Where Do You Draw Inspiration From?
Some of my favorite inspiring sports films and their takeaways.
Confession: I love movies and I’m a bit of a movie geek.
I think what draws me to movies is the storytelling. I can be transported away from my day-to-day experience. Pretty much any movie on any given topic can evoke emotion from me and inspire me as long as the story is told well. And if it makes me think a little bit, even better.
In particular, sports movies resonate with me the most. Yes, I like sports, so that helps, but what drives me to watch these films (often multiple times) is the inspiration I feel as I watch individuals and teams overcoming amazing odds and pull off incredible upsets. The lessons they teach are incredibly applicable to all of our lives. Those who follow me on LinkedIn know that I share insights via sports-related posts fairly often.
Even though some may argue most sports movies have a similar arc, to me they never get old because the people and circumstances are always different. Watching individuals and teams develop chemistry, build trusting relationships, work together toward a common goal, face their fears, and overcome incredible odds just hooks me every time. I also love seeing other people using their gifts to do something inspiring and unbelievable.
Because there are so many films that I love, I’m starting with sports movies based on true stories that feature underdogs and upsets. In a future blog, I’ll tackle the other most inspirational sports movies and some of the best speeches. Enjoy!
Remember the Titans
Loosely based on the true story of integrating T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, Denzel Washington puts on an excellent performance as head coach Herman Boone as he guides his players through various challenges on and off the field (race, integration, and tragedy). It’s a leadership masterclass as the coaching staff shows a mix of tough love with supportive relationships. I get chills every time I watch this movie and see the Titans start to accept each other for who they are, and go on to win!
Lessons: Stay true to your values and principles even when it is challenging. Others will not always agree with you or your methods of doing things, but if you lead by example and treat people well, eventually they will respect you for it. Also, change is hard, and people will resist it. Building a culture takes time, but it’s always worth it in the end.
Miracle
When the United States hockey team beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics, it was one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Kurt Russell plays head coach Herb Brooks and gives an elite locker room speech that includes the line, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” He knows his squad is overmatched, but he motivates the young Americans by instilling the belief that they can beat their rivals this one time, and become legends forever. Talk about getting fired up!
Lessons: Believe in yourself and your mission. Create a vision. A great team can beat a group of more skilled individuals. Put in the work so that when the opportunity comes, you can take full advantage of it. Outwork your competition. Never sell yourself short.
Glory Road
This is the story of the 1966 Texas Western University basketball team, led by head coach Don Haskins, who put together the first all-Black starting lineup in NCAA Division I history. Enduring racism and discrimination, the Miners overcame incredible odds while facing disdain from many. The team ultimately made the national championship game and changed the face of college basketball forever. For me, it was the strong team culture that created a bond where every player believed in each other which allowed them to achieve such success.
Lessons: Just because something is done a certain way, doesn’t mean that is the best way or only way. Being unorthodox, thinking outside the box, and taking risks can change the world. Hate doesn’t always win.
Pro tip: Watch all the way through the credits to see an interview with legendary coach Pat Riley.
When We Were Kings
Muhammed Ali vs. George Foreman. Old vs. young. Many thought Ali might actually be killed by Foreman. Foreman was younger, stronger, and had destroyed all of his other opponents. Ali said he was going to dance, but he didn’t. In the first round, he went toe to toe with Foreman, threw numerous right-hand leads, and hit Foreman with everything he had. But Foreman took it all and only became angrier. Then the rope-a-dope, and the rest is history.
Lessons: Believe in yourself, and believe is something bigger than yourself. Face your fear. When one strategy does not work, adapt, and then keep going. Have a mission and fight for something bigger. Change the world in your own way.
Chariots of Fire
I am a runner (or was a runner), so this movie has provided a lot of inspiration for me. My focus is on Eric Liddell, the Scottish sprinter and missionary. He had a deep faith, so much so that he would not run the 100-meter qualifying heats in the Olympics because they were on the Sabbath. He had to overcome his country’s pleas to put his nation over God. Eventually, he ran the 400 meter races and against all odds won the gold medal. “I believe God made me for a purpose—but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
Lessons: Never sacrifice who you are or be willing to be talked out of your beliefs and principles. Use your God-given gifts for a purpose. When you fall, stay focused and intentional, and use your anger to get back up and win the race.
Invictus
Set during apartheid with Nelson Mandela being released from prison and becoming President, Invictus tells the story of how the South African rugby team became a unifying force for the nation’s new direction. It’s pretty humbling to see what one of the greatest leaders went through in order to fight for what he believes in. Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Mandela alone is worth the rental fee.
Lessons: Even the impossible can become possible when a group of people work together toward a common goal. Believing in something bigger than oneself is extremely powerful.
Hoosiers
High school basketball in Indiana almost approaches religion. Gene Hackman gives a stellar performance as the new coach of Hickory HS, set in a small town with its own issues. The team must accept him if they are going to make a run in the state playoffs, facing much larger schools with more talent.
Lessons: Talent doesn’t always win. Hard work, teamwork, culture, and belief go a long way toward narrowing the talent gap. Embrace the challenges of a long season or project, focus on getting better little by little, and the results will come.
Bonus New Movie: The Boys in the Boat
Produced and directed by George Clooney, this film came out in December 2023. Since it’s new, I won’t spoil the plot, but I will say I was incredibly inspired after seeing it. One to add to your list.
As I’m sure you are already thinking, there are plenty of great films I left off of this list. Don’t worry, I’ll write Part Two in the future!
For now, see if you can apply some of these lessons to your work and/or life. Let me know how it impacts you, along with what your favorite sports movies and their takeaways are, by emailing Rich@RichLyons.com.
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