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There is no doubt that movies tackle some of the most difficult topics and cover incredibly interesting subject matter. In fact, part of the reason why so many people love watching movies is because they are interested in the theme of the movie.
This trend is no different when it comes to sports movies as there is already a firmly established sports fanbase in the US. As those in the US love all types of sports including football, soccer and basketball, sports-based films have been incredibly popular. In this context, it is worth exploring the top US sports movies of all time to see why they have been so successful.
Firstly, while sports movies have always had a good following, it has really been in the past several years that they have spiked in popularity. This is because more people are becoming interested in playing and observing sports in the USA.
More people are also opting to place bets on sporting matches in the US, as more states legalize online sports betting. One state who has seen a successful sports betting market is New York, where various sportsbooks are offering ny betting promos to their new customers to attract them to trial their site.
Furthermore, sports films are not only entertaining for those who already love sports but can also be informative for those who want to learn more about a specific sport and expand their knowledge.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
One film that is based on sports is ‘Hoop Dreams’ released in 1994. This film is perfect for basketball fans as it is born from the mind of someone who is obsessed with basketball. It follows the stories of William Gates and Arthur Agee as they try to make their way to the NBA. Not only does this film pan to plenty of shots of the court, but it also addresses some real-life issues such as poverty, racial inequality.
Film of Dreams (1989)
Of course, another film that centralises on sports is Field of Dreams. Considered one of the best sports films of all time, it was nominated for several Oscars. Part of what makes this film great is the impressive performances by Ray Liotta, Burt Lancaster and Amy Madigan. Based on Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella, the film explores what a man can do with a love for baseball and a lot of faith. With plenty of memorable quotes, the story follows Ray Kinsella and baseball writer Terrence Mann as they travel across the country, meeting famous baseball players along the way.
Rocky (1976)
Furthermore, no list of the top sports movies would be complete without mentioning Rocky, released in 1976. Sylvester Stallone is the mastermind behind this film as he wrote the script in three days, but would only sell it on the basis he would play the lead. Not only is it a powerful showcasing of Stallone’s acting, but it was the highest-grossing movie of that year, earning more than 117 million dollars at the box office. It follows the story of Rocky Balboa, who is a small-time boxer, as he gets the opportunity to go head-to-head with heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. The film touches on the struggle of becoming great as a sports star as we share in Rocky’s attempts to earn respect and glory.
Caddyshack (1980)
Moreover, ‘Caddyshack’ released in 1980 is considered one of the most interesting and best golf movies of all time. As golf is a sport that is frequently underrepresented and neglected in mainstream media, this film has been life changing for those who are interested in golf. Ever since its release, it has managed to follow a solid fan base. Coordinated by Harold Ramis, composed by Brian Doyle-Murray, Ramis and Douglas Kenney, and featuring Chevy Pursue, this parody has stuck in the personalities of golf fans for a really long time. It follows Danny Noonan played by Michael O’Keefe, who is a teen functioning as a caddy at the Bushwood Nation Club to fund-raise for his advanced degree. With a fantasy to procure votes in favor of a school grant saved for caddies, Noonan volunteers to assist for a renowned and persuasive club part played by Ted Knight. At the same time, viewers follow Danny as he tries to prepare for the Caddy Day golf tournament while getting tips from the rich golf expert Ty Webb played by Chevy Chase.
In conclusion, both the movie industry and the sports scene have benefited from each other. From ‘Hoop Dreams’ and ‘Field of Dreams’ to ‘Rocky’ and ‘Caddyshack’ there is certainly no shortage when it comes to sports films. In the future, as the movie industry continues to grow, it is believed that there will be even more movies to entertain sports fans. With the general public becoming more interested in niche sports such as underwater hockey, we may even see some new sports represented on the big screen. So, if you are looking for something new to watch, why not try watching a sports movie?
