Live Life Team
Sports movies are typically about triumphant moments and the difficult roads our hero’s have to take in order to overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers that are put in their way. The characters that travel them are as interesting and varied as the sports they are taking part in. Here are the top ten sports characters.
10. Carl Spackler – ‘Caddyshack’
All right, so he’s not technically an athlete, but Billy Murray, as the adamant gardener determined to kill the gophers that are wrecking his golf course, is just classic. He’s so darn funny.
9. Billy Madison – ‘Billy Madison’
The anger-filled golfer who calls himself a hockey player. Every golfer wishes they had his swing and he brings new life to the sport that is both exciting and entertaining.
8. Bobby Boucher – ‘The Waterboy’
Once again, Adam Sandler, but how could you not love Bobby Boucher’s innocent outlook and boyish stutter, He’s an accidental athlete, who turns into a star.
7. Radio – ‘Radio’
He’s the classic sports hero. A mentally challenged individual who just wants to fit in and play football like everyone else. Cuba Gooding Jr. shows his skills as the title character in this movie, Radio.
6. Haley Graham – ‘Stick It’
She’s a tough as nails gymnast, who wants nothing to do with gymnastics. Why is she such a great sports character, She’s independent, defiant and sticks her neck out for those things she believes need changing. Also, it’s pretty incredible that she doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her.
5. Ricky Bobby – ‘Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby’
He’s egotistical, sexist and a butthead to his friends and lots of those around him, but he’s a great movie character, because he’s just so gosh darn humorous and you can’t help but root for him despite his many flaws.
4. Ray Hobbs – ‘The Natural’
Robert Redford, what more needs to be said. He looks great on screen, both to women and men alike and his character is completely believable, as the average baseball player who becomes extraordinary.
3. Rudy – ‘Rudy’
Everyone wants to be Rudy. Everyone wants to defy the odds and seek out their dream. Rudy makes you believe in miracles. He’s an incredible kid.
2. Maggie Fitzgerald – ‘Million Dollar Baby’
She’s a hard ass who doesn’t mind being pushed down or kicked in the ribs a few times, if it will get her what she wants. She’s complicated and this plays out in her boxing. She’ll fight to the death. Maggie is inspiring despite her circumstances.
1. Rocky – ‘Rocky’
The absolute best character in sports film history. He’s got guts; he’s got an attitude. He is ruthlessly determined, who else would climb all those stairs every day and train as hard as he did. Plus, we get to see Rocky develop throughout the franchise and we continue to root for him, no matter how low he gets.
