Sport Movies Recommendations
Movies, at their best, capture the subtleties and diversity of the human condition. They inspire us intellectually, stir us emotionally and cause us to reflect on the nature of saints, sinners, heroes, monsters- basically the complete range of human behavior. War and peace, romance, friendship, infidelity, conquering nature, musical and artistic excellence are featured regularly in great movies. How about sports? Are athletes and their accomplishments a good fit for the cinematic arts?
Well, the genre of sports movies is often abused, even ignored, by highbrow critics. Why? Perhaps intellectual snobbery! Sports are seen as fundamentally unserious– they are games after all- not real life. Sports merely serve as a brainless distraction for the masses, Think of the screaming bloodthirsty crowds at the Roman Colosseum cheering the gladiators in battle. They are sideshows. Deep intellectual and emotional engagement is not required to enjoy sports. All sports depend on the allegiance and blind loyalty of the unwashed masses. Ultimately, the argument goes- sports are frivolous fun. In addition, critics frequently describe sports movies as formulaic, predictable and sentimental. Limited to simple topics- the joy of victory or the agony of defeat. Usually male oriented, the star gets the girl, makes the final shot or confronts a dread disease. Plus, sports is pure action and movie cameras rarely capture the dynamism of great athletic feats. As usual, there is legitimacy to many of these critiques.
There are a great number of BAD sports films. Rudy, loved by many of my Notre Dame friends, is one of the worst movies ever made- saccharine and silly. The Rocky sequels are awful. Space Jam and another animated films featuring NBA athletes are basically at a pre-kindergarten level. Many true sports stars featured in movies are one dimensional in real life and it is challenging for a filmmaker to make them any more interesting on screen. BUT, some sports movies have succeeded, generated mass audiences and huge box office, attracted genuine movie stars and told compelling stories, either hilarious or filled with pathos and drama. Stories of team success, individual courage, coaches serving as life mentors, sports bridging racial, ethnic or religious divide inspire us. Sports can unify countries in times of strife and bring out the best in people. To me awesome subjects for the big screen. Many sports movies bring tears to the eyes of the audience, particularly sentimental souls like myself. Many critics may remain skeptical of the genre, but big time serious actors jump at the chance to appear in sports classics. Robert De Niro, Tom Cruise, Billy Crudup, Robert Redford, Hillary Swank, Matt Damon, Will Smith, Sylvester Stallone, Gary Cooper, James Caan, Geena Davis, Madonna, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Kurt Russell, Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, Woody Harrelson, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins have all starred in movies on my “BEST 30 Sports Movies of All Time”- I graciously and with great enthusiasm share my list here.
1. Chariots of Fire (1981) (Track).
2. Hoop Dreams (1991) (Basketball).
3. Raging Bull (1986) (Boxing).
4. Jerry Maguire (1994) (Football).
5. Breaking Away (1989) (Cycling).
6. Downhill Racer (1969) (Skiing).
7. Without Limits (1998) (Track).
8. The Natural (1984) (Baseball).
9. Million Dollar Baby (2004) (Boxing).
10. King Richard (2021) (Tennis).
11. Rocky (1976) (Boxing).
12. Invictus (2009) (Rugby).
13. Pride of the Yankees(1942) (Baseball).
14. Hoosiers (1980) (Basketball).
15. Brian’s Song (1971) (Football).
16. League of Their Own (1997) (Baseball).
17. He Got Game (1981) (Basketball).
18. Remember the Titans (2006) (Football).
19. Miracle (2004) (Hockey).
20. Greatest Game Ever Played (2008) (Golf).
21. Any Given Sunday (1999) (Football).
22. Cinderella Man (2008) (Boxing).
23. Field of Dreams (1989) (Baseball).
24. Bend It Like Beckham (2007) (Soccer).
25. Ali (2001) (Boxing).
26. White Men Can’t Jump (1999) (Basketball).
27. Tin Cup (1996) (Golf).
28. Major League (1989) (Baseball).
29. Slap Shot (1977( (Hockey).
30. Bull Durham (1988) ( Baseball).
