6 sports movies that will be worth your time

What we love about movies and sports is how unpredictable they can be. You can (almost) never know what is going to happen next. And movies with a game or sport at the heart of it are power-packed with the highs, the lows and many a nail-biting moment. Be it an underdog rising to the challenge or a coach’s inspirational speech leading to a win, films in this genre have given us countless gooseflesh moments that we always want to relive. 

Ford vs. Ferrari (2019)

This film, based on the real-life story of automotive car designer Carroll Shelby and his friend Ken Miles, a struggling but brilliant mechanic and driver, is inarguably one of the best-told stories of an underdog. Shelby (played by Matt Damon), and Miles (played by Christian Bale), are hired by Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca to build a race car to defeat the Italian racing team Scuderia Ferrari. The race, with frontrunners Ford and Ferrari, is thrilling to watch, and the performances are brilliant.

Rocky (1976)

If you’re in the mood for a sports movie night, there is no way you should miss watching this film. It is, by far, the most inspirational sports movie of all time. A story that’s told with utmost sincerity, grit and a realism that perfectly embodies what the central character, Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) is all about. It’s the classic tale of a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets once-in-a-lifetime chance to go up against the heavyweight champion of the world. Close to completing its 50th year, it’s still strikes a chord with cinema lovers. 

Bend it like Beckham (2013)

I love football; more than any other sport. And this film made me fall in love with the sport, a tad more. Truth be told, the film was way ahead of its time. The movie appears to be about two women (Jess and Jules) who play football, but this Gurinder Chadha picture is much more than that. The movie tackles gender issue, racial discrimination, parental pressure among other issues, without being preachy. The film sent out a strong message for every woman out there—to be fearless and pursue what they liked. It also showed them that sports can very well give them a sense of identity. 

Remember the Titans (2000)

Based on true events, this film, set during racial desegregation in 1971, Virginia, will see you cheer, cry and leave your heart glow. We see how African-American head coach Herman Boone is able to bring his American football team together as they face constant opposition and prejudice from not just rival schools, but their own friends and family who refuse to see past race. The film has four very memorable characters—Gerry Bertier, Julius Campbell, Coach Yoast, and Coach Boone, each of whom have delivered a great performance. Amidst all hardships, this quartet overcomes all obstacles to form an extraordinary friendship. The film strikes the perfect balance between humour and story, and presents a fabulous climax. 

Raging Bull (1980)

It’s a boxing movie that’s nothing like the cult franchise Rocky, but it’s still one that’s remembered to this very day. Why? For starters, it’s directed by Martin Scorsese and second, it’s Robert De Niro’s only Best Actor Oscar win. Much like any other Scorsese film, this one, too, showcases violence, brutality, cruelty, and toxic masculinity. You may feel like these scenes are nothing like what actual boxing is, but ask anyone who’s stepped inside a ring and landed a few blows and you will get your answer. 

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

You know a film is excellent, when it bags the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. It’s a movie that sees a broken-down boxing trainer (Clint Eastwood) get a second chance when he takes a hungry young fighter (Hilary Swank) under his wing. The fight scenes inside the ring lend a sense of rawness to the film. Add to that, with Swank doing these scenes herself (body doubles weren’t used), you get to see her fighting spirit in the most literal sense. Together with Eastwood, they present audiences a beautiful story of loyalty, trust, and love.