The 4 Best Sports Movies of All Times

Sports and movies have both been around for a very long time, so it’s no surprise that they are a match made in heaven. Over the years, sport-centric films have grossed hundreds of billions of pounds. Of course, as with all art, there are good and bad depictions of the hobbies and pastimes we all love.

Ranking them can be challenging, especially since individuals enjoy different features of movies. However, the four following illustrations are regularly highlighted as the best releases of any era. With the amount of screen time on the rise – it has increased by 63% - these are excellent choices if you’re searching for something to watch!

Rocky (1976)

As a franchise, the Rocky films might not have aged well. However, taken as a single title, there’s no doubt that the Philadelphia pugilist’s swashbuckling style is one of the most famous of all-time. In essence, it’s a story of how a journeyman boxer finally gets his shot at the big time, in an underdog tale that has inspired millions of kids and adults worldwide. The power of movies on society shouldn’t be undervalued, as research from Betway clearly highlights in its graphic concerning TV series, which is another reason Sylvester Stallone’s fictional character is almost as popular as many real-life fighters.

Coach Carter (2005)

Coach Carter has got everything. Not only are there starring performances from the likes of Samuel L Jackson, Channing Tatum and Ashanti, but the action shots are well done and the story is about more than just basketball. It’s about how young men deserve an opportunity to go to college and make better lives for themselves, ably mentored by Coach Ken Carter. Plus, it’s a movie based on true events, so the characters take on extra significance as they represent people who succeeded against the odds. Watch out for a stirring speech from Rick Gonzalez, aka Timo Cruz.

Sometimes, sports moves are about more than sports. They represent the best of society, themes everybody can relate to and learn from. Do you agree with this list? Which films would make your top four?

Moneyball (2011)

From a sporting perspective, Moneyball is the story of how one man, Billy Beane, understands the flaws in baseball’s old-school and archaic scouting system. After being jilted himself, he sets out to use statistics and figures to guide perennial losers Oakland Athletics to the post-season in a bid for glory. The background is littered with real-life issues, such as Beane’s desire to succeed due to his previous failures and the impact baseball has on his personal relationships, mainly with his daughter. More than that, it’s a tale of how underdogs can compete if given an opportunity.

Rush (2013)

James Hunt and Niki Lauda probably wouldn’t be the audience’s choice regarding a motor racing film’s main protagonists. Yet, the subtext behind what both have an urge to achieve with polarising methodologies is captivating. Chris Hemsworth is the charming ladies' man who wants to wipe the smirk off the Austrian's smug face, while Daniel Brühl is the single-minded racer who goes on to be a three-time world champion. In the end, Hunt and Lauda get what they want and finally have a grudging respect for each other in this passionate and well-told movie directed by Ron Howard. 

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