Underdogs to Legends: The Allure of Sports on Screen

Summer is around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes the return of sports days, community races, and that familiar buzz of fiery competition.

In this edition, we dive into how sports come alive on the big screen - and why we can’t seem to get enough of it.

One of the greatest powers of film is its ability to capture pretty much anything, whether it’s completely fictional or rooted in real-life events. Sports films, in particular, sit at a unique intersection of action, emotion, and storytelling, and typically lean towards the drama genre.

But why are they so popular, and why do we keep going back to the same kinds of stories again and again?

At the heart of many iconic sports films is the timeless underdog narrative. It’s a story we’ve seen countless times, yet it never gets old - because it resonates. Everyone, at some point, has felt like the odds were stacked against them. So when we watch someone rise from nothing, it taps into something personal.

We root for the underdog, especially when they’re at their lowest. A devastating injury, a crushing setback, the pressure of everyone expecting failure. Add the right music, the roar of a crowd, or a deafening silence, and suddenly, we feel it - that spark of empathy.

And when they finally rise above it all and win, proving the haters wrong and making their supporters proud, it’s not just their win; it feels like ours too.

And when the story is based on a real athlete… even better! Seeing a familiar name brought to life on screen always adds a layer of intimacy. We get to witness the early days, the key turning points, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped them - we might even leave the cinema inspired.

At the end of the day, whether it's the ring, the track, or the court, most sports films tell a similar story. And that story is usually about athletes doing what others said couldn't be done!

So here are a few recommendations based on a variety of sports.

Which ones did we miss?

🥊 Creed (Prime Video)

In this powerful continuation of the Rocky legacy, a young man with a famous last name steps into the boxing ring to prove he’s more than just his heritage. With help from an aging Rocky Balboa, he faces the fight of his life - inside and outside the ring. Creed is about legacy, identity, and the grit it takes to carve your own path.

🏎 Rush (Netflix)

Set during the golden age of Formula 1, Rush tells the story of two fiercely different racers locked in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries. As they push themselves to the limit, the line between competition and obsession begins to blur. It's a high-speed, character-driven drama about ambition, risk, and respect.

⚽ Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

An American football coach unexpectedly finds himself managing a struggling English football team, despite having zero experience with the sport. What starts as a fish-out-of-water comedy turns into a heartfelt, uplifting series about leadership, belief, and the power of kindness. Ted Lasso is as much about people as it is about football.

🎾 King Richard (Prime Video)

Based on a true story, King Richard follows the unconventional journey of a determined father who sets out to raise two of the greatest tennis players in history. With a bold vision and relentless drive, he challenges the odds, the system, and anyone who doubts his daughters’ potential. It's a story of family, focus, and faith in the long game.

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