Stuck at home and can’t wait for the PBA and NBA season to start? Well, here are five sports movies you can watch to satisfy the sports fanatic in you. This list won’t include sports classics like Rocky and Coach Carter, rather, it will focus more on modern movies you might have missed but are still worth watching. Sit back, relax (or get hyped) and enjoy these fine selection of sports movies:
“Warrior” (2011)
An emotional love-hate triangle between two brothers and their father. Tommy (Tom Hardy), a former Marine, comes back home and gets trained by his alcoholic father (Nick Holte) for a mixed martial arts tournament, things take a turn when his path collides with his distant older brother (Joel Edgerton), now a family man. This is not your typical sports flick, as it focuses on love, honor, and the intricacies of family dynamics.
“42” (2013)
The first major lead role of the late Chadwick Boseman, “42” is about the true story of the legendary Jackie Robinson as he overcomes challenges to become the first African-American to play in the Major League Baseball. Boseman’s powerful portrayal of Jackie Robinson is considered by many to be his best. It’s a compelling story of the fight against racism and baseball history. A great watch regardless if you are a baseball fan or not.
“The Way Back” (2020)
Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck), a former high school basketball phenom, gets a shot at redemption as he coaches the struggling basketball team of his alma mater, all the while facing his addiction and dealing with his broken family. The movie is a melancholic tale exploring the consequences of our actions and how we can look “way back” to inspire and redeem ourselves.
“12 Mighty Orphans” (2021)
Set in the 1930s, this underdog story follows a football team of orphans and how their devoted mentors, Doc Hall (Martin Sheen) and Rusty Russell (Luke Wilson) lead them to the state championship. It’s based on the inspiring true story of the Masonic School for Orphans in Texas. Overall, the movie is familiar and “easy to watch,” akin to the sports flicks of the ‘90s.
“Foxcatcher” (2014)
A must-see intense drama based on the true story of the US wrestling team “Foxcatcher’’ of the 1988 Olympic Games. The star-studded cast comprises Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as the Olympic wrestling Schultz brothers, and Steve Carell as millionaire sports enthusiast John du Pont. Bennett Miller won as best director for this movie at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.