Remember The Titans
In a time where things seem most divided this movie brings to light the undeniable fact that we are no different than one another. Skin color, religion, or sexual orientation means nothing when it comes to the game of football and life for that matter. Remember The Titans takes a subject and shine a light on it.
Showcasing a story of a team forced to integrate an all white and all black school. The football team had no choice but to integrate as well. All athletes should watch this movie because it shows how bonds can develop amongst those you would never think could form bonds! This is one of those movies athletes watch and get excited to get on the field!
Warrior
A movie about two brothers, one who has it figured out and one who has been going through a tough time. An ex-marine is coming back home. He enlists his alcoholic father to help train him for the most significant MMA tournament in history. On the other side of the table you have his brother who is the underdog, he fights his way into the tournament where he eventually must confront his brother.
This movie seems necessary on the outside, but it is loaded with lessons. It can teach you about hard work, how getting through tough times is tough but worth the fight.
Million Dollar Baby
The reason this movie is on the list is two-fold. First, it is a story of triumph. Second, it is a story of tragedy and hard choices. This movie is about a young female boxer looking to get in the ring. A veteran boxing trainer is reluctant to train this young woman, but when he finally gives in to her, they form a bond that is stronger than any before.
Million dollar baby is a movie about the ups and sometimes tragic downs of being an athlete. The choices that some may have to make for you after the fact are tough as well.
An inspiring story, a movie athletes watch and grow an appreciation for the coach/ athlete relationship.
Invincible
Vince Papale is a teacher, he has a deep love for football specifically the Philadelphia Eagles, and when he hears they are holding open tryouts, he jumps at the chance. This movie is a great indicator as well as the showcase of grit, heart, and determination. This man who was 30 when he tried out for the team had never played any college football. He simply had a dream, and a plan to reach it.
He eventually made the team and became the youngest, non-kicker rookie to play in an NFL game. This movie showcases exactly what it means to be an athlete. One that loves the sport they play.
Moneyball
The strategy is the name of the game when it comes to this movie. This movie follows Billy Beane, the GM of the Oakland Athletics, and finds him taking a different spin on the traditional way of doing things. He hires an Ivy League grad Peter Brand to find the best bang for their buck. Enlisting, what other teams called flawed players. They took what would be players at the end of the road and turned it around into a team that was extremely successful. This is a movie about great leadership. Having a vision and executing on that vision.
127 Hours
Aron Ralston is an adventure addict. This movie documents one of his outings in the backcountry of Utah. On his trek, through the rocky outcropping, his falls down a chasm and finds his arm pinned between a fallen boulder and the rock wall. He spent 5 days pinned between that boulder. Contemplating his next movement. He ultimately decides to amputate his arm in order to make it back to civilization. This movie is about life and death, making a choice to sit and do nothing or take action and live to fight another day. No many are going to have to make decisions like this. However, it is good to know that you have the ability to when needed.
Schindler’s List
The only Nonsport related movie on this list. Schindler’s list is an account of a factory owner who takes in jews to be workers in those factories. He is responsible for saving a thousand lives. All while making sure the products being made in the factories would be faulty arms. He was not going to be responsible for the death of more lives. This movie shows the darkest side of the human spirit. Diving right into the heart of the Holocaust. It is always important for athletes and people, in general, to see the darkness to really appreciate the light.
The Wrestler
The love for a sport can run deep. It can be the only thing you know. It can be the only thing that saves you from the outside world. This movie takes a once-famous wrestler “The Ram” and shows us how fame does not last forever. The love for the sport will and can, however. When he is dealt with a serious health complication, he is torn between living a life not involved in the sport he loves or going out there and giving his all. This movie will teach all athletes a couple of listens. I believe this to be a cautionary tale. To find things in your life that will make you happy outside of sport. Because one day the sport will leave you behind.
Cinderella Man
A true story of rags to riches. Braddock was a laborer when his old boxing manager gets him a sport against an old up and comer. Suppose to just a stepping stone for the youngster he surprises the world and beat him. He is then thrown back into the world of boxing. Not as a punching bag but as a contender. He has to face up against the most feared boxer of that time Max Baer. This movie is a true showcase of what a man and his grit can really get done!
We Are Marshall
A tragic tale of the 1970 Marshall Thundering Herd. The school lost 75 football players, and staff members in a horrific plane crash. Tasked with rebuilding the team Jack Lengyel must deal with the heartbreak of the loss and the expectations of the town. Having to build the team from the ground up all while trying to help heal a grieving community can be difficult. It again showcases the most excellent side of the human spirit!
