The arena of cricket is not limited to the green fields and the thunderous cheers of the stadium — beyond the pitch lies a captivating realm of storytelling, where the game is celebrated, deconstructed, and brought to life on the silver screen. As the ICC World Cup 2023 fever grips the world, we have curated a list of 5 must-watch movies that will take every cricket enthusiast on an unforgettable journey through the world of cricket.

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Many movies have been made about cricket, but only a few of them can manage to combine the elements of sports, drama, and inspiration as seamlessly as Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India.

The plot revolves around a small village, Champaner — burdened by oppressive land taxes, or "lagaan" — imposed by the British colonial rulers, and the struggle of Bhuvan, played by Aamir Khan, a young and determined villager, who revolts to lead his fellow villagers in a battle for their rights through a cricket match.

What makes Lagaan unique is its ingenious use of cricket as a metaphor for liberation — cricket, a sport introduced by the British, becomes a symbol of both resistance and unity. Its message of resilience and the indomitable human spirit resonates with audiences worldwide.

Wondrous Oblivion (2003)

Cricket has the power to unite diverse characters in a common passion. Wondrous Oblivion is a heart-warming film that teaches us this lesson. The plot revolves around the life of an 11-year-old Jewish boy, named David Wiseman, and his dreams of joining the local cricket team. His passion for the game leads him to befriend Dennis Samuels, a Jamaican immigrant.

The bond that forms between them transcends cultural and racial divides, showing us that friendship and shared passions can bridge even the widest of gaps.

In a world where prejudice and division still exist, Wondrous Oblivion offers a message of hope and inspires us to strive for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Iqbal (2005)

The scales are not always equal and not everyone is born with the same sort of capability. The question is — what do we make of the things we already possess? Iqbal is an Indian sports drama that portrays the inspiring story of a boy with speaking and hearing disability named Iqbal, who aspires to become a professional cricketer.

This heart-warming and thought-provoking movie not only captivates audiences with its emotional storytelling, but also imparts several valuable life lessons.

Despite his disability, Iqbal is unwavering in his pursuit of becoming a cricketer. His sheer determination to defy societal norms and achieve his dream is a reminder that with unwavering resolve, we can overcome any challenges and reach our goals.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

Dhoni is a name that rules the hearts of thousands of cricket lovers. Based on the life of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most iconic cricketers in the history of the sport, the movie M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story was made.

The movie depicts the story of Dhoni's journey from being a young boy in a small town to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team. His life story is a testament to the extraordinary achievements that can arise from ordinary beginnings and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to pursue their dreams.

This biographical masterpiece inspires us to follow our passions, learn from failures, and lead with calmness and wisdom.

Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)

No list of cricket movies is complete without a tribute to the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Directed by James Erskine, Sachin: A Billion Dreams takes us on an intimate journey into the life of this sports icon. Through a combination of real footage, re-enactments, and personal accounts, the film provides a glimpse into Sachin's childhood, rise to stardom, and the emotional moments of his career.

This movie is a heartfelt ode to Sachin Tendulkar, who has been an inspiration to cricket enthusiasts worldwide — a reminder of the impact a single individual can have on a nation's love for cricket.