Sports movies are a special breed. Some people say if you have seen one sports movie, you have seen them all, but I don't buy that. Sure, for the most part, they all have a team or individual who has to surpass some sort of obstacle whether it be competition, discrimination or an internal problem. Then there is usually a game or match that can either result in a win, tie or loss.
But some sports movies rise above and are no longer discussed alongside other "sports movies" but with other great movies. Here are five great sports movies. For the sake of this list, I am excluding fighting movies. They deserve their own list.
1. Moneyball
Moneyball starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill is a movie about sports management rather than about an actual game. Although, that may not seem exciting to some, the movie does a great job of creating tension and making a movie about trades and financing enjoyable. It could have gone horribly wrong like Disney's Million Dollar Arm.
2. Coach Carter
Samuel L Jackson plays a coach who has to teach a group of boys the game of basketball while making sure they are on the right track for their lives. They couldn't have sold me anymore on this idea. It has great acting and multiple character story lines that give it just the right emotional pull to put it on this list.
3. Rudy
The underdog story of all underdog stories. This movie teaches you that there is no obstacle or disability too big to keep you from your dreams. It's emotional, it's epic, it's a must see.
4. Remember the Titans
I struggled between putting this movie versus Glory Road. They are both great movies that deal with segregation within a team sport but Denzel Washington was a big reason Remember the Titans is number 4. I played varsity basketball throughout my high school years and this was the movie I would watch before a playoff game or if I ever needed to see a feel-good movie and be inspired. We will never forget the Titans.
5. Space Jam
It's more than a cartoon! It is everything that was the 90's and more. Bugs Bunny, Michael Jordan, aliens (monstars): It's a recipe for success. Looney Tune Land is invaded by aliens and the only way they can defeat them is in a basketball game with the help from the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time), Michael Jordan. I have watched this movie more than 30 times and it has something in it for all ages. I am worried about all these talks of a sequel because I feel like this movie could only exist as a 90's movie. But we will see what how they handle it.
