Top 4 Sports Films of All-Time

by Kevin Gardner

A good movie can evoke a variety of emotions. Comedies produce tears of laughter, action movies promote suspense, and horror flicks can scare even the bravest of audiences. Sports films win the hearts of their viewers by generating feelings of affection, dedication, and camaraderie. While countless sports movies have graced the big screen over the years, a select few remain forever in the hearts of their viewers. Read on to learn more about the best sports films of all-time.

Rudy

The ultimate exhibition of mental toughness and dedication manifests in the classic college football movie, Rudy. This film describes Notre Dame freshman Rudy, whose life goal is to play for the word class football program. Because the Fighting Irish boasts the best organization in the country, Rudy finds his skills continually come up short as he tries out for the team, and is rejected, year after year.

While Rudy is never selected to play for the starting team, he wins a spot on the practice squad. His determination and perseverance are often acknowledged by the coach, as he admits he wished all players had a heart like Rudy.

Ultimately, with the crowd cheering his name, Rudy completes a play on the field. During his senior year, he sacks the opposing quarterback before his family, friends, and fans. It is a truly heartwarming story of exceptional mental dedication, as the story will tug at the heartstrings of any watcher.

A League of Their Own

A heartfelt tale of sisters and baseball, A League of Their Own is the story of a women's baseball league established during World War II. When two sisters get recruited to play for the organization, they leave their jobs on a family-owned farm for the opportunity to make history.

Drama ensues as the women join a team full of differing personalities and led by a loveable, alcoholic coach. They experience wins and losses in baseball and beyond, forming an unbreakable bond that lasts far beyond their baseball years.

Though the sisters and players encounter their fair share of arguments and struggles, this gender-bending, sweet story will have you cheering for the Hartford Peaches and the entire women’s baseball league.

The Karate Kid

Whether you are a karate enthusiast or do not know the first thing about martial arts, The Karate Kid will make anyone a fan of the sport. This movie chronicles a New Jersey teen named Daniel and his relocation to a California high school.

After experiencing severe bullying, Daniel seeks advice and, later, martial arts training from his handyman, Mr. Miyagi. An expert in karate and self-defense, Miyagi teaches Daniel how to hold his own, using his mind and his karate only when necessary.

Through teen angst, high school sweethearts, and a plethora of teenage insecurities, Daniel comes out on top as he defeats his arch enemy in an epic karate match. With Mr. Miyagi and doting girlfriend, Ali, watching from the crowd, it is hard to hold back tears of joy as Daniel pumps his fists with victory. You will want to watch this movie, and its sequels, over and over.

Rocky

Rocky is a classic story of the underdog hitting the big time. This film chronicles the life of Rocky Balboa, a working-class, uneducated boxer from Philadelphia. Rocky has pipe dreams of becoming a world-class boxer, but he can not seem to escape his blue-collar life as a shady loan shark.

When Rocky lands the chance to fight world champion Apollo Creed, a heartwarming story of perseverance and inspiration ensues. 

Though the battle concludes in favor of Creed, Rocky's performance lands him on the radar of the best boxers worldwide. Rocky’s love for the sport, his coaches, and his wife make this blockbuster an uplifting must-see for all movie buffs.

From football to karate, the world of film is chock-full of educational, heartwarming sports movies. Whether you are an athlete or not, these hits will have you cheering, crying, and clapping for more.