Top 10 sports movies to watch in quarantine

Today is Friday, marking it more than a week since the last major sports game was played in the United States. For many, including us here at Testudo Times, that has left a huge hole in our lives that needs to be filled by something.

So if you’re cooped up for the weekend under quarantine, just missing sports too much, or both, there’s a way to get your fix in.

Without further ado, here are my top-10 sports movies to watch.

Honorable mentions

• The Fighter (2010)
• Any Given Sunday (1999)
• Cool Runnings (1993)
• Glory Road (2006)
• Rocky (1976)

10. White Men Can’t Jump (1992)

Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson? What can go wrong? The answer: not much. This throwback from the early 90s tells a story that many of us have known before — just trying to show off your skills in a pickup game on the street. Also, fans of ‘Jeopardy!’ will have some fun with this one.

9. Fever Pitch (2005)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t put in my personal favorite sports movie of all time, the Jimmy Fallon-led ‘Fever Pitch.’ It’s dumb, it’s goofy and it pales in comparison to the rest of these movies in terms of quality, but from the first time I saw this film, I couldn’t get enough. For those that enjoy a good rom-com (don’t be ashamed, that’s my favorite genre!), you’ll love this flick — even if you’re a Yankees fan like I am.

8. Creed (2015)

While most of the world — and likely most of the Testudo Times readers — connect most with the original ‘Rocky’ series, ‘Creed’ is one of the most popular movies of any genre in the last decade, and for good reason. Michael B. Jordan becomes a household name playing Adonis Johnson, son of former legend Apollo Creed. And Sylvester Stallone shows he still can be the Rocky we all know and love.

7. Cinderella Man (2005)

Often lost in the pantheon of great sports movies — even getting less-than-deserved recognition in the boxing genre alone — Russell Crowe turns in one of my favorite performances of his as James J. Braddock. And viewers get a chance to hear the original name of what is now referred to as ‘The Mecca’ — Madison Square Garden Bowl.

6. The Blind Side (2009)

While it’s not the book on which the movie is based — give Michael Lewis’ incredible story a read if you have the time — this tale of a young Michael Oher overcoming the incredible hardships he faced to succeed on- and off-the-field will make you laugh and cry over and over again.

5. Coach Carter (2005)

Maryland men’s basketball fans know this movie even if they haven’t seen it. That’s because the film’s most influential speech is part of a hype video played in the second half of every game at Xfinity Center. “When we step on the floor every second that clock is ticking, we are pedal to the metal, we run the ball, we pressure the ball, and most importantly, we control the tempo of the game!”

4. Invincible (2006)

Mark Wahlberg as a Philadelphia Eagle? Mark Wahlberg as a Philadelphia Eagle. His Vince Papale attempts to carry out the dream that most every sports fan has had at one point — coming off the streets to get a shot in the NFL. For enthusiasts of good music, Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Let it Ride” gets some screen time in this one.

3. Remember the Titans (2000)

This one’s a bit of a throwback, at least for my generation (I was only born in 1999!). Denzel Washington steals the show in this heartwarming film about the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team, tackling topics such as racism and brotherhood — the bromance between Gerry Bertier and Julius Campbell is enough to carry this movie alone.

2. Moneyball (2011)

The Brad Pitt-led movie surrounding innovative Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane takes viewers into one of the most-impactful front office decisions in the history of the sport, one that has completely reshaped the way the game is thought about today. To quote Pitt’s Beane, “How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

1. Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Call it recency bias if you must, but the best sports movie I can recommend to the public is the 2019 racing epic starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. The latter is one of the best actors of this generation, and his performance here is terrific — he was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Ken Miles. The driving sequences here are some of the best to ever be put on the big screen, so make sure you’re watching this one on your best TV.

Disagree with my list? Have recommendations of your own? Sound off in the comments below to give your thoughts on the best sports movies to watch in quarantine this weekend.