Four of the Best Sports Movies Ever

People enjoy film, and other entertainment, for the reason of escapism: The idea that, for a limited time, you no longer need to worry about the stress in your own life, but can instead be whisked away to a fictional world that is exciting, enjoyable, and fulfilling. For an athlete (or athlete at heart!), what better feel-good story is there than a good sports film? There have certainly been many over the years; but among them all, a few stand confidently atop the heap, and each provides a distinct experience.

Hoosiers

This classic, released in 1986, hits viewers with sincere character flaws and genuine conflict resolution. When new coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) comes into the small Indiana town of Hickory, where high school basketball reigns supreme, his tough and conservative tactics are denounced. That is, until he gains the support of his star player, Jimmy Chitwood. Based on the true story of the Milan High School team and their miraculous 1952 season, Hickory High soon finds themselves thrust into an incredible season culminating at the big state championships. The movie also features Dennis Hopper in what may be his best performance, as an alcoholic assistant coach who is the father to a boy on the team. Great for its realistic depiction of human brokenness against the backdrop of good ol' Indiana basketball, this is a beloved film for small-town ballers everywhere.

Remember the Titans

Denzel Washington starred as the black football coach who came into a Southern town still suffering from the wounds of racism in this 2000 masterpiece produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. This movie was the source of the now-famous taunt Who's your daddy?, as well as also presenting some excellent football-game scenes. From scoring hits on the field to scoring in the souls of his players, Remember the Titans is a tale of unity and victory that can appeal to anyone.

The Sandlot

This coming-of-age story released in 1993 has Denis Leary playing the stepfather to a misfit boy in a new neighborhood. Seeking new friends, the boy stumbles upon a group of peers playing in the titular sandlot. Throughout the plot's progression the boys of summer form strong bonds and share memorable experiences, including a run-in with a dog of mythical proportions and an encounter with a mysterious neighbor played by James Earl Jones. Emphasizing the values of both friendship and baseball, Sandlot scores a home run.

Rocky

Back in 1976, a young star named Sylvester Stallone starred in one of the very few sports movies to earn an Academy Award for Best Picture. Set in Philadelphia, the plot follows a man named Rocky Balboa who is down on his luck but has a terrific, positive attitude, working odd jobs and fighting in the local small-time ring to earn a little grocery money. When the heavyweight champ Apollo Creed is running out of good competition, he comes up with a scheme to fight an unknown in the ring, in order to appeal to the everyman and hopefully form a novel promotion. Sure enough, he selects big-hearted Rocky Balboa. The journey that follows is the stuff of legend, which Rocky delivers every time you watch.