Best Sports Movies

So I'm lazing around on a bleak Sunday afternoon and I thought I'd make a list...I love lists. Ten great movies in the genre of Sports. I decided to just name the titles rather than rank them from 1 to 10 because I loved all of these movies. If you enjoy baseball, basketball, hockey and football these ten movies are what I consider "can't miss". Most are based on true events and all of them convey a level of respect that is earned by the players involved.

Hoosiers (1986)
I just finished watching this on TV today (the inspiration for this list). I hadn't seen it in quite some time, but it is truly one of the greats. Gene Hackman plays a high school basketball coach in the small town of Hickory, Indiana where high school basketball is the most important thing to the townspeople. Through his no nonsense style of coaching and the respect he gains from the players he is able to lead the team to the State Finals. Based on the real life rise of the Milan Indians of 1954, the movie has great scenes of redemption and a wonderful supporting cast, led by Dennis Hopper who garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role.
IMDB rating - 7.5

Rocky (1976)
Even though Rocky Balboa loses in the end, this movie was the blueprint for inspirational sports films. A good-for-nothing thug engages in the amateur ring and gets the chance of a lifetime when he's hand picked to face the Heavyweight Champion of the world in his hometown of Philadelphia. At no time does the viewer think Rocky will pull this off, but you can't help but root for him. Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay after watching a relatively unknown fighter, Chuck Wepner, go into the 15th round against the great Muhammad Ali in 1975. Winner of the Best Picture Oscar at the 1977 Academy Awards.
IMDB rating - 8.0

Field Of Dreams (1989)
Based on the novel "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella, this is a fantasy tale that seems like it's all about baseball but is really about a man connecting with his dead father. Kevin Costner is low key but great in his role as a man who hears voices coming out of his cornfield. He builds a baseball diamond and some magical things begin to happen. What he thought was something he was doing to honor the memory of his father (his father's favourite player was "Shoeless" Joe Jackson) it turns out to have been something he needed to do for himself. Every time I watch this movie I cry at the end! "Hey, dad, wanna have a catch?". Kills me!
IMDB rating - 7.7

Rudy (1993)
A small kid who always dreamed of playing football for the Notre Dame Fightin' Irish struggles through great adversity to make his dream come true. Based on the story of Rudy Ruettiger, the movie brings forth so many emotions surrounding the personal trials of this young man who just would not take "no" as an answer. Inspirational film making to be sure.
IMDB rating - 7.3

Slap Shot (1977)
One of the most quoted sports movies in history, it must have been some fun watching this film when it was released. Very few movies before it used such profanity! Paul Newman is Reggie Dunlop, the man that realizes people will pay to see violence rather than quality hockey. This course of action leads to the purchase of the three Hanson brothers...and the rest is cinematic history. Hilariously fun to watch and there actually are a few scenes of good hockey.
IMDB rating - 7.2

The Longest Yard (1974)
Burt Reynolds plays Paul Crewe, a famous NFL quarterback that goes a little crazy and finds himself in prison. While there, he is forced to put together a football team of ragtag inmates that will have to play the guards. Turns out, after all his hard work, the warden wants him to throw the game in exchange for an early release. What is Crewe to do? Very funny screenplay and the camaraderie felt between the prisoners is inspiring. DO NOT see the re-make with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock!!
IMDB rating - 7.1

The Pride Of The Yankees (1942)
How can I not include the story of possibly the best baseball player that ever lived and his inspirational struggle against a disease that is associated with his name. Lou Gehrig was a monster of man that could do everything on the baseball field. But when he was diagnosed with ALS, an incurable disease, his true merit as a man came through. Gary Cooper is great as Gehrig and the movie includes some real life ball players such as Bob Meusel, Bill Dickey and some guy named Babe Ruth. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards in 1943.
IMDB rating - 7.7

Invincible (2006)
Another inspirational true story produced by the Walt Disney Corporation. Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, a 30 year old man who always loved the game of football. When the horrible Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL decided to hold open tryouts (a desperate move or publicity stunt?) Papale decided to take the chance. Incredibly, he was signed on for the 1976 team. Just when things seemed down and out for this hard working Philadelphian, he begins a three year career in the NFL! Nuts!!!
IMDB rating - 7.0

Raging Bull (1980)
I wasn't sure if I should include this in my list, but since the central character is a boxer, and the actual boxing scenes are so brilliantly filmed, I did. Robert DeNiro plays Jake LaMotta, a volatile, abusive man who just happened to be one of the greatest fighters ever. His rise from mediocrity to fame and fortune, and his subsequent fall from grace is Martin Scorsese's true masterpiece. Filmed in glorious black and white, Raging Bull was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, winning one for DeNiro and one for film editing.
IMDB rating - 8.4

Caddyshack (1980)
It's main theme is golf, so I'm including it in my list! Another film that is easily one of the most quoted of all-time. Chevy Chase has never been better, Ted Knight is deliciously evil and Bill Murray made himself a star as the crazed gopher hunter. "Cinderella story..." is all you need to say and people know what movie you're quoting. Silly, yes, but good natured fun all 'round. (Well, good natured if you're over 18 that is).
IMDB rating - 7.3

So there's ten of my faves. Honorable mention goes to Bull Durham, Major League, The Hustler (if you consider pool a sport), North Dallas 40, Semi-Pro and Tin Cup.