50 Best Sports Movies Ever

22. Breaking Away

Year: 1979
Sport: Cycling
Starring: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Barbara Barrie, Robyn Douglass
Director: Peter Yates

Sensational sports films often receive nominations at major award shows due to their popularity and prestige. It’s rare that they’re actually honored with awards in the acting, directing or screenwriting department, however, which makes this film a significant one.

In 1980, Breaking Away received five Academy Award nominations, with Steve Tesich winning the hardware for Best Original Screenplay.

A young Dennis Quaid and Jackie Earle Haley will appeal to the newer generation of sports fans. Regardless of how many names you do or don’t recognize, this is a film that did an excellent job of covering all of the proverbial bases.

A driven young man has his eyes set on an insurmountable task, all the while balancing an unlikely pursuit of a taken love interest.

The film also earned four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning the honors for Best Picture in the Comedy or Musical categories.

Between the self-imposed pressure and the opponent-fueled sabotage, there’s more than enough reason to be intrigued by Breaking Away. It’s a wonderful film that maintains the audience’s interest and intriguing from beginning to end—something harder to accomplish than it seems.

Cycling isn’t the most popular sport in America, but this film is one that appeals to anyone who enjoys the world of sports.

Next: 21. Warrior