Table of Contents Show
There have been many different sports films over the years, due to the uplifting stories that can be told and also the sheer amount of sports in existence. Here is a list of some of the top sporting films to entertain you.
1. Rush
This film follows the professional rivalry between Formula1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1970s. The racing scenes are both involving and intense and the acting by Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl as Nikki Lauda is top-notch. It does take some liberties with the events but all in all, it is a fairly accurate and entertaining film.
2. Goon
Seann William Scott stars as a bouncer who is ostracized by his much smarter family and joins an ice hockey team, where he plays on the defensive and causes a lot of damage to his opponents, all while learning how to actually ice skate and work with his team. The film doesn’t require much from the viewer and is good for a laugh.
3. Rocky
The story of Rocky somewhat parallels Sylvester Stallone’s life when he was a struggling actor and writer, trying to make it on the scene. Rocky had the same issue in the film where he went in as an underdog but managed to inspire people to try their best with his unstoppable tenacity. One of the greatest sporting films of all time.
4. Ride Like a Girl
This 2019 biographical film is about Michelle Payne who, although she wasn’t included in any Sydney Cup bets, became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, in 2015 despite terrible odds. It is quite an uplifting story and is well-acted by the likes of Teresa Palmer who played Michelle Payne and Sam Neill who played her widowed father who trained her in horseracing.
5. Rudy
Rudy is a 1993 film starring Sean Astin who, despite being short in stature, was determined to play college football at Notre Dame, trying to defy the odds and earn the respect of the other players. It is based on a true story and was well received by both critics and audiences.
6. BloodSport
Loosely based on a true story, this film follows Frank Dux, a US Soldier, who decides to leave the military and compete in Kumite, a secret and illegal martial arts tournament in Hong Kong, where fighters are often killed in the ring. It’s a bit light on the story but has some great fighting sequences and it launched the career of Jean-Claude Van Damme.
7. Moneyball
The 2011 film Moneyball is not your ‘normal’ baseball film. It is not exactly about the game itself but more of a behind-the-scenes look at how the Oakland A’s managed to go from a failing team to a record-winning team. It is based on a true story of how Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, hires statistician Peter Brand, played by Jonah Hill, to try and turn the team’s luck around.
8. Chariots of Fire
This 1981 film follows two young men of different faiths determined to win the sprint race at the 1924 Olympic Games. It won 4 Academy Awards including best picture and best music, an original score which was conducted by Vangelis.
Fill your next rainy day with these 8 great sports movies and get motivated to be your best self!
