I love movies. It's kind of been an unhealthy obsession of mine ever since I watched The Wizard of Oz as a child, pretending to be one of the Munchkin Men. I figured I'd better shoot off a more light-hearted post here, giving you all my definitive list of my favorite sports movies. I have a hard time really putting them in order, as a lot of these movies are incredible in different ways. I am making a distinction between hollywood-style movies and documentaries, as the two forms offer very different modes of storytelling. So, here they are...watch them all.
Documentaries: 1. Senna
Senna is the best sports documentary I've ever seen. I'm not really an F1 guy, but the story of Ayrton Senna immediately makes me wish I knew more about and followed F1. I had never heard of the Brazilian race car driver before watching this film, and you may find that knowing less about his career and life will make the movie more poignant. It shows the egotism, fearlessness, and true skill of F1 drivers that make them able to go so fast and push themselves to their absolute limit. Watch it as soon as you can. 2. The U
Until I saw Senna, I thought that ESPN's 30 for 30 film The U was the greatest achievement in sports filmmaking I had ever seen. It has everything you could ever ask for in a sports movie while focusing on the rise of the Miami Hurricanes football team during the 1980's. These guys changed college football and challenged much of the old standard of the NCAA, and they did it with mad style to boot. 3. The Best That Never Was
The Best That Never Was is another 30 For 30 film...one of four on this list. Marcus Dupree was the first superstar high school football player to usher in the modern recruiting techniques and politics. He was an athletic phenomenon with his choice of any school he pleased. Talent can certainly get you somewhere, but sometimes you find out it's maybe a place you didn't want to be in the first place. If there was ever a case for educating young athletes about the stresses and temptations that come with being a superstar, it's Dupree's.
4. No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson
Practice? We talking 'bout practice. Allen Iverson's famous rant is one of the most-quoted sayings in sports, a sort of in-the-know slang for sound-bite lovers everywhere. His high school days in Virginia were filled with as much controversy as his professional career. This movie showcases the racial tensions prevalent in his home town, giving us a sample of what some of these athletes were forced to endure during their upbringing. It's heavy stuff, but incredibly powerful. Who knew he was also one of the most talented high school football players in the country?
5. King's Ransom
The first hockey movie on this list (a clear violation of humanity...a sign that we need more filmmakers keen on showcasing the greatest sport on the planet). King's Ransom explains the biggest trade in NHL history, when Wayne Gretzky was sent to sunny Los Angeles, inciting the NHL's attempt to populate the sunbelt with hockey fans. It's an amazing portrayal of business acumen, branding strategy, and emotional ties to one's community.
Hollywood-Style 1. Moneyball
I had a hard time debating where to put this on my list, but the more times I watch this movie the more I fall in love with it. It's one of the only movies that may be even better than the book it's based on (even if it is more Hollywood-ized and scripted to viewers rather than readers). But, the moments of validation and comedic performances give the movie a very endearing touch. Even if you're not a baseball fan you'll love this movie. As singular as Brad Pitt usually is, he's fantastic as Oakland GM Billy Beane. The fact that Beane has kept Oakland competitive to this day with his methodology is testament to his team-building skills and eye for what's needed to win on the cheap. 2. Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights...the movie, based on the book, based on the TV show, based on the movie about the book about the movie...? The book and television series are both very, very good in their own right, but the movie version stands out as one of the more real (albeit historically inaccurate in some respects) portrayals of the trials and tribulations that come with religious-like zeal of high school football in small-town Texas. It's filled with incredible acting performances and, being a former athlete, gives me chills throughout the film. How I'd love to see a Minnesota high school hockey movie in similar fashion...a boy can dream, eh?
3. Miracle
A classic tale of David v. Goliath. The 1980 US Mens Hockey team made one the most unlikely gold medal runs in history, as a collection of college kids took on the most dominating force in world hockey for over three decades, the USSR. The movie does get a bit cliche in classic Disney fashion, but it shows the building process and coaching work of the legendary Herb Brooks, the architect behind the mental and physical toughness needed to take on the Big Red Machine. Being a Minnesota native myself, the names are engrained in our history and the majority of these guys remain forever legends in the State of Hockey (I believe at least 12 of them were born and raised on the ponds of Minnesnowta). Pride, much? 4. The Mighty Ducks
Shame on you if you haven't seen this movie. No explanation needed on this one. Emilliiiiooooooooo!
5. The Sandlot
Again, no explanation or justification is needed on this one. America's pastime is never more purely showcased than in this movie...everything about it screams of boyhood. Plus it has Dennis Leary and the greatest fairground ride scene ever put on screen. America, sweet America!
Honorable Mention The Two Escobars
Another 30 For 30...in all honesty most entries from this series of films could all be on this list. This one showcases the passion for Colombian soccer juxtaposed with Pablo Escobar's reign of the drug trade and his influence on Colombian life and connection with the National team during that time period. It's a devastating look at how some people take sports too seriously, and how national identity and esteem can be so reliant on athletes' achievements and/or failures.
Rudy
I feel pretty horrible for not having this in my top list...Rudy was probably the first sports movie that moved me to tears, and made me want to play football for Notre Dame. Also has possibly one of the greatest speeches of all time and Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn pre-Swingers. I may revise my list with more time.
Hillsborough
The most tragic accident in English football history. This film takes an in-depth look at the safety failings, emergency response, top-down failure of planning, and gross cover up of the Hillsborough disaster in the English media and government. It's more of an indictment of the failure for emergency planning and quality leadership, leading to horrific scenes spilling out into what was supposed to be a great day of Cup football. Rookie of the Year
Two words: Edward Brigma
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