As Hollywood continues to scrape the bottom of the barrel for ideas, good sports movies remain uncommon. Here are a few that may have never achieved mainstream popularity, but still deliver the inspiring stories, captivating drama and unrelenting comedy that audiences crave from sports movies. 

“Trouble with the Curve” (2012)

Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and Justin Timberlake lead in a heartwarming story about an aging MLB scout (Eastwood) and his daughter (Adams) who journey to find the next big star somewhere in the midst of college baseball. The film tells an engaging and cohesive tale about the process of rebuilding familial bonds as well as the woes of arrogance and cockiness in the world of sports. “Trouble with the Curve” is available for streaming on Hulu. 

“Benchwarmers” (2006)

The placement of Benchwarmers on this list may be largely due to nostalgia, but this movie holds up as a classic sports film. Comedic legends  of the early 2000’s David Spade, Jon Heder and Rob Schneider lead this comedy about three unlikely nobodies who band together to prove their bullies wrong about the importance of having fun over winning. Of course, the film’s hilarity and message renders this movie a classic. “Benchwarmers” is available for streaming on Hulu.  

“Invincible” (2006)

Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? This film tells the true tale of Vince Papale, played by Mark Wahlberg, a 30-year-old bartender in Philadelphia that finds his life turned upside down after he lands a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles NFL roster. “Invincible” tells a captivating story of how quickly someone’s life could change, but it is also a well-made film in general with impressive production, cinematography and acting. “Invincible” is available for streaming on Disney+.

“The Game Plan” (2007)

Although I didn’t intend on this list leaning in the PG direction, this movie offers a wholesome message and stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the quarterback of a fictional NFL team. In the movie, a young girl, played by Madison Pettis, shows up to his penthouse door, claiming to be his long lost daughter. Suddenly, the quarterback finds himself having to balance fatherhood and the face of his franchise. “The Game Plan” is available for streaming on Disney+.

“Kicking and Screaming” (2005)

As a chaotic comedy, this movie is a shining example of how hilarious sports films can be. Comedy legend Will Ferrell starts in this film as the coach for his son’s soccer team as the means of obtaining bragging rights over his own arrogant father. However, he soon discovers that he may be more similar to his father than he thought. “Kicking and Screaming” is available for streaming on Hulu.

Released in late 2021, “The Tragedy of Macbeth” was a hidden gem. The film was produced by A24, the same studio responsible for films such as “Midsommar” and “Uncut Gems.” Fans of A24 know that some of their films can be hit or miss – the indie company releasing films that sometimes end up being a little too weird for the mainstream. But “Macbeth” slid under the radar, and is a film I consider to be truly a masterpiece.

The film follows the story of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name and features Denzel Washington as Lord Macbeth. The acting in the film was phenomenal, and it had to be. As a film based on a play, much of the story is dependent on the dialogue and subtle actions of the characters. There was a lot of potential for the film to get boring due to the sheerpure amount of dialogue and seemingly lack of action, but the action is in the subtleties of the film. Overall, and the actors do an amazing job of keeping your attention. 

It was also just a great film to watch because of the visual experience. “Macbeth” was minimalistic, with the whole film shot in black and white. Because of the lack of color, there was a higher emphasis on shadows and light, punctuating the film in a unique way and providing a beautiful cinematographic experience. The general aesthetic of the film was also given great attention. It didn’t feel old or difficult to watch. While it was obviously a Shakespeare play, there was a modern spin on it with the minimalistic attributes of the sets adding a crispness to the film. 

“The Tragedy of Macbeth” was extremely enjoyable – one of my favorite movies I’ve seen in a while. For those who can’t enjoy a Shakespeare play, it may be hard to get into. But for those curious about it, I definitely recommend giving it a shot.

When discussing movies that channel an array of emotions, you find yourself with a few select genres. Add in an underdog, and you have yourself only one genre: sports. There are many different sports movies and approaches that directors and producers take to them, but some are just better than others. I asked for your opinions, and this is my un-definitive list of the top 5 sports movies of all time 

1) “Remember the Titans” (2000) 

“Remember the Titans” has to be one of the most inspirational movies ever, especially when you talk about sports movies. “Remember the Titans” is about a football team at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., in 1971. Within the team are racial disparities that have to be overcome in order for the team to succeed. Coach Boone (Denzel Washington) takes his new team to a camp at Gettysburg College. The team comes together and overcomes their differences to eventually win the state championship. What makes this movie number one is that it is based on a true story, which makes it even more special. Definitely worth a watch. 

2) “Rocky” (1976-2018) 

I could not decide whether to put “Rocky” or “Creed,” but then I realized that without a “Rocky,” there’s no “Creed.” The “Rocky” series is regarded as having some of the most influential boxing movies ever. The series focuses on the up-and-coming career of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). Rocky was always the underdog – fighting opponents like Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) and the Russian Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The series shows that you need a lot of hard work, dedication and grit to be the best of the best. You could also throw “Creed” into the series as spin-offs, which adds more success to the already great series.

3) “He Got Game” (1998) 

“He Got Game” has to be the best basketball movie ever made. This movie tells a story of Jesus Shuttleworth (Ray Allen), who is the No. 1 high school prospect in the country, and his strict father Jake (Denzel Washington). Jesus has to decide where to play college ball without any proper guidance. “He Got Game” also looks at the gray areas of recruiting and the tense relationship between a black father and his son. Jesus is also trying to make a decision without being swayed one way or another. This movie gives a look into the pressure of a top recruit in high school sports. 

4) “42” (2013) 

Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) is signed by Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) and the Dodgers in 1946. Robinson and Coach Rickey catch hell for the signing, due to the well-known color barrier at the time in the MLB. They both receive hate and threats from everyone, including teammates and the press. Robinson, with the help of Coach Rickey, remains composed and lets his game and talent do the talking. Jackie Robinson’s number, 42, was retired across the entire MLB in 1997. This movie shows the struggle Robinson had to overcome to be in Major League Baseball. The true definition of an underdog is when you’re the only one of your kind. 

5) “Blind Side” (2009) 

Michael (Quinton Aaron) grows up with a drug addict mother and gets taken away from her at the age of seven. Michael remains in the system and always runs away to his father’s friend’s house. A father’s friend uses his connections to get Michael into Wingate Christian School, where he eventually meets his new family, the Tuohys. With the help of the Tuohys, Michael gets better academically and learns of his natural talent. Michael goes on to Ole Miss, and from there goes on to be drafted by the Ravens in the first round. This movie tells a story beyond the sport, just like “He Got Game,” but more raw. This movie shows the reality of a lot of people from the hood: talented, but without the right connections, they go nowhere but into a broken system. 

When selecting sports movies it’s hard to narrow it down to five. It would still be challenging to narrow it down to ten. But each of these stories inspire people that are not as fortunate as others and helps them realize that there’s a chance to succeed as a team or an individual athlete even if the odds are against you. Sometimes being the underdog is the biggest motivator for greatness.

In our current age of social distancing and COVID-19 fear, a good movie that doesn’t require you to leave your house may be just what the doctor ordered. However, if you’re like me, choosing a movie available on Netflix or with the most basic Hulu subscription can be difficult. The selection is rather sparse, and many Netflix originals are cringe-worthy at best. 

Luckily for you, I compiled my very favorite movies from a variety of genres available on Netflix or Hulu. Stay in, stay safe and stay entertained with these high-quality, easily accessible films.

1. “Silver Linings Playbook”

Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, this film racked up major Oscar nominations when it premiered 2012. Cooper plays Pat Solitano, a bipolar man who moves back in with his parents after his court-mandated mental health hospitalization. 

The movie follows Cooper’s character’s attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife and his new relationship with Lawrence, who plays a widowed woman also dealing with mental illness. Cooper and Lawrence’s performances are sensational, and the movie is a perfect mix of emotional complexity and humor. 

2. “Carrie Pilby”

A relatively unknown film, “Carrie Pilby” is a great movie to watch when you’re looking to curl up on the couch and feel warm and fuzzy. “Carrie Pilby” stars Bel Powley as Carrie Pilby, a recent Harvard graduate from London who is currently living in New York City. 

Pilby began Harvard at 16, and while the protagonist is extremely intelligent, she suffers from social anxiety and reflects upon the ways her age caused her to be taken advantage of in college. “Carrie Pilby” is a story of healing and self-discovery. I’d recommend the watch just to see Pilby’s excellent chunky sweater combinations. 

3. “A Simple Favor”

Starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, this film generated massive buzz when it premiered in 2018. If you didn’t get a chance to see the comedic thriller, Hulu offers the movie to stream. 

The amount of plot lines, absurdity and martinis served up by this movie will leave you laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. While this movie is a mystery and does involve thrills and murder, it’s far from scary. Rather, Kendrick’s mommy blogger character and Lively’s portrayal of a mysterious, enigmatic beauty make a magnetizing duo that will leave you wondering what you just watched – in a good way. 

4. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”

Based on the book with the same mouthful of a title, this movie tells the tale of a book club on the island of Guernsey during Nazi occupation. Foggy British scenery, romance, letter writing, Lily James’ impeccable fashion – this movie really has it all. 

If you love romantic movies and history, this film is definitely the one for you. I also recommend reading the book.

5. “All the Bright Places”

Another Netflix original based on a popular book, “All the Bright Places” is the story of two hurting teens who find joy in new adventures and each other’s company. Violet Markey, played by Elle Fanning, recently lost her sister in a car accident in which she was driving. Theodore Finch, played by Justice Smith, helps Markey on her path towards healing by coaxing her into discovering different wonders of Indiana. 

Simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is the most well-done Netflix original movie geared toward young adults I have ever watched. 

6. “The Kindergarten Teacher”

Disturbing and thought-provoking, this film stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a kindergarten teacher who becomes obsessed with one of her students after he demonstrates advanced poetic talent. 

This movie is an acquired taste and can be uncomfortable to watch, but Gyllenhaal’s performance is outstanding and asks viewers to consider the boundaries between teacher and student and how we treat child prodigies. 

7. “My Girl”

If you haven’t seen “My Girl” before, you’re definitely missing out. Anna Chlumsky stars as Vada, an eleven-year-old hypochondriac living with her widowed father in their house, which is also a funeral parlor. Her best friend, Thomas J., is played by Macauly Culkin. In the film, Chlumsky’s character undergoes a life-changing summer of both sorrow and joy. 

The film is a tear-jerker, but also filled with bubbles of humor and happy childhood nostalgia. 

8. “The Iron Lady”

For all the Merryl Streep fans out there, “The Iron Lady” is one of her best performances. Streep portrays Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s controversial Prime Minister from 1979-1990. The movie follows Thatcher in her old age as she reflects upon her time as Prime Minister. 

“The Iron Lady” is perfect for anyone looking to learn a little history. When the world feels bleak, it can be reassuring to watch a film about a tough female leader who guided her country through stressful political crises. 

9. “Up in the Air” 

Starring George Clooney, “Up in the Air” follows a man who lives out of a suitcase, travelling across the country to professionally fire employees. Anna Kendrick, who plays his new apprentice, begins to change his outlook on living in isolation – as does a love interest played by Vera Farmiga.

Thought-provoking, funny and containing an unexpected twist, “Up in the Air” was nominated for six Oscars. This movie will make you contemplate what in life is truly meaningful. 

10. “Julie and Julia” 

Amy Adams and Merryl Streep star in this cheery, based-on-a-true-story film sure to make you want to hop in the kitchen and whip up Julia Child’s beef bourguignon. Streep plays Julia Child, a famous chef who wrote a French cookbook for American amatuer cooks. Child is joyful, particular and determined. Adams plays Julie, a woman living in New York City and unhappy at her job. She chooses to cook her way through Julia Child’s cookbook and blog about it. This movie will make your mouth water and your heart warm. 

During this unprecedented time of social isolation, a movie that doesn’t require you to leave the house can be the perfect distraction. All ten of these movies have something to provide, whether that be joy, something to think about or even a new outlook on life.