(Omg, this is a great thread!)
BASEBALL: “A League of Their Own” (1992) - about 2 sisters and the first female professional baseball league during World War 2. Great performances by Geena Davis, Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna.
BOXING: “Rocky” (1976) - The first. The best. Sylvester Stallone. Won Academy award for best picture. Cue the music.
PRO FOOTBALL: “Heaven Can Wait” (1978) - Warren Beatty co-wrote, produced and directed this gem, a fantasy/sports pic about “destiny.” Watch the real-life-couple chemistry between Beatty and Julie Christie. “You must be the quarterback!” 7 Oscar nominations.
OLYMPIC HOCKEY: “Miracle” (2004) “What America needed was a miracle. What it got was a hockey game.” Stellar, intense performance by Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 men’s Olympic hockey team - a true story and great memory for any/all who remember it.
BOXING: “Raging Bull” (1980) - tour de force performance by Robert DeNiro as Jake La Motta. Black and white early brilliance by director Martin Scorsese, won 2 Oscars. Arguably Scorsese’s best work.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: “Rudy” (1993) Sean Astin gives a heart-warming performance as the kid too small for Notre Dame football. Great ending.
PRO FOOTBALL: “Brian’s Song” (made for tv, 1971, often on HBO etc) The real-life relationship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers. Won 3 Emmys. (my dad cried at this one)
BASEBALL:“The Pride of the Yankees” (1942) Gary Cooper as Lou Gehrig, who played 2130 games before succumbing to ALS at the age of 37. Another brilliant performance. 10 Oscar nominations.
(Have to add a classic ski movie...sorry...)
OLYMPIC SKIING: “Downhill Racer” (1969) An understated, good performance by Robert Redford, co-starring Gene Hackman as the coach - incredible action footage, mega-retro equipment - enjoy