5 Emotional Sports Films to Watch This Friday Night

by Lewis Robinson

If your family is the type that eats, sleeps, and breathes sports, you're probably always on the go. From practice to practice, game to game, sometimes it's easy to forget to slow down and enjoy a night in. Of course, just because you're sitting down with some popcorn and the TV doesn't mean you need to stop living your love of sports for the night. There are dozens of emotional films about sports that show what it is to have good sportsmanship and beat the odds. Check out some of these fun options for your next family movie night.

1. The Rookie 

Starring Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris, this 2002 classic is a by-the-numbers inspirational tale that shows what it's like to keep trying to live your dream. A perfect option if any of the sports players in your family are feeling a little down on themselves, The Rookie is about a happily married, small-town baseball coach who never achieved his dream of playing Major League Baseball. An arm injury leads to surgery, which leads to the unexpected ability to pitch a 98-mph fastball. 

Watch this combined tale of Morris realizing his dream while helping his own high school baseball team to win their conference. Comedy, drama, and a whole lot of heart tell this tale. Chances are your family will be so inspired that they'll run off to grab their own baseball and softball gloves after the movie's credits roll.

2. Friday Night Lights

A book turned movie turned popular television show, there are all kinds of ways to enjoy the story of Friday Night Lights. Of course, the movie is best for an evening with the family. Released in 2004 and starring Billy Bob Thornton, Friday Night Lights follows the story of high school football culture in 1980s Texas. Specifically chronicling the 1988 season of Permian High School, the movie focuses on the pressures and expectations of coaching and playing high school football while navigating crucial coming-of-age moments. It also touches on important issues such as racism and socioeconomic differences among players. 

3. Ali

Who doesn't love a movie where Will Smith is playing Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers ever? Directed and produced by Michael Mann, the 2001 movie is considered one of the greatest sports biopics ever to make it to theaters. It follows Smith as he takes on Ali's defiant, proud, and at times, exuberant personality. The story begins in 1964 when Ali defeated Sonny Liston to everybody's surprise, and continues through to 1974 when he took on George Foreman in Zaire. Ali is an excellent movie night choice if your family loves boxing, loves to learn about great athletes, or simply enjoys Will Smith's acting. 

4. The Sandlot

A perfect kid's movie for you and the little ones, 1993's The Sandlot is probably one you enjoyed yourself as a kid. Pull up a seat, grab your favorite snack, and watch Hamilton 'Ham' Porter (Patrick Renna), Michael 'Squints' Palledorous (Chauncey Leopardi), and the rest of the gang as they spend the summer of 1962 showing new kid Scott Smalls (Tom Guiry) adventure and misadventure, which includes plenty of baseball of course. Be sure to watch it to find out what they do with a cherished baseball signed by Babe Ruth! 

5. Bend It Like Beckham

Boys aren't the only ones who play sports, so of course, some of the most inspirational sports movies are all about girl power. Bend It Like Beckham a 2002 movie starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a romantic comedy that follows an 18-year-old girl who is obsessed with soccer (and David Beckham, hence the movie's name), but isn’t allowed to play because she's a girl. Eventually, she joins a local women's team and begins living her dream. Considered a cult classic, the film won several awards, including a British Comedy Award, an ESPY Award, and a GLAAD Media Award. 

Conclusion

Playing baseball, soccer, football, and many other sports is an excellent way to stay healthy and build sportsmanship, but don't forget to rest your body. A family movie night is just what you and the kids need to rest, recharge, and get ready for the next big game.