The Best Movies About Underdogs
- 1Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith
In this iconic boxing film, viewers witness the inspiring journey of an underdog named Rocky Balboa, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone. As a small-time club fighter from Philadelphia with big dreams, he unexpectedly gets the chance to compete with heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. The movie showcases his relentless pursuit of greatness and his determination to prove that he has what it takes to be a true champion.
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- 2Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
The thrilling story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey team captivates audiences as they watch a group of young college players take on the seemingly invincible Soviet Union team. Under the guidance of their coach Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, these underdogs display their unwavering determination and teamwork as they overcome insurmountable odds. This inspiring sports drama proves that miracles can happen when passion and belief surpass expectations.
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- 3Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte
This intense mixed martial arts drama tells the story of two estranged brothers who find themselves competing against each other for championship glory in a high-stakes tournament called Sparta. Played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, the brothers must overcome personal demons, strained relationships, and fierce competition to achieve their dreams. This emotionally charged film resonates with audiences as it explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of family.
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- 4Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
Set during the Great Depression, this film follows the life of James J. Braddock, a washed-up boxer played by Russell Crowe who makes an incredible comeback against all odds. Despite facing numerous hardships and setbacks both in and out of the ring, Braddock's resilience never wavers as he fights for his family's survival while capturing the heart of a nation in desperate need of hope.
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- 5Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison
Based on a true story, this football drama focuses on the integration of T.C Williams High School in Virginia during the early 1970s. Denzel Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone, who is tasked with uniting black and white players into one cohesive unit amid racial tensions. By putting aside their differences and working together toward a common goal, these young men defy expectations and show that unity can triumph over adversity.
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- 6Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Based on a true story, this sports drama centers around Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) as he attempts to transform his underfunded baseball team into a competitive powerhouse using unconventional methods and statistical analysis. Alongside Yale-educated economist Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), they revolutionize the game of baseball by challenging traditional scouting methods and assembling a roster of undervalued players who defy expectations to achieve greatness.
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- 7Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Sylvester Stallone returns as underdog hero Rocky Balboa in this fourth installment of the legendary boxing series. Following the tragic death of his friend Apollo Creed at the hands of Russian boxer Ivan Drago, Rocky decides to challenge Drago in a fight that will test not only his physical strength but also his spirit. As he prepares for this monumental showdown, Rocky once again demonstrates that heart and determination can conquer even the most formidable foes.
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- 8Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton
Based on a true story, this inspiring football drama stars Sean Astin as Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a young man determined to play for the University of Notre Dame despite his small stature and lack of talent. Through sheer perseverance and an unwavering belief in himself, Rudy overcomes overwhelming obstacles to achieve his dreams. The film serves as a testament to the power of determination and the importance of never giving up.
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- 9Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
In this classic coming-of-age tale, Ralph Macchio stars as Daniel LaRusso, a teenager who moves to California from New Jersey and quickly becomes the target of bullies at his new school. When he befriends Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an unassuming martial arts master who teaches him karate through unconventional methods, Daniel gains newfound confidence and skill in order to face his tormentors head-on during a high-stakes tournament.
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- 10Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba
This lighthearted comedy is based on the true story of Jamaica's first-ever Olympic bobsled team. After failing to qualify for their individual events due to unforeseen circumstances, four unlikely athletes come together under coach Irv Blitzer, played by John Candy, to form the country's debut bobsledding team. Despite facing ridicule and numerous setbacks, the team pursues their dream with unwavering determination, proving that success is not always measured by medals.
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- 11Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan
This historical epic follows the life of Scottish hero William Wallace (Mel Gibson), who leads his fellow countrymen in a bloody rebellion against English oppression after his wife is brutally murdered by occupying forces. Battling overwhelming odds and insurmountable adversity, Wallace inspires hope within his people and ignites the spark of revolution that will change Scotland forever.
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- 12Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Orlando Jones
In this entertaining sports comedy, Keanu Reeves stars as Shane Falco, a washed-up quarterback who is given a second chance when he is recruited to join a team of replacement players during an NFL strike. Assembling a ragtag group of misfits and underdogs, Falco and his teammates must overcome their differences and prove that they have the heart and talent to compete at the highest level.
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- 13Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks
In this inspiring true story, Mark Wahlberg stars as Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender who seizes an improbable opportunity to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles during an open call for local talent. Despite having no college football experience and being older than most rookies, Papale's tenacity and grit earn him a spot on the team, and he ultimately becomes a beloved figure in his hometown.
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- #28 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- 14Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
This gritty biographical drama tells the true story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a struggling boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts who finds himself caught between family loyalty and his own ambitions. With the help of his half-brother Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale), Micky overcomes numerous obstacles both inside and outside the ring in order to achieve his dream of becoming a world champion.
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- 15Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman
In this critically acclaimed drama directed by Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank stars as Maggie Fitzgerald, a determined young woman with dreams of becoming a professional boxer. With the help of her grizzled trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), Maggie defies expectations and rises through the ranks in pursuit of greatness. The film explores themes of perseverance and the power of human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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- 16Eminem, Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy
Eminem stars in this gritty drama as Jimmy Smith Jr., an aspiring rapper from Detroit who struggles to overcome poverty, personal demons, and fierce competition in pursuit of his dreams. As he battles his way through underground rap battles and confronts challenges both on stage and off, Jimmy learns that success means more than fame – it's about finding one's voice amid adversity.
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- 17Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper
Inspired by true events, this sports drama follows small-town Indiana basketball coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) as he takes over a struggling high school team with only seven players on its roster. Despite facing skepticism from parents and community members alike, Coach Dale instills discipline and teamwork into his ragtag group of athletes, leading them on an improbable journey toward state championship glory.
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- 18Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo
Set in a future where robot boxing has become a popular spectator sport, this film stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who becomes an unlikely hero when he discovers a discarded robot named Atom. As they train the scrappy machine to become a contender in the high-stakes world of professional robot fighting, Charlie and his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) form an unbreakable bond and prove that even underdogs can rise to the top.
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- 19Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna
This heartfelt comedy-drama tells the story of an all-female baseball league formed during World War II when most male players were away at war. Featuring an ensemble cast including Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie O'Donnell, the film showcases the unique challenges faced by these unconventional athletes as they come together to form a sisterhood and prove that women can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men.
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- 20Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper
Based on the true story of an undersized racehorse named Seabiscuit, this heartwarming film showcases how the unlikely champion captivated Depression-era America with his incredible victories against all odds. Featuring Tobey Maguire as jockey Red Pollard and Jeff Bridges as owner Charles Howard, this inspiring tale demonstrates that champions come in all shapes and sizes.
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- 21Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith
Emilio Estevez stars as Gordon Bombay, a successful lawyer who is sentenced to community service coaching a ragtag youth hockey team after being charged with drunk driving. As he reluctantly takes on this new role, Bombay finds himself embracing the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie while helping his young players overcome their own obstacles both on and off the ice.
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- #173 of 379 onThe Best Movies Of The 1990s
- 22Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor
Based on a true story, this uplifting sports drama follows high school coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) as he moves his family to McFarland – an economically disadvantaged California town predominantly inhabited by Mexican-American farmworkers – after losing his job elsewhere due to anger issues. Recognizing untapped potential amongst his students, White forms McFarland's first cross-country running team, and through perseverance and dedication, helps the underprivileged youths achieve success both athletically and academically.
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- 23Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
Based on real events during the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race, this thrilling sports drama chronicles American automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they collaborate to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company. In an effort to dethrone the dominant Ferrari racing team, Shelby and Miles defy corporate interference, personal conflicts, and the limitations of human endurance to achieve the impossible.
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- 24Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller
In this hilarious comedy, Vince Vaughn stars as Peter La Fleur, the owner of a struggling gym called Average Joe's who must win a high-stakes dodgeball tournament to save his business from being taken over by the ruthless White Goodman (Ben Stiller) and his corporate gym empire. With the help of an eccentric group of misfits, Peter and his team embrace their underdog status as they take on seemingly impossible odds in pursuit of victory.
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- 25Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal
This critically acclaimed drama tells the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), an impoverished young man from Mumbai who becomes an overnight sensation after winning India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? With each question he answers correctly on the game show, Jamal reveals more about his tumultuous life in the slums, demonstrating resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
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- 26Chadwick Boseman, Nicole Beharie, Alan Tudyk
Chronicling the life and career of Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the first African-American player in Major League Baseball, this biographical drama highlights the numerous obstacles he faced both on and off the field. As he breaks down barriers and defies expectations, Robinson proves that talent and determination can make a lasting impact on society.
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- 27Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close
Robert Redford stars as Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player whose promising career is derailed by tragedy but makes an improbable comeback decades later. In this classic sports drama, Hobbs proves that it is never too late to chase one's dreams and that greatness can be achieved even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
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- #638 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- 28Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson
Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role as Rocky Balboa in this spin-off film that follows Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed – Rocky's former rival turned friend. Under Rocky's tutelage, Adonis trains to become a professional boxer while grappling with the weight of his father's legacy, ultimately proving that greatness can be found even in the most unlikely places.
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- 29Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
Will Smith delivers a powerful performance in this inspiring biographical drama based on the life of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son while pursuing a career in finance. Through sheer determination and unwavering belief in himself, Gardner overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve success and provide a better life for his family.
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- 30Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen
Adam Sandler stars as Happy Gilmore, an aspiring hockey player turned golfer who discovers he has an uncanny talent for driving golf balls incredible distances. In pursuit of saving his grandmother's home from foreclosure, Happy enters the world of professional golf – overcoming obstacles both on and off the course while demonstrating that unconventional approaches can lead to success.
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