“The Ultimate Sports Movie, And I’d Willingly Die On That Hill”: 45 Of The Best Sports Films That Absolutely Everyone Needs To Watch At Least Once In Their Life

What it's about: "A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect." —IMDb

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton

Fan review: "I love Rocky. It feels like, for lack of a better word, one of the most human movies made, and not just out of sports movies. The dialogue, the interaction, the chemistry, and the performance give off a sincere look into a man who finally finds his self-worth against a man who seemingly has it all in Apollo Creed." —tdmathis

What it's about: "Competitive ice skater Tonya Harding rises amongst the ranks at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, but her future in the activity is thrown into doubt when her ex-husband intervenes." —IMDb

Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Caitlin Carver, Paul Walter Hauser, Bobby Cannavale, Mckenna Grace

Fan review: "Fucking LOVED it. This movie made me realize how boring and identical most movie characters are. 90% of the iterations are Tom Cruise, then Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, James Bond, and Robert Downey Jr. In contrast, this film was full of bizarre, complex characters. The way they made it work (in my opinion) is that they didn't feel compelled to explain why everyone acted the way they did. You could figure out the gist by the end of the movie, but they just set up everyone's motivations and let the characters' actions speak for themselves." —anonymous

What it's about: "The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed." —IMDb

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, Graham McTavish

Fan review: "Just watched it for the first time in a while. Absolutely incredible film. I’m 41, grew up watching the first five movies. Creed perfectly captures everything that made the franchise great. It stands on its own but deeply rewards all of us Rocky-dorks as well." —ArtlessOne

What it's about: "Frankie, an ill-tempered old coach, reluctantly agrees to train aspiring boxer, Maggie. Impressed with her determination and talent, he helps her become the best, and the two soon form a close bond." —IMDb

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman

Fan review: "One of those, 'This is a damn good movie!' as I’m watching it, and 'I’m never going to watch it again' once it was over. I appreciate everything that went into making it, but it was such a brutal ride that once was enough." —downvoteaway_idgaf7

What it's about: "A coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the state championship in 1950s Indiana." —IMDb

Starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper

Fan review: "Great movie, and one of Gene Hackman’s greatest performances. Which is all the more impressive, given that he thought the film would be a career-ending piece of crap. Another example of William Goldman’s adage about what will and won’t work in Hollywood: 'Nobody knows anything.'" —devon_b

What it's about: "A faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle." —IMDb

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood

Fan review: "The conversation about 'What's the best wrestling movie?' has been a conversation about 'What's the second-best wrestling movie?' ever since this came out in 2008. It's beautiful, it's poignant. It made Roddy Piper cry, and it rightfully got Oscar nominations to legitimize it. It also opened the door for more wrestling-related shows and movies to be made and treated seriously. Also, it's Mickey Rourke's best performance by far, and Sean Penn robbed him at the Oscars." —anonymous

What it's about: "A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional." —IMDb

Starring: William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates, Curtis Gates

Fan review: "It's an all-time favorite. I remember not caring for it as a fifth grader when it came out because I was expecting something exciting and basketball-centric, but when I rewatched it as an adult, I realized it was something much deeper than basketball. It's a pretty amazing portrait of life." —rake2204

What it's about: "Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players." —IMDb

Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt

Fan review: "It's pretty brilliant that it makes you nostalgic for a sport you've never given a shit about, then gets you excited about upsetting the archaic thinking of the people that somehow got put in charge, and ultimately shows that money is both the solution and cause of all of life's problems. Meanwhile, it's entertaining as fuck. Sorkin is a genius." —TheGruenTransfer

What it's about: "During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz, David Strathairn, Garry Marshall, Bill Pullman

Fan review: "This is a rainy day comfort movie for me, love it so much. As an '80s kid, I loved Geena Davis for a Beetlejuice obsession and Lori Petty from Point Break. And Madonna, because she was Madonna. And Rosie O'Donnell was having her moment, too. Tom Hanks was in his comedy-icon era with Splash, Big, The 'Burbs, Turner & Hooch... Top-tier cast, genuinely funny and sweet; sports movie highs and lows; based on a true story, so it's 'educational' — any dads with young daughters, give this a watch with them; it was incredibly formative for me growing up." —rumpie

What it's about: "The life of boxer Jake LaMotta, whose violence and temper that led him to the top in the ring destroyed his life outside of it." —IMDb

Starring: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent

Fan review: "Other than the 10/10 acting, directing, cinematography, and boxing scenes, it's one of those rare biopics that isn't just a circle jerk about how great the main character is and instead actually examines the character's many flaws while still saving some sympathy for him." —_I-voted_for-Kodos_

What it's about: "Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali." —IMDb

Starring: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown

Fan review: "I've frequently told people this is my favorite doc ever. Ali is brilliant, and the music is legendary. I'm not really a sports fan, and the story is still astoundingly compelling." —anonymous

What it's about: "In the summer of 1962, a new kid in town is taken under the wing of a young baseball prodigy and his rowdy team, resulting in many adventures." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Karen Allen, Denis Leary, James Earl Jones

Fan review: "The Sandlot is the ultimate sports movie, and I'd willingly die on that hill. It's the only one I can think of that perfectly captures the entire lifecycle of a sports fan: nostalgic love for the game from our youth (the kids), few have the opportunity to make it their life's work either as a player or a supportive role (grown up Benny and Smalls), and looking back on the game and reminiscing in your senior years (Mr. Mertle)." —CMengel90

What it's about: "Monica and Quincy love and play basketball together through many life challenges from childhood to adulthood." —IMDb

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman, Jess Willard

Fan review: "I always grew up around basketball and followed the NBA religiously. I loved this movie when I was a kid/teen. It’s a classic in my household." —JohnAppleMacintosh

What it's about: "Jess Bhamra dreams of playing professional football, but her Sikh parents have plans for her: a law degree and a marriage. Jules, a white female striker, spots Jess playing football and invites her to join the local women's team." —IMDb

Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher

Fan review: "I still love this movie. It's one of my favs. It’s a great feminist flick that brings us into the world of a teen caught up in her passions, hopes, and dreams, and how they clash with the heavy expectations of her family’s traditional culture. I love how the characters grow and learn from each other throughout the film. I also love how the ending shows you can find balance and 'have it all,' in a certain sense. You don’t have to give up your culture or identity or passions to one extreme or the other. You can exist in both worlds at once, and it’s okay! 

The relationship definitely icks me out. If I were watching the movie now with a young person, I would use it as an opportunity to talk about predatory men in positions of power and how to be wary of them. I would also be sure to explain how the weird attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ were so prevalent at the time and how far we’ve come in such a short time regarding equal rights." —shoesfromparis135

What it's about: "American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966." —IMDb

Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon

Fan review: "Brilliant. Emotional and gripping and sad and funny and very human, with two of the best performances from both leads. I say this as someone with absolutely no interest in cars or motorsport whatsoever." —Lechatestdanslefrigo

What it's about: "When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team." —IMDb

Starring: Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, John Candy

Fan review: "I don't know a single person who dislikes this movie. I think the final race was the first moment of genuine drama in film to make me cry." —Tangocan

What it's about: "A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34." —IMDb

Starring: Ayrton Senna, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano

Fan review: "Love this documentary. Very interesting insight into a sport I knew little about. Also spurred my quest to watch as much Senna footage as I could find. There are some great videos on YouTube with him on game shows in Japan and elsewhere. He was an amazing talent." —LockerFire

What it's about: "In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan." —IMDb

Starring: Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Bill Murray, Larry Bird

Fan review: "My wife has a bachelor's and master's degree in film. She is so knowledgeable and super technical. This is her all-time favorite movie." —LVfixed_Mod

What it's about: "A jaded former jockey helps a young girl prepare a wild but gifted horse for England's Grand National Sweepstakes." —IMDb

Starring: Mickey Rooney, Donald Crisp, Angela Lansbury, Anne Revere, Reginald Owen, Elizabeth Taylor

Fan review: "Such a beautiful movie. It may have been helped by the fact that Elizabeth Taylor was a teenage horse girl. They gave her the horse after the movie, and she kept it for the rest of its life... [I] always loved the slow-growing relationship between Mi and Mr. Brown. And the way we got to know about Velvet's family was through the interactions of her sisters. They were not just there in the background." —Great_Lakes356

What it's about: "A working-class Indiana teen obsessed with the Italian cycling team vies for the affections of a college girl while searching for life goals with his friends." —IMDb

Starring: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley, Robyn Douglass

Fan review: "I love showing this movie to people. They wonder what it’s about, and I’m like, 'It’s about four townies in a college town that end up competing in a bike race.' They will make a face, [but] trust me, [I've] never had anyone not love it. How can you not love this movie?" —Sirnando138

What it's about: "In 1971, Virginia high school football was everything to the people of Alexandria, but when the school board was forced to integrate an all-Black school with an all-White one, the foundation of football's tradition was put to the test." —IMDb

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Hurst, Ryan Gosling, Wood Harris, Ethan Suplee, Hayden Panettiere

Fan review: "Love this film! It's one of my go-to inspirational movies. Always chokes me up toward the end. There's just something about it, maybe to do with it being based on a true story, that just gets me right in the feels; an understated quality that makes it shine." —Educated_Echidna

What it's about: "Recently relocated from NJ to LA, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When Mr. Miyagi saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place." —IMDb

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka

Fan review: "Loved this movie ever since I was a kid in the '80s. My name is Daniel, and I STILL get called Daniel-san sometimes. But rewatching as an adult, I really find that Mr. Miyagi's story resonates with me more and more. As a kid, the scene where he is drunk, and Daniel walks in, was always a bit weird and boring to me. It was only much later, after I understood a bit more of history, that I realized how devastating that scene is." —ixtlu

What it's about: "An up-and-coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match." —IMDb

Starring: Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott

Fan review: "The Hustler is one of my favorite movies, and in my opinion, one of the best movies of the era. The principal actors are among the best of that or any other time. And the jazz soundtrack is excellent. As one of you said, a modern Greek tragedy. It is also a great look at the difference between a man motivated solely by money and power, and a man finally motivated by something greater than that." —bobwhite1146

What it's about: "James Hunt and Niki Lauda, two extremely skilled Formula One racers, have an intense rivalry with each other. However, it is their enmity that pushes them to their limits." —IMDb

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Natalie Dormer

Fan review: "Brilliant movie. Excellent performances. And the score. Good lord, the score is epic. Hans Zimmer always delivers. The last scene gets me every time!!" —sammy_224

What it's about: "When a sports agent has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it, he decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent agent with the only athlete who stays with him and his former colleague." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston, Jerry O'Connell, Jay Mohr, Bonnie Hunt, Regina King

Fan review: "Even if you aren’t a sports fan, this is definitely one to watch. Cameron Crowe’s great writing, alongside some excellent performances — not to mention some really good songs in the soundtrack — makes this one very interesting to watch. Tom Cruise, say what you will about him and Scientology, the man can act, and Cuba Gooding, Jr., although I’m not his biggest fan, definitely gave a marvelous performance here, too. To conclude, this is one that should definitely be checked out one day." —mascorsese

What it's about: "A former wrestler and his family make a living performing at small venues around the country while his kids dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment." —IMDb

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Lowden, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Vince Vaughn, Dwayne Johnson

Fan review: "That movie really got me into wrestling. Florence Pugh was incredible in it, and the family dynamics felt so real, even if you don't know anything about the wrestling world. Shame more people haven't seen it because the story is pretty inspiring." —Potential-Top-5624

What it's about: "A fan who has an affair with one Minor League Baseball player each season meets an up-and-coming pitcher and the experienced catcher assigned to him." —IMDb

Starring: Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Trey Wilson

Fan review: "It is my favorite sports movie. The line about 'the world is made for those who aren't cursed with self-awareness' is one of my all-time favorite movie quotes because it is so true. I didn't see it as shallow and ridiculous. It came out in 1988. Movies didn't feel the need to be hyper-realistic back then. Movies were more escapist fantasy. Compared to most movies of that era, it feels quite grounded and realistic." —JRogeroiii

What it's about: "Tashi, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach, transformed her husband into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he'll need to face off against his former best friend — Tashi's ex-boyfriend." —IMDb

Starring: Zendaya, Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor

Fan review: "I adore Challengers. It’s pulpy, silly, funny, sexy, and big. Everything about it, from the cinematography to the sexual tension to the score, is heightened to the absolute edge of absurdity without ever quite falling over. The way the score surges every time a character makes a messy choice? Outstanding. Nothing about it is 'realistic,' and yet I felt a deep understanding of what makes each of the three lead characters tick, and was earnestly invested in what they would do next. Challengers is a movie that understands that movies should be fun. It left me so energized after watching it, I felt like I could run a marathon (or at least play a bout of tennis against my best friend, who I’m secretly attracted to)." —MisterManatee

What it's about: "Number one NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby stays atop the heap thanks to a pact with his best friend and teammate, Cal Naughton, Jr. But when a French Formula One driver makes his way up the ladder, Ricky Bobby's talent and devotion are put to the test." —IMDb

Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole

Fan review: "It’s also one of the best NASCAR movies. They did a ton of research. The cars and sponsors in the beginning were accurate to the time period and changed the proper design and sponsors as Ricky progressed through his career." —Joe_Ald

What it's about: "Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone." —IMDb

Starring: Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe

Fan review: "As a non-climber, I really enjoyed it. I went in expecting it to be OK but with really good cinematography, but the whole thing was just really amazing. It's what has me coming to the sub and considering trying out climbing." —gl0w_

What it's about: "Two basketball hustlers, black Sidney Deane and white Billy Hoyle, join forces to double their chances of winning money on the street courts as well as in a tournament." —IMDb

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell

Fan review: "An amazing movie on several levels, including costuming. The outfits on everyone perfectly capture the time without being 'dated.' It’s also got a riveting plot because, at its heart, it’s a gambler movie similar to Uncut Gems, where part of the thrill is watching a character keep making the wrong choices. The basketball scenes are also a thing of pure beauty, and Snipes, Harrelson, and Perez are a dream team of performers. I put it up there with My Cousin Vinny as '90s movies that are so entertaining that people easily overlook how meticulously well-crafted they are. It sounds corny to say, but this is the kind of movie we just don’t see enough of anymore." —RevolutionaryYou8220

What it's about: "A champion high school cheerleading squad discovers its previous captain stole all their best routines from an inner-city school and must scramble to compete at this year's championships." —IMDb

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford

Fan review: "This movie is iconic and honestly still so good. Really well written for what is basically a teen comedy about a sport most find frivolous. I love how there are no real villains in the movie, and all the girls don’t just hate each other because the script says to. Kirsten and Eliza become quick friends, and Union is legit intimidating but not at all evil. It’s two teams in competition, and you can root for them both because they both worked hard. And that’s how sports are, it’s not always slobs vs. snobs." —LiteraryBoner

What it's about: "Based on H.G. Bissinger's book, which profiled the economically depressed town of Odessa, Texas, and their heroic high school football team, The Permian High Panthers." —IMDb

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw

Fan review: "Great movie, it's one of those movies that when they come on TV I always watch it all the way through. The show is even better, but I've never seen a movie really capture that moment when it's all over. Doesn't matter if you played football or another sport, there's always a moment when it ends, and things are never the same after." —bigblue57

What it's about: "A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage." —IMDb

Starring: Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Man-Tat Ng

Fan review: "Hot take: Shaolin Soccer is the greatest sports movie of all time. Just love the way it seamlessly blends action, kung fu, soccer, comedy, sports, romance, drama, and incredible entertainment." —Certain_Secretary45

What it's about: "Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness." —IMDb

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara, Fran Drescher

Fan review: "It's unhinged, off-the-leash, electrifying shit. So tense, so funny, so well-paced, and Chalamet's performance is one of the best of the decade yet, and so damn magnetic. The score is straight gas, the editing is incredible, it's got such a rich visual presentation, I could go on and on. Stressful as hell, and completes the sort of unofficial trilogy of it, Good Time, and Uncut Gems; each one has something different to offer. Earns every minute of its long runtime. So dang good." —Z-Eli127

What it's about: "The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament — a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Bryan Callen

Fan review: "One of my favorite movies. Everyone shines in this, but Nick Nolte made the movie. The Moby Dick scene is brutal, heartfelt, and gets me every single time. Easy movie to recommend because it has something for everyone." —oatmealpieallstars

What it's about: "The true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet squad." —IMDb

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich

Fan review: "One of the best sports movies of all time. If you’ve read the book, this is one of the few movies that doesn’t deviate from it. Also, Kurt Russell was unbelievable; one of the best performances of his, in my opinion." —ManagementFit6728

What it's about: "An exclusive golf course has to deal with a flatulent new member and a destructive dancing gopher." —IMDb

Starring: Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Michael O'Keefe, Sarah Holcomb, Cindy Morgan, Brian Doyle-Murray

Fan review: "Caddyshack is one of my favorite movies ever. Seen it 50+ times, and it’s gotten even better as I’ve gotten more into golf over the years. The 'Cinderella story' in particular got funnier in my mind as I started hearing the yardages and corresponding club selections." —gwords16

What it's about: "A sadistic warden asks a former pro quarterback, now serving time in his prison, to put together a team of inmates to take on (and get pummeled by) the guards." —IMDb

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, Michael Conrad, James Hampton

Fan review: "I thought this movie was excellent. This was peak Burt Reynolds. I thought the storyline was great and featured a great, redemptive storyline arc for the main character. Also, the movie features some of the best football scenes I’ve ever watched in a movie, along with some great '70s NFL cameos. Overall, I think the movie has aged very well." —nay_37

What it's about: "The true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers, who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s."  —IMDb

Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Holt McCallany

Fan review: "Incredible movie. Performances were good, and the vibe of the era was perfect. I was shocked at first to learn that it was a true story, and then even more so to learn that the true story was actually more tragic." —Aiomon

What it's about: "After a run-in with the law, Haley is forced to return to the world from which she fled years ago. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics program run by the legendary Burt Vickerman, Haley's rebellious attitude slowly gives way to a team spirit." —IMDb

Starring: Missy Peregrym, Jeff Bridges, Vanessa Lengies, Maddy Curley, Nikki SooHoo

Fan review: "Such a fun movie! Great cast with tons of chemistry, made some real solid critiques of the sport, and did it all in a non-preachy, but still serious enough way." —RenRen512

What it's about: "The true story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer, who returned to the spotlight to win the heavyweight championship of the world." —IMDb

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Fan review: "This has been one of my favorite films, a great underdog story and biopic. I've also been a huge boxing fan for years, so I find the fight scenes well executed and exciting. Crowe, Zellweger, and Giamatti all give great performances, and the story was surprisingly emotional. My only gripe is the portrayal of Max Baer as a remorseless dickhead who, in real life, was a gentleman." —GarbageDay23

What it's about: "A failing ice hockey team finds success with outrageously violent hockey goonery." —IMDb

Starring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean

Fan review: "A very funny movie. A politically incorrect movie nowadays, but it's always been politically incorrect. I know nothing about the minor league hockey lifestyle, but this seemed to nail it. You watch it, and it just seems very real, not just the players, but also the impact of the game on their families. There's an element of cartoonishness to all of it, but it also seems very authentic. I've loved this movie from the first time I saw it." —Narwhal_Defiant

What it's about: "The story of the controversial Brian Clough's 44-day reign as the coach of the English football club Leeds United." —IMDb

Starring: Michael Sheen, Colm Meaney, Henry Goodman, David Roper, Jimmy Reddington

Fan review: "Stumbled on this last night. One of the best sports dramas I’ve seen post-2000. It follows a semi-fictional story of manager Brian Clough’s stint at Leeds United in England, 1974. Bonus if you’re a soccer fan, but in no way necessary in order to enjoy this movie. It’s incredibly well directed, paced, and acted." —shaner4042

What it's about: "Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can't ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true." —IMDb

Starring: Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, James Earl Jones, Burt Lancaster, Ray Liotta

Fan review: "Yes, it’s ridiculous, but it’s wonderful. It’s a story about pure faith. It would have been hard to tell if it were easy for Ray (and us) to believe what was happening." —aging_genxer