20 Sports Movies That Will Make You Cry

20 Sports Movies That Will Make You Cry

By Michael Terrill

July 24, 2014

20 Sports Movies That Will Make You Cry

Sports Movies That Will Make You Cry — The entire point of sports movies is to generate some kind of emotion in the viewer. In fact, that’s basically the point of every movie. For various reasons, sports films always seem to have an easier time hitting the emotion button, especially when it involves sadness. Here are 20 sports movies that will make you cry.

The entire point of sports movies is to generate some kind of emotion in the viewer. In fact, that’s basically the point of every movie. For various reasons, sports films always seem to have an easier time hitting the emotion button, especially when it involves sadness. Here are 20 sports movies that will make you cry.

20. The Blind Side

1. The Blind Side - Copy

20. The Blind Side

1. The Blind Side — The Blind Side has plenty of emotional scenes, which is a true testament to the actor who plays Michael Oher in the film. Whether it was the flashback scenes of him getting taken away, the accident scene, or just any scene in which he has the look of someone who hasn’t received much in his life, there are several reasons to get teary-eyed.

The Blind Side has plenty of emotional scenes, which is a true testament to the actor who plays Michael Oher in the film. Whether it was the flashback scenes of him getting taken away, the accident scene, or just any scene in which he has the look of someone who hasn’t received much in his life, there are several reasons to get teary-eyed.

19. Hoosiers

2. Hoosiers - Copy

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19. Hoosiers

2. Hoosiers — Any movie that has the small-town team going up against a talented opponent is destined to have its share of emotional moments. That’s basically what Hoosiers is. The part where fans of the movie typically begin to feel the waterworks coming on is during the pre-game speech before the state championship. One by one, everyone goes around the room and says why they want to win the game.

Any movie that has the small-town team going up against a talented opponent is destined to have its share of emotional moments. That’s basically what Hoosiers is. The part where fans of the movie typically begin to feel the waterworks coming on is during the pre-game speech before the state championship. One by one, everyone goes around the room and says why they want to win the game.

18. Cool Runnings

3. Cool Runnings - Copy

18. Cool Runnings

3. Cool Runnings — The moment when you actually believe Jamaica’s first bobsled team might actually win an Olympic medal only to find out that they crash after going around a sharp turn is heartbreaking. The tears don’t begin to slide down the cheeks until the slow clap begins as the four bobsledders carry their broken sled across the finish line.

The moment when you actually believe Jamaica’s first bobsled team might actually win an Olympic medal only to find out that they crash after going around a sharp turn is heartbreaking. The tears don’t begin to slide down the cheeks until the slow clap begins as the four bobsledders carry their broken sled across the finish line.

17. Rocky

4. Rocky - Copy

17. Rocky

4. Rocky — Rocky is such an emotional film because the viewer can feel the struggles that Rocky Balboa goes through as he moves his way from a small-time boxer to heavy weight champion. Rocky leaves everything in the ring, everything he has worked so hard for. After defeating Apollo Creed, Rocky screams out for Adrian, his one true love. That moment is when even the manliest of men should have no shame to let the tears flow.

Rocky is such an emotional film because the viewer can feel the struggles that Rocky Balboa goes through as he moves his way from a small-time boxer to heavy weight champion. Rocky leaves everything in the ring, everything he has worked so hard for. After defeating Apollo Creed, Rocky screams out for Adrian, his one true love. That moment is when even the manliest of men should have no shame to let the tears flow.

16. The Wrestler

5. The Wrestler - Copy

16. The Wrestler

5. The Wrestler — The Wrestler makes you want to cry in the same way that Rocky does: it’s hard to watch a weathered warrior go through the ups and downs of fighting. The only difference is Rocky is the rise of a boxer, whereas The Wrestler is the downfall and redemption of a wrestler. Clearly, the major tear-jerking moment of the film is the final fight when Randy’s heart gives out just as he jumps off the top rope doing his signature move.

The Wrestler makes you want to cry in the same way that Rocky does: it’s hard to watch a weathered warrior go through the ups and downs of fighting. The only difference is Rocky is the rise of a boxer, whereas The Wrestler is the downfall and redemption of a wrestler. Clearly, the major tear-jerking moment of the film is the final fight when Randy’s heart gives out just as he jumps off the top rope doing his signature move.

15. Invincible

6. Invincible - Copy

15. Invincible

6. Invincible — There are plenty of reasons to get teary-eyed when watching Invincible. The note Vince Papale’s wife leaves him and the fact none of the players like him are two prime examples. However, it’s when Vince scores the touchdown for the Eagles that gets me. Just wait for the moment when the bartender points to Vince’s father, who can barely hold back his emotions, and says, “That’s your son, Frank.” Yep, let the tears fly.

There are plenty of reasons to get teary-eyed when watching Invincible. The note Vince Papale’s wife leaves him and the fact none of the players like him are two prime examples. However, it’s when Vince scores the touchdown for the Eagles that gets me. Just wait for the moment when the bartender points to Vince’s father, who can barely hold back his emotions, and says, “That’s your son, Frank.” Yep, let the tears fly.

14. Angels in the Outfield

7. Angels in the Outfield - Copy

14. Angels in the Outfield

7. Angels in the Outfield — There are so many moments in Angels in the Outfield when crying is definitely an option, including when Roger realizes his dad lied and won’t be taking him back after all. But, the biggest has to be when we find out pitcher Mel Clark doesn’t have much time left to live. The waterworks really begin when Roger steps out of the dugout and leads the entire ballpark in waving their arms like angel wings to give Mel hope.

There are so many moments in Angels in the Outfield when crying is definitely an option, including when Roger realizes his dad lied and won’t be taking him back after all. But, the biggest has to be when we find out pitcher Mel Clark doesn’t have much time left to live. The waterworks really begin when Roger steps out of the dugout and leads the entire ballpark in waving their arms like angel wings to give Mel hope.

13. Miracle

8. Miracle - Copy

13. Miracle

8. Miracle — Miracle is about the greatest achievement in the history of American sports. That alone should be reason enough why the tears will run. Watching a band of collegiate athletes work hard to overcome the dominant Soviet Union national hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympics is amazing in every way possible.

Miracle is about the greatest achievement in the history of American sports. That alone should be reason enough why the tears will run. Watching a band of collegiate athletes work hard to overcome the dominant Soviet Union national hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympics is amazing in every way possible.

12. Something for Joey

9. Something for Joey - Copy

12. Something for Joey

9. Something for Joey — Something for Joey is an emotional film about a Penn State college football player, John Cappelletti, and his younger brother, Joey Cappelletti. Joey has leukemia, which makes John want to ensure that his brother is as much a part of his life as he is. One of the saddest moments is when John tells everyone that he wants to give his Heisman Trophy to Joey. The tears continue to flow when Joey dies of leukemia at the end of the film.

Something for Joey is an emotional film about a Penn State college football player, John Cappelletti, and his younger brother, Joey Cappelletti. Joey has leukemia, which makes John want to ensure that his brother is as much a part of his life as he is. One of the saddest moments is when John tells everyone that he wants to give his Heisman Trophy to Joey. The tears continue to flow when Joey dies of leukemia at the end of the film.

11. Bang the Drum Slowly

10. Bang the Drum Slowly - Copy

11. Bang the Drum Slowly

10. Bang the Drum Slowly — Catcher Bruce Pearson is diagnosed with a terminal case of Hodgkin’s disease. The only person that knows is friend and pitcher Henry Wiggen. The two are determined to play together for the entire season. Bruce’s health deteriorates to the point where the rest of the team finds out about his illness. It changes their play as the team is determined to win the World Series. Bruce’s death is a sad part in a film loaded with teary-eyed moments.

Catcher Bruce Pearson is diagnosed with a terminal case of Hodgkin’s disease. The only person that knows is friend and pitcher Henry Wiggen. The two are determined to play together for the entire season. Bruce’s health deteriorates to the point where the rest of the team finds out about his illness. It changes their play as the team is determined to win the World Series. Bruce’s death is a sad part in a film loaded with teary-eyed moments.

10. Warrior

11. Warrior - Copy

10. Warrior

11. Warrior — Nick Nolte’s incredible acting adds much of the sorrow in Warrior. However, it’s the final fight scene that really makes viewers want to cry. The powerful music mixed with the emotion of the characters is overwhelming. The part when the two brothers hold each other as they walk to the locker room after the final fight is difficult to watch without the tear ducts getting a bit misty.

Nick Nolte’s incredible acting adds much of the sorrow in Warrior. However, it’s the final fight scene that really makes viewers want to cry. The powerful music mixed with the emotion of the characters is overwhelming. The part when the two brothers hold each other as they walk to the locker room after the final fight is difficult to watch without the tear ducts getting a bit misty.

9. Friday Night Lights

12. Friday Night Lights - Copy

9. Friday Night Lights

12. Friday Night Lights — Friday Night Lights might be the only movie on this list in which seeing the tough guy athlete of the film cry is actually what makes you want to cry. Boobie Miles has a career-ending knee injury. It’s so emotional because Miles had aspirations of playing professional football. The moment he breaks down in the car is the moment when the tears pour out.
“What am I gonna do if I can't play football? I'm not good at nothin'!”

Friday Night Lights might be the only movie on this list in which seeing the tough guy athlete of the film cry is actually what makes you want to cry. Boobie Miles has a career-ending knee injury. It’s so emotional because Miles had aspirations of playing professional football. The moment he breaks down in the car is the moment when the tears pour out.
“What am I gonna do if I can't play football? I'm not good at nothin'!”

8. Remember the Titans

13. Remember the Titans - Copy

8. Remember the Titans

13. Remember the Titans — Gerry getting in the car accident that left him paralyzed was bad enough, but it’s during the team reunion 10 years after winning the state championship that is the real tearjerker. The players and coaches singing ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ at Gerry’s funeral probably has something to do with that.

Gerry getting in the car accident that left him paralyzed was bad enough, but it’s during the team reunion 10 years after winning the state championship that is the real tearjerker. The players and coaches singing ‘Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye’ at Gerry’s funeral probably has something to do with that.

7. Million Dollar Baby

14. Million Dollar Baby - Copy

7. Million Dollar Baby

14. Million Dollar Baby — Million Dollar Baby is the one film on this list in which your tears are going to be driven by mostly hate and disgust. Watching Maggie take a cheap shot in the ring that breaks her neck and leaves her paralyzed is hard to witness. It only gets worse when her family seems to not even care. It’s also not easy to watch when Frankie kills Maggie by removing her breathing tube and injecting her with adrenaline.

Million Dollar Baby is the one film on this list in which your tears are going to be driven by mostly hate and disgust. Watching Maggie take a cheap shot in the ring that breaks her neck and leaves her paralyzed is hard to witness. It only gets worse when her family seems to not even care. It’s also not easy to watch when Frankie kills Maggie by removing her breathing tube and injecting her with adrenaline.

6. We Are Marshall

15. We Are Marshall - Copy

6. We Are Marshall

15. We Are Marshall — We Are Marshall is loaded with emotion because it’s about a plane crash that killed nearly the entire Marshall University football team. There are so many moments in the film when it feels like the dam is going to break open. One of the moments is when the entire university stands outside and chants, “We are Marshall.” Another is the cemetery scene in which head coach Jack Lengyel gives an inspiring speech at the memorial of the deceased.

We Are Marshall is loaded with emotion because it’s about a plane crash that killed nearly the entire Marshall University football team. There are so many moments in the film when it feels like the dam is going to break open. One of the moments is when the entire university stands outside and chants, “We are Marshall.” Another is the cemetery scene in which head coach Jack Lengyel gives an inspiring speech at the memorial of the deceased.

5. The Champ

16. The Champ - Copy

5. The Champ

16. The Champ — There are sadder sports movies than The Champ, but the final scene when T.J. is pleading with his deceased father to wake up just might be the saddest moment in a sports film.

There are sadder sports movies than The Champ, but the final scene when T.J. is pleading with his deceased father to wake up just might be the saddest moment in a sports film.

4. Hardball

17. Hardball - Copy

4. Hardball

17. Hardball — G-Baby meant everything to the players and coach of the Kekamba baseball team. It’s for that reason why his death after he gets shot due to a gang-related incident is shocking and heartbreaking. The players dealt with so much throughout the film, which is why it just doesn’t seem fair to watch G-Baby die at the end of the film.

G-Baby meant everything to the players and coach of the Kekamba baseball team. It’s for that reason why his death after he gets shot due to a gang-related incident is shocking and heartbreaking. The players dealt with so much throughout the film, which is why it just doesn’t seem fair to watch G-Baby die at the end of the film.

3. Field of Dreams

18. Field of Dreams - Copy

3. Field of Dreams

18. Field of Dreams — I love this sports movie. In fact, I’m not afraid to say that it’s the best baseball movie ever made. There are plenty of emotional scenes as Ray Kinsella’s life turns into a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It’s the moment of the film when we realize that the baseball field wasn’t built for the deceased players to have a second chance, but rather, for Ray to finally meet his father. Only real men bawl when Ray and his dad play catch.

I love this sports movie. In fact, I’m not afraid to say that it’s the best baseball movie ever made. There are plenty of emotional scenes as Ray Kinsella’s life turns into a bit of a rollercoaster ride. It’s the moment of the film when we realize that the baseball field wasn’t built for the deceased players to have a second chance, but rather, for Ray to finally meet his father. Only real men bawl when Ray and his dad play catch.

2. Rudy

19. Rudy - Copy

2. Rudy

19. Rudy — If you don’t choke up during the part when Rudy runs out onto the field during the final minutes of the only game he dresses for then you officially have no soul. Rudy enters the game for the kickoff and stays in to play one defensive snap. It turns out to be the greatest moment of his life as he records a sack on the quarterback. The crowd goes wild, and Rudy is carried off the field. I’m getting emotional just writing this.

If you don’t choke up during the part when Rudy runs out onto the field during the final minutes of the only game he dresses for then you officially have no soul. Rudy enters the game for the kickoff and stays in to play one defensive snap. It turns out to be the greatest moment of his life as he records a sack on the quarterback. The crowd goes wild, and Rudy is carried off the field. I’m getting emotional just writing this.

1. Brian’s Song

20. Brian’s Song - Copy

1. Brian’s Song

20. Brian’s Song — Seriously, is there any sadder sports movie than Brian’s Song? The entire movie is emotional, but the tears begin to flow when Gale Sayers receives the George S. Halas Most Courageous Player Award. It’s that moment when he speaks about his friend, Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer.
“I love Brian Piccolo. And I'd like all of you to love him too. And so tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.”

Seriously, is there any sadder sports movie than Brian’s Song? The entire movie is emotional, but the tears begin to flow when Gale Sayers receives the George S. Halas Most Courageous Player Award. It’s that moment when he speaks about his friend, Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer.
“I love Brian Piccolo. And I'd like all of you to love him too. And so tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.”

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