The Best Sports Movies Ever

Sports movies are a great way for fans to enjoy their favorite pastimes on the big screen, and even non-fans enjoy some sports movies if there is an inspiring story or a bit of comedy mixed in. People often have a sentimental attachment to certain films, particularly if they had a similar situation in their own life or if they simply enjoy that particular sport. There have been many sports movies throughout the history of film but here are a few that tend to stand out as classic sports theater.

Hoosiers (1986)

People love an underdog, and Hoosiers is about overcoming long odds to achieve success. Gene Hackman stars as a high school basketball coach who must make tough choices in order to unite a team from a very small high school. The players must fight through adversity to prove that the will of a team can overcome any obstacle. This is a film of inspiration, and it is a reminder to anyone who watches that anything is possible if people truly believe.

Field of Dreams (1989)

Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones star in a film about baseball, which blends middle-America farm life and supernatural elements to create a movie about life, relationships, and history. This is a popular film that mixes moments of serious reflection with humor to create a balanced story about being willing to follow one's passions, no matter how strange they may seem.

Rudy (1993)

This is another underdog film, and this time it features an individual who always dreamed of playing football at the legendary University of Notre Dame. Again we see a story of overcoming adversity, and while the main character is not a star, he is given a chance to participate due to his tenacious dedication and the support of others.

Bull Durham (1988)

This is another Kevin Costner film, which pairs him with Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins in a light-hearted comedy about the lifestyle of minor league baseball players. This is mostly a comedy, but it also breaks down the hallowed traditions and rituals in the game of baseball. The film also delves into baseball as a spiritual experience, and how various individuals treat it with the same dedication as they would a religion.

Rocky (1976)

The Rocky franchise spawned a number of sequels, but the simplicity of the original film is what makes it a classic. Again we are dealing with an underdog, as an unknown boxer makes his way through the ranks to eventually reach the top of the sport. There is a very pedestrian quality about the film, as it deals with a seemingly ordinary person who accomplishes great things with the help of a supportive love interest and a seasoned, but crusty mentor who is not afraid to motivate a young fighter with tough love.

Many of the great sports films feature some element of success, but they also seek to show that champions often overcome major obstacles to meet their goals. Sports films can also be inspiration to people in non-sports settings, as the paradigm of overcoming adversity is easily applied to a variety of situations. The best sports films make people sentimental or make us laugh, and they often remind people of the strength that exists in the human spirit.