Season for Sports Cinema

There’s nothing better than kicking back and watching a feel-good movie, especially when that movie is based on a true story of athletes overcoming adversity. With so many delightful sports movies out there, it was hard to narrow them down to my top five. However, I have compiled a few of my favorite sports films that I enjoy for their inspiring characters and uplifting narratives. If you’re looking for a movie with a story you can root for, look no further because I’ve got you covered.

Invictus (2009)

Invictus is set in 1990s South Africa, in the time when apartheid had been abolished but racial tensions in the country still ran high. Nelson Mandela has just been elected president and is looking for a way to unify his segregated nation. In his wisdom, Mandela turns to one of South Africa’s most beloved activities: rugby. Mandela makes it his mission to unite his country by giving them a common team to root for. This movie ranks among my favorites because although it revolves around rugby, the heart of the movie lies in the unification of citizens as they grow to support their homeland.

Cool Runnings (1993)

Cool Runnings is perhaps one of the most entertaining sports movies for its unconventional and unique story. The film is based on the true story of four men who went to the Olympics and competed as the first Jamaican bobsled team. Cool Runnings follows the challenges these men face to make it to the Games and the struggles they overcome to be taken as serious competitors. This movie is filled with hilarious scenes and light-hearted moments as the nation of Jamaica works to support the team on their journey to victory.

McFarland, USA (2015)

McFarland, USA is another sports movie that ranks near the top of my list because it does a good job of connecting the audience to the characters and their story that is based on actual events. The movie begins when football coach Jim White moves to the small town of McFarland to work as a teacher at the local high school. After noticing several of his students’ strong running abilities, he decides to organize a cross-country team. Although there are several setbacks along the way, Jim persists and finds talent in unlikely places. McFarland, USA is more than just a story of athletic feats, it is also a movie that shows the power of perseverance and the importance of having friends and family to support you along the way.

A League of Their Own (1992)

Baseball has long since been one of America’s favorite pastimes. But what happens when all of the nation’s major league players are enlisted to join a war overseas? A League of Their Own answers that question by showcasing the incredible women who stepped up to the plate in the 1930s to play professional baseball. One team in particular, the Rockford Peaches, was led by former baseball player Jimmy Dugan (played by Tom Hanks). It takes some time to find their footing, but once they do, they are a force to be reckoned with. The movie is so much fun to watch because it gives credit to the amazing women who made history as the world’s first All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Radio (2003)

Radio may not have been the typical high-energy sports movie I’m used to watching, but it certainly told a heartwarming tale of a young man and his journey based on true events. James Kennedy (nicknamed Radio) is mentally-disabled, but he enjoys life in his small town—especially the town’s high school football team. Radio gains the attention of the team’s coach, Harold James, and is taken under his wing as an unofficial member of the team. Radio depicts the struggles Harold James faces as he tries to balance his life at home with his coaching and mentorship of Radio. The film gives insight into the ups and downs the characters lives and gives a deeper meaning to family, proving it can be found among all types of people.