As sports fanatics, we all can relate to one or two sports movies. We all have that one sports movie that we keep going back to.Here is my top-ten favourite sports movies off all-time.
Rush
This 2013 Formula 1 movie depicts the rivalry between F1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1970’s. The Hunt-Lauda rivalry was intense during the 1976 Formula 1 season. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl play the leading roles in this fast-paced film about the two world champion drivers. This movie is a must for any racing fan.
Space Jam
Welcome to the Space Jam. Michael Jordan stars alongside Bugs Bunny in this classic live-action/animated sports film. The Looney Tunes crew needs MJ’s help in a basketball game against the Monstars. Jordan retired from the NBA in 1993 and he made a comeback in 1995. This film takes place between his retirement and his comeback. Space Jam 2 is set to release in 2021, starring LeBron James.
The Blind Side
Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron star in this true story about NFL player Michael Oher’s life before the NFL. Oher was in foster care before he was taken in by the Tuohy family in highschool. The Blind Side shows the hardships Oher went through growing up and how Leigh Anne Tuohy introduces him to football. This is one of those feel good movies that everyone should watch.
Slap Shot
Gordie! The Hanson brothers are icons across the hockey world because of this classic hockey comedy. Paul Newman stars in this hockey classic. The Charlestown Chiefs are a local minor hockey team who are at risk of losing their team. With some on-ice antics led by the Hanson Brothers, can the team change their fate? Every hockey fan should have watched this movie by now (if you’re over 14). If you haven’t watched Slap Shot, go watch it now!
Rocky
Sylvester Stallone made a name for himself in Rocky. He wrote the script himself and played the lead role. Rocky is one of those iconic movies that no matter how old you are, you watch it. Rocky Balboa makes his way up in the boxing world, from fighting in small gyms, to going head to head with world champion Apollo Creed. Everyone knows the scene when Rocky runs up the Philadelphia Museum “Rocky Steps” and jumps up and down with the song Gonna Fly Now in the background.
Creed
Apollo Creed’s son Adonis “Donnie” Johnson who is played by Michael B. Jordan meets his father’s rival, Rocky Balboa and begins to train under him. This story isn’t just about boxing, you feel for the characters through their struggles and hardships. Creed is the most recent film on the list, but it may already be one of the greatest sports films already.
Miracle
“Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here, tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight.” - Herb Brooks. This is one of my all-time favourite movies. Miracle tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that upset one of the greatest hockey teams ever, the Soviet Union. Coach Herb Brooks brought together a group of college hockey players and managed to defeat one of the most unstoppable sports teams of all time. Miracle isn’t just for Americans. Every fan of the game knows the story and needs to watch this movie. “Do you believe in miracles?”
The Mighty Ducks
Disney’s The Mighty Ducks series is a childhood favourite of mine. The best movie of the three in my opinion is D2: The Mighty Ducks. Gordon Bombay is forced to coach the local “District 5” hockey team after he is arrested for drunk driving in the first movie. Bombay teaches the kids how to play the game, turning their season around. I wasn’t a fan of the third movie, but the first two where always fun to watch.
The Rocket
Roy Dupuis stars as Maurice “The Rocket” Richard in this biopic film about Canadiens star Maurice Richard. Growing up, Richard was my favourite player. He passed away one year before I was born, but after watching this movie I was drawn into the story of The Rocket. Maurice Richard was more than a hockey player, he was a French-Canadian icon and this film about his life shows you exactly why. Any Habs fan, Canadian, or hockey fan in general should see this film about one of the greatest to ever lace them up.
Happy Gilmore
Happy Gilmore is one of those hilarious Adam Sandler movies that you’ve all probably seen. Happy Gilmore couldn’t crack the hockey team, but was able to find success in another sport, golf. His unorthodox signature slapshot swing is prevalent in this movie. If you go to a driving range with a group of golfers or hockey players, there's a good chance you’ll see a Happy Gilmore swing. I know I’ve done it.