Battle of the Sexes

Battle of the Sexes

Year: 2017

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris

Echo Score: 77

Budget: $25M

BiographyDramaSportComedy

In 1973, a highly publicized tennis match between Billie Jean King and former champion Bobby Riggs captivated the nation. The contest became more than just a game, as King and Riggs faced personal challenges while confronting societal expectations. King grappled with her sexuality, while Riggs sought to recapture his former glory. The match sparked a cultural phenomenon, prompting conversations about gender equality and leaving a lasting impact far beyond the tennis court.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Battle of the Sexes yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Battle of the Sexes (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1973

The story unfolds in 1973, a pivotal time in American history during the rise of the feminist movement. This era saw increasing advocacy for women's rights in various fields, including sports, setting the stage for Billie Jean King's groundbreaking achievements and challenges in tennis.

Location

San Diego, United States

The movie takes place primarily in San Diego, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. It serves as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of both Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, adding a lively and competitive atmosphere to the unfolding drama of the tennis world.

🏙️ City ✨ Sports

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Main Characters – Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Meet the key characters of Battle of the Sexes (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King is a fiercely determined and trailblazing tennis player who becomes the face of the fight for gender equality in sports. Her courage and leadership drive the narrative, as she not only battles her male counterparts but also faces personal challenges and societal expectations. She emerges as a symbol of empowerment for women and the LGBTQ community.

🏅 Athlete 🌈 Activist

Bobby Riggs

Bobby Riggs is a charismatic former tennis champion who embodies the traditional male view of superiority in sports. His flashy personality and gambling habits make him a compelling antagonist to Billie Jean. Riggs' bravado and provocations set the stage for the historic match, as he tries to maintain his status in a changing world.

🔥 Gambler 👨‍🏫 Challenger

Gladys Heldman

Gladys Heldman is a passionate advocate for women's tennis who supports Billie Jean in her quest for equality. As the driving force behind the women's tournament, her determination to uplift female athletes exemplifies her commitment to changing the landscape of sports. Gladys's friendship and loyalty to Billie Jean add depth to the narrative.

👩‍🏫 Advocate 💪 Supporter

Marilyn Barnett

Marilyn Barnett is Billie Jean King's hairdresser and romantic interest, representing a more personal aspect of Billie Jean's journey. Their relationship reveals Billie Jean's struggles with her identity and desires, contributing to her character development and the overall theme of love in the midst of societal challenges.

💇‍♀️ Romantic Interest 🌹 Supportive Partner

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Major Themes – Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Explore the central themes of Battle of the Sexes (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎾 Gender Equality

The central theme of the film is gender equality, highlighted through Billie Jean King's fight against discrimination in sports. The movie showcases her determination to create equal opportunities for female athletes, challenging the norms of a male-dominated sports world and inspiring future generations.

💔 Personal Struggles

Another critical theme is the personal struggles faced by the characters, particularly Billie Jean as she navigates her identity and relationships. The film delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance as Billie Jean confronts societal expectations and her own desires.

🏆 Victory

The theme of victory is not just about winning matches but also about personal triumphs over adversity. Billie Jean's ultimate success on the court symbolizes broader societal progress, making her victory a powerful statement for women's rights and paving the way for future advancements.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Social Justice Underdog Stories Like Battle of the Sexes

Stories where personal courage sparks a movement for societal change.Explore movies like Battle of the Sexes that feature determined individuals fighting for social change. This thread gathers inspiring true stories and dramas where personal battles become pivotal moments for equality, perfect for viewers who enjoyed the film's blend of societal commentary and triumphant victory.

inspiringtriumphantdeterminedunderdoghopefulconfrontationalperiod dramasocietal change

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist who confronts a deeply entrenched social injustice. Their initial personal grievance escalates into a public battle, requiring them to overcome doubt, personal risk, and powerful opposition. The narrative culminates in a high-stakes event that serves as a symbolic victory, validating their struggle and inspiring broader change.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a core focus on a real-world social issue, an inspiring underdog protagonist, and a narrative arc that moves from frustration to triumphant progress. They mix medium emotional weight with a fundamentally hopeful tone, offering a satisfying and uplifting viewing experience centered on meaningful change.

Movies About Public Spectacles and Private Struggles Like Battle of the Sexes

When a high-profile event forces characters to confront their private demons.Find films similar to Battle of the Sexes that explore the tension between public image and private life. If you liked how the tennis match mirrored Billie Jean King's personal journey, you'll enjoy these stories where high-stakes public events force characters to confront their true selves.

introspectiveenergeticmedia spectacleself-discoverypersonal integritydeterminedinspiringperiod drama

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a character preparing for a widely watched public event while simultaneously navigating a profound private crisis. The two storylines are deeply intertwined, with the external conflict amplifying the internal one. The climax of the public event often resolves or brings clarity to the personal struggle, leading to a cathartic release and a new sense of self.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their dual-focus structure, balancing a large-scale public narrative with a sensitive, intimate personal one. They share a medium intensity created by the collision of external pressure and internal turmoil, a steady pacing that develops both plots, and a tone that finds hope and resolution through facing challenges publicly and privately.

Unlock the Full Story of Battle of the Sexes

Don't stop at just watching — explore Battle of the Sexes in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Battle of the Sexes is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Battle of the Sexes Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Battle of the Sexes, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Battle of the Sexes Summary

Battle of the Sexes Timeline

Track the full timeline of Battle of the Sexes with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Battle of the Sexes Timeline

Battle of the Sexes Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Battle of the Sexes that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Battle of the Sexes Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Battle of the Sexes

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Battle of the Sexes: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Battle of the Sexes

Similar Movies to Battle of the Sexes

Discover movies like Battle of the Sexes that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.