It's not uncommon for the world of film and the world of sports to collide. Between them, they have arguably the largest number of entertainment fans, so it's no surprise they tend to cross-pollinate. One issue, however, is that not every film buff is a sports fan, so many great films will fly under their radar.
Often, viewers who know little to nothing about sports will pass over sports fare, often missing out on some great films. While there are certainly a large number of movies aimed specifically at core sports fans, there are also more than a fair amount that even people who dislike sports can enjoy.
Radio (2003)
Radio tells the story of a man, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., who has special needs and a love for sports. The film follows the titular character as he befriends a coach at his local high school. The coach brings Radio in and allows him to join in on coaching the teams. Based on the true story of James Kennedy, Radio is a film one should watch with a box of tissues nearby.
Gooding's performance is heartfelt and powerful, yet it still isn't considered one of Cuba Gooding Jr.'s best movies or TV shows, which is a testament to his talent. The film plays to both sports and non-sports fans and certainly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Remember The Titans (2000)
Football is very much at the forefront of the drama Remember The Titans, but is an important film for sports fans and non-sports fans alike. The true story follows an Black high-school coach, played by Denzel Washington, who coaches an integrated football team in 1971 and leads them to victory. The film tackles racial issues that are still relevant today, and it does so in dramatic and entertaining ways.
The football scenes are easy to understand even for non-sports fans, as the music goes from sad to upbeat depending on how well the team is doing. The film also features several actors before they made it big, including Ryan Gosling, whom many fans forget is present in the film.
The Waterboy (1998)
In the late '90s, Adam Sandler was starting to decline a bit in popularity, which is why The Waterboy has such mixed reviews. The film does have a large fanbase, but those who like it agree it's a comedic gem. The film follows Sandler as Bobby Boucher, a waterboy for a university football team who has bizarre skills on the field thanks to his anger issues.
Viewers who know nothing about football will still find themselves rooting for the lead character. The simple-minded goofball is charming to many, and they want to see him succeed. Not all of the jokes have aged well, but the movie is will appeal to a certain kind of comedy fan whether they enjoy sports or not.
Cool Runnings (1993)
The best way for a sports film to draw in non-sports fans is by having likable characters at the forefront, which is the strong point of Cool Runnings. The Disney film follows Irv, who sets out to coach the first Jamaican bobsled team in the Winter Olympics. The film is based on a true story and is as funny as it is heartwarming.
Even non-sports fans love a good underdog story, and this is among the best. The film is one of John Candy's highest-rated films on IMDb and is available on Disney+ for anyone to discover and enjoy.
Space Jam (1996)
A classic for '90s kids, Space Jam has plenty to love for any viewer regardless of their knowledge of sports. The film follows the Looney Tunes as they recruit Michael Jordan to help them win a basketball game. The film mixes live-action with 2D animation, and to many is one of the best to do so.
Basketball is the main focus of the film, but the inclusion of the Looney Tunes means their zany take on the sport will entertain anybody, even if they have no interest in the sport. The film is the first of three Looney Tunes hybrid movies, and to many is the most nostalgic and enjoyable.
42 (2013)
Three years before his introduction into the MCU, Chadwick Boseman played American baseball legend Jackie Robinson in 42. Even non-sports fans should know Jackie Robinson, who was the first Black athlete to play in Major League Baseball. The film perfectly showcases what Boseman was capable of, as he gives a stunning performance that is fitting of such a powerhouse actor.
The film also features Harrison Ford, who gives an equally impressive performance. One does not need to have knowledge of baseball to enjoy the film, and it is one that cannot be recommended enough to fans of great cinema.
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Another family sports movie put out by Disney is The Mighty Ducks, and it is one that is arguably the most fondly remembered. The film follows Emilio Estevez as Gordan Bombay, a lawyer who has to coach a hapless youth hockey team as community service. The film is full of heart and laughs, as any family sports film should be.
The film spawned a franchise containing two sequels, an animated series featuring actual anthropomorphic ducks, and most recently a revival on Disney+. The movie has plenty of fans, but not all of them are fans of hockey, as the film is enjoyable on its own.
Rocky (1976)
The movie that set the standard for underdog stories is 1976's Rocky. The film is iconic even to those who have no interest in boxing, and Rocky still holds up in many ways today. The film follows the titular character as he goes toe to toe with the heavyweight champ in an attempt to prove his worth. The movie is full of heart and shows exactly what one can do when they give it all they got.
The movie is inspirational in many ways, namely because much of what Rocky goes through in the film is similar to what Stallone himself went through before he made it big. The film has left a legacy on the world of film, and this isn't due to just boxing fans watching it. This film, along with the sequels, is perfect for any movie fan.
The Sandlot (1993)
One of the most iconic coming-of-age films of all time is The Sandlot. Even though the film relies heavily on baseball, the sport is not the heart of the film. The film focuses on childhood and the friends one makes throughout the formative years of adolescence. Many fans of the film have no interest in baseball, and yet they enjoy it just as much as sports experts do.
With memorable characters and even more memorable lines, the film gains more and more fans with each passing year. The film is even getting a Disney+ series that will see the original cast return. This is a fun movie that reminds viewers of what it was like to be a child, free of the responsibilities of adulthood, which is something sports fans and non-sports fans can find comfort in.