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Opinion

Power ranking the 13 greatest sports movies ever

Ahead of tonight’s Oscars, we look at some of film’s greatest sporting moments.

N.B. Documentaries are not included in this list

13. Cinderella Man (2005)

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Why it’s on the list: Not much that’s particularly unique here, but anyone with an appetite for a solidly made, superbly acted underdog story will appreciate Russell Crowe’s turn as James J Braddock in this Depression-set boxing drama.

12. Happy Gilmore (1996)

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Why it’s on the list: One of the less annoying Adam Sandler comedies, Happy saying “tap tap taperoo” and shouting at his golf ball will always serve as fond memories for people of a certain generation.

11. The Colour of Money (1986)

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Why it’s on the list: One of Martin Scorsese’s most underrated and least well-known films, The Colour of Money stars Paul Newman alongside a young Tom Cruise, in a story about a former pool hustler who takes a prodigy of the sport under his wing.

10. The Natural (1984)

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Why it’s on the list: Barry Levinson directs an adaptation of Bernard Malamud’s 1952 baseball novel. Starring Robert Redford, The Natural earned four Oscar nominations and comes replete with an excellent Randy Newman soundtrack. It may be a typical Hollywood adaptation in the sense that it sugarcoats the novel’s ending and is completely unrealistic even by the standards of sports dramas, but it will certainly keep you entertained for its two hour-plus running time.

9. The Fighter (2010)

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Why it’s on the list: The tale of two brothers, one a talented boxer, the other a crack cocaine addict, watching The Fighter is a less comfortable experience compared with the average sports drama, though it ultimately contains a familiar feel-good message and probably deserved its seven Oscar nominations owing to a number of powerful performances that elevate the movie to another level.

8. Jerry Maguire (1996)

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Why it’s on the list: The film that spawned the now ubiquitous ‘show me the money’ catchphrase, the story of a feckless sports agent who suddenly grows a conscience deserves to be known for much more than THAT scene — not least as it features career-best performances from Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr, and is arguably Cameron Crowe’s greatest film to boot.

7. Moneyball (2011)

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Why it’s on the list: A drama about statistics sounds like a less-than-promising prospect, but Moneyball is nonetheless an enjoyable way to spend two hours, thanks to its heavyweight cast and well-judged script.

6. Breaking Away (1979)

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Why it’s on the list: One of the lesser known films on this list, Breaking Away won the 1979 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, as well as being nominated for other awards including Best Picture. For anyone who likes their sports dramas to have a quirky sensibility, this coming-of-age tale about four recent high-school graduates will seem refreshing — especially to those with an aversion to some of the genre’s more clichéd efforts. Moreover, Peter Yates’ movie is in fact based on the story of real-life legendary cyclist Dave Blase.

5. Million Dollar Baby (2004)

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Why it’s on the list: What appears to be a straightforward inspirational tale about a promising female boxer takes a few left turns that may catch you off guard. The 2004 Academy judges were sufficiently impressed to hand Clint Eastwood his second Best Director Prize, as well as naming the film as that year’s Best Picture.

4. This Sporting Life (1963)

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Why it’s on the list: Many people may struggle when asked to name the best rugby movie ever made — largely as there aren’t that many well-known ones out there. Yet this Richard Harrs-starring drama is an undisputed classic — not least because, with its documentary-esque feel, the film authentically captures a game full of humble, dignified, working-class characters, which is a million miles away from the far more glamorous spectacle that we know it as today.

3. Rocky (1976)

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Why it’s on the list: Not much is left to be said about this inspirational and iconic movie. Interestingly, the film’s underdog story is somewhat mirrored in real life, as before its release, lead actor and writer Sylvester Stallone was largely unknown, whereas thereafter, he became a bonafide star.

2. Gregory’s Girl (1981)

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Why it’s on the list: You need a heart of stone not to be moved by this poetic and at times hilarious 1980s Scottish drama about a shy teenager who falls in love with the community’s star soccer player, who happens to be a girl.

1. Raging Bull (1980)

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Why it’s on the list: Arguably the best and surely the most artful sports film ever made, Raging Bull justifies its reputation as the greatest film of the 80s thanks to its eloquent score and impeccable screenplay, as well as an unforgettable performance at its core from the now-legendary Robert De Niro.

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