Requested Top 10: My Top 10: Feel-Good Underdog Sports Films

This could well be the most specific request I have had so far.

I have done my top 10 sports films, which was one of the first blogs that I have posted. However, this one is for only sports films with an underdog element and feel-good tone.
This sub-genre is quite a popular one with many fans of film. Despite a predictable ending, the build-up and sport action involved makes you forget about the probability of the plot.

With this being a specific request, there has to be some rules. One film that may have a feel-good tone and has an underdog element that I cannot include is Cool Runnings. For people who have seen it will understand why I cannot include it.

Some that have missed out that I must mention are The Mighty Ducks and Space Jam. These two films are very special to me as they got interested a lot of sports that I still remain a fan of. But sadly, I always try to not show any favoritism in my lists and I cannot include them. It has been a tough call as there are a lot of great films to choose from.

Here are my top 10:

10) Shaolin Soccer - Hong Kong director Stephen Chow changed the way football movies are made.

With vintage Chow comedy, this terrifically enjoyable film has a great comic book feel to it and gave us interesting characters that you instantly care for.

It may have a few odd bits at the start, but the second half is essential viewing.

9) The Rookie - A dramatic an emotional story that sees a high school baseball coach look to finally try out for the major leagues.

However, to visit the try outs, his under-achieving high school team must aim to make the playoffs.

It has great emotion and hits all the right notes.

8) Seabiscuit - Nominated for 7 Oscars and based on a true story, this a wonderfully told story that will warm anyone's heart.

During depression-era America, sport is where people find hope.
In horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is the biggest race of the year and this undersized stallion manages to achieve something no-one else could.

7) The Legend Of Bagger Vance - An absolute favourite of mine.

When a golf club owner is looking to create the biggest exhibition tournament with the greatest players, a down-and-out local pro played by Matt Damon has been given the chance to recover his game.

With the arrival of a mystical caddy, Damon's character finds the help he has been looking for.

6) Moneyball - Nominated for 6 Oscars, this beautiful looking drama tell us the true story of how a major league baseball manager changed the way of how to win the league of a sport that is over a century hold.

With great story-telling and memorable performances, it is one of those few sports films that fans and non-fans can like on the same level.

5) Warrior - One of the big hits of this current decade, this films based on mixed martial-arts makes Rocky look like a pillow fight.

This is pure entertainment, has memorable performances and the action is quite amazing. You really feel the pain the actors are going through and by the end of it, you want to achieve something that you never thought of trying.

4) Any Given Sunday - Any film directed by Oliver Stone will have anyone preparing for the subject matter to be quite in your face. This one, is no exception.
This graphic presentation of American Football is quite enjoyable and has some great performances from a surprisingly impressive performance.
With stars such as Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, Cameron Diax, LL Cool J and James Woods, this one of those rare adult sport movies that is well made.

3) Miracle - Before directing Warrior, Gavin O'Connor made this deeply emotional portrayal of one of the greatest moments in Olympic history.
With the Soviet Union dominating the Ice Hockey world, America's challenge is with an ambitious coach with an unprecedented amateur squad.

It is quite inspirational viewing and has a memorable end credits sequence.

2) The Greatest Game Ever Played - Despite getting mixed reviews from the critics, this wins the fans over every time.

It tells the true story of 1931 U.S Open golf tournament, where a young amateur and former caddy takes on the worlds best and inspires a nation.

I love for its drama, cinematography and how perfect it looks in terms of the production and costume design.

1) Remember The Titans - This has been mentioned on many lists in the past, so you can probably tell how much I love this film.

Performances you will never forget, amazingly touching scenes and terrific American Football action. Lead by Denzel Washington and many famous actors that at the time were widely unknown, this is the film I just have to watch before a big match that I am competing in.

Also, its got a terrific soundtrack, especially in the end credits.