10. “The Waterboy” (1998)
With Adam Sandler’s mildly racist Cajun impersonation aside, this movie is worth a few good laughs, especially from the supporting cast headed by Henry Winkler and the spookily gorgeous Fairuza Balk.9. “Knute Rockne All American” (1940)
Ronald Reagan’s most famous performance, it brought the phrase, “Win one for the Gipper,” into the American lexicon.
8. “Brian’s Song” (1971)
James Caan and Billy Dee Williams give strong performances as Brian Piccolo and Gayle Sayers respectively. A pro football player comes to terms with the fatal illness of his friend and teammate.
7. “North Dallas Forty” (1979)
An aging and battered wide receiver battles injuries and chronic pain in this funny look at life in the National Football League. Nick Nolte and Mac Davis star in this semi-fictional tale.
6. “All The Right Moves” (1983) Pennsylvania steel country is the backdrop for this tale of a high school football player desperate for a one-way ticket out. Tom Cruise became a household name after this was released: rent the VHS and have your finger on the pause button.
5. “Rudy” (1993)
Before he was a hobbit, Sean Astin starred in this tale of a young man whose only dream is to play for Notre Dame, despite his limited academic ability and questionable football skills.
4. “Remember the Titans” (2000) True story of a newly hired African-American football coach and the obstacles that he and his team must overcome as they struggle during their first season as a racially integrated team.
3. “Any Given Sunday” (1999)
Egos collide in Oliver Stone’s gritty tale of financial and personal greed among pro football players. Cameron Diaz does an admirable job as a tough as nails owner.
2. “The Longest Yard” (1974)
Burt Reynolds gives a star-making performance in this hilarious tale of a former pro baller turned imprisoned convict who must put together a team at the request of his maniacal warden. One of Reynolds’s finest and best remembered performances.
1. “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger star in this story of a high-rolling sports agent who decides that ethics are more important than money and fame. Cuba Gooding Jr. stole the film and the Oscar with his catch phrase, “Show me the money!
