Sports Biopics that make our spirits Soar

Sports movies are fan favorites. The lives of fantastic athletes are often larger than life and thoroughly inspiring. More than the sport itself, sports biopics are compelling stories about the human spirit. There’s something about them that convinces viewers of their own untapped potential, inspiring everyone to rise above. If athletes start as underdogs, you can bet a million fans will be rooting for them. But the stories aren’t always ones of triumph. Some portray immense pain and a raging battle against personal demons. But this is what makes sports biopics so compelling – their realness. Below, we round up some of our favorite sports biopics of all time.

Remember the Titans

Remember the Titans tells the story of Herman Boones, a Black coach determined to integrate the football team at TC Williams High School. It’s a classic allegory of overcoming the racial divide against all odds through the medium of sports. We love the impeccably choreographed football scene at the end shot in torrential rain.

The Fighter 

Dicky Eklund is a former boxing champ who’s currently struggling with legal substance addiction. It seems his best days are behind him. As he attempts to regain control of his life, Eklund trains his brother Micky to take his place as the champion of the welterweight division. But a toxic family life prevents Micky from realizing his true potential. Ultimately, he’s left with the tough decision of choosing between a boxing career and a family falling apart. Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg are brilliant in this one.

Cinderella Man

Cinderella Man is a comeback story for the ages. James Braddox is a destitute boxer struggling to get through the Great Depression following an injury in the ring. His former manager lands him a one-off fight to help him earn some money. Braddox delivers a stunning victory with an early knockout. Soon, he finds his way back to the ring through pure grit and fire in his belly.

Rush
Rush focuses on the fascinating rivalry between F1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Much like the sport itself, the film is high-adrenaline and dizzying. We love how the story captures the trajectory of both drivers. Lauda’s approach to racing is methodical and highly precise. On the other hand, James Hunt is flamboyant and goes against everything Lauda stands for. Their rivalry as competitors perfectly mirrors how different each one is off the track.

Raging Bull 

Director Martin Scorsese delivers a classic with this one. Raging Bull tells the tragic story of boxer Jake LaMotta. He’s an anti-hero who finds most of his success through violence. While the tactic may have served him in the ring, it all but destroyed his life outside it. From the dizzying heights of success, LaMotta ends up a lonely, obese comedian. He cuts himself off from those who loved him, hanging on to the glory days of when he was a champ.