Some of the most memorable films fall into the wide genre of sports films. Most sports movies fall into one of three categories: accurate portrayals of historical sports moments, fictional sports stories, and comedic films that just happen to be based on sports. I have compiled my 10 favorite sports films while trying my best to include my favorites from each of these three styles.
10. Baseketball – The film stars Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, and features cameos by sports figures such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Al Michaels, Bob Costas and Dale Earnhart. The movie is a comedic masterpiece. It is also one of the most creative sports movies I have ever seen. Instead of making a comedy based on a traditional sport, the film creates a new sport called “baseketball,” a combination of both baseball and basketball.
9. Space Jam – This movie stars the arguably greatest athlete ever, Michael Jordan, in his first and only feature-length major motion picture. However, other basketball stars also make appearances: Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and Muggsey Bogues. In addition to literally having an all-star cast, the film features the Looney Tunes characters. The movie is extremely enjoyable because it is 90 minutes of Michael Jordan, the only human in the film, interacting with popular cartoon characters.
8. Jerry McGuire – Jerry McGuire stars Tom Cruise in one of his finest films. The story begins with McGuire (Cruise), as a sports agent. He eventually loses his job and is forced to salvage his career with one client, an NFL receiver named Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) He becomes successful with Tidwell because he learns to care about his client as a person instead of merely treating him as a paycheck. The movie is unique because it shows a different aspect of sports: the stuff that happens off the field.
7. Happy Gilmore – Adam Sandler stars in one of the most comedic golf films ever created. The picture begins with hockey player Happy (Sandler) struggling with his career. When he discovers his grandfather’s golf clubs, he realizes his innate ability to drive the ball off the tee. He begins hustling the driving ranges, and proceeds to play in a local golf tournament, and eventually, the PGA tour. Happy’s abnormal style of golf and excessively short temper make the film a comedic triumph. The climax of this film occurs when Happy gets into a fight with game show host Bob Barker. The scene, and the movie in general, is a must-see for any sports enthusiasts who enjoy a great laugh.
6. Eight Men Out – The film is an accurate portrayal of the cheating scandal of the 1919 World Series. Eight players on the White Sox decide to purposely lose the World Series when they are offered a large sum of money. Eventually, information about the scandal surfaces, and the eight players are banished from baseball. The story tells a magnificent story about one of the most tragic moments in sports history. It shows the story from the viewpoints of the athletes and the bookies. The historical accuracy of the movie makes Eight Men Out one of the most important sports movies ever made.
5. The Mighty Ducks – The Mighty Ducks is a classic from our childhood. Emilio Estevez coaches his team of outcast youth hockey players to the local championship. The memorable hockey plays such as the Triple Deek and the amazing Flying V makes this one of the top sports movies we grew up with. If the first movie was not good enough already, the sequel introduces one of my favorite comedians from my childhood, Keenan Thompson, who stared in All That, Keenan and Kel, and now Saturday Night Live. The Mighty Ducks deserves to be on this list because it should be remembered as one of most enjoyable sports films in which we grew up with in the wonderful 1990s.
4. Remember the Titans – Remember the Titans, starring Denzel Washington, is a Disney film about the merger of a white high school and a black high school. The plot focuses on the difficulties of the two football teams merging into one. Despite the struggles, the teammates of different races eventually become close friends. The significance of this film is the director’s ability to show the struggles when two cultures collide. It also leaves us with the notion that we should not judge people on the color of their skin or their background, but by what type of person they truly are.
3. Kingpin – The story begins Roy, played by Woody Harrelson, attempting to turn an Amish gentleman into a world-class bowler. Roy, who lost his hand in a bowling accident, tries to coach Ishmael (Randy Quaid) through the most competitive bowling tournament in the nation. The movie becomes much more interesting with the appearance of Roy’s arch-nemesis Ernie, played by Bill Murray. The story ends after Ernie and Ishmael face each other in the championship match. The amazing cast, backed by a great story and great comedy, makes this one of the finest sports movies.
2. The Sandlot – This beloved film is a classic among sports films. It is a fictional story about a group of kids who enjoy playing baseball on a dirt field. The story tells of the adventures of these youths on and off the diamond. The movie is touching because it illustrates the bond friends make playing the wonderful game of baseball. The movie also has comedic relief, such as when the kids throw up on a roller coaster after chewing tobacco. Despite the age of the characters in the film, it is definitely a film that all can enjoy.
1. Caddyshack – Caddyshack is undoubtedly the most enjoyable sports movie of all time. The cast, featuring comedians such as Bill Murray, Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield, and balanced with straight man Ted Knight, makes this one of the funniest films ever created. The highlight of this film is the epic battle between Bill Murray and a simple gopher. A story of the interactions between golfers, caddies at a golf club, yardmen and millionaires makes the film hilarious. If you have not seen this classic, I definitely recommend it, because I do not think you can find a better comedy anywhere.