Find inspiration from the comfort of your couch

Sports fans love to be entertained and inspired our athletes, coaches or everyday people.

Here is a list of some of the most inspiring and entertaining sport movies out there.

"Rocky" (1976)

Out of the “Rocky” franchise, the original is still by far the best and most realistic. It is easy to like the underdog, undereducated Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). And that memorable soundtrack and training montage, still lists "Rocky" among the greatest movies of all time. 

"Chariots of Fire" (1981)

This Oscar-winning movie is based on the inspiring story of two Olympic runners from Great Britain — Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams — who balance their running talents with their beliefs. The film is probably best known for its famed running-on-the-beach scene and notable theme ("Vangelis") song, which helped the film take the Oscar for Best Original Score. 

"The Karate Kid" (1984)

Another stellar work of sports fiction that gives outcasts or the new kid in town hope that he/she can make it. "The Karate Kid" is a film that truly stands the test of time, especially in this day with bullying and social anxiety in the spotlight. In the movie karate is used not only as tool for acceptance but more importantly, self-confidence.

Second chances, underdogs and above all odds . . .  "Field of Dreams" (1989)

This classic Kevin Costner baseball film is one of the most beloved movies of all time. It reminds you that second chances are possible, but more importantly, to make the most of the time we have with our loved ones (though they might not appreciate blowing your savings on building a baseball field in the backyard).

"A League of their Own" (1992)

The late Penny Marshall does a fine job of showcasing the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League with a fictional story about sisters experiencing life outside their Oregon farm. The legendary Tom Hanks is fantastic as a washed-up slugger-turned drunk-turned manager of a girls’ team. Always remember: "There's no crying in baseball."

"Remember the Titans" (2000)

The true inspiration in this football film is coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) and his ability to integrate a team and turn the players into winners and help a community come together for a common purpose. 

"Seabiscuit" (2003)

The characters in this fact-based film about one of the greatest racehorses of all time are what truly make the film. Tobey Maguire (jockey Red Pollard), Jeff Bridges (owner Charles Howard) and Chris Cooper (trainer Tom Smith) are a brilliant trio, and their relationship with the famed, volatile horse inspires them to find meaning in their own fragile lives.

 "The Blind Side" (2009)

The movie that won Sandra Bullock an Oscar, as the outspoken, feisty Leigh Anne Tuohy, has blossomed into one of the all-time feel-good sports movies. The story of Michael Oher's rise from his impoverished Memphis dwellings to the NFL was pretty much made for the big screen and scored a touchdown with audiences. 

"Invictus" (2009)

"Invictus" was a heavyweight production. Both Morgan Freeman as South African president Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, captain of the nation's rugby team, are pretty special. The true inspiration of the movie is Mandela and his ability to get his national rugby team to help unite a fragile country in a post-apartheid world.

"Soul Surfer" (2011)

AnnaSophia Robb is quite good in her portrayal as Bethany Hamilton, the promising teenage surfer who had her arm bitten off during a shark attack. Not to be denied or held back due to her new disability, Hamilton gets back on the board. But she also gains more self-confidence and purpose as a person, following her accident, than she ever could have imagined.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3lQuROA