Critically Acclaimed Sports Movies of the 1970s

The 1970s featured memorable sports movies that dealt with the inspirational tales and conflicts of athletes before, during, and/or after the glory days of their careers. The decade also saw movies that told the stories of avid sports fans and how their passion affects their lives and relationships. A handful of these films received critical acclaim.

“Fat City” (1972)

The sports drama “Fat City” follows the lives of two boxers, one in the twilight of his career and the other just starting his ascent to prominence in the boxing world. It is based on the 1969 novel “Fat City” by Leonard Gardner, who also wrote the film’s screenplay. The story offers a compassionate look at the underbelly of a small American town in the West through the eyes of boxers.

This neo-noir piece by John Huston stars Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, and Susan Tyrrell, who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination from the Oscars for her role in the film. Critics praised “Fat City’s” ability to elevate a realistic story about human despair and suffering into a sharp, grim, downbeat study of people struggling through their miserable lives. It also made waves during its screening at the Cannes Film Festival.

“The Bad News Bears” (1976)

The kids’ sports film “The Bad News Bears” tells the story of an aging and outcast ex-minor leaguer who coaches a team of misfits for the California Little League. After being stuck as a lazy swimming pool cleaner, he takes the money to lead an unlikely bunch of kids who virtually have no talent for baseball. Interestingly, their training takes a different turn and they climb the ranks toward the championship game.

This family comedy by Michael Ritchie stars Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal, Jackie Earle Haley, and Vic Morrow. It won Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen at the Writers Guild of America Awards and a nomination for Matthau in the Best Actor category of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The movie’s critical and box-office success paved way for the two sequels “The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training” in 1977 and “The Bad News Bears Go to Japan” in 1978. The original was remade in 2005, bringing the “Bad News Bears” to a new generation.

“Breaking Away” (1979)

“Breaking Away” is a touching and funny coming-of-age story about a small-town teen who is obsessed with the Italian cycling team. He also dreams of becoming a champion bicycle racer himself. He lives his Italian inspiration with the way he speaks, thinks, and acts. When the teen falls in love with a college girl, he poses as an Italian exchange student to impress her. However, disillusionment comes after his personal encounters with his Italian cycling heroes. This prompts him to throw away his false identity.

This heartwarming sports film by Peter Yates stars Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, and Jackie Earle Haley. Its story effectively captures the limbo period right after high school when a young adult is faced with crucial decisions that can shape his or her future. The film was a box-office hit during its release and won several awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. It also received four other nominations, including the much-coveted categories for Best Picture and Best Director.

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