25 best sports movies, ranked by the dust in your eye

2. Rudy (1993)

Directed by David Anspaugh
Starring Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, and Ned Beatty

One of the most inspirational movies of all time, Rudy is a fact-based drama about the virtue of persistence.

The film follows Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger (Astin) a young man who dreams of attending the University of Notre Dame and playing football for the Fighting Irish. Unfortunately, due to his diminutive height and subpar grades, he is effectively disqualified for both. However, as Rudy is a young man of uncommonly strong will, he doesn’t take his initial rejection lying down. He leaves home, and enrolls at a junior college near Notre Dame and takes a job as a groundskeeper’s assistant to support himself.

After years of work, Rudy earns grades good enough to get into Notre Dame and his remarkable determination wins him a spot on the scout team. But it would take a minor miracle to get Rudy on the field during an actual game. And one of the most emotionally affecting scenes in film history, a minor miracle occurs as Rudy is allowed to finally suit up and take the field.

Although the film has the life-affirming brio of a fictional narrative, Rudy’s time as a member of the Fighting Irish is a true story. And though certain parts of the film are exaggerated for dramatic effect, its protagonist’s ability to accomplish the impossible through sheer force of will is not one of them. As a result, when it reaches the point where Rudy is carried off the field by his teammates after not just playing but sacking an opposing quarterback, it’s best just to let the tears flow freely.