Top 10 Sports Movies

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent
Rated R

Raging Bull is a biographical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 1980. The film follows the story of boxer Jake LaMotta, a middleweight champion in the 1940s and 1950s. It follows his rise to fame and his battles with inner demons, including his violent temper and intense jealousy of his wife Vickie. LaMotta struggles to maintain his success in the ring and his personal relationships with those closest to him. As his career begins to decline, LaMotta's obsession with his own self-destructive behavior begins to take control of his life. The film is a powerful story of the pitfalls of fame, violence, and pride, and stands as one of Scorsese's most acclaimed works.

From John G. Avildsen, starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers
Rated PG

Rocky is the story of Rocky Balboa, a down-on-his-luck boxer from the south side of Philadelphia. Despite his lack of success in the ring, he captures the hearts of the entire city when he is chosen to fight Apollo Creed, the reigning heavyweight champion. With the help of his trainer, Mickey, and his newfound love Adrian, Rocky is able to rise to the challenge and pull off the upset in a fifteen-round fight. In the process, he earns the respect of everyone around him and finds the inner strength to become an unlikely champion.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel
Rated PG-13

Million Dollar Baby is an Academy Award winning boxing drama film starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. The story follows Maggie Fitzgerald (Swank), an impoverished thirty-something from an abusive background, who works hard to convince grizzled boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood) to train her to become a professional boxer. Though initially reluctant, Frankie is eventually won over by Maggie's determination and the two form a strong bond. As the pair train and fight in the ring, their relationship deepens and Frankie's outlook on life begins to change; but when tragedy strikes, both of their lives are thrown into upheaval. Million Dollar Baby is an emotionally powerful and uplifting story with a strong message about the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on one's dreams.

From Ron Howard, starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti
Rated PG-13

Cinderella Man is a 2005 American biographical sports drama film directed by Ron Howard. It stars Russell Crowe as James J. Braddock, a former heavyweight boxer who made a dramatic comeback to win the world heavyweight championship in 1935. The film follows the life of Braddock, his family, and the struggles they faced during The Great Depression. Despite numerous difficulties, Braddock perseveres and ultimately succeeds against all odds, inspiring his family and the nation. The film also stars Renée Zellweger, Craig Bierko, Paul Giamatti and Paddy Considine.

From David O. Russell, starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo
Rated R

The Fighter is a 2010 American biographical sports drama film directed by David O. Russell, and starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. The film is based on the true story of two brothers, Irish Micky Ward (played by Mark Wahlberg) and Dicky Eklund (played by Christian Bale), from Lowell, Massachusetts, who were both professional boxers. Micky is a struggling junior welterweight boxer who is managed by his mother Alice (Melissa Leo) and trainied by his half-brother Dicky, a former boxer who is haunted by his past glory. Despite the odds, the two brothers come together to train for a title bout that could change both of their lives forever. Along the way, they must deal with family rivalries, personal demons, and the ever-present spectre of Dicky's drug addiction. With the help of his love interest, Charlene (Amy Adams), Micky is able to overcome the obstacles and make it to the title fight, leading to a triumphant and inspiring ending.

From Boaz Yakin, starring Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Rated PG

"Remember the Titans" is a 2000 American drama film directed by Boaz Yakin. It tells the true story of the newly appointed African-American head coach (Denzel Washington) of a high school football team in the racially divided town of Alexandria, Virginia in 1971. The team overcomes adversity, with some of the players learning to accept and bond with each other, to become a strong and unified team. The team's success on and off the field leads to integration and understanding within the community as the players learn to respect and trust each other despite their differences. The film explores issues of racism, segregation, and prejudice, and the importance of teamwork, friendship, and understanding.

From Peter Yates, starring Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley
Rated PG

Breaking Away is a 1979 American coming of age comedy-drama film directed by Peter Yates and written by Steve Tesich. It follows a group of four teenage boys in Bloomington, Indiana, who have recently graduated from high school and are not sure what to do with their lives. Dave, the main character, is an avid cyclist and dreams of competing in the annual Little 500 bicycle race. He and his friends, Cyril, Moocher, and Mike, form a team to compete in the race. Along the way, they face many obstacles and rivalries, but eventually they all come together and Dave discovers his true identity.

From John Lee Hancock, starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Jae Head
Rated PG-13

The Blind Side is a 2009 American biographical sports drama film written and directed by John Lee Hancock. It follows the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American teenager who is taken in by the Tuohy family, a well-off white family who help him become an All-American football player. The film stars Sandra Bullock and Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, and Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates as the Tuohys. The film follows Michael from his childhood in the projects of Memphis, Tennessee, to his success as a college football player. With the help of his new family, Michael learns not only the game of football, but also the importance of education and family. Despite the odds, Michael succeeds in college football and is eventually drafted into the NFL. The film illustrates the importance of family and the power of faith.

From Phil Alden Robinson, starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta, Amy Madigan
Rated PG

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film directed by Phil Alden Robinson, adapted from W.P. Kinsella's novel, Shoeless Joe. The story follows Ray Kinsella (played by Kevin Costner), an Iowa farmer who hears a voice telling him to turn his cornfield into a baseball diamond. He does so, despite the objections of his wife and neighbors. Eventually, the ghosts of the 1919 Chicago White Sox team, disgraced and banned from baseball, appear and play a game on the diamond. Ray's experience inspires him to seek out reclusive author Terence Mann (James Earl Jones) and helps Ray reunite with his estranged father, John. In the end, Ray and his family realize the importance of faith and family, and Ray comes to terms with his past.

From David Anspaugh, starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind
Rated PG

Rudy (Sean Astin) is a working-class student from a blue-collar family who dreams of attending and playing for the University of Notre Dame's celebrated football team. Despite his poor academic record, physical size, and working-class background, Rudy is determined to make his dream come true. With the help of some close friends and family, Rudy overcomes all odds and works hard to become a part of the team. After enduring three years of grueling practice, Rudy finally gets a chance to suit up and play in the team's last game of the season. Rudy's inspiring story of determination and hard work is a testament to the power of dreams.

From David Anspaugh, starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley
Rated PG

From Barry Levinson, starring Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger
Rated PG

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West, Noah Emmerich
Rated PG

From Gary Ross, starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Cooper
Rated PG-13

From Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng
Rated PG-13

From Penny Marshall, starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna
Rated PG

From John G. Avildsen, starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Rated PG

From James Gartner, starring Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols, Jon Voight
Rated PG

From Peter Berg, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Jay Hernandez, Derek Luke, Lucas Black
Rated PG-13

From Ron Shelton, starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Trey Wilson
Rated R