Source Image owned by Walt Disney

There are few things better in my opinion, then sitting in a movie theater (or at home), with a nice bowl of popcorn and a drink (water usually for me) and enjoying a sports movie. Well any movie really, I just really like movies, but since this is a Sports platform, I wanted to focus my attention on My Top Sports Movies of All Time. Some of these movies I have on my list are just plain fun, some are critically acclaimed and won lots of awards, others I could relate to or illicit some other emotional response, I may or may not have gotten teary eyed, but let's keep that between us.

But first I want to list some other Top Sports Movies lists from other sources, one to jog your memories a little bit and to, to see how they stack up against mine...my list is the best mind you...lol just kidding...kinda. My list is purely subjective and I like to laugh so take that with a grain of salt. 

First let's start with IMDB (Internet Movie Database) This list is from a writer there. This is what the author of that list has to say.

Top 20 Greatest Sports Movies of All Time (The Ultimate List)
by ChrisWalczyk55 | created - 20 Apr 2013 | updated - 06 Apr 2017 | Public
The movies on this list are ranked according to their success (awards & nominations), their popularity, and their true greatness from a directing/writing standpoint. To me, accuracy when making a Top 10/Top 100 all time list is extremely important. My lists are not based on my own personal favorites; they are based on the true greatness and/or success of the person, place, or thing being ranked. (source: https://www.imdb.com/list/ls051644202/)

Now for his list:

  1. Hoosiers (1986)
  2. Rocky (1976)
  3. Field of Dreams (1989)
  4. Raging Bull (1980)
  5. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
  6. The Fighter (2010)
  7. Cinderella Man (2005)
  8. Bull Durham (1988)
  9. The Blind Side (2009)
  10. The Natural (1984)
  11. Rudy (1993)
  12. Remember the Titans (2000)
  13. Seabiscuit (2003)
  14. Invictus (2009)
  15. Glory Road (2006)
  16. Breaking Away (1979)
  17. Miracle (2004)
  18. Friday Night Lights (2004)
  19. A League of Their Own (1992)
  20. The Karate Kid (1984)

Now I have seen pretty much all of these movies. I applaud him on this choices, and many are in my list but he is definitely missing some key movies. :) 

Let's see the list from "Rotten Tomatoes" This is the critics list, not necessarily what fans chose. Although the audience score is pretty high as well for each of these movies.

  1. The Wrestler (2008)
  2. Creed (2015)
  3. I, Tonya (2018)
  4. National Velvet (1944)
  5. The Hustler (1961)
  6. Murderball (2005)
  7. Bull Durham (1988)
  8. The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki (2017)
  9. Raging Bull (1980)
  10. Moneyball (2011)
  11. Hoop Dreams (1994)
  12. Horse Feathers (1932)
  13. When We Were Kings (1996)
  14. The Bad News Bears 1976)
  15. Rocky (1976)
  16. Undefeated (2012)
  17. The Life and Times of Hank GreenBerg (2000)
  18. Win Win (2011)
  19. Bigger, Stronger, Faster (2008)
  20. Red Army (2015)

(Source: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-sports-movie-of-all-time/)

I will admit between these two lists there are a number of movies I have not seen, and if I were to watch them, my personal list may or may not change. I am perfectly find with my list changing haha there is always room for sports movies on my list. 

No without further ado, let's see my list. 

20. Cool Runnings (1993). I like to laugh, a comical look at the first ever Jamaican Bobsled Team. 

19. Happy Gilmore (1996). Adam Sandler at his finest. Enough said...lol

18. The Replacements (2000). The first DVD I ever bought. Was completely entertained by this movie and can watch it over and over again. 

17. Invictus (2009). Inspired by a true story. If you are a rugby fan, it's a must watch. 

16.Invincible (2006). Based on the true story about Vince Papale. NFL and particularly Eagles fans will like this. 

15. The Rookie (2002). This baseball movie is heart warming and just makes me feel good after watching it. Based on a True story. :)

14. Dodgeball (2004). This should probably be higher up on the list number wise lol. Pure comedy. :)

13. The Natural (1984). Growing up I loved baseball, so did my dad. Fond memories of watching this movie with him and the family. One of Robert Redford's best. 

12. Miracle (2004). Another amazing movie based on a true story. Who can forget the speech by Herb Brooks played by Kurt Russell

Source YouTube: Speech starts at 1:51 Mark if you want to skip ahead.

11. Rudy (1993). I have always been a fan of Sean Astin, ever since Goonies. Another movie based on a true story. It makes you feel good after watching it. 

10. The Karate Kid (1984). A classic. Not much else to say. :)

9. Creed (2015). A great look at boxing and emotional ride. I am not sure why it took me so long to watch this movie. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvestor Stallone give brilliant performances. 

8. Field of Dreams (1989). If you build it, he will come. One of the most popular quoted phrases from a sports movie. This is a gem of a movie and classic sports flick. And based on a true story....lol kidding. 

7. Moneyball (2011). I thoroughly enjoyed this look at how Statistics plays a huge role for the Oakland As. Another movie based on a True Story. 

6. Warrior (2011). Are you a fan of MMA? Well you don't want to miss this movie. Incredible story, incredible acting. A must see! 

5. The Sandlot (1993). I LOVE this movie and can watch it over and over. I just watched it again the other day. Reminds me of my childhood playing baseball in the street in front of my house with my friends. Comedy at it's finest with a great message.

4. Remember the Titans (2000). Another fantastic sports movie based on a True Story. Very touching how a team becomes united during the height of racism. Clean and entertaining, one of the greatest sports movies every made. 

3. Rocky (1976). You knew this would be near the top right? Although not a true story, it was masterfully written and is a must watch for any fan of boxing. Winning 3 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film editing) and nominated for several others. 

2. Hoosiers (1986). I LOVE basketball, I try and play a couple of days a week. Growing up I would always watch this movie before I had a game. It is very inspiring, and takes a look at how a small town Indiana High School team, with the help of a Downtrodden Head Coach with troubled past, excel to incredible heights. 

And for my number one spot, most don't think of this as a Sports movie, and it kind of isn't but it portrays one of the most brutal sports if not the most brutal of sports in all of history...

  1. Gladiator (2000). Are you not entertained? My second favorite movie of all time right beneath the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Winner Best Picture, Best Actor, and 3 other Oscars. A brilliant look at the life of a Roman Commander turned Gladiator. 
Source YouTube: Warning this scene is a bit graphic. 

So there you have it my list of favorite sports movies. There are plenty more that I thoroughly enjoy, but don't have enough time to do a Top 50 or Top 100 favorite sports movies post. LOL 

I am excited to find out what some of your favorite sports movies are. Please comment down below and let me know. 

Your Scorum Friend,

Matt aka @bayareasportsfan