But while sports flicks capture our imagination, only three sports movies have won best picture (“On the Waterfront” in 1954, “Rocky” in 1976 and “Chariots of Fire” in 1981).
“The Champ” (1932) was the first sports movie to get nominated, followed by “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” (1941), “The Pride of the Yankees” (1942) and “The Quiet Man” (1952).
“The Hustler” (1962) was the only thing close to a sports movie nomination after that until “Rocky” won in 1976. “Heaven Can Wait” (1978), “Breaking Away” (1979) and “Raging Bull” (1980) drew nominations after that.
“Field of Dreams” (1989) and “Jerry Maguire” (1996) were sentimental favorites but unlikely winners, much like this year’s best picture nominee, the long shot “Seabiscuit.” Will this year’s “Miracle” make next year’s Oscar cut? Not likely, but you can feel free to believe in miracles.
So who needs the Oscar’s silly envelopes anyway? As nominated by the RedEye staff, here’s a list of the Top 10 sports movies of all time, as well as a few lists that needed to be made too.
1. “ROCKY”
Unknown boxer loses but wins.
Adrian: Why do you want to fight?
Rocky: Because I can’t sing or dance.
2. “CADDYSHACK”
Chaos reigns at golf country club.
Ty Webb: There’s a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.
3. “HOOSIERS”
Little high school basketball team that could.
Wilbur “Shooter” Flatch: I know everything there is to know about the greatest game ever invented.
4. “JERRY MAGUIRE”
Disillusioned agent finds meaning of life.
Jerry Maguire: Jump in my nightmare, the water’s warm!
5. “BULL DURHAM”
Minor-league baseball, major-league love.
Crash Davis: Strikeouts are boring, besides that they’re fascist. Throw some ground balls, it’s more democratic.
6. “THE BAD NEWS BEARS”
Manager makes castoffs contenders.
Coach Buttermaker: Listen, Lupus, you didn’t come into this life just to sit around on a dugout bench, did you? Now get your ass out there and do the best you can.
7. “A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN”
Real baseball isn’t just for men.
Dottie Hinson: You ever been married?
Jimmy Dugan: Well, let me think . . . yeah, twice. Dottie Hinson: Any children?
Jimmy Dugan: One of them was, yeah.
8. “THE LONGEST YARD”
Inmates run the asylum and West Coast offense.
Paul Crewe: The most important thing to remember is to protect your quarterback -ME!
9. “FIELD OF DREAMS”
Iowa farmer and Shoeless Joe find redemption.
Ray Kinsella: This is my corn. You people are guests in my corn.
10. “SEABISCUIT”
Three men and a horse give nation hope.
Tom Smith: You don’t throw away a whole life just ’cause he’s banged up a little.
