There is nothing more inspiring than a good sports movie. One could find inspiration in almost anything but nothing does it better than Sports. Then, it doesn't matter whether you can play that sport or not.
Sports also have this amazing quality to gel different parts of the society which are divided along the lines of caste, creed, religion, language, and, whatnot.
The list is surely not exhaustive but includes movie recommendations that are top sports movies across Bollywood and Hollywood.
Invictus (2009)
This Clint Eastwood classic is set in the backdrop of post-Apartheid South Africa. The nation was severely divided into racial lines and the Movie does a tremendous job to show how Nelson Mandela (Madiba) used the power of sports to integrate the nation. Morgan Freeman as Mandela was simply marvelous. A must-watch movie.
The title comes from immortal lines from William Henley's poem ‘Invictus’ with one of my favorite lines. I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul.
Sport: Rugby movie
IMDB rating : 7.3 / 10
Available on: Prime Video
Chak de! India (2007)
Arguably the best sports movie from Bollywood and I might rate this as the best of Shahrukh khan. He is the lead actor, but the movie belonged to the Indian women Hockey team.
The movie is inspired by the 2002 Commonwealth games and not truly a world cup. Having said that, the odds faced against Indian women teams are very real and have been picturized well. A movie to watch and a movie to recommend.
Sport: Hockey movie
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Available on: Prime Video
Moneyball (2011)
I won't put this in the same category of inspirational as the above two, but this shows the power of conviction of an idea.
The movie is based on how Billy Beane challenged the way professional sports teams are assembled and made it a data-driven approach rather than anything else. This truly changed the way; and not only in baseball but in many other professional sports as well. Brad Pitt as coach of Oakland A, was simply awesome.
Sport : Baseball movie
IMDB Rating : 7.6 / 10
Available on : Netflix
Remember the Titans (2000)
Based on the true story of an African-American coach and his struggles to make a high school football unit to make a racially integrated team.
The story is set up in 1971, when racial segregation was common in American public schools. Denzel Washington was terrific as head coach of the integrated team.
Sport: American Football movie
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Available on: Disney Hotstar
Dangal (2016)
This one from Mr perfectionist, Aamir Khan, is the newest one to be in this coveted club.
Story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, a wrestler trained in the pehlwani style, and his daughters. He was a national wrestling player residing in Haryana, India. He had to leave the sport without winning a medal for the country but had a resolve that his unborn son would. Resolve was finally realized by his daughters Geeta and Babita Phogat.
Good acting, direction, screenplay, songs, pretty much everything.
I would doubt any Indian movie lover has missed it. But if you have, Netflix is there for the rescue. Easy recommendation. Watch with the whole family.
Sport: Wrestling movie
IMDB rating : 8.4 / 10
Available on: Netflix
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Another Clint Eastwood classic. He acts in and directs this inspirational movie about a female boxer from a difficult background.
Clint has portrayed the role of trainer Frankie, and Hilary Swank is Maggie, the young woman with big dreams and plenty of courage to realize those dreams. The quality of the story-telling and acting here makes it an easy choice for the top ten.
Sport: Boxing movie
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Available on: Prime video
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Christian Bale, you are awesome.
The film is set in the early 60s when Ferrari used to rule the racing world and the Ford racing team was tasked by Mr. Ford and Lee Iacocca to win ‘Le Mans ’66’.
Matt Damon and Christian Bale as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles respectively are superb. High-speed drama.
Sport: Car racing movie
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Available at: Hotstar
Coach Carter (2005)
We’ve all seen movies like this before. New coach bringing a nothing team to a new level. But, this is particularly well done. Samuel Jackson as ‘Coach Carter’ is just as tough a coach as one can imagine.
A perfect balance of humor, emotions, and some nail-biting action to make for a great sports movie.
Sport: Basketball movie
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Available on: Youtube
McFarland, USA (2015)
Again the same recipe of inspirational coach, but what the heck. It's a great sports movie and I can easily put this in my top 10 sports movie list.
Sport: Cross country running
IMDB rating - 7.4 / 10
Available on: Youtube
If for some reason you have missed even one of these, then congratulations. Because you have a treat in store.
Please comment with your picks as well.
Top 10 Sports Movies | Best Sports Movies | Top 10 Movies
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