The magic about sports movies is that they are independent of the sports they talk about. So people who don’t know the sport or don’t like sports can enjoy it, resonate with the emotion it is selling and also get inspired by it. But, this is only applicable to sports movies that are great. This means that there are a lot of bad sports movies out there that can easily ruin your day.
So, how will you avoid the bad ones and get the good ones?! One way to do it is with this list of sports movies. We have picked up some of the most intriguing sports movies that can surely make you emotional and root for the antagonist.
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
This TV movie is about the friendship between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. The movie has a very young Robert De Niro in the role of a redneck from Georgia. He is a Yankees catcher who soon reveals his starting-pitcher friend that he’s dying. We guarantee you that this sports movie is sure to make you cry.
The Boxer (1997)
Although we cannot consider this one as a typical sports movie, the narrative does revolve around a big game. Daniel Day-Lewis plays the role of a former IRA member and boxer. He is trying to navigate in the new world after serving 40 years in jail. Will his boxing skills be enough to help him survive?
Creed (2015)
Just when they thought that the Rocky series had run out of gas, they introduced Fruitvale Station star Michael B. Jordan to add some adrenaline into the franchise. The movie features a young Adonis Creed struggling with his identity. With the old Rocky in the mix, we have one emotional sports movie that is worth watching.
Rush (2013)
In every sports movie, there is always someone to root for. It can be a team or an athlete. But, in the 2015 racing movie Rush, the movie makers made both the main characters bad guys. The movie is based on the intense real-life rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The best thing about this sports movie is that it questions our need to place the main characters as good or bad.
A League of Their Own (1992)
There is nothing more charming to watch than a comedy about a women’s professional baseball league during World War II. With Tom Hanks acing the role of an alcoholic manager. This movie will surely be a touching, memorable laugh for you.
Rocky (1976)
Taking place long before all the sequels, the montage sequences, and before Stallone became chiseled up, this movie is the most inspirational for its simple narrative of an underdog fighting his way over against all obstacles.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Remember Boyhood?! Hoop Dreams is a similar documentary about two Chicago-area teens, William Gates and Arthur Agee. More than just a sports-based story, this three-hour film is a realistic reflection of poverty, broken families, and a failing education system.
