Five Sports Movies Every Person Must See

Something magical happens when the sports and movie worlds collide onto the big screen. We connect with the stories of inspiration and rooting for the underdog when all seems hopeless. Chills are sent down our spine when the winning shot is made or cause us to let out a deep chuckle when we see ourselves in those on the screen.

Here are those five sports movies every person should see at some point in their lifetime.

Remember the Titans (2000)

This movie takes us back to 1971 where an African American head coach, played superbly by Denzel Washington, takes over the reigns to a high school football team during the school's first year of race integration.

Though not historically accurate, the movie does a wonderful job of showing the bond created among the young men as they deal with racial issues and tragedy while they try to win a championship.

For some unknown reason I was nine years late in watching this movie and I am kicking myself for not seeing it sooner. Washington and Will Patton do an excellent job in their roles and are aided by a solid cast of actors who make up the team.

This is the perfect sports movie for anyone who has picked up the pigskin or has played on any level.

Caddyshack (1980)

When it comes to must see sports movies, Caddyshack deserves to be mentioned up there with the big boys. It takes us into Bushwood Country Club where it is the slobs versus snobs dilemma and all of the comic misadventures they experience.

The characters of Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and Bill Murray will be sure to have you laughing out loud. This golfing movie set the scene for later sports movies, like Happy Gilmore and Tin Cup.

Though this movie may not offer the same inspiration as some of the greats, Caddyshack offers you humor on various levels while bring the world of golf to you.

Rocky (1976)

Most sports movies always center around the performance of a team, where as Rocky centers on a single man as he trains for the match of his life. We get to see Rocky Balboa train while dealing with every day life as he tries to achieve the American dream.

When it comes to acting, Burgess Meredith delivers an amazing performance as the gruff trainer of Rocky and helps create a deeper connection with Rocky. One of the more memorable scenes was when Rocky was training by running through the streets of Philadelphia and up those steps.

Though the later Rocky movies may have detracted from the storyline, they can not take anything away from one of the greatest sports movies of all time.

Bad News Bears (1976)

The story line for this sports movie is simple enough. A washed up former baseball manager, played by Walter Matthau, takes over a team of misfits who have little to no talent for the game of baseball. Eventually Matthau finds some talent in a girl pitcher and a rebellious teen.

One of the few criticisms some movie goers have for the movie is how it end. Now I will not give away any spoiler in case you may have not seen it, but had they gone another route, the movie would not have the same impact.

Whether you played the game of baseball in your youth or not, there is something special about this movie when you watch it.

Slapshot (1977)

This hockey movie features Paul Newman and a solid ensemble cast as they play for the last place Charleston Chiefs. The Hanson brothers are the perfect definition of the hockey term, goon, and bring fans back to the stands.

What makes this movie work is that we can each find a connection with these 'real' characters and before you know it you will find yourself rooting for them.

Slapshot is not for the virgin ears while it provides a resource for memorable movie lines. You will find you can watch this movie repeatedly but you will always find something new when you watch it again.

The following sports movies were ones that were just edged out when it came to the top five of all times.

Miracle (2004)

Follow the path of the 1980 U.S Olympic Hockey team from the beginning steps to the amazing end. Though the sports movie could never compare with the actual event, it does enough to tug at your heart strings.

The Raging Bull 1980)

This movie hits us with a hard left hook and reminds us not all dream always come true. Robert De Niro brings us in with his performance in a movie that goes beyond the sport of boxing.

Resources

http://www.imdb.com/

http://movies.yahoo.com/