New Book ‘Movies With Balls’ Explores What Makes Sports Movies Great

Sports movies are like comfort food—everyone has their go-to dish.

Rocky? That’s your classic spaghetti and meatballs, hearty and timeless. Rudy? Definitely a big, comforting bowl of mac and cheese, the ultimate underdog dish. And Remember the Titans? That’s the all-American burger and fries—satisfying, familiar, and it always hits the spot.

But Kyle Bandujo, the mastermind behind the upcoming book Movies With Balls (pre-order now on Amazon) and the host of the Big Screen Sports podcast that explores the same topic, isn’t just deconstructing the classics. He’s here to expand the menu, introducing you to some comfort foods you might’ve overlooked, but absolutely need to try.

Think you know sports movies? Think again. Bandujo’s got some fresh takes that’ll make you rethink your all-time list.

What Makes a Sports Movie Great? Bandujo’s Playbook

First things first, Kyle Bandujo isn’t interested in movies that immortalize real-life heroes. “The genesis of the idea was wondering what the ticket for Rocky’s fight against Ivan Drago would look like,” Bandujo explains. The fictional world, where anything can happen, is where Kyle’s heart lies. That’s why you won’t find Miracle or Remember the Titans in his book—those stories, as iconic as they are, already exist in someone’s dusty scrapbook. “We wanted to capture the what-ifs that keep us glued to the screen,” Kyle says, emphasizing that the magic of sports movies often lies in the fictional, the fantastical, and the improbable scenarios that get us cheering from our couches.

But don’t think it was an easy task. “There were way more movies up for debate than what ultimately made it in,” he admits, acknowledging the near-impossible challenge of narrowing down a list of beloved films. With so many sports and so many movies, choosing the final roster was like picking your favorite kid—painful but necessary. Bandujo and his team made sure every sport got its fair share of love, even those that often get overlooked. “We wanted to touch on almost every sport,” Kyle shares, “like auto racing with Talladega Nights and Days of Thunder, and soccer with Bend It Like Beckham and She’s the Man.”

And then there are the films that got benched—not because they weren’t good enough, but because there’s only so much room on the roster. “The toughest cut was Warrior, which is one of my all-time favorites, but it lost the popularity contest,” Kyle reveals, lamenting the decision. Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton’s epic UFC showdown in Warrior might not have made the final list, but Bandujo still considers it a first-ballot Hall of Famer. “It’s one of those movies that didn’t get the love it deserved at the box office, but it’s so powerful,” he adds, underscoring the bittersweet reality of curating such a tight selection.

Beneath the surface of these choices is a larger philosophy: a great sports movie isn’t just about the sport—it’s about the story, the characters, and the moments that transcend the game itself. “We asked ourselves, what are the movies that, if they’re on TNT on a Sunday afternoon, we’re watching? Those are the ones that made the cut,” Kyle says, distilling his criteria down to a simple but effective litmus test. In Movies With Balls, it’s not just about celebrating the obvious classics, but about finding those films that, fictional or not, tap into the essence of why we love sports in the first place.

Forgotten Classics: Why Sugar and Warrior Deserve a Spot in the Hall of Fame

Sure, we all love Rocky and The Sandlot, but Bandujo is here to make sure you don’t miss out on the hidden gems that deserve a spot in the Sports Movie Hall of Fame. Take Sugar, for example. It’s a 2008 baseball film that doubles as an immigrant story. “It’s about a minor league pitcher from the Dominican Republic trying to make it in the U.S.,” Kyle explains, bringing to light a narrative that goes beyond the diamond. If Rocky is your classic spaghetti and meatballs, Sugar is more like a spicy enchilada—unexpected, with a lot of heart, and it leaves a lasting impression.

Then there’s Warrior, the UFC drama that somehow got lost in the shuffle. “It’s one of my all-time favorites, but it lost the popularity contest,” Bandujo laments. If Rudy is the comforting mac and cheese, then Warrior is a bowl of pho—rich, complex, and it hits you in the soul. The movie packs an emotional punch that’s hard to beat, yet it didn’t get the recognition it deserved. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most intense sports dramas out there.

Kyle even throws in some offbeat choices, like A Knight’s Tale. “People love this movie,” he says, “It’s unique, it’s jousting, but it is a sports movie.” And it’s not just any sports movie—it’s that surprise pub meal you weren’t expecting to enjoy as much as you did. Or take Hot Rod, which is less about the sport and more about the spirit of competition. “For a certain generation, Hot Rod is iconic,” Kyle insists, and if that doesn’t convince you, just think of it as a loaded nachos plate—fun, cheesy, and perfect for a night in with friends.

Plus, Heath Ledger? Iconic.

Kyle also has a soft spot for films that didn’t quite make the cut, but still deserve recognition for their unique take on sports. “We had considered doing a section on ‘blood sports,’” Kyle reveals, “highlighting movies like Bloodsport that focus on the raw, often brutal nature of competitive sports.” Although the section didn’t make it into the final book, Bloodsport is still one of those cult classics that Kyle believes should be on every sports movie fan’s radar. “I love Bloodsport,” he admits, “It’s niche, it’s intense, and it’s got this raw, unpolished energy that makes it stand out.” The movie, with its underground fighting tournaments and high stakes, is like the spicy buffalo wings of sports movies—maybe not everyone’s favorite dish, but for those who love it, nothing else comes close.

These are the films that Bandujo believes every sports movie fan needs in their media diet—no excuses.

The Changing Face of Sports Cinema: From the Field to the Boardroom

One of the most intriguing shifts in sports movies, according to Bandujo, is the move from on-field heroics to behind-the-scenes drama. “Movies like Jerry Maguire and Moneyball have changed the game,” he notes. The real action? It’s happening off the field, in the locker rooms, the GM offices, and those tense negotiations where careers are made—or broken.

Take Air, for instance. It’s not about basketball games—it’s about the business of basketball, the behind-the-scenes deals, and the strategies that make or break superstars. “We’ve seen the ragtag team win it all,” Kyle points out. “Now, there’s a desire to see what goes on in the GM’s office or in a sneaker deal negotiation.” Hollywood is shifting, and Bandujo’s book taps into this evolution, showing us that the game within the game might be the most compelling story of all.

Kyle also highlights how casting plays a pivotal role in these narratives. “Matt Damon as a baseball manager? Too easy. But Matt Damon as Sonny Vaccaro, the guy who signed Michael Jordan? Now we’re talking.” It’s these kinds of stories, the ones that reveal the unseen battles and negotiations, that Kyle sees as the future of sports cinema.

And don’t forget the role of the athlete-turned-actor. “LeBron was surprisingly great in Trainwreck,” Kyle says, “He had great timing, and he was one of the better parts of that movie.” Even Shaq in Blue Chips brought something authentic to the table. “There are things that athletes learn from playing sports that you just can’t teach someone who hasn’t been there,” he explains, underlining the importance of keeping it real.

Where Have All the Sports Comedies Gone? Bandujo Weighs In

Sports movies are often intense, emotional, and packed with drama—but what happened to the laughs? “In the 2000s, they were cranking out random comedies like Dodgeball,” Kyle recalls, “but now, the $50 million comedy isn’t happening as much because it’s not a superhero movie.”

It’s a tragedy, really. Classics like Happy Gilmore and Major League still crack you up with timeless comedy, but the genre seems to have lost its way. However, all hope isn’t lost. Kyle sees promise in television, with shows like Ted Lasso and Shorsey blending humor with heart and capturing audiences in a way that feels fresh and relevant.

And what about the casting? “We need someone with the cachet to get a sports comedy made,” Kyle says, pointing to Glen Powell as one of the few actors who could bring the genre back to life. Powell, who shined in Twisters and Top Gun: Maverick, has the charisma and love for the genre to remind Hollywood that sports and laughs can—and should—go hand in hand.

Kyle highlights Everybody Wants Some!! as a prime example of how the right cast can elevate a sports movie beyond just the game. “It captures the camaraderie of a sports team,” Kyle explains. Directed by Richard Linklater, the 2016 film is a spiritual sequel to Dazed and Confused, continuing the exploration of youth culture, but this time focusing on a college baseball team during their first week on campus in the 1980s. “The scene where they actually play baseball is incredible, but it’s everything leading up to it that makes it great,” he adds. The film isn’t just about the sport; it’s about the life and relationships that surround it.

Powell’s performance in Everybody Wants Some!! embodies this perfectly. “He’s got that rare mix of charm and authenticity,” Kyle says. “You believe he’s part of that team, you believe in the friendships, and that’s what makes the humor hit even harder.”

This kind of casting, Kyle believes, could breathe new life into sports comedies, blending the wit and warmth that made the genre so beloved in the first place.

Expanding the Sports Movie Menu

Kyle Bandujo’s exploration in Movies With Balls isn’t just about adding more titles to your Letterboxd. It’s about expanding the very definition of what a sports movie can be. Just like comfort food, sports movies serve up a variety of flavors, from the hearty classics to the unexpected dishes that surprise you with their depth and complexity. “We’ve seen the ragtag team win it all,” Kyle says, summing up the need to look beyond the obvious. “Now, there’s a desire to see what goes on in the GM’s office or in a sneaker deal negotiation.”

So, next time you’re hungry for a sports movie, don’t just reach for the spaghetti and meatballs. Maybe try the pho or the loaded nachos?

After all, the best meals—and movies—are the ones that surprise you.

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Movies discussed to add to your Letterboxd or watch list:

1. Rocky (1976)
2. Rudy (1993)
3. Remember the Titans (2000)
4. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
5. Days of Thunder (1990)
6. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
7. She’s the Man (2006)
8. Warrior (2011)
9. Sugar (2008)
10. A Knight’s Tale (2001)
11. Hot Rod (2007)
12. Bloodsport (1988)
13. Jerry Maguire (1996)
14. Moneyball (2011)
15. Air (2023)
16. Trainwreck (2015)
17. Blue Chips (1994)
18. Happy Gilmore (1996)
19. Major League (1989)
20. Ted Lasso (TV Series, 2020)
21. Shorsey (TV Series, 2022)
22. Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)
23. Dazed and Confused (1993)