There have been lots of great sports films over the years. Some of the best sports movies of all time are weighty and inspirational, while others do not take themselves too seriously, focusing on the fun side of various different disciplines. These movies mirror people’s real-life atтιтudes to sports. Some have a collection of their favorite jerseys and refuse to change their “lucky socks” during the play-off season, while others will happily paint their faces but stand in line for a beer and a H๏τ dog without stressing about missing the game.
That healthy balance has been struck in the many dramas, comedies, and thrillers that have focused on sports as their main theme. Each film has also seen many iconic moments related to the sport they’re depicting. A training montage is a given in practically every one, and a final showdown between individual rivals or competing teams is usually the exciting climax. Sometimes the heroes win, other times they learn a valuable lesson along the way. Then there are the grueling injuries, inspirational speeches, and moments of celebration that will stay with viewers long after the final whistle blows.
9
Tony D’Amato’s Speech
Any Given Sunday (1999)
Oliver Stone is known for his in-depth political commentary and compelling dramas that make the audience question the world around them. His name might not necessarily be the first that comes to mind when thinking of sports films, but it is his discerning vision that elevated Any Given Sunday into much more than just a football flick. It uses the game to show the generational differences in approach to success and pressure, and how there is a place for both fresh ideas and the wisdom of experience.
Visually, the movie captures the action on the field in a brutal and gripping way, and the drama behind the scenes does not let up either. The cast is impressive, with Al Pacino serving as the aging old guard, and Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz on the other side of the generational divide. Pacino delivers one of the most impᴀssioned motivational speeches that transcends football with one of the most inspirational speeches in any sports movie, and can be easily applicable to life in general. One inch at a time.
8
Tashi Injures Her Leg
Challengers (2024)
The sports genre in the 2020s has not been quite the same as it was in its heyday, when inspirational team movies seemed to come out every year. With fewer stories being told, the ones that still are, have also seen a different approach to how they look and feel. With more gritty and violent contact sport films, slick and emotionally charged biopics, and high-speed motorsport projects popping up sporadically, when Challengers came out, it was a breath of fresh air.
Though centered on the stressful and compeтιтive world of professional tennis, there was a lot more to it. It was constantly charged with Sєxual chemistry, making the action on the courts take on much more meaning. The main match is fascinating to watch, with epic moments of high-stakes action set to a thrilling score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
There’s also the infamous moment where the three players get closer than ever, setting up the dynamics for the rest of the film. But it’s the scene where tennis prodigy, Tashi, painfully dislocates her knee that hits the hardest. It carries so much meaning for the future of all three characters, and is excruciating to watch.
7
Jess Bends It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
There are so many inspirational themes that resonate with various groups of people in this feel-good movie. Before Bend It Like Beckham and She’s The Man, women’s soccer was not particularly talked about or even respected. While it took a few more years to come into its own, it’s thanks to this generation of filmmakers and viewers that it managed to finally get the recognition it deserves. The film also discusses the overbearing impact a family can have, and how important it is to stay true to oneself.
There weren’t many footballers of Asian descent in the Western leagues either, so seeing that representation meant a lot to many communities. Parminder Nagra takes the audience on a journey of self-belief and self-discovery as she joins a football team and is exposed to a whole world beyond what she is used to. As she navigates relationships and rivalries, it all comes down to one free kick at the very end. Jess channels everything she learned to make her idol, David Beckham, proud and bend that ball perfectly, which ultimately feels like a win for both her and the audience.
6
Michael Jordan’s Stretch Dunk
Space Jam (1996)
When Space Jam came out, it was an absolute phenomenon that appealed to just about every demographic. It was a hit with adults as well as kids, with both Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny combining their fan bases to the tune of $231 million at the box office. The basketball star was at the height of his fame, and was the perfect choice to lead a group of cartoon characters to intergalactic victory.
The premise was a great mix of funny and endearing, and the visual effects were groundbreaking. After the success of Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, the concept of mixing animation and live action remained relevant, but this sports extravaganza took it to the next level. The movie features a host of other huge names in basketball, including Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley, resulting in some stellar on-court action.
But, the game-winning play that the otherwordly Jordan makes, using his newfound cartoon skills, was the epic finale the movie needed. Viewers will never forget as he dribbled dramatically towards the basket, flanked by alien opponents, when his arm magically extended to dunk the ball and secure the win.
5
The Slow Clap
Cool Runnings (1993)
Not many people would be able to explain the rules of bobsledding, and even fewer would be able to name more than one film that centers around this rather niche sport. And yet, one of the most heartwarming and revisited sports films of the 1990s happens to be loosely based on the first Jamaican bobsleigh team.
Instead of giving up, they pick up their bobsleigh and, as a team, walk towards the finish line. The slow clap that turns into thunderous applause is an unforgettable moment that still stirs up emotions.
To put it in perspective, winter sports tend to be dominated by countries with much colder climates, and a sport that involves racing at high speed around an ice track is not one that would normally be ᴀssociated with the sunny Caribbean island. Just like the real team, the film was met with worldwide adoration as it earned $155 million, and introduced bobsledding into the mainstream.
As with many successful sports movies, it is not always about winning, but staying on course and being resilient. After many grueling and hilarious hours of training, the Jamaican team makes it to the Olympics, but falters towards the end. Instead of giving up, they pick up their bobsleigh and, as a team, walk towards the finish line. The slow clap that turns into thunderous applause is an unforgettable moment that still stirs up emotions.
4
The Crane Kick
The Karate Kid (1984)
Martial arts films have been around for nearly a century, and have seen waves of popularity. For a long time, a more niche and curated number of viewers was drawn to the excitement and artistry, but the 1980s changed that in a big way. 1984’s The Karate Kid was a big part of this shift, as it introduced a whole new audience to the ancient art form. Part comedy, part coming-of-age drama, with a lot of fighting in between, the story showed how the discipline and focus of karate can help someone stand up to bullies without stooping to their level.
The mentor-student partnership between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel is inspirational, and the wise sensei’s teachings have been pᴀssed down to subsequent generations. There is a great training montage sequence in the film that is honored in a wonderful way in the final season of Cobra Kai, and when Daniel-san finally masters the elusive Crane Kick that wins him the All Valley tournament, it was a moment of movie magic.
3
Adrian Tells Rocky to Win
Rocky II (1979)
Before the Rocky films became a huge and expansive franchise, they started with a low-budget Oscar-winning phenomenon that earned over $100 million despite costing less than $1 million to make. The 1976 original was named Best Picture, and Sylvester Stallone was nominated for his writing and acting. The film featured so many memorable moments that fans are still jogging up the “Rocky Steps’ in Philadelphia all these years later. It also famously features a loss for the tough challenger.
After the success of the first film, a sequel followed suit, and this time, it was Rocky Balboa’s time to triumph. Though there is a lot to overcome, including employment issues, Adrien’s pregnancy issues as well as strong disapproval, and Apollo Creed’s campaign to goad him into a rematch, Balboa seems determined to succeed and become one of the best boxers in movies. He gets sidetracked by his wife’s health issues and does not get back to the winning mentality until she awakens from her coma and finally gives him the seal of approval that he so desperately needed.
2
There’s No Crying In Baseball
A League Of Their Own (1992)
Many baseball movies have struck a chord with viewers over the years. The Pride of the Yankees was an early iteration of a sports film with heart and emotion, and Field of Dreams has an avid fan base who still believes “If you build it, he will come.” But this highly successful ’90s comedy has had so much staying power that it is still quoted. With stars like Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, and Madonna, and a message of female empowerment, it’s no wonder the appeal of this all-American sports movie transcended shores as well as decades.
A League of Their Own is packed with huge emotional beats where the viewers genuinely care about the outcome of the games. The epic montage that sees the Rockford Peaches take on the rest of the league, the nailbiting World Series finale, and even Jimmy Dugan’s prolonged bathroom break are all so memorable. The most iconic of all has to be the coach’s tirade at right fielder, Evelyn Gardner, when he proclaims, “There’s no crying in baseball!” It has since become the movie’s signature moment.
1
Opening Running Sequence
Chariots Of Fire (1981)
There are not that many moments in movie history that are as recognizable as the opening sequence of Chariots of Fire. The slow-motion montage of a group of runners training on the beach, set to the unmistakable music by Vangelis, has been recreated and reimagined so many times since it came out in 1981.
Though the film won multiple awards, including Best Picture and Score, it is that scene that has remained endlessly relevant.
There is no doubt a huge number of people who might not even know the original reference, but regardless, every single time this epic sports moment is honored in film and television, it is because of this very moment in Hugh Hudson’s Oscar-winning drama. It follows two runners competing in the 1924 Olympics, each with a different reason to motivate them. It was a time of turmoil, with sports acting as a way of uniting people of opposing views and beliefs.
Though the film won multiple awards, including Best Picture and Score, it is that scene that has remained endlessly relevant. Blockbusters like Madagascar and shows including Friends and The Simpsons have all paid homage to this sequence, making it synonymous with sporting achievement. It was even featured at the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony, with Rowan Atkinson referencing his own Mr. Bean film.
