Sports in Hollywood: My Go-To Favorite Sports Movies
Movies or sports – which is better? Other than the fact that Taco Bell has potatoes again, the only thing better than movies and sports is when they come together. From hockey to cricket to rugby, there is an overwhelming amount of sports movies. For me, it really doesn’t matter what sport the movie is about; as long as it looks halfway decent, I will give it a go. With this mindset, I have seen quite a few. Here is my list of sports movies that you should watch if you haven’t seen them yet.
“Remember the Titans”
Based on a true story, this movie follows a high school football team from Virginia. The movie highlights the impact that racism has had in sports and also shows how people worked through it to become stronger and better. The movie is hilarious and full of life lessons.
“Miracle”
Another true story, “Miracle” is about the USA's hockey team during the 1980 Winter Olympics. While most of the rest of the world was using professional athletes, the USA was still using college kids for the Olympics. This, paired with the fact that hockey is not the US’s main sport, meant that they were big time underdogs. The story shares about the chemistry problems that the team faced and how they fought through adversity. This fill is truly inspiring and will instantly make you more patriotic.*
“Rocky”
The ultimate underdog story, “Rocky” is about a boxer from Philly who wants to win the title. Rocky is a working class boxer who is up against some of the best competition around. This doesn't stop Rocky. With the help of his trainer and friends, will he be able to take them all down and claim his title? This film was instantly legendary which is why they decided to create six sequels (seven in total) and three spin-off films (the “Creed” movies).
“Cool Runnings”
No list about sports movies would be complete without “Cool Runnings.” This is a true story based on the 1993 Jamaican bobsled team. And yes, I said Jamaica as in the tropical island and bobsled as in the Winter Olympics. “Cool Runnings” is very funny and in my opinion, it is a must watch.
“The Sandlot”
A classic. “The Sandlot” follows a group of kids and their love of baseball. This movie is full of issues that the gang works together to solve, including the main issue of them losing a ball signed by Babe Ruth over a neighbor’s fence. The movie is full of memorable moments and quotes and does a great job of making it feel authentic and real to middle schoolers.
“Space Jam”
Name a more iconic movie. I’ll wait. “Space Jam” is about the Looney Tunes and how they are facing enslavement to an alien race. They decided to make a desperation deal in order to save their planet. An ultimate basketball bash between the Monstars, who are aliens who sucked the talent from star NBA players, and the Looney Tunes, starring none other than Michael Jordan. This film is a fun mix of cheesy and nostalgic. Also, “Space Jam 2” comes out July 16, if that tickles your fancy.
*Results may vary.
Jacob Roney is a junior
business administration
major from Sturgeon, Mo.