“It’s the blueprint for every underdog sports comedy that came after it.”

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What it's about: "Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame." —IMDb

Starring: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Jason Miller, Robert Prosky, Lili Taylor, Charles S. Dutton, Vince Vaughn

Fan review: "In my top 10 of all-time. I literally watched this last night. The speech in the locker room. The tunnel scene gets me every time. He waited his whole life for this, and then he runs them out. And then the 'Rudy, Rudy, Rudy…' The best underdog story of all time. I love the movie." —u/VladyPoopin

What it's about: "A struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional career." —IMDb

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe

Fan review: "Probably the best, most continuously emotional movie I've ever seen. Lots of films have, like, one scene that gets you, this has many, and it being a true story, too, makes them even worse or that much more joyous. I don't remember if Will Smith won Best Actor at the Oscars for this, but he should have. " —u/JuniorDoughnut3056

What it's about: "Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a Hispanic neighborhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to help gang members and no-hopers pass the rigorous Advanced Placement exam in calculus." —IMDb

Starring: Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Rosanna DeSoto, Andy García, Will Gotay, Ingrid Oliu, Patrick Baca, Mark Phelan, Virginia Paris

Fan review: "This movie was amazing. You had great performances, especially from Olmos and the students, because you were able to get to know them a little better. I also really liked the story. I was locked in the entire time and was invested." —TowerCharge89

What it's about: "Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn's launch into orbit while dealing with racial and gender discrimination." —IMDb

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell

Fan review: "Fun movie, great performances, mooostly accurate but still excellent at exposing one of the most impactful yet completely unknown elements of our space program. It does a great job of showing what's happening rather than just describing it, making it much easier for the audience to empathize with the protagonists. Also, huge props for balancing all four stories with equal weight and not just focusing on the one name people might have heard, Katherine Johnson." —u/TheCheshireCody

What it's about: "A flamboyant law firm secretary works tirelessly to gain justice for a small town wrecked by a utility company's pollution." —IMDb

Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Marg Helgenberger, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones

Fan review: "What a beautiful movie! I was so sad and unmotivated, then I decided I might wanna watch a movie. I put this on because I had seen a lot of promotion for this movie on Instagram Reels, and I’d say it was so worth it! Such a beautiful display of love, grit, and intelligence. Loved it!" —coffee-travel-art

What it's about: "The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes." —IMDb

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, Laura Dern

Fan review: "Randomly caught this movie on TV one Tuesday when I was ill. I loved it! It’s one of those that just works, the story is worth telling, and the cast really delivers." —u/anonymous

What it's about: "A young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved." —IMDb

Starring: Sally Field, Beau Bridges, Ron Leibman, Pat Hingle, Barbara Baxley, Gail Strickland

Fan review: "This film made Sally Field the movie superstar that she is today. One of her greatest performances to this day. Still holds up very well." —u/anonymous

What it's about: "Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach, and at his new school, he turns seven disappointing students into one of the best cross-country teams in the region." —IMDb

Starring: Kevin Costner, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Johnny Ortiz, Michael Aguero, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor

Fan review: "Out of the 'inspirational sports dramas' that Disney has made over the years, I think this is their most underrated. The decision to focus on a running team is unusual for a sports movie. Kevin Costner gives a fantastic performance as Jim White, and I like how White and his athletes slowly but surely begin to appreciate each other and their own ways of life. My favorite example of that is when Jim works with the Diaz brothers and their father in the fields to see what they do when they're not in school. That is the mark of a good sports movie coach." —u/No-Afternoon2841

What it's about: "Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players." —IMDb

Starring: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt

Fan review: "Yeah, it's an amazing movie. It works as a sports movie, but also works beyond that. I think a lot of people not into baseball would love this movie because it's simply about people trying to 'game the system' if that's the right expression. And it's amazing." —u/Larry_Bobinski

What it's about: "A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution." —IMDb

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Mare Winningham, William Jackson Harper, Bill Pullman

Fan review: "Amazing performances and excellent storytelling. So many quotable lines that hit home about why giant corporations have too much power. Horrifying truths. Definitely a must-see movie, and I hope it gets the attention it deserves." —u/Hoodpenguins

What it's about: "The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics." —IMDb

Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Iris Berben, Jim Broadbent

Fan review: "It has me in stitches and in tears. The kids also love it. Such a well-executed, uniquely British story. The bit at the end with the actual footage of the closing ceremony and the 'some of you even soared like eagles' always gets me." —u/Ill-Elephant-9583

What it's about: "World War II American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, serving during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot." —IMDb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn

Fan review: "I watched it for the first time yesterday, then a second time today. Even when I was partway through, I could tell it was something special. Everything about this film, from the story, casting, cinematography, and soundtrack, is perfect. It more than deserves the Oscar it won. It moved me to tears, multiple times. I suppose I have a soft spot for stories like this. The inspiring real-life tale of Desmond Doss is one I will never forget. Not all heroes wear capes, or carry guns for that matter. What an absolute legend. Stories like this remind me that there is still good out there in the world. This film is an easy 10/10 for me." —Zer0nyx

What it's about: "The true story of Herb Brooks, the player-turned-coach who led the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team to victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet squad." —IMDb

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich

Fan review: "The story speaks for itself, and in my mind it IS a great movie. Solid performances, cinematography, soundtrack, historical accuracy, the true story arc, and all the right conflict and resolution you could hope for." —WhatLittleDollar

What it's about: "The true story of James J. Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer, who returned to the spotlight to win the heavyweight championship of the world." —IMDb

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti

Fan review: "This has been one of my favorite films, a great underdog story and biopic. I've also been a huge boxing fan for years, so I find the fight scenes well executed and exciting. Crowe, Zellweger, and Giamatti all give great performances, and the story was surprisingly emotional. My only gripe is the portrayal of Max Baer as a remorseless dickhead who, in real life, was a gentleman." —GarbageDay23

What it's about: "A talented young boy becomes torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family." —IMDb

Starring: Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, Jamie Draven, Julie Walters

Fan review: "One of the best movies I’ve seen. And unassuming, too. The storyline and character development. The actors nailed their performances, every one of them. And that soundtrack? If you haven’t seen it yet, I envy you. Watch it tonight." —u/EmpireOfCareBears

What it's about: "Vincent, an 'In-Valid,' assumes the identity of a member of the genetic elite to pursue his goal of traveling into space with the Gattaca Aerospace Corporation. However, a week before his mission, a murder marks Vincent as a suspect." —IMDb

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Loren Dean, Ernest Borgnine, Alan Arkin

Fan review: "Watched this film too many times. Love the messages throughout the film for the underdog and perseverance. Just happens to be a sci-fi film with salient points about the future of genome testing. Definitely gonna watch it again this week now!" —u/UrbanRedFox 

What it's about: "Fashionable sorority queen Elle Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to law school, where she discovers that there is more to her than just looks." —IMDb

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge

Fan review: "My 60-year-old dad loves this movie because: 'An underdog who gets underestimated wins and shows them all, and I am too old to watch sad movies without a happy ending.'" —u/DabbelJ

What it's about: "When a teenager from the slums of Mumbai is interrogated about his suspicious performance on a quiz show, he revisits various events from his past to explain how he knew all the answers." —IMDb

Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Anil Kapoor

Fan review: "Watched it for the first time right now, and oh my goodness, it is such amazing storytelling. From start to finish, the story was so enthralling and captivating. It's such a sadly beautiful film. Jamal's character is so, so, so well done along with the other characters, but I wanted nothing more than to see Jamal succeed and be free." —ldelirium222

What it's about: "A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant takes a cross-country trip in their VW bus." —IMDb

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin

Fan review: "This movie (in my opinion) was a 10/10. Like, it’s seriously one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. I loved everything about it, from the way it was filmed and the acting to the way it could shift so easily from lighthearted and happy to dark and sad. Also, the most gut-wrenching part was how relatable Frank (played amazingly by Steve Carell) was. Like, I was in awe. Great movie!!" —u/anonymous

What it's about: "A Memphis law school graduate battles an insurance giant." —IMDb

Starring: Matt Damon, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Mary Kay Place, Mickey Rourke, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Roy Scheider, Virginia Madsen, Teresa Wright

Fan review: "This is one I’ve always liked, but recently, when I rewatched it, I actually feel like it’s become better, even great. It’s a 'David vs. Goliath' legal thriller, and those are a dime a dozen, but the excellent casting and swift but thoughtful pacing really give you the proper buildup with the plot and always keep the characters real and compelling. It’s also taken on new value as it’s the last time Coppola made an old-fashioned Hollywood crowd-pleaser, and boy, was he great at those. Makes a great companion film to the (much funnier but just as well made) movie My Cousin Vinny." —u/RevolutionaryYou8220

What it's about: "After being kicked out of his rock band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher at an uptight elementary private school, only to try and turn his class into a rock band." —IMDb

Starring: Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Kevin Clark, Miranda Cosgrove

Fan review: "Hadn’t seen it since it came out, but man that movie holds up so, so well. Jack Black kills it, and all of the child actors do a great job. The movie has such a heart throughout all of its jokes and a really nice message about not adhering to society’s expectations and that being okay. Also, so many funny scenes like Joan Cusack as the principal going out for beers, Jack Black’s improvised teaching song when the principal observes him, I could go on. This movie is f------ great, lol." —rp_361

What it's about: "A wrongfully convicted banker forms a close friendship with a hardened convict over a quarter century while retaining his humanity through simple acts of compassion." —IMDb

Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore

Fan review: "I have watched this movie about eight times in the last 30 years, and I consider it my favorite movie of all time. I am an older female and don't particularly like prison movies, but this was so much more. The character development and the relationships and people's idiosyncrasies were so well scripted. I'm heading to 80 now, but will watch it again soon before I lose my marbles." —u/Such-Boat4157

What it's about: "A girl gifted with a keen intellect and telekinetic powers uses both to get even with her callous family and free her kindly schoolteacher from the tyrannical grip of a sadistic headmistress." —IMDb

Starring: Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris

Fan review: "One of the best family films ever made. It's witty, beautifully acted, well-shot, and equal parts dark and hopeful, appealing to older audiences as well as kids. It's got some genuinely clever dialogue, some great visual gags, and it's filled with great minor characters who play their parts so well. Most of all, in my opinion, it excels because it doesn't shy away from the over-the-top, black-and-white 'good vs. evil' world that Roald Dahl books tend to create. I could go on and on, but I love this film. It is the perfect Dahl adaptation because it embraces its own absurdity and has the balls to be quite dark in both plotting and humor while still being suitable for kids." —inhumancode

What it's about: "Two New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience." —IMDb

Starring: Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, Marisa Tomei, Mitchell Whitfield, Fred Gwynne

Fan review: "Joe Pesci is on fire throughout, you have a relative unknown (at that time), Marisa Tomei, who smashes it with her deliveries. The script was so well written that it came back to every detail earlier in the movie, which seemed trivial at that point but was crucial to the film's climax. All in all, I would say that this is one of the most perfect movies ever filmed. I first saw it originally in the theater and have enjoyed it many times ever since." —NormanRB

What it's about: "In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes bands together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction." —IMDb

Starring: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker

Fan review: "It's one of the best Star Wars products. A really good idea of what could've been, with good direction and cinematography, and a cast of strong characters. The space battle it gave us was one of the best we've seen on the big screen, and Vader has never bared his fangs as he did in this series. Quick, brutal, efficient. Some people have a problem with all the fan service, but I personally liked it." —u/DaCipherTwelve

What it's about: "An astronaut stranded on Mars must rely on his ingenuity to survive and arrange a potential rescue." —IMDb

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Michael Peña, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, Mackenzie Davis

Fan review: "The Martian [was] definitely one of my favorite movies of the year (yay, Ridley is back). The cinematography was amazing, and I typically don't like 3D, but Mars looked really great in 3D (especially that opening shot). It was a simple story, and that's why it worked so well. It relied on human drama rather than trying to make a grand, convoluted statement. Overall, a really great movie, Damon was awesome, and the entire cast is great!" —u/nkay96

What it's about: "A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed." —IMDb

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, Christopher Mintz-Plasse

Fan review: "I first saw it about four years ago when my son decided he liked everything dragon (sometime after Cars but before Star Wars). I have sat through many kids’ movies and had never been as captivated by any animated film like I was with HTTYD. I’ve always been a sucker for 'underdog-triumphs' types of movies, but I think I was hooked from the very beginning. Even though it’s animated, it doesn’t play like a traditional kids’ movie — it’s a film that grows with you, no matter your age." —u/Jsolomon07

What it's about: "A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous Paris restaurant." —IMDb

Starring: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm

Fan review: "Undoubtedly one of the greatest films of all time. Period. There is not a single flaw with this movie, and it was so perfectly executed. Truly a brilliant film and one of my absolute favorites of all time, it deserves every bit of praise it gets. From being a little kid to a grown ass adult, this film feels the exact same every time I watch it. It's nothing short of a masterpiece." —u/anonymous

What it's about: "To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process." —IMDb

Starring: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, Harvey Fierstein, James Hong, BD Wong

Fan review: "Amazing movie up there with the top of Disney renaissance. Also, a very good message for the kiddos about overcoming adversity, external bias, and one's own perceived limitations through strength of character, courage, and perseverance. It showed a regular peasant girl who was only expected to be someone's wife could become a hero to all in her own right."—u/LeeroyTC

What it's about: "Teen Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his universe and must join with five spider-powered individuals from other dimensions to stop a threat to all realities." —IMDb

Starring: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Chris Pine, Oscar Isaac, Nicolas Cage

Fan review: "Genuinely one of the best films I've seen this year, and certainly one of the most visually striking ones I've seen in a while. I couldn't help but just feel so impressed by the animation and how it looked, yet I couldn't quite put my finger on how it was made, like it just looked so polished and unique, whilst feeling totally right for the film, and in a way that isn't distracting despite its vibrancy. And the visuals certainly aren't let down by the writing; every beat in this film felt perfectly placed and escalated in a way that felt natural and built to something truly spectacular. A 10/10, would watch again!!!" —u/cantankeroustankard

What it's about: "A misfit ant, looking for 'warriors' to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe." —IMDb

Starring: Kevin Spacey, Dave Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere

Fan review: "Most underrated Pixar movie by far, and up there for most underrated animated movie contender. One of the best. Good story, good characters, good villain, good soundtrack. Big fan." —u/Gameaholic99

What it's about: "In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy." —IMDb

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, J.K. Simmons, Octavia Spencer, Shakira

Fan review: "In my honest opinion, it's THE best Disney animated movie of the last 25 years and one of the best animated movies of the last decade. It has exceptional world-building, two of Disney's most well-written main characters, an exciting plot, a timeless and thoughtful message, beautiful animation, and it excels as a comedy." —u/whatzgood

What it's about: "Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears." —IMDb

Starring: Diego Luna, Zoe Saldaña, Channing Tatum, Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Kate del Castillo, Ron Perlman

Fan review: "I love this movie a lot. Its story and humor were fast-paced; its art direction and animation were gorgeous and unique; there was something for both kids and adults to enjoy; and, most importantly, it handled the theme of death fantastically. I also have to admit this movie made me tear up quite often. Amongst a lot of the CGI movies out there, this movie really ups the ante. What really did surprise me was the love triangle. It was really nice to see that even though Joaquin and Manolo are rivals in winning Maria's hand, the three of them are still best friends." —u/anonymous

What it's about: "An extraordinary family, the Madrigals, live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift - every child except one, Mirabel." —IMDb

Starring: Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo, Jessica Darrow, Diane Guerrero, Wilmer Valderrama

Fan review: "I went into it completely blind, got reduced to tears by the storytelling, and then immediately watched it again. It came out when I was 30? 31? And while I’ve always loved Disney movies, I’ve never had a favorite until this one. The animation, the music, the voice acting, the research — they did literally everything right, in my opinion. I have no complaints." —u/Wisteria_Walker

What it's about: "Ralph is tired of playing the role of a bad guy and embarks on a journey to become a video game hero. But he accidentally lets loose a deadly enemy that threatens the entire arcade." —IMDb

Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch

Fan review: "A delightful and funny masterpiece that deserves more appreciation, respects gaming as a cultural phenomenon, and should have won the award for best animated feature instead of Brave. It also has a pretty great twist villain." —u/MadscepticTrooper

What it's about: "A deformed bell-ringer must assert his independence from a vicious government minister in order to help his friend, a street dancer." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Jason Alexander, Mary Kay Bergman, Corey Burton

Fan review: "This is the one Disney renaissance era movie that, while I enjoyed it as a child, really took rewatching as an adult to truly appreciate the beauty of it. The way it starts with the question 'Who is the monster and who is the man?' and ends with 'What makes a monster and what makes a man?' is so powerful. Gorgeous music, stunning visuals, the way the animators blended hand-drawn and 3D animation styles was incredible (as long as you don't look too closely at the crowd shots)." —u/Informal-Flamingo336

What it's about: "On the way to the biggest race of his life, a hotshot rookie race car gets stranded in a rundown town and learns that winning isn't everything in life." —IMDb

Starring: Paul Newman, Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jenifer Lewis, Michael Keaton

Fan review: "I love it so much!!! One of my favorite Pixar animated movies. In terms of its generation, it’s very creative, and even now, when I watch it, it doesn’t feel like an old movie. McQueen’s character development was nice to see, and the way he found home in Radiator Springs makes me soft!! —u/Idni-xc

What it's about: "A small goat with big dreams gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball, a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world." —IMDb

Starring: Caleb McLaughlin, Stephen Curry, Gabrielle Union, Angel Reese, Aaron Pierre, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Nick Kroll, Jelly Roll

Fan review: "This movie was fantastic!! Funny, had me in literal tears 8+ times during the sentimental moments!! 10000% would recommend to anyone who has enjoyed playing or watching basketball in their life. My little one also loved the movie! Great story and overall meaningful." —u/Ok-Reindeer1773

What it's about: "Recently relocated from NJ to LA, Daniel becomes the target of a gang of Cobra Kai dojo students. When Mr. Miyagi saves him with expert Karate skills, Daniel convinces him to teach him to defend himself, and put his bullies in their place." —IMDb

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka

Fan review: "I saw The Karate Kid in the theater in 1984. It was just before video rental stores popped up everywhere, so when the movie was over, I was sad, thinking I might never see it again. Little did I know that in a couple of years I'd own it on tape and watch it over and over again. Last year I saw it in the theater again. This time with my own kids. 'Daniel LaRusso's going to fight? Daniel LaRusso's going to fight!' is still one of the most awesome moments on film." —u/Michael_D_Ward

What it's about: "When a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach to start the first Jamaican Bobsled Team." —IMDb

Starring: Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, John Candy

Fan review: "One of the most original, creative, and refreshing 'real-life story' movies ever. Legit funny and touching with great cast performances. Pure feel-good entertainment." —PhilHarmonix

What it's about: "During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Jon Lovitz, David Strathairn, Garry Marshall, Bill Pullman

Fan review: "I love this movie so very much, and I usually *hate* sports movies. I've seen it a few times. The acting and action are so real, vivid, and convincing; I feel invested the entire time. I cared about all of their stories, individually and as a team. Penny Marshall is one of the least recognized directors and comedians of all time." —u/Kevin_Turvey

What it's about: "A group of misfits enters a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament in order to save their cherished local gym from the onslaught of a corporate health fitness chain." —IMDb

Starring: Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Vince Vaughn, Rip Torn

Fan review: "I know it was a goofy movie, but this was my favorite film when I was a kid. I have watched it, like, 40 times. I have so many good memories tied to it, like watching it with my dad and mom. I thought the movie was really funny and, for a comedy, had a really good storyline. It also had some good moments of action in the dodgeball tournaments, which made me feel like I was watching an actual sport. As I got older and watched it again, I noticed the movie also told a good story about friendship." —u/anonymous

What it's about: "Jess Bhamra dreams of playing professional football, but her Sikh parents have plans for her: a law degree and a marriage. Jules, a white female striker, spots Jess playing football and invites her to join the local women's team." —IMDb

Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher

Fan review: "It's honestly a big recommendation for kids in my opinion. I liked football and thought Jesminder was so pretty when I was young and watching, seeing an Irish bloke play the romantic lead was nice, too. Just a stellar film with moments that touch on feminism, sexuality, prejudices, and cultural differences. A 10/10 for the soundtrack, too." —u/olivinebean

What it's about: “The new owner of the Cleveland Indians puts together a purposely horrible team so they'll lose and she can move the team. But when the plot is uncovered, they start winning just to spite her." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton, James Gammon, Rene Russo, Wesley Snipes, Dennis Haysbert, Bob Uecker

Fan review: "It’s the blueprint for every underdog sports comedy that came after it. Charlie Sheen is throwing heat, Tom Berenger is grumbling through every scene like his knees owe him money, and Bob Uecker gives one of the all-time great comedic performances as himself. This is a movie where the team sucks, the locker room leaks, the owner is actively trying to sabotage everything — and you still end up wanting to stand and slow clap during the final game. Also, every single line Bob Uecker says should be embroidered on a jacket. If you haven’t watched it in a while: 'You may run like Hayes, but you hit like shit!' Still a 10/10." —Rewind_or_die

What it's about: "A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the world heavyweight champion in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect." —IMDb

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Tony Burton

Fan review: "I love Rocky. It feels like, for lack of a better word, one of the most human movies made, and not just out of sports movies. The dialogue, the interaction, the chemistry, and the performance give off a sincere look into a man who finally finds his self-worth against a man who seemingly has it all in Apollo Creed." —tdmathis

What it's about: "The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament — a path that puts the fighter on a collision course with his estranged, older brother." —IMDb

Starring: Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Bryan Callen

Fan review: "I can't recommend this movie enough to people who haven't seen it. The movie is outstanding. The acting is beyond Oscar level, and it's a travesty that Hardy and Nolte didn't win Oscars for this movie. The fight sequences are outstanding and capture MMA beautifully, and the film is so real, and the drama is played up so well that I guarantee you will cry at least once during this movie." —hurricanefan92

What it's about: "A coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the state championship in 1950s Indiana." —IMDb

Starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper

Fan review: "One of the best movies ever. My top 10. I think it's time I started playing basketball again... And one more thing. 'Coach goes, I go... Coach stays, I stay.' Jimmy had balls. Great cast, great movie. How can you not love the David and Goliath underdog story?" —u/jermboyusa

What it's about: "A champion high school cheerleading squad discovers its previous captain stole all their best routines from an inner-city school and must scramble to compete at this year's championships." —IMDb

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford

Fan review: "'I just love how this movie really respects its characters and its sport. There’s no shortage of wacky side characters or silly moments, but Dunst and Union both bring real motivation to this. I also love the scene where Eliza first walks into the cheer championship arena, and she sees all the teams praying, warming up, just generally caring about their sport. Most movies made for the same audience would never give cheerleading that kind of respect. This is just a classic." —u/LiteraryBoner

What it's about: "Two basketball hustlers, black Sidney Deane and white Billy Hoyle, join forces to double their chances of winning money on the street courts as well as in a tournament." —IMDb

Starring: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez, Tyra Ferrell

Fan review: "Watched this a few evenings ago. Holds up brilliantly. Writing far exceeds most modern films. Flawed characters, bad decisions, but highly entertaining and hilarious. I love it." —u/Paradroid888

What it's about: "In a desperate attempt to win a basketball match and earn their freedom, the Looney Tunes seek the aid of retired basketball champion, Michael Jordan." —IMDb

Starring: Michael Jordan, Wayne Knight, Bill Murray, Larry Bird

Fan review: "My wife has a bachelor's and master's degree in film. She is so knowledgeable and super technical. This is her all-time favorite movie." —LVfixed_Mod