7 best sports films of all time
Sports films have long been a fixture of the cinema world, ever since the Charlie Chaplin’s 1915 silent comedy The Champion. Since then we’ve seen everything from comedies like Happy Gilmore to serious stories like The Blind Side. Here are our picks for the best sports movies ever made.
Rocky
Sylvester Stallone shot to international fame after he both wrote and starred in the iconic 1976 film Rocky. Inspired by the championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, Stallone wrote the rags-to-riches story of struggling boxer Rocky Balboa. The low-budget film was an unexpected hit, raking in US$225 million and spawning six sequels.
Chariots of Fire
Who could forget that theme song? This 1981 British film told the story of two athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics – a Scottish Christian and an English Jew fighting to overcome discrimination. It won four Academy Awards and was used heavily in during the 2012 London Olympics.
Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood’s 2004 Best Picture-winner Million Dollar Baby followed the story of a burnt-out boxing trainer who takes on an amateur female fighter, played by Hilary Swank. Swank and Morgan Freeman both won Oscars for their roles, and Eastwood took out the Best Director gong.
Caddyshack
This 1980 golfing film starring Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield became a cult classic, even spawning a chain of Caddyshack Restaurants. The film told the story of a brash new golfer who ruffles feathers at a prestigious country club, meanwhile the greenkeeper (played by Bill Murray) must grapple with a gopher infestation.
Bend It Like Beckham
Starring Keira Knightley, this critically-acclaimed 2002 comedy-drama explored the struggle of Jesminder, the football-fanatic daughter of Punjabi Sikhs. While battling discrimination and going against her family’s wishes, Jesminder befriends a female footballer (played by Knightley) and joins a local team.
The Karate Kid
“Wax on, wax off.” The Karate Kid produced so many memorable quotes and characters, including Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, the karate expert who takes on a schoolboy, transforming him into the Karate Kid. The film, released in 1984) was surprisingly successful, both critically and at the box office, where it earned over US$90 million.
Raging Bull
Last but certainly not least is the 1980 film that solidified Robert De Niro as one of the greatest actors of our time. Based on the true story of Italian-American boxer Jake LaMotta, Raging Bull was not hugely well-received upon release but has come to be regarded as one of the best films of all time. De Niro notably gained 27 kg to play an older version of the character.
Which of these films is your favourite? Do you have any to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
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