We asked, What are cinema’s finest sporting moments? And the people, they answered…
1. Rocky
1976 | Directed by John G. Avildsen
The sporting tales we treasure most are that of the underdog. Rocky is the flawless blueprint of the subgenre, forcing us to sympathise with its protagonist, believe in him and share in his fictional glory. It’s everything we love in film, and everything we love in sport.
2. Chariots of Fire
1981 | Directed by Hugh Hudson
Whenever someone’s asked to define “triumph” they’re likely to reply simply with Chariots Of Fire. That’s the clear sign of an iconic sports film. The story about two Olympic track athletes is an advocate for the power of motivation. The Award-winning score alone is worthy of being on this list.
3. Raging Bull
1980 | Directed by Martin Scorsese
De Niro. Scorsese. Those two surnames alone should explain why Raging Bull is on the list. It’s a powerful look at a boxer who’s menacingly violent nature construct his career while simultaneously dismantling his life outside of the ring. It’s raw, unapologetic and doesn’t rely on gimmicks like ‘colour’.
4. Cool Runnings
1993 | Directed by Jon Turteltaub
There’s an immediate feel-good hook with the words “Jamaican bobsled team”. That hook clings tighter when you realise it’s based on fact. Cool Runnings is a constant delight with its gamut of one-liners, courageous spirit, John Candy awesomeness and an appropriately heroic ending that pretty much invented the slow clap.
5. The Wrestler
2008 | Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Professional wrestlers are sport stars in the thinnest sense, but Aronofsky demonstrates the same tragic trials and tribulations such athletes go through. The Wrestler explores the emptiness and skewered loyalties of a physical performer (masterfully portrayed by Mickey Rourke) with heart-breaking precision. When the credits roll, so will tears.
6. Happy Gilmore
1996 | Directed by Dennis Dugan
Back in Adam Sandler’s golden period of crackin’ funnies, he made this absolute gem of a sports comedy. An ice hockey nut enters a golf tournament in order to muster up some cash to save his grandmother’s house. The film’s humour is absurd, yet always manages to hit par.
7. Hoop Dreams
1994 | Directed by Steve James
Shot over five years and compiled from 250 hours of footage, this Sundance-winning documentary follows two high-school students from Chicago and their dream to become professional basketball players.
8. The Fighter
2010 | Directed by David O. Russell
Arguably the best ensemble cast of 2010, The Fighter is a magnificent biopic of boxer Micky “Irish” Ward. David O. Russell’s Oscar-worthy direction and writing compliment the outstanding performances of Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams. Mark Wahlberg’s in it too, doing a good Mark Wahlberg impersonation.
9. Any Given Sunday
1999 | Directed by Oliver Stone
Oliver Stone’s gridiron giant is a heavily entertaining multi-character study, showing sport as the modern day gladiatorial arena. It’s a hefty battle between egos, traditions and loyalties, riddled by the terrible luck (very common traits in any sport). It’s also a display of professional performances, with Al Pacino and Jamie Foxx pulling out their acting A-game.
10. Caddyshack
1980 | Directed by Harold Ramis
Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, the only thing that’s more amazing than that comedic line-up is Caddyshack’s ability to make golf entertaining to watch. It may not deal with any real sporting themes, but who cares? It’s still a sports movie. It’s hilarious. It’s on the list.
