Growing up I was a movie guru, whether it was “Follow That Bird” at age 5 or Ben Affleck’s “The Town” a few weeks ago.
The first sports movie I remember watching was “Pistol,” about the life of Pete Maravich.
The movie made me realize how much I could learn from other sports stories and how motivating it was to see people accomplish their dreams.
That’s also why it’s difficult to come up with a list of the best sports flicks. There are a ton of good ones out there.
So here we go. I would love some feedback or comments on what I might have missed.
Rocky IV:
Stallone on a snowy mountain chopping wood. Avenging the death of Apollo. Going into Soviet territory to take on Drago! An amazing portrayal of the power and will of one individual.
Rudy:
I am a huge fan of anyone who has a dream and goes to the ends of the earth and against all odds to accomplish it. This movie for me shows that anything is possible no matter how daunting the task through true grit and determination. What is better than a walk on leading the charge with the gold painted helmet on out of the tunnel?
Remember the Titans:
Although this one is new in comparison to the previous movies, this movie is an important story for sports because of the portrayal of the racial divide between blacks and whites and the struggle for this football team to overcome the racial prejudice. It goes to show that sports can create bonds and compassion in any situation.
Miracle:
I tried to mix up a bunch of different sports when choosing my top five. I’m not a huge hockey fan, but this movie about the 1980 U.S. men’s ice hockey team is awesome. Best scene: They are doing the conditioning drill over and over again and each player is asked who they play for (all naming the wrong answers) until Mike Eruzione screams out “I play for the United States of America!” Still gives me chills to this day. A true story about perseverance and putting aside your own egos for the good of a team.
Hoosiers:
Of course for me the number one sports movie of all time has to be a basketball movie. This movie is the quintessential old school, wear your shorts really high, tie your Converses up tight because your a gym rat type of film. Regardless of size or athleticism, teamwork and work ethic almost always win out which is the case for this small Indiana HS. I still get fired up watching the buzzer go off and the Hickory faithful go nuts.
Honorable mention: Cinderella Man, Brian’s Song, Glory Road, He Got Game, Field of Dreams,Caddyshack, Bull Durham, Raging Bull
Editor’s Note: Maria Conlon, a Derby native and former UConn basketball star, writes an occasional column for the Valley Indy. Click here to read her previous posts.
