By Carter Smith
It’s impossible to not romanticise sport. It’s home to some of the world’s greatest storylines. The underdog stories you never dreamed were possible. So, when you pair that with some of the world’s greatest actors and directors, it is impossible to fail.
Regardless of whether you’re a fan of sports or not, these films transcend the genre they are in. They capture everything amazing about sport and everything that makes movies so beloved. So, if you’re looking to be motivated or inspired, here are the top ten, in no particular order.
Rocky (1976)
When you think of sports movies you think of Rocky. You can’t separate the two, they are synonymous with each other. It’s the perfect one-in-a-million underdog story and the blueprint for most sports films that came after it. After being given the life-changing opportunity to fight world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky must overcome impossible odds to earn the respect of the world. Sylvester Stallone brings heart and hunger to the role and makes a protagonist you can’t help but fall in love with. From timeless fight sequences to a training montage guaranteed to make you go on a run the minute the film ends, Rocky has it all.
Creed (2015)
If the Rocky franchise feels a bit outdated, don’t worry. Their spin-off franchise, Creed, brings the same charm and heart to a new generation. Spearheaded by Michael B. Jordan, it follows Adonis Creed, son of Apollo, as he is trained and mentored by Rocky in hopes of becoming a world champion and embracing his father’s name. The beautiful Philadelphia backdrop accompanied by a jaw-dropping score by Ludwig Göransson makes for one of the best movies of the last few decades. Its enthralling fight choreography and motivational training montage intertwined with the heartfelt story make Creed stand on its own where you can enjoy it even if you haven’t seen the original franchise.
Moneyball (2011)
If you are not interested in the physical aspect of sports, then Moneyball is for you. It takes the same underdog journey that we love but shows it from a business perspective. Based on the true story of the baseball team Oakland Athletics 2002 season, general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) has to find a way to compete with the rest of the league on a minimal budget. Baseball statistics is something I imagine most of you, me included, do not care about. Yet, thanks to charming performances from Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, by the end you’ll be alarmed about how engrossed you found yourself in the business of baseball.
The Iron Claw (2023)
If you prefer your films to be emotional and make you bawl your eyes out, then this is for you. Based on the heartbreaking true story of the Von Erich brothers, it follows the triumph and devastating tragedy of the wrestling family. It takes a different approach to the usual sports film and instead focuses on the pressures of athletes and what happens when they are pushed too far. Thanks to some of the best performances of the decade by Zac Effron, The Iron Claw is guaranteed to break your heart in ways you never knew possible. Just remember to have some tissues on standby.
I, Tonya (2017)
Tonya Harding’s rise and fall as a competitive ice skater is one of sports’ most disheartening stories. Her undeniable talent struck down by her ex-husband is a cruel end to what could have, in fact, should have been an illustrious career. Told in a mockumentary style, director Craig Gillespie provides a unique watching experience that you don’t get with other sports biopics. Margot Robbie gives her most memorable performance to date. You will celebrate as she triumphs and be devastated as she gets her dreams ripped from her. As frustrating as the real story is, the film is a must-watch.
Eddie The Eagle (2016)
The story of Eddie the Eagle is one of the most heartwarming stories in British sport. So, for people who know nothing about it, getting Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman to bring the story to life is perfect. In this feel-good story, Michael ‘Eddie’ Edwards preserves against all the outside noise to try and fulfil his dream at competing at the Olympics. It is such a sweet film. You will be completely enamoured by Taron Egerton’s performance as Eddie and he will make you fall in love with the story of England’s best loser.
Remember The Titans (2000)
Denzel Washington demands your attention and respect every time he is on screen, so it was only a matter of time before he took on the role of a tough sports coach. After 15 winning seasons, coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is replaced by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington). Both men must overcome their differences to turn their team of young men from enemies to champions. The film is a true testament to the power of teammates and how people from different backgrounds can come together and create lifelong relationships. This film does focus on a lot of issues of racism, so viewer discretion is advised.
Coach Carter (2005)
Being an athlete is the dream for many young men and women, but when you don’t succeed what are you left with? Based on a true story, Ken Carter (Samuel L. Jackson) rejuvenates a failing basketball team but then stops them from playing due to their poor academic grades against the city’s best wishes. Filled with terrific performances by the ensemble cast, impactful emotional moments, and a plethora of inspirational messages, Coach Carter creates a heartwarming story about the importance of growth and becoming a man that is essential for everyone to watch.
Air (2023)
The greatest successes usually come from the biggest risks, and the creation of the shoe, Air Jordan, is no different. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon combine again to bring to life the story of how a hunch by one man created one of the biggest shoes in the world. We know how it ends, which admittedly destroys any stakes made. However, the charismatic and charming performances from the cast fill this film with life. They make you laugh and keep your engagement through its 112-minute run time.
Space Jam (1996)
Look, is it completely unbelievable? Of course it is, it has the Looney Tunes in it. But if you can’t enjoy watching basketball’s greatest ever player Michael Jordan playing with Bugs Bunny against aliens, then I don’t know what to tell you. After his retirement, Michael Jordan is abducted by the Looney Tunes to help them win a basketball match to earn their freedom. Come on, how can you not love it? It is 88 minutes of pure nonsensical fun. The Looney Tunes are at their best and if nothing else it’s fun to watch Michael Jordan try his best to act.
Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash
