10. Cool Runnings (1993)- PG

An instant classic, Cool Runnings is about an Olympic Bobsled Team. But not just any Bobsled Team—Jamaica’s FIRST Bobsled Team. The movie starts you off with a few of the characters competing with one another to represent their home country (Jamaica) in the 100M Dash. A mishap occurs, so they take matters into their own hands to fulfill their dreams to compete in the Olympics and decide to enter into the Olympics as said Bobsled Team. Don’t sleep on this one. Solid Flick. “Eh, Sanka, yeh Ded? No mon’.”

9. DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story (2004)- PG-13

Ben Stiller leads as the antagonist as White Goodman (whom is very similar to your modern run of the mill cross fitter), against Vince Vaughn who runs a small gym that Stiller is trying to put out of business. When Vaugh and the few gym goers find a DodgeBall Tournament’s Cash prize that somehow perfectly matches the exact amount of what is owed to save the gym… They go to work. It’s Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn—You can’t go wrong.

8. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)- PG-13

Does this one need an introduction? I’d put money on that you or someone around you has used a one-liner from this hilarious comedy within the last month. Anyhow, this one is about a NASCAR driver that just “wants to go fast”, but a Frenchmen, Sacha Baron Cohen rains in on his parade and shakes up his world. A real pick yourself up from your bootstraps type of story, he comes back—because “if you ain’t first, you’re last”.

7. Miracle (2004)- PG

Remember when the US of A won the Gold? This film relives it for you. The Soviet Union was an absolute powerhouse in the hockey world. Kurt Russell leads a team of college players against the dreaded Soviets. In the semifinals of the 1980 Winter Olympics, the USA does the unthinkable in one of the most inspirational movies ever. “Do you believe in miracles?” You will after watching this film.

6. Happy Gilmore (1996)- PG-13

Another instant classic, Adam Sandler DOES NOT disappoint in this one. He plays an aspiring foul mouthed, rough and tough hockey player, turned Pro Golfer who hits the ball a “mile”. Follow Happy (Sandler) and Chubbs, his mentor as they make their way from tournament to tournament trying to make enough money to get his Grandma’s house back, while battling against rival Golfer, Shooter McGavin.

5. The Mighty Ducks (1992)- PG

If you were a child of the 90’s… Scratch that, if you are good and wholesome human being, you’ve watched this one. Coach Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), takes a bunch of rag-tag kids as they all learn and grow from one another in the hysterical classic. This is the hockey equivalent to the movie “The Sandlot”.

4. Rocky (Series) (1976, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1990, 2006) 2015 Creed

There are very few movies as iconic as Rocky and the series that followed. The closest thing the sports world has to a Star Wars type storyline. This takes the viewer on the trials and tribulations of boxer Rocky Balboa. Sylvester Stallone’s breakout performance has led to this franchise‘s survival for over 40 years. If it has stood the test of time for this long, this movie deserves to be here and is “binge watch” material.

3. Jerry McGuire (1996)- R

This pick will be as controversial as “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?”. So, help me, help you… understand. A movie about an energized and devoted sports agent who gets himself fired from his big agency, and claws to try to stay in the game by competing directly with the giant firm. A tale of how close an Agent and an Athlete can get in this roller coaster of emotions of 2 hours and 19 minutes. If you don’t know where the phrase, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!”, came from, look no further.

2. Raging Bull (1980)- R

I’ll admit, when researching to compile my top 10 for this genre, I hadn’t watched this one. You won’t regret it. This film was way before it’s time and is deserving for every positive review it receives. Starring Robert De Niro as a boxer coming through the ranks, we learn via LaMotta (De Niro) the necessity of having a balanced life. Giving too much in one area, can lead to your own demise. My only regret about this movie. I took too long to watch it.

1. Million Dollar Baby (2004)- PG-13

Led by none other than Clint Eastwood, an older man who owns a boxing gym with his “Clint Eastwood” vibe of having that rough exterior. Everything changes when young women from lower-middle class Missouri (Hilary Swank) steps into the gym for the first time. Both lives are changed in this “heart wrencher”. If you haven’t seen this one, stop being yourself. That is all.

Honorable Mentions:

Caddy Shack, Ali