When I was 10, my club swim team took a field trip to see “McFarland, USA” (2015) — a movie about a coach who transforms a struggling high school cross country team into champions. My coach was adamant about the entire team watching it together, and for a good reason. The movie conveyed the importance of teamwork, resilience and determination in the face of adversity. I left feeling so motivated and inspired to keep doing my best and showing up with my team. 

It is this ability to inspire viewers that makes sports movies so powerful. Through compelling narratives, these films have a way of sparking a sense of passion and determination. Whether it be “McFarland, USA” or “Remember the Titans” (2000), sports films excel at portraying the underdog narrative. They show us that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. You can’t help but feel inspired after such compelling displays of perseverance.

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In my case, my coach wanted us to see the power of teamwork. “McFarland, USA” did a great job at showcasing the importance of unity and the fact that a team can achieve more than the sum of its parts. These are themes that appear over and over again in sports films, but instead of seeming old, they help reinforce those narratives.

Many of these themes have turned into the usual cliches, but you have to love them. They’re what keep us coming back to these films even if we know they are predictable. Who doesn’t love the classic cliches of the “big game” that will determine the protagonist’s ultimate success or failure, the passionate and motivational speech after a critical moment, or the last-second victory when the protagonist suddenly makes a dramatic comeback?

That’s why sports films are so impactful, because as viewers, we truly believe hard work overcomes challenges, or you can start at the bottom and go on to achieve great things. Whether it be Rocky Balboa’s ascent from rags to riches in “Rocky” (1976) or Rudy Ruettiger’s relentless pursuit of his dream to play college football in “Rudy” (1993), these characters embody the human spirit of resilience and perseverance, universal themes that have the power of resonating with anyone, far beyond athletics. 

As viewers we’re not only seeing athletes pursue excellence — pushing their limits and chasing their dreams — like in “Chariots of Fire” (1981), where track athletes Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell work toward winning the 1924 Olympics. We are also being told that we can do the same. The amazing thing about these messages and stories is you don’t have to be an athlete or a sports fan to be inspired. You can take those lessons and apply them to any area of your life. 

As these films continue to inspire us, they also continue to leave a significant impact on our culture. Think of the “Rocky” movies that debuted in the 1970s but continue to be prominent in pop culture through iconic scenes like Rocky’s training montage or the many memorable quotes and heartfelt speeches. The “Rocky” series will forever be a timeless classic.

These films play a role in how we view sports and athletes. They provide a lens through which we can explore the themes of teamwork, sacrifice and the pursuit of excellence, helping us better understand some of our favorite athletes and teams. They unite audiences around the world, engaging us with inspiring messages.

Regina Correa is a freshman writing about the realm where sports meet culture in her column, “The Cultural Playbook,” which runs every other Monday.