According to the World Sports Encyclopedia, there are about 8,000 Indigenous sports worldwide, of which at least 200 are internationally recognized. Whether it is football, rugby, or basketball, sports themselves are enough drama that does not need to be acted. As such, the idea of sports film as a genre still sounds strange to some people.
But while the genre may not be very popular, Hollywood has done quite a fantastic job churning out several inspirational sports movies. Some of them are based on true events or stories while some are acted to reveal the motivation behind the actions and commitment of some teams and players.
Apart from soccer, basketball is the most-watched sport globally. In the Philippines, there is an increasing love for the sport with many people seeking NBA betting opportunities on the internet. Of course, there are plenty of such but following advice from betting experts like Evelyn Balyton, players must read terms and conditions carefully before partnering with any sports betting site.
Best Feel Good Sports Movies In Recent Times
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships,” says Michael Jordan.
Feel-good sports movies inspire the audience or viewers through positive sports themes like sacrifice, teamwork, and excellence. They showcase the boundless possibilities that a team can attain even in the face of many challenges.
Over the last couple of years, many such movies have been released, some of which we will briefly review below.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This feel-good sports movie explores the themes of excellence and teamwork. The comedy stars Parminder Nagra, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Keira Knightley. Jess, a teenage British-Indian is the main focus of this film. Against her parent’s wishes, she joins a semi-professional football team to achieve her goal. The story, one of the best inspirational sports movies ever made, was written and directed by Gurinda Chadha and has an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Bert and Dickie (2012)
London hosted the 2012 Summer Olympics, and to celebrate this sporting event, the BBC produced Bert and Dickie that year. The film portrays the 1948 achievements of Bert Bushnell and Dickie Burnell in a similar competition also hosted in London. Besides telling the history of the Olympics, this movie also showcases the incredible things people who work together can achieve if they agree.
Blades of Glory (2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyG3xl9jF40
“This film makes fun of traditional approaches to muscularity and femininity, crazy eccentric trainers in fur coats who are ready to get rid of an unnecessary student, and very accurately depicts ice dancing – the kitsch and bad taste that now prevails,” says a reviewer on Reddit. This comedy sports movie portrays the elaborate costumes, fierce competition, and sabotage that are traditional with competitive ice skating.
The Boys in the Boat (2023)
This underdog story shines its light on the rowing team of the University of Washington during the Great Depression era as they jointly work to win the 1936 Berlin Olympics gold. The beautiful visuals and solid craftsmanship are among its fastest selling points to fans. Two themes stand out in this underdog narrative: Teamwork and Trust.
Champions (2023)
A former basketball coach was ordered by a court to manage a group of players with mental disabilities.
Daunting as the task may be and notwithstanding his skepticism about the team’s capabilities, he soon discovers the huge potential of his players when they work together. Although not based on the true story, the movie has a lot of content similar to the 2018 Spanish film, Campeones.
Chang Can Dunk (2023)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy_a4SQFwFs
Chang, a 5’8″ Asian-American high school student who belongs to the marching band, bets his school basketball star that by Homecoming, he would “dunk.” This bet is motivated by his desire to impress his crush Kristy and win him some respect from his peers. The challenge is that for him to even begin, he must re-evaluate all he knows about his family, friends, and even himself.
The Damned United (2009)
In his bid to outperform his predecessor, Leeds United coach Brian Clough made rash decisions that cost him his job only after 44 days.
The rivalry between Clough and Don Revie, his predecessor dates back to 1968 and although coach Clough was undoubtedly the best manager at that time, his cockiness and rash decision means he won’t clock two months as their manager. This sports drama is an adaptation of a David Peace novel portraying the true story of the characters portrayed in the film.
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Here’s a feel-good sports movie based on a true story. The British athlete and underdog ski jumper had suffered long-term walking disabilities for ten years only for him to nurture the tall dream of representing his country in the first Olympic competition since 1928.
Daunting were the challenges Eddie had to surmount before he could represent Britain in ski jumping after 60 years. But as the plot reveals, there’s a lot that can be achieved when a person dreams high, believes in themselves, and is ready to give their all.
Fighting With My Family (2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqF3VTv0cqU
This movie dives into the wrestling world, revealing the efforts of two siblings – Paige and Zak – to try out WWE. However, as fate would have it, only Paige got the opportunity to actualize her dream. Featuring at the competition will, however, require that she stand alone and leave her familiar terrain. Her sojourn opened her up to many things that revealed her as having the qualities of a star.
We Are Marshall (2006)
Tragedy struck as members of the Marshall University football team lost their lives in a plane crash. The football players were returning from an away game in Huntington where they lost before the unfortunate incident happened.
They must rebuild their football program with the surviving players and a new coach. The incredible achievements and transformation despite the tragedy are why this film stands out.
Remember the Titans (2000)
This is a Denzel Washington movie showcasing the foundational threat that a Virginia high school football team suffered. Directed by Boaz Yakin, the film followed how an all-black school coped under coach Herman Boone with an order mandating it to merge with an all-white school. It’s one of the greatest sports movies ever that preaches tolerance and teamwork.
Rudy (1993)
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger dreams of playing professional football in Notre Dame football team shirts. Time and again, he’s reminded of his size and other limitations that made him unsuitable for the college team. For Rudy, a NO wasn’t an answer as he was determined to succeed against all odds.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Rocky Balboa, a retired boxer, is ready to box again in response to a challenge from Mason Dixon, the reigning heavyweight champion. The action-packed movie directed by Sylvester Stallone takes the viewers through the seemingly invincible opponent’s stronghold as Rocky battles a man 30 years younger and stronger than him.
The Blind Side (2009)
The true story of Michael Oher is what this sports movie is all about. Oher is a football lineman from a poor background who rose above his limitations to play in the NFL. The Caucasian family that adopted him played a significant role in helping him overcome his learning disabilities and get the grit needed for American football.
Conclusion
As from the list, some of the best sports movies of all time are from real-life events and situations. From 1976 to the 2000s, there’s been a surge in this movie genre because of the effects it has on people. Which of these movies – or perhaps those not listed here – do you love the most and why?