Watch The Sandlot Before Your Next Softball Game
Sports movies can lift us, introduce us to inspiring underdogs, and make us feel like we can score the big goal. It's never a bad idea to watch a classic sports movie before playing a competitive sport or even before your next big meeting. Here are 20 sports movies that'll get you pumped.
Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis on Wikimedia
1. Rocky
The ultimate underdog movie is also one of the best sports movies of all time. Rocky follows a small-time pugilist who gets the chance of a lifetime when presented with a shot at the heavyweight title. In Rocky Balboa, we saw our own raw determination, heart, and the movie's training montage made our muscles ache.
2. Remember the Titans
Based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in the '70s, this beloved sports movie is an emotional and inspiring experience. Denzel Washington delivers his trademark screen presence and acting talent, and the movie also boasts a fun soundtrack.
Photo by Falkenauge, cropped by Machocarioca on Wikimedia
3. Rudy
This college football movie will reignite your passion to pursue a dream that everyone told you was impossible. Rudy follows Rudy Ruettiger, a determined young man who dreams of suiting up for the Notre Dame football team despite being small in stature and lacking the grades and talent.
4. Hoosiers
This sports flick takes you deep inside 1950s Indiana, where basketball is a way of life. It tells the story of a small-town high school team and their tough-as-nails coach who pushes them to greatness. It will leave you with the belief that anyone from anywhere can achieve something great on or off the court.
5. Miracle
Reliving the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's stunning victory over the Soviets will have you believing in miracles. Kurt Russell gives a fine performance as Herb Brooks, whose toughness and love for the game led his players to one of the most shocking wins in Olympic history.
6. Moneyball
Moneyball is the celebration of innovation over tradition, and is incredibly inspiring. Brad Pitt stars as Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane, who revolutionized baseball through data and analytics. It might sound dry, but it is a total crowd-pleaser.
7. Coach Carter
Based on the uplifting true story of Richmond High basketball coach, Ken Carter, and the discipline and determination he embedded in his young players. This movie will teach you that winning in life is more important than winning on the court.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
8. The Sandlot
The Sandlot is a love letter to playing pickup baseball with our buddies growing up. It's about a group of kids who bond over their sandlot baseball adventures over one magical summer. It's nostalgic, sweet, funny, and you'll be quoting it for years.
9. The Blind Side
Based on the life of NFLer Michael Oher, this movie is both a family drama and a gripping sports flick. You will feel compassion for the characters and will be moved by their heartfelt message.
Photograph by Richard Goldschmidt, www.piqtured.com
Derivative by Keraunoscopia on Wikimedia
10. Creed
This 2015 legacy sequel to Rocky introduced audiences to Apollo Creed's son, Adonis Johnson, as he fights to forge his own legacy in the boxing ring. Michael B. Jordan became a household name, and Sly Stallone stole each scene as a grizzled mentor.
11. A League of Their Own
Penny Marshall's beloved baseball movie tells the inspiring and heartfelt story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during WWII. With an awesome cast, this movie celebrates the female athletes that the world forgot about.
Dick Thomas Johnson on Wikimedia
12. Warrior
Warrior is an overlooked sports movie, but it'll pump you up before heading to the gym. It offers raw emotion as it explores the relationship between two estranged brothers who enter an MMA tournament.
13. The Fighter
Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg star in this gritty and powerful boxing movie. It's an underdog story about family, loyalty, and redemption, and its blue-collar vibe hits hard.
14. Field of Dreams
Field of Dreams is a magical realism baseball movie that will have you believe you're hearing voices. It's sweet, haunting, and by the time the credits roll, there won't be a dry eye in the house.
NOAA Photo Library on Wikimedia
15. He Got Game
Spike Lee's joint about the bond formed between a convict father and his basketball phenom son isn't your typical sports movie. It packs an enormous emotional punch and examines the pressure placed on young athletes.
16. Cool Runnings
Who didn't fall in love with the Jamaican bobsled team after seeing this movie? It's heartwarming, and even though the protagonists don't win gold, you'll still be inspired to pursue your passion.
17. The Karate Kid (1984)
This is the quintessential coming-of-age sports film and was a VCR staple in the '80s. You'll be on the edge of your seat as you follow Daniel LaRusso's journey from bullied teen to a karate champion thanks to his mentor, Mr. Miyagi.
Helgi Halldórsson from Reykjavík, Iceland on Wikimedia
18. Million Dollar Baby
Some find this boxing drama to be too maudlin to be inspiring, but we disagree. It's a heartwarming underdog story about love, sports, and sacrifice. Its poignancy will stay with you long after it's over.
19. Invincible
Based on the story of Vince Papale, who at 30 years old defied the odds to make the roster of the Philadelphia Eagles. Mark Wahlberg stars as the blue-collar Papale and captures his grit and determination in doing the unthinkable.
Caroline Bonarde Ucci on Wikimedia
20. Chariots of Fire
This 1981 film combined faith, competition, and an iconic score. Set in the 1924 Olympics, it follows two runners as they pursue greatness on the track and on their own terms.
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