The Real 10 Greatest Sports Movies of All Time

Okay—first off, no, Cutting Edge 2 is not on this list.

For those of you worried about that, I apologize, I didn't want to give up any of my choices. For those of you who are now upset that Cutting Edge 2 will not be in this slide show, you may be on the wrong website.

So, an introduction. A few of my friends and I were talking about our favorite sports films the other day. Upon arriving at my home, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to go online to see what movies had already been ranked by certain periodicals, as well as where.

The first list I found belonged to a magazine that goes by "Sports Illustrated"—perhaps you've heard of it. Anyway, the further I read down the list, the more infuriated I became.

Examples:

No. 4 - Hoop Dreams. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel that documentaries belong in their own exclusive category.
No. 12 - Dogtown and Z-boys - another documentary, and skateboarding, really?
No. 15 - The Endless Summer - "C'mon now you're screwing with me, right?"
No. 21 - Pumping Iron - "Really?"
No. 24 - Searching for Bobby Fischer - When did chess become a sport?

No. 29 - Rollerball - Not a real sport, and not a good movie either
No. 36 - Jerry Maguire - We're calling this a football movie?
No. 43 - Fists of Fury - Um...
No. 50 - Best in Show - "Oh for Christ's sake"

So, I hope you see what I mean.

-By the way, the No. 1 sports movie of all time, amongst others, was snubbed completely.

Remember the Titans

Okay, I had to put this one on here, because it may have best addressed the race issue during the period that it takes place. Add to that the fact that it has everything else that an inspirational sports story needs, even with the Disney presentation, and it really does belong on this list.

Don't worry: Radio didn't make the cut.

Slap Shot

The year 1977 brought Slap Shot, one of the first films to really infuse humor and sports into film. Even today, 30-some years later, you can stand in a crowd and loudly make an offhanded Hanson Brothers reference, and elicit at least one snicker.

The Longest Yard

Showed what sports really mean to most of us, when in a situation of utmost despair, hope and morale can be lifted via sports.

Also consisted of 47 minutes of game-time during the climax.

Also, it was hilarious.

Caddyshack

Caddyshack is on almost every list of this type, and for good reason. It made my list despite the fact that I do feel it's a bit of a stretch, because it is a simple slapstick comedy (not that there's anything wrong with that) and not really sports-centric.

However, it does contain a golf match at least, and it's awesomeness does outweigh any technicalities.

The Natural

In 1984, Barry Levenson brought us The Natural. It is an incredible "player out of nowhere, leading his team from last to first" story, with an additional mystery component.

The climax is as edge-of-your-seat as you'll find in the genre.

Brian's Song

The true story of competition, but more so, friendship, between Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billie Dee Williams), this is the one movie that you could admit to all your friends that you cried while watching.

And yeah, they'd laugh, but when no one else was around, they'd each walk up to you and say, "I cried too man, it's cool."

Hoosiers

Raise your hand if you thought Coach Carter was a "pretty good movie."

Do yourself a favor and rent Hoosiers. The true story of a volatile coach and an alcoholic ex-star player who lead their team on a run to the Indiana state championship with only their players' support.

Gene Hackman's greatest role.

Rudy

This film is the epitome of the underdog story. The type of film that could make anyone believe that dedication can conquer anything.

When a young Vince Vaughn, yup-that Vince Vaughn, the quarterback that always had it in for Rudy, backs Rudy up, calling a play to force the hand of the head coach to put Rudy in, and he runs onto the field, you know something amazing is going to happen.

From his teammates raising the crowd to chant his name, to Rudy sacking the quarterback—coincidentally the only mark on Daniel Ruettiger's stat line—to being carried off of the field by his teammates.

Amazing.

Rocky

Great, but not because he wins at the end. In fact, it's great because he doesn't.

"Ain't gonna be no rematch." "I don't want one."

I honestly don't believe I need to say more.

Major League

And finally, to the movie that began this list. The highest spot I found Major League on any ranking was at 37th out of 50.

Terrible.

Perhaps I'm from a different generation than the individuals who made the other lists, but as far as iconic films go, for me personally, this movie defined my childhood.

From Vaughn being advised to "slime the ball", to "I'm Willie Mays Hayes, I hit like Willie Mays, Run like Willie Hayes", to "strike this f*@er out".

Now let me know if you, also, remember the power that is Jobu.