There are many sports movies out there, but which ones are worth not only watching, but potentially owning? What are not just great sports movies, but good movies in general? Here’s a list of fifteen of the best sports movies to hit the big screen.

The water boy
It’s funny to think of Adam Sandler on a list that praises movies, but here we are. Beyond the initial issues in praising Adam Sandler, the movie was sweet, heartwarming, funny, and with some great tackles, including one by Kathy Bates that’s only worth the price of admission.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Another SNL alumnus, another great sports movie. During what many consider to be the height of Will Farrell’s humor, this film about a simple man who just wanted to go fast featured Jane Lynch before his Glee days and the ever-funny Gary Cole (Office Space).

Major League
Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, and Corbin Bernsen in a movie together? While it would spawn numerous sequels, each one less successful and less filled with original cast members, the original was unique, fun, and played on our love for an underdog and the Yankees losing.

Stormy days
With Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman before they were Cruises, the movie was essentially Top Gun in cars, which was not a bad thing. What makes NASCAR great before enjoying the popularity it is now, features intense racing scenes and cameos from some of the biggest stars in racing.

Your own league
Tom Hanks, Gina Davis, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnel headline one of the few sports movies in which women appear. Set during World War II, the film follows the women’s baseball leagues that emerged and reminds us all that there is no crying in baseball.

The bad news bears
A curmudgeon Walter Matthau leading a group of baseball kids? What could go wrong? Also starring Tatum O’Neal and a young Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen), the film is more about gambling and fun than winning.

Brian’s song
Based on the true story of Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, played by Billy Dee Williams, and Brian Piccolo, played by James Caan, the story details the friendship between the two teammates as Brian fights and ultimately loses his battle against cancer while with the Chicago Bears. Originally made for television, it was so popular that it was actually shown in some theaters.

Rudy
It is one of the few films in which men can cry. Based on a true story, the movie featured Sean Astin (the Lord of the Rings trilogy) in the title role as the petite-sized soccer player at Notre Dame who finally got his shot and was taken off the field by his Teammates. . It is the quintessential “never say die” movie.

Slapshot
A comedy starring Paul Newman and the brainchild of the Hanson brothers’ iconic hockey goons, this film was so influential that many of the terms used in the film invaded the hockey lexicon used to this day. The actors who played the Hanson brothers still make character appearances and appeared in supporting roles in the two direct-to-DVD sequels.

Caddyshack
Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield, and Chevy Chase in one movie? How can mischief not ensue, especially when you hit a golf course just in case? Bill Murray trying to blow up a squirrel that has been terrorizing the countryside is just one of the many highlights of this movie.

Durham Bull
Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins in a baseball movie broadcast by most studios. Kevin Costner is hired to help prepare Tim Robbins for the major leagues, and including Susan Sarandon in the mix certainly doesn’t help. This is a classic movie that is regularly voted one of the best sports movies of all time and it was where Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon met before getting into a relationship.

Field of dreams
Another movie with Kevin Costner and one of the other movies where men can cry. Everyone knows that “if you build it, he will come.” Also starring James Earl Jones and Ray Liotta, it is the quintessential baseball movie and heartwarming story about a game of catch and the relationship before a father and son.

Hoosiers
Inspired by true events, this movie with Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper is the story of the underdog on a high school basketball team in Indiana that was undersized and understaffed, but still went to the state championship game. . Dennis Hopper, who is regularly listed as the best sports film ever made, received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film.

Rocky
The movie that helped launch Stallone’s career, as well as five sequels. Little Rocky Balboa has a title shot held by Apollo Creed, with Rocky’s only goal for the fight being to go all the way against the champion, something that no other person to face Creed has ever accomplished. The scenes of Rocky’s training pounding corpses of frozen meat and walking up the stairs in Philadelphia are iconic. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won three, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Raging bull
Many consider it not only the best sports movie, but the best movie ever made in any genre. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, the film is based on the true story of boxer Jake LaMotta and documents his rise and fall, as well as the price it cost his family and friends.