WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Pickleball, the fast-growing sport that was invented in 1965, is getting more and more popular and it’s now being mentioned in movies. There are pickleball movies made where the storyline focuses on the sport. If you’re interested in watching pickleball in movies, check out our list below.
Movies that Center on Pickleball
Princess Pickleball Movie (2023)
Starring
Donald James Parker (who also directed and produced the film), Laura Fenton Kovanda, Dr. Roomie Maxey, Lee Martin, and many more.
Plot
The Princess Pickleball movie is about a lifetime tennis player, Thomas, who discovers that his favorite public venue was converted into pickleball courts. This incident ignited his dislike of the sport. He even mentioned that he doesn’t need pickleball to have companions and he would rather be the Lone Ranger. Eventually, he decided to try it out and found friends who were also around his age (seniors). This pickleball movie had some funny and informational dialogue, including one where one of the characters explained the difference between rally and volley.
Pickleball Princess from Donald James Parker on Vimeo.
Pickleball, the Movie (2024)
Starring
Alison Wachlter, Elizabeth Dings, Jeremiah Kissel, Maureen Keiller, Ellen Colton, Steve Sweeney and Jim Patton.
Plot
Pickleball, the movie is a short movie about four almost-golden women who are friends. They entered their pickleball era and experienced a life of dinks, drinks, injuries, and pizzas.
Movies that Mention Pickleball
Mother of the Bride (2024)
Starring
Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Sean Teale, Chad Michael Murray, Rachael Harris, and Benjamin Bratt
Plot
Mother of the Bride showed a whole scene of pickleball in the movie. This movie is about a woman named Lana whose daughter, Emma, is about to get married. It was a destination wedding in Thailand, sponsored by Emma’s job. There, they were met by Lana’s friends from Stanford. Lana also found out that the groom was her ex-boyfriend (who ghosted her in college) Will’s son. During preparations, they played doubles pickleball which resulted in funny interactions and bickering between Lana and Will, who both wanted to outshine the other. The game resulted in Lana hitting Will’s private parts with the ball.
Lana and Will eventually resolved their past issues and the wedding was successful (despite the planning issues). During the bouquet toss, Will caught it for Lana and finally proposed to her.
Watch the pickleball scene here.The Idea of You (2024)
Starring
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine
Plot
The Idea of You centers on Solène, a divorced 40-year-old art gallery owner, and Hayes, a member of a famous band. The story was about their unexpected love affair. At the beginning of the film, Solène dropped her teen daughter and her friends at her ex-husband’s, Daniel's house. Daniel mentioned pickleball in the movie when he tried to invite Solène to dinner or play the sport, saying it was easy to learn and she didn’t even have to be athletic to play it. Solène indirectly declined.
Solène accompanied her daughter Izzy and her friends to Coachella when Daniel was unable to, where she met Hayes. Their love affair started, but their 16-year age difference became a challenge, especially when her daughter became affected. They decided to part ways but Hayes proposed they continue their relationship once Izzy had finished school in five years.
Some of these movies are not blockbusters or very popular, but it’s still a big deal. Mentioning pickleball in movies means that the sport has reached a certain point of popularity. It’s fun to see pickleball being portrayed in movies, isn’t it? Especially that scene in Mother of the Bride where the two main characters got overly competitive with each other. It’s somehow relatable that sometimes, competitiveness can get the best of us. Seeing pickleball in movies can also help promote the sport more and bring more picklers.
| Category | Movie | Year | Plot Summary | Pickleball Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickleball-Centric | Princess Pickleball Movie | 2023 | Former tennis player dislikes pickleball but finds friends and enjoys the sport. | Main focus |
| Pickleball, the Movie (Short) | 2024 | Four friends experience life as senior pickleball players. | Main focus | |
| Pickleball Featured | Mother of the Bride | 2024 | Competitive doubles pickleball scene with funny interactions. | Secondary focus |
| The Idea of You | 2024 | Pickleball mentioned as an easy-to-learn sport. | Minor mention | |
| Contact | For more information or inquiries, email 101grouppb@gmail.com. |
Pickleball in Pop Culture: FAQs
1. What is the significance of pickleball being featured in movies?
The inclusion of pickleball in films signifies the sport's growing popularity and cultural relevance. As more filmmakers incorporate pickleball into their storylines, it reflects a shift in recreational interests and brings awareness to the sport, potentially inspiring viewers to take up pickleball themselves. The portrayals often resonate with audiences, showcasing both the fun and competitive nature of the game.
2. Can you recommend some notable movies that feature pickleball?
Certainly! Here are a couple of notable films:
- Princess Pickleball Movie (2023): This film focuses on a former tennis player who initially dislikes pickleball but eventually finds joy in the sport and friendship.
- Mother of the Bride (2024): In this romantic comedy, a competitive pickleball scene adds humor and conflict to the story, highlighting the dynamics between characters.
3. What themes are explored in movies centered around pickleball?
Movies that revolve around pickleball often explore themes of friendship, competition, and personal growth. For instance, Princess Pickleball Movie delves into finding companionship in unexpected places, while Pickleball, the Movie captures the vibrant social life of senior players. These themes can resonate with audiences, encouraging them to appreciate the social and emotional aspects of engaging in sports.
4. How does pickleball in movies impact its perception among the public?
Pickleball's portrayal in movies can greatly influence public perception. Positive depictions can foster interest in the sport, making it more appealing to new players and enthusiasts. For example, humorous and relatable scenes, like those in Mother of the Bride, can make pickleball seem more accessible and fun, ultimately contributing to its mainstream acceptance and growth.
5. Are there any documentary films about pickleball?
While many films focus on narrative storytelling, several documentaries delve into the history and rise of pickleball. These films explore the sport's origins, its community, and the passion of players across various age groups. Searching for documentaries on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime can yield some insightful options, such as Pickleball: The Movie, which combines humor and information to showcase the sport's charm.
6. How can viewers find more content about pickleball in pop culture?
Viewers interested in exploring more about pickleball in pop culture can look for related films on streaming platforms or follow pickleball-focused social media accounts. Additionally, websites and blogs dedicated to the sport often highlight its appearances in films, providing insights and recommendations for viewing.
7. What are some common misconceptions about pickleball as depicted in films?
One common misconception is that pickleball is only for seniors or less athletic individuals. While many films, such as The Idea of You, present pickleball as an easy sport for everyone, it can be played competitively at various skill levels. The portrayal often leans toward humor and lightheartedness, which can inadvertently downplay the sport's strategic elements and the serious competition it can foster among players of all ages.
