating zombie.

Believing that the apocalypse of zombies has arrived, Atom must protect himself from “zombies” in the most brutal and surprising way imaginable.

11. A League of Ordinary Gentlemen

A League of Ordinary Gentlemen

On March 21, 2006, the DVD of the bowling documentary A League of Ordinary Gentlemen was made available to the public. By Christopher Browne, the film contains real PBA Tour players, including Pete Weber, Chris Barnes and Walter Ray Williams Jr. It aired onscreen for the first time statewide in the PBS Independent Lens series on April 25, 2006.

Following the purchase of the Professional Players Association by a group of Microsoft programmers, Steve Miller, a Nike marketing expert, is brought in to resurrect ten-pin bowling. The drama builds naturally as only a real-life situation can. Bowling fans and moviegoers alike will like this flick.

12. Strike: The Greatest Bowling Story Ever Told (2014)

Bowling is a lifelong hobby for Bill Fong. When he’s not working in a bowling alley, he’s watching YouTube videos, participating in four different leagues, and studying the unique features of the alley’s 48 lanes. Despite Bill’s tenacity, he has yet to achieve his goal of being a professional tennis player. But will he be able to pull off a flawless string of strikes?