No sports? Check out these classic sports movies
Published 7:01 am Saturday, April 4, 2020
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With a lot of spare time on everyone’s hands, there is no better time to sit down and watch a great sports movie. Here are 10 of my favorite sports movies that stand the test of time.
1. “Hoosiers” (1986) Rated: PG
If there was a single film that got me into sports, it was “Hoosiers.” This movie has everything you could ask for in a sports flick. You have the small town against the big town underdog story, a struggling coach who is looking for redemption, a mysterious basketball star who rarely speaks and you even have the town drunk making an appearance.
“Hoosiers” is even based on a true story, but I have seen the footage of the actual footage of Milan High School beating Muncie Central in the 1954 Indiana State Championship and I can attest the quality of play and speed of the game was slow and the game wasn’t as crisp when basketball was played in the 1950s.
The best thing “Hoosiers” does is it captures the love for high school basketball in a small community. Just about everyone has an interest in the local team and you see the effect a few wins can do to boost a town’s spirits.
2. “Mystery, Alaska” (1999) Rated: R
Did you ever wonder what would happen if an NHL team flew up to a remote Alaskan town to take on the town team?
“Mystery, Alaska” has you covered.
This movie has as many laughs as it has inspirational moments as the shenanigans of the rambunctious Alaskans are highlighted throughout the film. Russell Crowe shines as the cagey veteran who balances family life, while trying to keep the team from Mystery focused on their big game.
3. “Major League” (1989) Rated: R
From the moment Willie “Mays” Hayes, played by Wesley Snipes, wins a battle of sprints in training camp while sporting his blue pajamas, “Major League” delivered a plethora of laughs.
The film portrays the Cleveland Indians as a down and out franchise that takes it upon themselves to spite their greedy owner. If a voodoo practicing slugger and a closer who just got out of prison isn’t enough, you also have self-loathing fans who love to hate their own team and a veteran catcher who is reluctantly playing his final season.
Brewers play-by-play man Bob Uecker provides constant comedy as the announcer who has obviously been broken down from the years of covering bad baseball in Cleveland.
4. “Remember the Titans” (2000) Rated: PG
When culture clashes, sports bring unity. That is the message of “Remember the Titans,” which shows how black and white players learn to get along as they learn how their differences aren’t as big as they previously thought in the early 1970s.
The team learns to work hard and play together, despite some resistance from their own communities.
There is some heartbreak and a few laughs, and “Remember the Titans” presents a great story for viewers of all ages to enjoy.
5. “Hoop Dreams” (1994) Rated: PG-13
This documentary shows the struggles of two Chicago residents who are trying to make it big in basketball.
Viewers are taken inside the lives of up and coming prospects and they get a good look on the troubles of inner city teens, who are trying to find their ticket to the big stage of basketball.
The eye-opening film, which was filmed over five years, follows Arthur Agee and William Gates in their journey. It serves as a reality check for many kids on how hard it is to reach the NBA.
6. “The Sandlot” (1993) Rated: PG
If you ever had a summer where you did nothing but look for a game to play every day, you can relate to the kids in the Sandlot.
They aren’t playing for fame, or even a trophy, but the boys in the film spend the summer of 1962 playing back-yard baseball and trying to stay out of trouble.
The lead character is a newcomer who escapes his boredom at home by learning to play baseball with a group of accepting new friends.
7. “The Mighty Ducks” (1992): Rated: PG
Nothing says Minnesota like hockey and nothing combines Minnesota and hockey quite like “The Mighty Ducks,” which follows the path of a coach who has long forgotten his love for hockey until he starts to work with a group of players who are low on skill, but high on motivation.
As you can expect, the Mighty Ducks get it together and take their fans on a wild ride.
8. “Friday Night Lights” (2004) Rated: PG-13
Texas High School football. Enough said.
“Friday Night Lights” provides an adrenaline pumped story of one team’s quest to make it big on the gridiron. There are some heartbreaking stories of the players’ personal lives and there is some inspirational scenes as well.
Tim McGraw shines as a former football star turned reluctant supporter of his son.
9. “Rocky IV” (1985) Rated: PG
I can still remember being six years old and standing in line for this movie with the great anticipation of what it would hold.
I was not disappointed.
“Rocky IV” is over the top and vastly unrealistic. I mean, has a man ever run up a mountain on his own to train for a boxing match, that ultimately decided the fate of the Cold War?
Dolph Lundgren masters the role of the villainous Ivan Drago, who speaks rarely but brings a giant punch to the table.
“Rocky IV” is a thrill ride that will make you feel sad, happy, and inspired, all in the span of an hour and a half.
10. “Brian’s Song” (1971) Rated: G
The true story of the friendship of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers highlights the bond between the two players and it also shows the painful tragedy of Piccolo’s battle with cancer.
The tear jerking story leaves its viewers inspired and sad at the same time, while also offering a look into the past days of the NFL.