Top 5 Sport Movies Based off a True Story
What makes a great sports movie? The personal and encouraging story of the athletes or coaches.
Although most sports movies are based off a true story, the movies on this list answer the question on what makes a sports movie great. The real life events that are able to transform into the screen are able to give viewers the inspirational stories they look for in their own lives.
1. “A League of their Own” (1992)
This movie about a women’s professional baseball league during World War II was not only inspirational but also provides comic relief due to Tom Hanks performance as an alcoholic manager. This movie depicts how women were able to provide entertainment to the game as the men were overseas. Who says women can get rough like men? The characters of the team and the backdrop of the baseball league provide the audience a sense of why women are left out of sports due to their gender but further proves they are more than capable of handling the job. Even though the league only lasted a few years as the men came back from the war, this movie does not let us forget the history of America’s favorite pastime.
2. “Miracle” (2004)
The 1980 U.S. hockey team tells the story of an single event in sports instead of the main focus being of one athlete. Kurt Russell portrays the head coach Herb Brooks in this uplifting movie about the intense winning game against team U.S.A and the Soviets. Not only is this movie intense while watching the final scenes of the game, but this movie is filled with inspirations from quotes to speeches about how to be the best team and take home the gold. Fun fact, the player Buzz Schneider on the original Miracle team who scored the teams first goal against the Soviet Union, was played by his son Billy Schneider in the 2004 movie. He was 22 years old at the time.
3. “Moneyball” (2011)
Ever wonder how what goes on behind the scenes for a major baseball team? Then watch the movie Moneyball. The film gives an inside look on how general manager Billy Beane handles the Oakland A’s. Beane’s tactics on how to assemble a team on a tight budget can be debated on how it should be done in the major league but his wisdom is something other GM’s should take into account. By getting players that other teams might overlook, this film explores more into how the MLB atmosphere can be. Plus Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill give an amazing performance in representing the A’s franchise and answering the question most A’s fan ask, “Why did they trade him?”.
4. “Coach Carter” (2005)
A coach is someone who teaches and guides students. Coach Carter is that definition. Placed in the tough streets of Richmond, California, Carter returns to his old high school where he was once the star player to coach the basketball team. This true story was controversial for the time because of the way Carter coached the team for not having the grades to play.
Carters beliefs were that players should look past the NBA and college ball. Education is the key to success. Carter benched his entire team and put a lock on the gym till the grades were up. Which caused an uproar in the community. This movie is excellent in showing that if players have a coach that care about their lives there is a mutual respect for one another.
5. “Blind Side” (2009)
Protect his blind side. This true story focus on Michael Oher and how he became the player in the NFL. If you have the nickname Big Mike you probably are going to end up on the football field. This Oscar movie shows how two different people from the opposite side of the tracks can learn from one another. Michael who is a gentle giant and Leigh Anne Tuoghy who does not take no for answer become not just family but each others support system.
A natural protector this movie not only shows how a coach needs to get to know his players but also how success can come in life no matter how old a person is. Football is what makes everyone in this family come together and understand the complex Oher and how he can get his emotions out on the field. Plus Sandra Bullock’s performance makes us want to have a mama Tuohy in our lives.
