The Monday Mommy: 15 Must-See Sports Movies Made Before 1990
“For sports fans, movies also allow us to live vicariously through the heroes and underdogs on the silver screen creating memories that can last a lifetime. For a few hours, we can be that stud quarterback or the unranked basketball team that defies the odds, slays their opponents and wins the tournament.”
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With the lazy days of summer and the constant pounding of sunshine we get in the Mile High City, the shelter of the cool movie theater can provide a phenomenal relief from those climbing temperatures. For sports fans, movies also allow us to live vicariously through the heroes and underdogs on the silver screen creating memories that can last a lifetime. For a few hours, we can be that stud quarterback or the unranked basketball team that defies the odds, slays their opponents and wins the tournament.
This week, I decided to look back at the sports movies that were a big part of my childhood and adolescence and hopefully some of yours as well. For the sake of keeping it manageable, this specific article will focus solely on the movies that came out pre-1990. Stay tuned to SSD for a follow up piece on the sports favorites from 1991 to the present, for or all of you young folks that may not be familiar with some of these classics. If that’s the case, ask your parents, Google do whatever you need to do to check out some of these great films.
These movies are in no particular order, as they all have merit and can be argued one way or the other as being better on any barstool at any time. It all really depends on your taste and level of love and devotion for a particular sport.
Bull Durham – This 1988 romantic comedy was packed with brilliant dialogue and tons of sexy. It tells the story of an aging minor-league catcher played by Kevin Costner, who is slowly losing his grip on the game while a young star played by Tim Robbins is on the rise. A baseball groupie, skillfully played by Susan Sarandon probably gave a lot of young boys their first chubby while she attempts to seduce both guys.
Slap Shot – If you’re a hockey fan regardless of generation, this is a classic must-see. Made in 1976, it tells the tale of the Charlestown Chiefs, a minor-league hockey franchise facing dissolution at the end of the season. They bring in the three Hanson Brothers and the Chiefs transform into the thugs of the league. The film stars Paul Newman along with Steve Carlson, Jeff Carlson and David Hanson.
The Hustler – The 1961 film starring Paul Newman as “Fast Eddie” and Jackie Gleason as “Minnesota Fats” is a dramatic look at life and loss. Newman shines as a cocky poolroom hustler who loses big and crashes into a void of self-pity. The cinematography in this film won an Academy Award as did the set design. Newman actually reprised his role 25 years later in the Martin Scorsese adaptation, Color of Money.
The Bad News Bears – This story about a rag tag little league baseball team coached by Walter Matthau became a heartwarming favorite upon its release in 1976. This motley crew of misfits includes a near-sighted pitcher played by Tatum O’Neal, an overweight catcher, a foul-mouthed shortstop with a Napoleon Complex, an outfielder who dreams of emulating his idol Hank Aaron and two non-English-speaking Mexican immigrants. The Bad News Bears was such a favorite it inspired a remake in 2005.
The Longest Yard– One of my personal favorites, the original version starring Burt Reynolds was released in 1974. How do you not love a film centered on a football game between one team of prison inmates led by former Florida State quarterback Reynolds, and their opponents, the sadistic guards? The script is hilarious and way better than the 2005 Adam Sandler version. Trust me.
Field of Dreams – This is a movie that can be watched every single time I come across it when flipping channels, without fail. In this classic 1989 baseball flick, Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who hears a mysterious voice instructing him “If you build it, he will come”, as a way to connect with his deceased baseball loving father. Costner’s character plows his crop field into a baseball diamond for the disgraced Chicago “Black Sox” to play on. Shoeless Joe Jackson is played by Ray Liotta in the film which was based on the W.P. Kinsella novel “Shoeless Joe”. It’s a great summertime movie and if you’re a baseball fan and haven’t seen it, hit Red Box or Netflix ASAP.
Raging Bull – This 1980 Martin Scorsese film stars Robert De Niro as prize-fighter Jake LaMotta whose paranoia and violent jealousy inhibit his life significantly outside of the ring. Unheard of during that time period, De Niro gained 60 pounds for the role and subsequently won the Oscar for Best Actor.
Caddyshack – This 1980 cult classic is a still quoted around the water cooler, some 30 years after its release. It’s an irreverent look at the game of golf and the Country Club attitude that tends to come with it. The cast is spectacular with Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Ted Night and Rodney Dangerfield along with Chuck Rodent as that pesky gopher. It inspired a horrible sequel in 1988 that is nowhere near making this list.
Major League – A group of misfits are brought together by an immoral owner with the intent of moving the Indians out of Cleveland in this 1989 baseball spoof. Somehow, the pieces fall in place and this group of oddball athletes put together a pennant run. It stars Corbin Bernsen, Wesley Snipes, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Rene Russo. Bob Uecker’s role as the announcer coined “Juuuust a bit outside” which is still quoted today in just about any sports avenue possible.
Chariots of Fire – This 1982 Oscar winner for Best Picture tells the true story of track stars Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell and their journey for gold in the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. If nothing else, it has inspired many a jog along the beach while someone sings the Oscar winning score by Vangelis. C’mon, you know you’ve done it.
Brian’s Song – I remember crying uncontrollably with my sister while watching this 1971 ABC Movie of the Week. (I wasn’t born yet so I guess we rented it or something of the sort). It is the true story of the unlikely friendship between Chicago Bears legend Gale Sayers and his overachieving teammate Brian Piccolo. Their bond strengthens when Piccolo realizes that he is dying. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams star in this emotional drama which is difficult at times but an excellent film.
Rocky – The original film, made in 1976 is about an unknown fighter, Rocky Balboa who takes the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed through 15 hard fought rounds. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, Rocky won three Academy Awards including Best Picture along with a host of other nominations. It spawned five sequels and is a legend among boxing films.
The Natural – Robert Redford shines in the role of Roy Hobbs, a past-his-prime baseball player who sets out to prove that he can still achieve his dreams. This 1984 film shows the dark side of the sport in the 1930’s from sketchy owners to gambling but still keeps the pageantry of the game.
Heaven Can Wait – Warren Beatty directed and starred in this comedy set in Los Angeles in 1978. He plays the quarterback of the LA Rams, who gets into a car accident and is mistakenly sent to heaven by an overzealous angel. Upon realization of the error, he is sent back down to earth in a different body and attempts to impact the team and still lead them to Super Bowl victory. It’s a bit farfetched; however Beatty is fantastic and makes this classic football movie.
Hoosiers – This 1986 classic film should be mandatory to all Cinderella wanna-be’s heading to the NCAA Basketball Tournament. It stars Gene Hackman as a coach with a sketchy past and an alcoholic father who takes an undersized Indiana basketball team to the state finals. It’s certainly a tear jerker but still remains one of the all-time classic basketball feel good stories.
Hopefully this list has made some of you smile, reminisce and decide to revisit some of these classic sports flicks. You may disagree or even have you own movie titles to add. Either way, I’d love to hear your takes.
