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These are the best sports films for the Christmas holidays

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These are the best sports films for the Christmas holidays

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From: Nicholas Kirk

The range of sports films ranges from Hollywood-style entertainment to in-depth reports: a selection for the holidays.

Munich – You no longer have to go without live sport from Christmas to the New Year. The wide range of streaming platforms serves exciting live competitions every day, from Boxing Day to football to the Darts World Cup, to the holiday tables. For those who don’t crave a break from sports in general but do crave a break from current affairs, films can provide relief. Here too, the selection of genres and sports knows no limits.

“Fever Pitch” and “Blind Side”: sports films with well-known casts

Bad luck (1997): The film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s cult book – a homage to being a fan. “Fever Pitch” tells the story of Arsenal fan Paul Ashworth, whose victories and defeats in life are determined by his connection to the Gunners. Based on the autobiographical novel, Colin Firth shines in the duties of the oddball teacher and convincingly brings the balance between love and football to the screen. The film was released in 1997 to capture the emotional connection between fans and their sport.

Blind Side – The Big Chance (2009): Sport meets Hollywood and the “American Dream”. “Blind Side” tells the story of young Michael Oher and his path to professional football as a footballer. As a child from a difficult background, he receives the support of a wealthy family. Sandra Bullock, who plays the role of mentor in the film, even won an Oscar for her work as Leigh Anne Tuohy.

These are the best sports films for the Christmas holidays
Baseball, swimming, football: films that expand sports horizons © IMAGO / Everett Collection; IMAGO/Everett Collection; IMAGO / Capital Pictures

“Moneyball” and “The Damned United”: exceptional trainer in focus

The Damned United – The Eternal Enemy (2009): Eccentric characters and British humor. The Damned United follows sensational coach Brian Clough during his 44-day stint at Leeds United, highlighting his coaching rivalries with Don Revie and other personal struggles. After the short, tragic episode, the film ends with a happy ending, as Clough subsequently made himself immortal as the coach of Nottingham Forest. The biographical novel of the same name was published in 2006.

Moneyball (2011): Baseball still has a reputation for being boring. However, fans of sport and its close connection to statistics will get their money’s worth with this classic. “Moneyball” follows the true story of Oakland Athletics manager Billy Beane, who used data-driven methods to revolutionize baseball scouting. Brad Pitt took part in the role of the unconventional strategist, while Jonah Hill impressed as his analytical assistant.

Red Army – Legends on the Ice (2014): Top sport in the competition of systems. Red Army tells the fascinating story of the Soviet ice hockey team and its political significance during the Cold War. With impressive interviews and archive material, the documentary conveys a mix of sport and history.

Istanbul United (2014): The unifying social power of football across the borders of the curve. The documentary “Istanbul United” highlighted the unusual alliance between the rival fan groups of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş during the 2013 Gezi protests in Turkey. The film is an example of how football and politics can merge in a historical movement.

From escape to the Olympic Games: “The Swimmers” tells a moving story

Diego Maradona (2019): For many he was “the greatest”, despite the dark side of his life. The documentary “Diego Maradona” highlights the life and career of the legendary Argentine footballer and shows his highs and lows. With previously unpublished material, director Asif Kapadia brings the human side of this exceptional talent to light. The film was released in 2019 and gives fans an intense look at one of the sport’s greatest icons.

The Swimmers (2022): “The Swimmers” tells the moving story of sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, who flee the war in Syria and reach Europe via a dangerous route. The plot not only shows her escape, but also Yusra’s impressive journey to the 2016 Rio Olympics as a swimmer. Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa shine in The Supreme, while director Sally El Hosaini directs the film with an intense look at human courage. The film was released in 2022 and received recognition and attention. In 2023 it was nominated for “best film” at the British Academy Film Awards. (nki)