The Longest Yard (2005)
No, we're not talking about the remakes, plural. The original stars a young Burt Reynolds. He plays a former NFL player who gets tossed in jail. While there, he leads a ragtag bunch of misfit prisoners in a game against the guards. Burt Reynolds has a reputation for playing rough-around-the-edges characters, and "The Longest Yard" helped cement that reputation.
- Released: 27 May 2005 in United States
- DVD Release: 20 Sep 2005
- Runtime: 113 min
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Sport
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds, Chris Rock
- BoxOffice : $158,119,460
- Awards: 3 wins & 17 nominations
The Longest Yard was Written by Albert S. Ruddy, Tracy Keenan Wynn, Sheldon Turner and directed by Peter Segal .
Cool Runnings (1993)
Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's bobsled time! This comedy was loosely (very loosely) based on the true story of Jamaica's first bobsled team. Lead by coach John Candy, this lovable fish-out-of-water group of Jamaican sprinters tries to adjust to a new sport, and the cold of a Canadian winter to compete in the Calgary Olympics.
- Released: 01 Oct 1993 in United States
- DVD Release: 02 Jul 2002
- Runtime: 98 min
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
- Rated: PG
- Starring: John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug
- BoxOffice : $68,856,263
- Awards: 2 wins & 2 nominations
Cool Runnings was Written by Lynn Siefert, Michael Ritchie, Tommy Swerdlow and directed by Jon Turteltaub .
Rocky (1976)
It's no wonder that Sylvester Stallone's breakout role spawned a franchise with five sequels. People love David vs. Goliath stories. When no-name, down-on-his-luck boxer Rocky Balboa (played by Stallone) goes up against a world heavyweight champion, he gave us an underdog we could root for. The music in the training montage became the gold standard for every training montage that followed.
- Released: 03 Dec 1976 in United States
- DVD Release: 08 Feb 2005
- Runtime: 120 min
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
- BoxOffice : $117,235,147
- Awards: Won 3 Oscars. 21 wins & 23 nominations total
Rocky was Written by Sylvester Stallone and directed by John G. Avildsen .
Bring It On (2000)
This comedy follows the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading. Kirsten Dunst stars as Torrance Shipman, the squad's captain, trying to lead her team to a sixth consecutive national title. The team faces a series of hilarious blunders in their quest. With cheers like, "I'm sexy. I'm cute. I'm popular to boot," the film is eminently quotable.
- Released: 25 Aug 2000 in United States
- DVD Release: 08 Feb 2005
- Runtime: 98 min
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Sport
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford
- BoxOffice : $68,379,000
- Awards: 2 wins & 7 nominations
Bring It On was Written by Jessica Bendinger and directed by Peyton Reed .
Rudy (1993)
There's a reason that nearly every 'best sports movies' list includes "Rudy". Based on a true story, the film is about the sheer determination of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger in his attempts to play football for Notre Dame. The obstacles are relentless, and include being rejected from the college three times. The ending brings even the toughest people to tears.
- Released: 22 Oct 1993 in United States
- DVD Release: 28 Aug 2001
- Runtime: 114 min
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty
- BoxOffice : $22,881,563
- Awards: 2 wins & 1 nomination
Rudy was Written by Angelo Pizzo and directed by David Anspaugh .
The Karate Kid (1984)
This movie became a cultural icon. With its themes of ethics in sports and the good guy taking on the bad guy, it has universal appeal. After being bullied and beaten, Daniel LaRusso (played by Ralph Macchio) learns karate to take on his bullies. Noriyuki Morita, who plays his teacher, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the lovable Mr. Miyagi.
- Released: 22 Jun 1984 in United States
- DVD Release: 01 Feb 2005
- Runtime: 126 min
- Genre: Action, Drama, Family
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
- BoxOffice : $91,077,276
- Awards: Nominated for 1 Oscar. 3 wins & 3 nominations total
The Karate Kid was Written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G. Avildsen .
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This film was a beacon for women who played sports despite objections from their families who felt it was "unladylike". Though it's a romantic comedy, it has a surprisingly touching portrayal of culture, race, and sexuality. Its complex lead, Jesminder Bhamra (played by Parminder Nagra) is what makes this movie so compelling. Watching her navigate between the world sports and the world of her conservative Punjabi Sikh family is a fun watch without ever being heavy-handed.
- Released: 01 Aug 2003 in United Kingdom, Germany, United States
- DVD Release: 30 Sep 2003
- Runtime: 112 min
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers
- BoxOffice : $32,543,449
- Awards: Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award17 wins & 20 nominations total
Bend It Like Beckham was Written by Gurinder Chadha, Guljit Bindra, Paul Mayeda Berges and directed by Gurinder Chadha .
Remember The Titans (2000)
This is another film based on a true story. It follows Denzel Washington who plays a football coach as he tries to integrate a football team. This movie about racial tensions through the lens of football is much-beloved. Washington's stellar acting elevated this film to the status of classic.
- Released: 29 Sep 2000 in United States
- DVD Release: 14 Jan 2003
- Runtime: 113 min
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
- BoxOffice : $115,719,751
- Awards: 8 wins & 18 nominations
Remember the Titans was Written by Gregory Allen Howard and directed by Boaz Yakin .
Caddyshack (1980)
"Caddyshack" featured several comedy heavy-hitters. It has Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, and a young Bill Murray. Directed by Harold Ramis, of "Ghostbusters" and "Groundhog Day" fame, "Caddyshack" follows the antics at an upscale country club. Bill Murray plays Carl Spackler as he faces off against a relentless gopher.
- Released: 25 Jul 1980 in United States
- DVD Release: 04 Apr 2000
- Runtime: 98 min
- Genre: Comedy, Sport
- Rated: 13+
- Starring: Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray
- BoxOffice : $39,918,650
- Awards: 1 nomination
Caddyshack was Written by Brian Doyle-Murray, Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney and directed by Harold Ramis .
A League Of Their Own (1992)
"There's no crying. There's no crying in baseball!" Tom Hanks declares. That line went down in cinematic history. Hanks plays an alcoholic coach for a brand new all-women's baseball league started during WWII. Alongside Geena Davis and Madonna, he helped form this much-loved classic.
- Released: 01 Jul 1992 in United States
- DVD Release: 04 Jun 2002
- Runtime: 128 min
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty
- BoxOffice : $107,533,928
- Awards: 6 wins & 13 nominations
A League of Their Own was Written by Kim Wilson, Kelly Candaele, Lowell Ganz and directed by Penny Marshall .
White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes star in this movie about basketball. This movie, though, isn't about a professional or even college league, but about street basketball. Harrelson plays a hustler who cons black players out of money for underestimating his skills because he's white. Rosie Perez plays Harrelson's girlfriend, and the trio make for a dynamic film.
- Released: 27 Mar 1992 in United States
- DVD Release: 25 Jul 2000
- Runtime: 115 min
- Genre: Comedy, Sport
- Rated: R
- Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
- BoxOffice : $76,253,806
- Awards: 4 nominations
White Men Can't Jump was Written by Ron Shelton and directed by Ron Shelton .
Chariots Of Fire (1981)
This movie, along with "Rocky", also makes the list for most iconic soundtracks. Based on a true story, it follows two runners in 1924. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. And if you want the song to play on repeat in your head from now until forever, here you go.
- Released: 09 Apr 1982 in United Kingdom
- DVD Release: 16 Jan 2007
- Runtime: 125 min
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell
- BoxOffice : $58,972,904
- Awards: Won 4 Oscars. 18 wins & 19 nominations total
Chariots of Fire was Written by Colin Welland and directed by Hugh Hudson .
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
This is another four-time Academy Award winner. Starring Hilary Swank, it was directed by Clint Eastwood. Eastwood also acts in the film, playing Swank's coach as she tries to transition from amateur to professional boxing. Swank won Best Actress for her role.
- Released: 28 Jan 2005 in United States
- DVD Release: 12 Jul 2005
- Runtime: 132 min
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman
- BoxOffice : $100,492,203
- Awards: Won 4 Oscars. 67 wins & 86 nominations total
Million Dollar Baby was Written by Paul Haggis, F.X. Toole and directed by Clint Eastwood .
Slap Shot (1977)
This 1977 film is a cult classic. Starring Paul Newman, it follows the fictional Charlestown Chiefs, a minor league team from a small town whose mill is facing massive layoffs. To bring excitement and fans, the team resorts to violent play. It is sports comedy at its best.
- Released: 25 Feb 1977 in United States
- DVD Release: 25 Nov 2008
- Runtime: 123 min
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
- Rated: R
- Starring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin
- BoxOffice : $28,000,000
- Awards: 1 win & 3 nominations
Slap Shot was Written by Nancy Dowd and directed by George Roy Hill .
He Got Game (1998)
This film was written and directed by Spike Lee. It stars Denzel Washington, who plays a convict and father of a top-ranked basketball prospect. The movie has Lee's trademark raw depictions of issues of race. It's a much more nuanced look than Washington's other famous sports role, "Remember the Titans".
- Released: 01 May 1998 in United States
- DVD Release: 02 Sep 2003
- Runtime: 136 min
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Rated: R
- Starring: Denzel Washington, Milla Jovovich, Ray Allen
- BoxOffice : $21,567,853
- Awards: 10 nominations
He Got Game was Written by Spike Lee and directed by Spike Lee .
Invictus (2009)
Speaking of issues of race and sports, "Invictus" follows the South African rugby team after the dismantling of apartheid. Morgan Freeman was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his depiction of Nelson Mandela. Matt Damon was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as captain of the Springboks, South Africa's team. The story is an underdog story of a team playing in a World Cup. But the team didn't qualify because of their play - they qualified automatically because they were hosts. The film mirrors the team's struggle to the country's struggle.
- Released: 11 Dec 2009 in United States
- DVD Release: 18 May 2010
- Runtime: 134 min
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Biography
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge
- BoxOffice : $37,491,364
- Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. 12 wins & 38 nominations total
Invictus was Written by Anthony Peckham, John Carlin and directed by Clint Eastwood .
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. star in this movie that follows a lesser-followed role in sports. Rather than following an athlete, the film is about a struggling agent, played by Cruise. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the movie also stars Renée Zellweger, who plays Cruise's love interest. Gooding Jr. won an Academy Award for his role.
- Released: 13 Dec 1996 in United States
- DVD Release: 29 Jul 2003
- Runtime: 139 min
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Rated: R
- Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger
- BoxOffice : $153,952,592
- Awards: Won 1 Oscar. 26 wins & 41 nominations total
Jerry Maguire was Written by Cameron Crowe and directed by Cameron Crowe .
Field Of Dreams (1989)
This is one of those movies that would be considered cheesy by today's standards since it was the one that set the standard. It stars Kevin Costner as an Iowa farmer building a baseball field. Why? Mostly because of dreams and visions, which, if it seems crazy, is, until it isn't anymore.
- Released: 05 May 1989 in United States
- DVD Release: 16 Dec 2003
- Runtime: 107 min
- Genre: Drama, Family, Fantasy
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta
- BoxOffice : $64,431,625
- Awards: Nominated for 3 Oscars. 8 wins & 13 nominations total
Field of Dreams was Written by W.P. Kinsella, Phil Alden Robinson and directed by Phil Alden Robinson .
I, Tonya (2017)
This film follows disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding. Harding is best known for a scandal in which her opponent, Nancy Kerrigan, was attacked by an associate of Harding's husband. The film explores the depths of Harding as a working-class girl struggling in the moneyed world of figure skating. It's a fascinating film and Margot Robbie excels in the lead role.
- Released: 19 Jan 2018 in United States, United Kingdom
- DVD Release: 24 Feb 2018
- Runtime: 119 min
- Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
- Rated: R
- Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney
- BoxOffice : $30,014,539
- Awards: Won 1 Oscar. 45 wins & 127 nominations total
I, Tonya was Written by Steven Rogers and directed by Craig Gillespie .
Cinderella Man (2005)
Boxing is a popular sport to depict on film. "Cinderella Man" is inspired by the true story of heavyweight champion James J. Braddock. Starring Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger, it received three Academy Award nominations. The film is one of Crowe's best.
The Wrestler (2008)
"The Wrestler" was directed by acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky. Starring Mickey Rourke, it follows an aging professional wrestler. Rourke does a phenomenal job depicting the struggles of an aging wrestler with ill health and waning fame. He won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award, and the role revitalized his career.
- Released: 30 Jan 2009 in United States, France
- DVD Release: 21 Apr 2009
- Runtime: 109 min
- Genre: Drama, Sport
- Rated: R
- Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
- BoxOffice : $26,238,243
- Awards: Nominated for 2 Oscars. 58 wins & 93 nominations total
The Wrestler was Written by Robert Siegel and directed by Darren Aronofsky .
The Blind Side (2009)
"The Blind Side" is a classic feel-good sports movie. Based on a true story, it follows the life of NFL player Michael Oher. Oher had an impoverished upbringing, living in foster care until he was adopted by Leigh Anne Tuoy, played by Sandra Bullock. Bullock won an Academy Award for her role, and the movie won Best Picture.
- Released: 20 Nov 2009 in United States
- DVD Release: 23 Mar 2010
- Runtime: 129 min
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw
- BoxOffice : $255,982,860
- Awards: Won 1 Oscar. 9 wins & 30 nominations total
The Blind Side was Written by John Lee Hancock, Michael Lewis and directed by John Lee Hancock .
Moneyball (2011)
This is another sports film that doesn't follow the athlete. Instead, it tracks a general manager, played by Brad Pitt, trying to assemble a competitive baseball team. The surprise in this film, however, was Jonah Hill, who veered from his traditionally comedic roles. He was awarded a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his efforts.
- Released: 23 Sep 2011 in United States
- DVD Release: 10 Jan 2012
- Runtime: 133 min
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
- Rated: PG-13
- Starring: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
- BoxOffice : $75,605,492
- Awards: Nominated for 6 Oscars. 29 wins & 82 nominations total
Moneyball was Written by Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin, Stan Chervin and directed by Bennett Miller .
The Sandlot (1993)
This coming-of-age baseball film became an instant classic. It has everything you want in a kids' sports movie - a rowdy junkyard dog, CPR, and vomiting. If you're looking for a good-time summer movie following a close-knit group of friends as they bond through adventures, "Sandlot" is the film. It's no wonder it's such a classic.
- Released: 07 Apr 1993 in United States
- DVD Release: 29 Jan 2002
- Runtime: 101 min
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Rated: PG
- Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Art LaFleur
- BoxOffice : $32,950,136
- Awards: 1 win
The Sandlot was Written by David Mickey Evans, Robert Gunter and directed by David Mickey Evans .