Released in 2021, American Underdog follows the career of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner. For those unfamiliar with his story, Warner is a poster child for perseverance. He was already 28 when he finally got a legitimate chance to shine in the NFL. And shine he did. In his first year as an NFL starting quarterback, he led the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl title taking home the Super Bowl MVP for his efforts. The unlikely hero would go on to enjoy a very successful career which included two more trips to the big game.
Even though American Underdog is quite inspiring, both for making sports efforts and for following NFL to make informed bets, it probably won’t go down in history as one of the top sports movies. If you want to watch movies that will fuel your sports spirit a bit more, then we suggest you start with these five:
- When We Were Kings (1996)
Even if you weren’t a boxing fan in the 60s and 70s, you are still undoubtedly familiar with Muhammad Ali. He was arguably the best boxer to ever enter the ring. The charismatic pugilist was already a legend going into his bout against George Foreman in 1974, but he was still a 4-1 underdog. Perhaps bettors could have received boosted odds, but they didn’t have them back then. As many of you likely know, Ali defied the odds by absorbing brutal onslaughts and employing the “rope-a-dope” tactic. This caused the hard-hitting Foreman to tire out and the rest is history.
When We Were Kings took over 20 years to make, but the long wait paid off as it won the Best Documentary Feature at the 1996 Academy Awards. While coverage of the fight itself is quite captivating, it is the lead-up to the spectacle that viewers will find most intriguing and inspiring.
- Slap Shot (1977)
Hockey in the 1970s was brutal. However, the goonery and thuggishness witnessed in the NHL and the WHA were nothing compared to what went on in the lower levels. If you want a bit of insight into this, you need only watch the cult classic Slap Shot.
Granted, the conflict between a determined team of players and a cold-hearted owner is nothing new. Nor is seeing the underdog ultimately prevail. However, the depiction of the Bug Bunny-level cartoonish violence is what takes Slap Shot to the next level. Paul Newman may have been the star of this flick, but it was Steve Carlson, Jeff Carlson, and David Hanson’s portrayal of the Hanson Brothers that stole the show.
- Major League (1989)
A spoilt and unlikable Rachel Phelps inherits the inept Cleveland Indians after her husband passes away. The problem is that she would prefer to live in Miami and take the team with her. The only way to achieve this is if she can somehow keep attendance low. Her plan? Make them unwatchable by getting rid of the entire team and replacing them with bums.
This approach seems to work early on as the new group struggles both on and off the field. However, they eventually start gelling, solving interpersonal problems, and notching some crucial wins which results in them becoming contenders. Yes, the story is cliché, but the way this tale is told will have you laughing throughout. Major League is guaranteed to fuel your sports spirit.
- Caddyshack (1980)
With such comedy heavyweights as Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Knight, and Rodney Dangerfield on board, Caddyshack promised to be a delectable comedy feast. It delivered on that promise. The movie follows the goings-on at the swank Bushwood Country Club. However, it’s easy to lose the plot with so much hilarity happening.
The interactions between a carefree Al Czervic (Dangerfield) and the villainous Judge Smails (Knight) are legendary. Then there is the ongoing battle between groundskeeper Carl Spackler (Murray) and the groundhog. Of course, a vintage Chevy Chase gets his chance to steal his share of scenes too. Few movies have been able to stand the test of time like this film.
- Rocky (1976)
Sylvester Stallone was a struggling actor in the early 1970s. However, he became a household name almost overnight when the movie Rocky hit the screens in 1976. Rocky Balboa embodies perseverance and the sheer will to overcome all forms of adversity. His evolution from down-trodden palooka to contender culminates with a title match against a far superior fighter in the flashy Apollo Creed. One of the greatest things about this movie is that Rocky does not end up defeating his adversary which is quite a departure from what we expected. Audiences had to wait for Rocky II to see that happen.