50 Best Sports Movies Ever

45. Blue Chips

Year: 1994
Sport: Basketball
Starring: Nick Nolte, Mary McConnell, J.T. Walsh, Ed O’Neill, Alfre Woodard, Shaquille O’Neal
Director: William Friedkin

Starring Nick Nolte as fiery head coach Pete Bell, Blue Chips is as relevant today as it was in 1984. The star-studded film, which featured either appearances or acting roles from the likes of Jim Boeheim, Bob Knight, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jerry Tarkanian, brought the complex world of college basketball to light.

This film had its comedic moments, but it also asked a vital question that’s more prevalent than ever in collegiate sports: will a team pay its break the rules and pay its recruits to become relevant?

That’s the question that coach Bell must answer as he attempts to rediscover his glory days at Western University. Already a two-time national champion with eight conference titles, Bell must revitalize the program before he’s relieved of his duties.

In order to do so, he must confront the issue of defying NCAA rules and paying his players to attend Western University, including goliath recruit Neon Bodeaux. Warning: NSFW.

Shaquille O’Neal delivers a very strong performance as Nolte’s prized recruit and dominant interior force.

In the modern era of basketball, college teams paying their players has become one of the most prominent issues in all of sports. Many believe that it should happen, and just as many oppose it, but the fact remains that it’s still against NCAA law.

Few movies have displayed the foresight of Blue Chips, and that’s a major reason why it cracks the Top 50.

Next: 44. Space Jam