The greatest sports movies of all time

Sports movies tend to encompass tales of the human spirit triumphing over adversity, in multiple shapes, ways, and forms. More often than not, they are metaphors where an underdog sizes up against a giant, taking him down against all odds. Nevertheless, there lies the message and true beauty of sports. It's never easy, one must put up a fight to reap the rewards. Here is a list of some of the best sporting movies ever made.

As with all great sports movies, 'Rudy' is to be taken with a grain of salt. This is the heartwarming story of an American football underdog who overcomes a series of challenges, earning himself a spot in the final home game of the 1975 season.

The story of Rudy Ruettiger is that of a Notre Dame football folk hero. Film director David Anspaugh and screenwriter Angelo Pizzo created the ultimate underdog tale, of someone who ultimately achieves his dream.

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Some may wonder how 'The Big Lebowski' made it to the list, well, among many things, it's one of the greatest bowling movies out there. "The Big Lebowski is about attitude, not a story," wrote movie critic Roger Erbert.

Joel and Ethan Coen's creation is a movie that captures the pure essence of the sport of bowling. The characters in the movie display quirky and obsessive equipment care alongside classic alley experiences.

Darren Aronofsky's 'The Wrestler' is an exceptional film that does a deep dive into the life of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson, an old wrestler on his last professional legs, who sacrifices his body every time he steps into the ring.

The film displays the challenging life of Mr. Robinson (Mickey Rourke), who doesn't shy away from the brutalities of the sport while also displaying a harsh reality behind many professional athletes: a desolate life, lonely existence, and a crumbling home.

Another great American football film that dives into the unfiltered dark side of the game. Loosely based on the Dallas Cowboys, Ted Kotcheff's film exposes the corruption, excess and dysfunctionality lurking behind the scenes in sports.

The beauty of this film is the raw and unfiltered imagery displayed behind sports. A beautiful ride filled with uplifting and inspirational moments, North Dallas Forty shows the hardships and the hard downfalls.

'Murderball' is slightly different from all the other films on this list, partly due to its documentary-styled narrative. The overall theme of the film displays athletes overcoming adversity through competition.

Director Henry Rubin and Dana Shapiro display the intense rivalry held between Canadian and U.S. wheelchair rugby teams. A very niche sport, but it displays the true core values of rugby. Instead of a Hollywood watered-down montage, Murderball delivers a ran and unfiltered story of athletic warriors.

'The Endless Summer' by Bruce Brown turned 60 last year, after its initial release in January 1964. His movie is arguably one of the most iconic and inspiring movies ever done in the surf industry.

The legendary movie has inspired three generations of surfers to head out and chase the dream. All thanks to his 16-mm wind-up Bolex camera, following two young Americans across the globe, in search of the perfect wave.

Another classic film that touches on the legendary story of Henry 'Lou' Gehrig, highlighting his remarkable career as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Yankees uniform.

Throughout the film, we see the portrayal of Gehring's life, career, and tragic battle with ALS (a nervous system disease that affects the cells in the brain and the spine), revealing a very sentimental and inspiring story. The movie features real-life Yankee stars Babe Ruth, Bill Dickey, and Bob Meusel.

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'Remember the Titans' is another great sports movie, directed by Boaz Yakin, set in 1971 in Virginia. Based on a true story, the movie does a deep dive into the racial tensions at the time in the U.S. and how sports unified a mixed community, encompassing modern American values.

African American coach, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) takes up the head role for T.C. Williams High, substituting their former coach Bill Yoast. The conflicts and disputes within the football team reflect the harsh realities of integration during the 1970s for marginalized communities.

Ayrton Senna wasn’t just a Formula One champion—he was a national icon in Brazil and one of the most electrifying drivers the sport had ever seen. His rivalry with French driver and former teammate Alain Prost marked a very passionate era in the sport.

The movie 'Senna' captures and pieces together important moments in his rise to Formula 1, offering an intimate look at the man's passion for racing before he crashed in 1994, ending his life.

'Friday Night Lights' captures the raw intensity of high school football, especially in Odessa, Texas, where there is a deep emotional link to the game itself. Director Peter Berg created a mix of drama and action, following a local team to the playoffs.

At the heart of it all is Billy Bob Thornton’s commanding performance as a coach carrying the weight of an entire town’s expectations. The movie does a great job highlighting what football means to many small towns around America, blending in personal struggles, and high-pressure game-days.

What started as a short documentary about inner-city basketball players quickly transformed into 'Hoop Dreams,' a profound three-hour journey following high school athletes William Gates and Arthur Agee as they chase their dreams of making it to the NBA. To many, this is one of the best sporting movies ever made, an absolute classic.

Directed by Steve James, with Peter Gilbert and Frederick Marx, Hoop Dreams captivates with tense on-court moments and unforgettable drama (perhaps no free throw has ever felt so intense). Yet, its true impact comes from its honest portrayal of the struggles these young men face off the court—dealing with poverty, racial inequality, and the challenges of growing up in a tough environment.

The emblematic 'Rocky Balboa' is a movie that has transcended through generations. The movie became a symbol of the working-class underdog, heartfelt and grounded drama that many viewers could relate to.

The film follows a down-and-out boxer who is given one last shot to prove himself a worthy fighter against the World Heavyweight Champion. Rocky, the film's hero, is a bruised fighter who fought till the very end, displaying relentless determination.

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