My Top 10 Favorite Sports Movies

 

  Of the many things I love and enjoy … sports in general has just never been one of them. I love exercising, and I frequently do outdoor activities, like bike riding, or rock climbing, but I’ve just never been one to sign-up for any kind of sport. I certainly don’t have any animosity for sports, there are just other actives I’d rather do outdoors. 

With that said, Sports themed movies can certainly lend themselves to terrific stories, and engaging character journeys. Even as a non-sports person, I can always take something of merit from a well-constructed sport centered picture. They can also crossover with a variety of different genres, as sports movies can be inspiring or dramatic at one moment, then goofy and comedic the next. Thus, ranking my own personal favorite Sports themed movies will be a variety of either inspirational drama’s, silly comedies, and kid-friendly adventures. Honestly, it’s all about how they left an impression on me, and which ones I find myself returning to the most. I’m not trying to make any kind of official best of sports movies list … these are just my 10 personal favorites of what the sports genera has to offer. 

 

#10 “Miracle” (2004)  

The year is 1980, the heated days of the Cold War, with conflicts tense between America and the Soviet Union, and one Hockey coach named Herb Brooks is determined to give the USA something special during the pressing time … beat the un-defeated Soviet Hockey team at the US College Olympics. While the narrative is predictable and even cliched, “Miracle” adds a distinct twist to the genera I hadn't seen before. Usually, the formula focuses on the loosing team, with the coach being the guide who leads them to victory.  

This movie however tilts the formula, by focusing on the journey and character of Coach Brooks, and the failing team is what guide him on his journey to success. While this wasn’t the first movie to go for this approach, it was my introduction to the format, and one that really holds up. The single most important ingredient to this little change-up is Kurt Russell in the lead role, who’s performance is so compelling and layered, you just can’t take your eyes off of him. The supporting players also carry the film with a sense of passion, and it's hard not to get wrapped-up in their stories, even if a touch predictable. Watching this aggressively narrow-sighted coach gradually connect and bond with his team is at the heart of the film, and in the end, it’s one of those simple experiences that leaves me feeling genuinely inspired and delighted afterword.     

 

#9 “Angles in the Outfield” (1994) 

Now, we transition from high-bar sports movie, to personal child-hood guilty pleasure. In fact, this will be the first of two guilty pleasure sports movies that only make it on my list out of pure nostalgia. Foster Kid Roger has nothing but love and hope for the Major Leagues worst team … the Anaheim Angels. 

While their heated coach Knox has given-up all faith in them, Roger is still willing to believe in them, to the point where he prays for their success, and that he may soon become one with a real family if they win. Much to Coach Knox’s surprise, along with all of Anaheim, the Angels find themselves on a winning streak … all with the help of real angels on the field, whom can only be seen by the young Roger. In many respects, this film is a jarring mix of slap-stick fantasy comedy, and grounded human drama, which is why the film has a mostly mixed to negative reception. For me though … it’s something of a childhood classic, and one that continues to put me in a warm and cheerful mood. Yes, it’s corny, juvenile, and over the top, but it also has its genuinely uplifting moments, as well as heartfelt scenes, and even some worthy points on faith and one’s beliefs.  

What really keeps this film on my personal list of favorites is the cast, which includes a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, along with an 18-year-old Adrien Brody in a small supporting role, the delightful Brenda Fricker, and I’ll always remember this movie as my introduction to Christopher Lloyd, who I always viewed as something of a childhood icon. However, the big one who makes this whole movie worthwhile is Danny Glover as Coach Knox. He was one of those special decade talents who always brought something special to every film he was in, and this to me is one of his shinning performances. While Danny Glover is no stranger to playing hot-tempered characters, he also brings an equal amount of passion and sincerity to his roles, and his portrayal of coach Knox is one that he comfortably slipped right into. I can’t make a persuasive argument that “Angles in the Outfield” is any kind of home run … but as far back as I can remember, this was the film that introduced me to the sports genera, it’s stuck with me as a nostalgic little nugget, and it’s an honest win for me.    

 

#8 “Cool Runnings” (1993) 

Next, we follow-up with another family friendly sports comedy … but this time it thankfully isn’t a guilty pleasure in the same vein as “Angles in the Outfield”. “Cool Runnings” follows four Jamaican bobsledders who dream of competing in the Winter Olympics … despite being raised in considerably warmer climates. 

With the aid of a disgraced former champion, who’s on a personal journey of redemption, the team is set on the path to all out sports glory. While this film fallows all the goofy staples of Disney sports comedies, this film seems to channel a perfect tone, in which it’s light hearted and fun, but isn’t too corny, nor overly sentimental. When the movie calls for tender drama, it transitions into those scenes nicely, and when it’s time to segue back into kid-friendly comedy, it’s an instant delight. The cast all around is infectiously lovable, with the late John Candy hitting it out of the park in one of his final roles. It may be packed with predictable sports movie cliches, and never breaks any inspirational barriers, but there’s just something wholesome, and charming to the film that continues to win me over on repeat viewings. There are corny moments, but also sincere sequences … including a genuinely inspirational climax. “Cool Runnings” may not be the funniest, nor dramatic sports movie, yet it’s combination of the two results in a lighthearted experience, and a personal favorite from the genera.    

 

#7 “The Karate Kid” (2010) 

When a twelve-year-old boy is forced to move to China with his mother, he finds himself a fish out of water, as it’s challenging to fit-in, and is constantly at the mercy of a bully who’s skilled in Kung Fu. The boy soon becomes friends with a former martial arts master, is taught the art of self-defense, and encourages him to compete in a tournament that will test his bravery, wits and skill. While the 1984 original will always be the superior classic revolving around an underdog kid in a sports competition … I personally can’t help but have a little more fondness for the 2010 remake.

Having the boy be a stranger in a strange land added a fresh new dynamic, and made it easy to connect with the kid and his struggles. It also allowed for more gorgeous scenery, and atmospheric settings. The cast is also very respectful in recreating these iconic roles, with both Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan bringing new dimensions to the characters. I also like that there’s more lore and history explored with the sporting event, which gives it a little more size. There are also effective moments in which the two need to lend emotional support to one another, and it’s a fine example of student sometimes being there for teacher. It’s one of those rare cases in which an update to a classic can deliver something satisfying in its own right. While the film would have been stronger without the baggage of being a remake … and instead titled “The Kung-Fu Kid” … I still can’t help admiring and enjoying this version slightly more then the original, which is also great.

 

#6 “The Natural” (1984) 

Farm-Boy Roy Hobbs had a boyhood dream of going down in Baseball super-stardom, with his father cheering him all the way. After the tragic passing of his dad, a freak lightning bolt takes out a tree branch, which Roy uses to forge his own special bat in his father’s memory. The bat turns out to be so special that he almost seems incapable of striking out, and can even hit a ball so hard, he smashes the face out of a clock tower. 

However, a mysterious young woman sneaks out of the shadows, and might just be rubbing a touch of bad-luck on the unstoppable sports hero. Over time, Roy finds himself a Rookie for the New York Knights, and is staring down a life-time of bad choices. With the encouragement of new admirers, and special friends from his childhood past … he might just be able to rekindle that winning gift, concur his personal demons, and fulfill his childhood dream. If there’s anything to take from this story, it’s that we all live two lives … the one spent learning … and the other spent living afterword. Despite fitting neatly in the sports genera, this film also has all the distinct character traits, and hallmarks of classic film-noir.

We have the conflicted hero walking around in a Fedora Hat, shady femme fatale’s, scenes in which characters are framed like silhouette’s, Jazz overtones, bad guys who hang in darkly lit rooms, and there’s obviously a number of comic-style elements. The tone surprisingly mixes well with a human sports story, and manages to shake-up the formula. Whereas most baseball films focus on the struggling underdog, this movie spot-lights an overachiever who has to face and reflect on his past mistakes in order to become a real winner. It’s one of those genera classics that’s hard to resist, and has a sincere magic touch that’s all its own. The final cherry on this cake is an all-star cast of A-list performers, including Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Robert Duvall, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Robert Prosky, Richard Farnsworth, and everyone’s favorite dad from “A Christmas Story” Darren McGavin, each of whom are perfectly casted, and hit their performances out of the park like a home run.

 

#5 “Space Jam” (1996) 

It’s a good thing this countdown isn’t framed around quality … otherwise “Space Jam” wouldn’t have even made it to the honorable mentions. However, as this list is constructed around my personal feelings, this film has a secure slot kicking off my top five personal favorites. When the Looney Toons are threatened by invading aliens, a wager is made, and their freedom depends on the outcome of a high stakes Basketball Game.

The aliens cheat their way into becoming unstoppable muscle-bound sports players, leaving the unexperienced Looney Toons at a disadvantage. Thus, Michael Jordon is recruited to lead the team to victory, resulting in a colorful, slapstick laden Basketball game. This is my second childhood guilty pleasure to make my countdown, and it’s always stuck with me as a nostalgic time-capsule of the 90’s. While the film is obviously nothing extraordinary, it’s still something special from my childhood that I can’t help cherishing all these years later. The animation still looks impressive, and the sound track … oh my goodness … few others take me back like this one dose. When it comes to Basketball themed movies, there’s objectively better choices like 1986’s “Hoosiers” … but for me, there’s just some childhood delights that retain their appeal into adulthood … and “Space Jam” has always been one of them.             

 

#4 “Field of Dreams” (1989) 

You’ve probably noticed that most of my favorite sports movies tend to crossover with other movie genera’s, and no-where is it more apparent then with my number four pick … the 1989, Best Picture nominated “Field of Dreams”. When an Iowa farmer named Ray hears a mysterious voice stating … “If you build it, he will come” … he’s persistent to transform his corn field into a baseball diamond. Following this, it brings about the sprit of one Shoeless Joe Jackson, along with the spirits of other late Baseball players. Along the way, Ray discovers that there’s even more to this special hand-made Baseball field then communicating with dead baseball players, as more spiritual revelations ensue for him, his family, and others. 

This film is virtually devoid of traditional sports movie conventions, and yet … it still has that same winning sprit that’s impossible to resist. Even though I’ve never called myself a baseball fan, there’s something about the way these characters describe it, and express their feelings toured it, which really get me to respect the sport, and why it stands as one of Americas most celebrated pass-times. Also, for such a simple premise, there’s this inviting and warm atmosphere to the experience, brought to life through a solid direction, and a charming cast. Even if you’re not a sports fan, this is one of those special films I’d encourage anyone to watch. It’s an appropriately sentimental mixing of drama and fantasy, resulting in a special kind of movie magic that’s virtually non-existent today.        

 

#3 “Rocky” (1976) 

Small-town, down-on-his-luck boxer Rocky Balboa is arbitrarily chosen to take on the running heavyweight champion, but can this nobody rises to the challenge and become a somebody? While the plot of “Rocky” is formulaic and admittedly predictable, a down to earth tone, air-tight script, relatable characters, and an iconic leading performance from Sylvester Stallone all add-up to something special.

It’s a movie that’s been celebrated over the years as one of the all-time great underdog stories, and it’s still being used as the main template for sports Drama’s to draw inspiration from. When it comes to a conventional “hero archetype”, I’m always drawn to the underdog the most. The hero’s that rise to the challenge, the ones that face all odds, and for me, Rocky will always be the pinnacle underdog hero. This is a character that inspires me to do more with myself, to break out, and make a difference. Even if it’s something small, Rocky has always encouraged me to stick to my passions, and follow them through to the end. Throw in an iconic music score, a solid supporting cast, and you've got a classic that deserved it's Best Picture trophy. 

 

#2 “Remember the Titans” (2000) 

Set in 1971, a Black Coach named Herman Boone aims to integrate an all-white football team with African Americans, despite being a highly prejudice time. As expected, they don’t get along initially, but soon … close friendships are formed. Thus, the real challenge isn’t if they’ll win a big football game or not … it’s if their new found friendships can change the view-point of a highly prejudice town.

This movie marked my own personal introduction to Denzel Washington, who knocks it out of the park in this film, and became a favorite of mine for years after. The remaining cast all give equally strong performances, and have excellent chemistry with one-another. Despite following many of the same sports movie conventions, this film has an extra human touch that makes if feel more meaningful then simply an underdog team rising to the challenge. As far as the more serious and grounded sports movies are concerned, “Remember the Titans” has always stuck with me as a personal favorite, and could have fit right in my number one slot … had it not been for one other sports movie, which I have a pinch more fondness for.

 

Before I reveal my #1 favorite, here are some quick honorable mentions …

“Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story” (2004)

“Rudy” (1993)

“Caddyshack” (1980)

“Hoosiers” (1986)

“Seabiscuit” (2003)

 

#1 “The Sandlot” (1993) 

I may not be much of a sports guy, and baseball has always been my least favorite to play … but regardless, “The Sandlot” has always been one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s a sport movie that’s not really about the sport, and doesn’t rely on old sports movie clichés. When a young boy moves to a quiet little town, he makes friends with a small group of kids, who are all united by their shared love of Baseball. What ensues is a special Summer full of friendship, comedic mishaps, and small scale, backyard adventures ... with an occasional game thrown in for good measure. In essence, this film is about the innocents of youth, and a coming-of-age adventure.

Watching “The Sandlot” is like looking through a window to the past, and it allows you to reflect on a time when you and your friends would play games, get into trouble, and go on your own little adventures that the adults were completely oblivious too. There’re so many funny and charming things happening over the cores of this one summer vacation, and it’s so easy for me to relate to the lead character Scott Smalls. Moving into a new neighborhood full of strangers, then gradually making the best friends you’ve ever had, hanging out, doing all kinds of crazy stuff, and working together to help each other through personal problems. Then finally, you’re an adult looking at old photos of that wonderful time you had with your pals. It’s such a genuinely sweet and wholesome film with lots of excitement, big laughs, quotable lines of dialog, memorable scenes, and I just feel so touched by it every time. It may not be a traditional sports movie … but it’s unmistakably my favorite of what the genera has to offer.

Thanks for reading my Sports Movie countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you love.