Though finals are important, we all know how stressful this time can be. Next time you need a study break, choose from this list of varying sports titles to temporarily take your mind off of your busy schedule.
10) To kick off the list, a classic: “Slapshot.” Even if you haven’t seen the movie, it is likely that you’ve seen an image or Halloween costume of The Hanson Brothers. While this movie isn’t as much about the game as others, these three goons are sure to provide some laughs and entertainment.
9) Next up is a movie that inspired an even more popular TV show. The movie “Friday Night Lights” is based on a book about a high school football team in a small Texas town. In a community with nothing besides football, the team and their success is very important — until the star player is hurt before the playoffs. Winner of the Best Sports Movie ESPY Award, this is a must see.
8) Based on a true story, “Rudy” is another classic. The drama describes the journey of a true underdog who dreams of playing football at Notre Dame. After convincing the coach to let him walk on as a practice player, he persistently shows up and is finally allowed to play in the final game of the season. If this movie doesn’t inspire you to go out and succeed, nothing will.
7) If you are in need of a dose of girl power, check out “Bend It Like Beckham,“ a movie about an Indian girl who lives for the game of soccer but is forbidden to play because of her parents.
6) Another motivational movie, “McFarland” tells the story of a group of Hispanic boys in the small town of McFarland, California. When a new coach comes to their school, he brings together a group of misfits who eventually go on make it to the state cross-country meet.
5) If in need a quick cry session, “The Blind Side” will not disappoint. This is an emotional story about Michael Oher, a homeless black teen who had always struggled with his schooling and personal life. After spending time with a caring family, they decide to become his legal guardians and help him to achieve his football dreams, eventually earning a spot on the Baltimore Ravens.
4) Enough of the tears. With the stress of preparing for finals, you may need a good laugh. Check out “Blades of Glory” — or any other sports movie starring Will Ferrell (including “Semi Pro,” “Kicking and Screaming” or “Talladega Nights”) for some entertainment with a side of sports.
3) The Great Bambino. The Sultan of Swat. The Titan of Terror. The Colossus of Clout! If these names don’t immediately remind you of “The Sandlot,” you best drop what you’re doing and watch this movie. When Scotty Smalls moves to a new neighborhood, he befriends a group of pick-up baseball players and creates endless summer memories, learning about friendship, girls and, of course, The Great Bambino.
2) After a black football coach is hired over a white one in a Virginia high school in the midst of the civil rights movement, the team comes together in order to support its coach and have a successful season. “Remember the Titans” tells a story of football players overcoming their differences in order to save their coach’s career and succeed as a team.
1) Finally, one of the most electrifying sports movies of all time. “Miracle” tells the story of a group of young college hockey players who come together to represent their country. Starting as the underdogs, they eventually come together to overcome their personal differences as well as the competition they thought they could never beat.