All-Time Best Sports Movies
The Best Movies From the Boxing Ring to the Baseball Diamond
Jun 15, 2008
Raging Bull (1980; Directed by Martin Scorsese): This Scorsese masterpiece follows the true story of Jake LaMotta (Robert De Niro), a troubled soul but incredible boxer. His climb through the boxing ranks is slowed due to his troubles outside of the ring. The same passion and tenacity he shows between the ropes slowly destroys his life and the lives of those around him as paranoia and jealousy take over his emotions. De Niro gives one of the best and most highly acclaimed performances of his long and distinguished career.
Achievements: Best Actor win (De Niro); Best Film Editing win (Thelma Schoonmaker); Best Director nomination (Scorsese); Best Supporting Actor/Actress nominations (Joe Pesci/Cathy Moriarty)
Rudy (1993; Directed by David Anspaugh): Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger (Sean Astin) was an undersized small-town boy with poor athletic skills and a dream to play football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, one of the most storied and respected football programs in the country. Instead of settling for working in the steel mill like his other family members, Rudy makes the decision to chase his dream despite the lengthy line of naysayers. His story, a true one, evokes inspiration every time it's watched. Future Hollywood stars Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn appear in supporting roles.
Achievements: Studio Crystal Heart Award-winner at Heartland Film Festival; ranked #4 on "Best Sports Movies" list as voted by ESPN SportsNation Users
Field of Dreams (1989; Directed by Phil Alden Robinson): "If you build it, he will come" is what Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), an Iowa farmer, keeps hearing a voice say in his corn field. He imagines this voice is telling him to build a baseball diamond, which he does. It takes over a year and the introduction of several key characters before the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) and the other seven Chicago White Sox players banned from baseball for throwing the 1919 World Series appear to play on his field.
Achievements: Best Picture nomination; Best Adapted Screenplay nomination (Robinson)
White Men Can't Jump (1992; Directed by Ron Shelton): Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) and Sidney Deane (Wesley Snipes) are two street basketball hustlers who join forces to make a killing in this basketball comedy. Billy, because he is white and goofy, has an easier time hustling as other players assume he can't play, or jump. The two have different intentions with what they will do with the money they win and the hustling duo has to figure out a way to make their partnership work. Hilarity ensues...
Achievements: Ranked #13 by ESPN.com on their "Top 25 Sports Movies" (1979-2004); MTV Award nomination for Best On-Screen Duo (Harrelson/Snipes)
Remember the Titans (2000; Directed by Boaz Yakin): Denzel Washington stars as Herman Boone, the man hired as coach for the football team of T.C. Williams High School, a newly desegregated school in Alexandria, Virginia. Based on true events and set in 1971, the story follows the players as they clash over race issues and shows Boone's influence in setting the team straight and directing them towards success. Boone encounters a heavy backlash from the town's people as they have a hard time coming to terms with an African-American coaching their team, but Boone perseveres and establishes a strong unity among his players.
Achievements: BET and Image Best Actor winner (Washington); Image Best Picture winner
