TOUCHDOWN!

Haydon's Movie House's Top 5 Sports Films

 

After last night's epic Super Bowl between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers (congrats Packers!), and with the recent release of David O. Russell's 'The Fighter', I thought it would be the perfect time to share my top 5 Sports movies with you, so take a timeout and have a look!

5. ‘When We Were Kings’ (dir: Leon Gast, 1996)

This stunning documentary follows the infamous Muhammad Ali as he heads to the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight with current champion George Foreman in 1974. ‘When We Were Kings’ combines archive footage of the challengers and of the match along with interviews from boxing and film fans across the globe including Spike Lee, Don King and James Brown.

4. ‘Remember the Titans’ (dir: Boaz Yakin, 2000)

A hugely underrated film starring Denzel Washington as a newly appointed coach to a racially integrated football team. ‘Remember the Titans’ is moving, socially motivated and most importantly, uplifting. Washington gives a great performance in this emotionally powerful drama. Many haven’t seen nor heard of this movie so check it out.

 

3. ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ (dir: Ron Shelton, 1992)

A fantastic basketball film and another movie involving racial identity. ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ is a frequently funny and smart movie about two players who are too big for their boots so they team up to make the ultimate pair, but unfortunately, their biggest rivals are each other. Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson give great performances.

 

2. ‘Cool Runnings’ (dir: Jon Turteltaub, 1993)

The true story of the first ever Jamaican bobsleigh team is still the most enjoyable sports movie to date. It’s side-splittingly funny, sports a wonderful soundtrack and sees John Candy give a marvellous performance. ‘Cool Runnings’ has that rare element of being completely original and that’s why it’s still as fresh, heart-warming and entertaining 18 years on.

 

1. ‘Raging Bull’ (dir: Martin Scorsese, 1980)

Sorry ‘Rocky’, you’re great, but not great enough. Scorsese’s telling of Jake Le Motta’s tale is the finest example of boxing, and indeed sporting cinema. Captured in beautiful black and white, intricately directed by Marty and complimented by Robert De Niro’s incredible performance; this really is a masterclass in filmmaking. Le Motta’s story is as equally intriguing as it is soul-destroying; as he becomes stronger in the ring, he becomes weaker outside in real life. If you see just one sports film, make it this one.