The 20 Best Sports Movies in the History of Cinema
Sports and film are two areas of life that play an indispensable role in people’s lives. In addition to being among the biggest businesses, generating huge profits, they offer the majority of the population easily accessible entertainment. The function they perform makes the two worlds related. It is therefore natural for them to intertwine, joining forces, as it were, in providing the public with excitement. The fates of athletes are often ready material for a movie script, abounding in ups and downs. History is full of examples of people who went through a long and difficult path from zero to hero. In order to achieve success, they had to overcome the most dangerous enemy – themselves. And since audiences love stories filled with tears, sweat and triumphs of an indomitable spirit, it’s no wonder that filmmakers love to draw from the abundant sports archive full of inspiring biographies. Taking advantage of the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris, here’s a compilation of 20 noteworthy sports movies.
20 sports movies
20. “Breaking Away”, 1979
It is impossible to create a list of sports films without leaving out cycling. Not only is it a sporting branch very rich in tradition, but it is also one of the more common forms of exercise among those who treat physical exertion recreationally. It may come as a surprise, then, that not that many memorable film works under the sign of two wheels have been made at all. One of the most interesting, although now somewhat forgotten examples, is “Breaking Away” directed by Peter Yates in 1982, which is the story of four teenagers who have just finished school. Since they live in a small industrial town, they don’t see much prospect for themselves going forward in life. One of the boys, Dave, is a cycling enthusiast, especially in Italy. His obsession manifests itself in an interest in all things Italian in the lead up to the races. He even pretends to be an Italian exchange student in order to win the favor of a certain girl.
This becomes a cause of conflict with a group of graduate students, culminating in the annual Little 500 race organized by the local university. The picture is counted among the classics of the so-called “coming of age” cinema. It is one of the more peculiar depictions of the American province and the daily life of the local youth, often left to their own devices, without much prospect of development. For the protagonist of the film, sports becomes a springboard. Thanks to his passion, he manages to forget about the gray reality, and ultimately also break out of the environment to which he was condemned. Of course, this is not some revealing plot, but nevertheless the production does not bear the mark of schematicism. Rather, it is a light-hearted and encouraging parable about the search for one’s own identity and the role that loved ones and friends play in every young person’s life. The movie even made it to the American Film Institute’s list of most inspiring works, which only confirms its positive message.
19.“Victory”, 1981
It’s no secret that soccer is the most popular sport in the world. With a few exceptions, the sport definitely leads the popularity charts in most corners of the globe. As a result, there have also been a lot of films dealing with topics bordering on soccer. However, it is very difficult to find among them items that would present a sufficiently high level of storytelling. One of the undoubtedly most famous works treating football is the 1981 picture “Victory”, directed by John Huston. It tells the story of a fictional match played during the Second World War between the Third Reich national team and a team composed of Allied prisoners of war.
The story depicted in the film is not one of complexity, resembling more some form of modern fairy tale, in which a group of heroes face an age-old mortal enemy. The success of the production was largely determined by the cast. In it we can find such well-known names as Michael Caine, Max von Sydow, and Sylvester Stallone. However, the real treat for soccer fans is the presence on screen of authentic sports stars headed by Pelé, Bobby Moore, Osvaldo Ardiles or our Kazimierz Deyna. These names for sure are quite a magnet even after many years have passed. It can’t be said that the film has gained in quality over the years, but it is certainly an interesting journey into a somewhat naive world where good always triumphs over evil.
18. “The World’s Fastest Indian,” 2005
There are stories that sound more incredible than fiction. One of them is certainly the case of Burt Munro. He was a New Zealand amateur motorist who had a special affection for unicycles. His great dream was to break the speed record at the famous competition held in the salt desert area of Bonneville, USA. Despite his rightful age, he persistently maniacally built his machine in his backyard garage, risking conflict with his neighbors. However, when he managed to finish the vehicle and take a long journey across the ocean, even his critics began to cheer him on.
After all, he made the small town famous around the world with his achievements. The role of Burt Munro was successfully played by Anthony Hopkins in the 2005 film “The World’s Fastest Indian”. The actor reportedly considered the role in the production to be his favorite, and it’s hardly surprising. It was certainly not difficult for him to identify with the character of the energetic retiree. Roger Donaldson’s film is a story about consistency and the strength of human will, but also largely about kindness. It teaches that with simple kindness much can be achieved where other methods do not work. The title is an uplifting story that captivates with its sincerity and unpretentiousness.
17. “Wind”, 1992
A special group of sports are those for which water is required. By this I mean swimming, canoeing or fishing. Another very popular pastime is sailing. And it’s what the 1992 American production “Wind” is about. In this case we are dealing with sailing with a capital Z. For the film is about the America’s Cup regatta, which is one of the most prestigious in the world. The main character Will is a young, talented sailor who manages to get into the crew of Captain Weld. They are tasked with defending the Cup from an attack by an Australian crew. They fail, which has a negative impact on the lives of the entire crew. However, Will does not give up and, with the help of ex-girlfriend Kate and a group of friends, decides to build his own yacht and win the next competition.
The picture by director Carroll Ballard did not resonate despite having a respectable cast. It was formed by Matthew Modine, Cliff Robertson, Stellan Skarsgård or Jennifer Grey, who was at the height of fame at the time. The production can be described as very smooth. The action moves briskly, and the two-hour screening passes quite quickly. What is immediately striking is the considerable naturalness of the world presented and the chemistry between the actors. The film makes an expert impression, while not throwing the viewer with unnecessary technicalities. “Wind” is a story about human passion and the desire to push further boundaries, as well as the value of collective effort. It is an item suitable not only for sailing enthusiasts.
16. “Best of the Best”, 1989
Kick-ass cinema or martial arts cinema was at one time one of the most popular genres, which owes its development mainly to “Enter the Dragon” starring Bruce Lee. The genre is also mainly associated with b-grade productions, i.e. productions that may not present the highest craftsmanship or a complex storyline, but nevertheless provide a good dose of entertainment. A perfect example of this is the 1989 picture entitled “Best of the Best”. It tells the story of a team of American karatekas who face off against the South Korean national team. The Asians are known for their brutality and are the favorites in this rivalry. They are characterized by iron discipline and relentlessness. The Americans, on the other hand, are more like a collection of random people, each of whom has some problem with himself.
The cast features some rather well-known names like Eric Roberts, Chris Penn and James Earl Jones. The production was a global success, and distribution through videotapes largely contributed to this. The film can even be called one of the flagship representations of VHS era cinema. Its plot is simple and based on familiar patterns. However, everything is made up for by the fight scenes, which are very impressive. They are able to involve the viewer in the gameplay and make him root for the heroes in their fight against the enemy and their own demons. The series lived to see more installments, which only proves that combining cheap action with a bit of drama is a good recipe for success.
15. “Moneyball”, 2011
Baseball is certainly not among the sports that would enjoy special popularity on the Old Continent. It is a typically American invention, ranking alongside field hockey, basketball and American football among the so-called Big Four. And it is perhaps of this group the least known and understood sport for a European. And all in all, that’s a good thing. Let it remain such a distinctive element of North American reality, determining the distinctiveness of the culture there. As it turns out, it is not only the rules of baseball itself that can seem complicated, but also the way in which the teams playing the sport are managed. This mechanism is shown in the 2011 film “Moneyball” with Brad Pitt in one of the leading roles. He plays the role of a team manager who decides to rely entirely on computer analysis in his work, rejecting traditional forms of squad building. This meets with vehement opposition from the entire environment, but to everyone’s surprise, it begins to bring results in the form of improved performance.
The film, directed by Bennett Miller, is a picture that shows the viewer the behind-the-scenes workings of professional sports overseas in a very meticulous and analytical way. This is definitely an item for fans of all statistics, who like to bite into the inflicted topic in detail. There is not much room for on-field drama, as all the action takes place behind the coaches’ doors. Nevertheless, we get to see what the real work of a manager is about, who, in addition to his sports nose and intuition, must also be a consummate psychologist with outstanding interpersonal skills. “Moneyball” makes baseball cease to be an enigmatic enigma and become more approachable.
14. “Battle of the Sexes”, 2017
There are events that change the course of history. Also in the world of sports. Issues and rules that seem natural to us now, were not so at all a few decades ago. After all, everything has its beginning somewhere. The history of such a situation is shown in the 2017 picture “Battle of the Sexes”. The film depicts the events that led to the famous tennis duel between the leading American player of the 1970s Billie Jean King and retired Grand Slam tournament winner Bobby Riggs. The event, which was mainly for show, became a milestone for the development of women’s tennis. It allowed him to come out of the male shadow, resulting in the creation of the now widely known WTA organization.
The roles of the protagonists of this memorable event were bravuraly played by Emma Stone and Steve Carell. For both characters, the duel had a very different meaning. For the well-known gambler and hustler Riggs, it was another opportunity to put on a show and make money. For King, who was struggling with personal problems, it was a symbolic clash, meant to define not only her as a woman and sportswoman, but also a whole generation of ladies fed up with life dictated by men. The film is a well-executed moral drama that faithfully depicts the realities of the time and reliably guides the viewer through this breakneck tale of struggle against an ossified system.
13. “Seabiscuit”, 2003
Not every sport a person can do alone. Sometimes he needs the support of other creatures. One of the most common human-animal cooperations is equestrianism. This noble sport, in which beautiful animals are forced using metal instruments of torture to perform actions that are strange and unnatural to themselves, has long been the subject of great cultural works. The horse sport that arouses the most excitement is racing. It is a very glamorous sport, and one that is accompanied by the excitement of gambling. In our country, this trend may not be so common, but overseas, racehorses have rivaled humans in popularity, and some of them have attained the status of legends.
One of them was undoubtedly Seabiscuit. This stallion was active in the 1930s, that is, during the hard times of the Great Depression. He became an idol of the crowds and a symbol of success for the oppressed masses. His fate is told in the 2003 movie “Seabiscuit”, directed by Gary Ross. The picture, although filmed according to Hollywood traditions, goes beyond the framework of a shticky sports biography. Above all, it is perfectly realized, and the racing scenes can be set as a model, abounding in frenetic action and emotions. The creators neatly combine the history of the three people responsible for the success of the horse. Thus, in a way, these are three biographies in one. There is also, of course, no shortage of space for the stallion himself, who is the central figure of the story. The story of Seabiscuit is an inspiring tale of human self-denial, hard work and the unique bond that unites man and animal.
12. “Foxcatcher,” 2014
Unfortunately, but many people in this world are unbalanced. They are able to keep up appearances and function relatively normally. Inside, however, they suppress many, not always positive, emotions. Constantly, therefore, there is a risk that at some point they will give vent to them. This outburst can then have disastrous consequences for those around them. This is exactly what happened to John du Pont. This American millionaire had a plan to create a kind of wrestling dream team on his ranch. He attracted the Schultz brothers, who were Olympic medalists. At first, everything went well. Later, however, the patron’s eccentricity began to take over, and his relationship with the athletes began to deteriorate. This led to a tragic finale.
The story is told in the film “Foxcatcher”, directed by Bennett Miller. It is a quietly maintained story of paranoia and sick fascination, as well as unhealthy ambitions, on the way of which stands emotional instability. The picture is far from the glamour of typical sports biographies. It has a decidedly more intimate mood, and its ascetic style effectively builds the ground for a violent ending. The production bases its strength on the acting. The cast members, headed by Steve Carell and Channing Tatum, create interesting and believable performances that are not commonly associated with them. Thus, they prove their versatility and dramatic talent.
11. “This Sporting Life”, 1963
A sport that is not very often represented in cinema is rugby. At least in our cultural circle. One of the most well-known examples is probably “Invictus” but I would like to mention another now forgotten work. I am referring to 1963’s “This Sporting Life.” The film, directed by Lindsay Anderson, tells the story of a miner who also has a talent for playing rugby. He manages to sign a contract with a professional team. However, not everything goes well. It turns out that life in the media spotlight is not easy. Added to this are the expectations of fans and club officials. But the greatest affliction of the main character Frank (Richard Harris) is the affection he has for the single mother with whom he rents a room.
The thick-skinned man vies for her affections in a not-so-subtle way, but is rebuffed time and again. Eventually the woman falls seriously ill, and the protagonist is left empty-handed. The film reveals the, often dirty, backstage of sports. It proves that at the moment of transition from amateurism to professionalism, all noble ideas, scruples, or ordinary human decency are put aside. The protagonist quickly finds himself in an enviable situation, with all the people in his new surroundings pressuring him. This British morality drama is a bitter example of cinema relying on expressive acting performances and classic black-and-white frames. It is a story without a happy ending, which is sure to satisfy the tastes of any lover of classics.
Best Sports Films
10. “Ford v Ferrari”, 2019
The annual 24-hour Le Mans race ranks among some of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. It is a 24-hour murderous challenge for constructors and drivers. Winners of the competition are forever shrouded in fame, earning the respect of the community. In the 1960s, the most successful was the Ferrari concern. The Italian giant won the race several times in a row, playing on the nose of all the competition. Eager to improve its position in the market, the American manufacturer Ford decided to challenge the European hegemons. To do this, he engaged two experienced and talented designers, Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles.
The 2019 picture “Ford v Ferrari” starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon tells the story of these very events. This more than two-hour production is a racy sports drama with biographical threads. Its strength is primarily due to impeccable acting. The characters managed to give depth, making them more than just walking faces. The film is a real treat for any fan of automobiles. It shows with meticulous detail the behind-the-scenes of the great races, making you realize how much effort it takes to achieve success. Emphasis was also placed on technical issues, but without unnecessary complication, making the picture accessible to any viewer. A separate highlight are the sequences from the track. The racing scenes look very realistic, bringing with them the right amount of adrenaline. James Mangold’s picture is a worthy tribute to human determination and the pursuit of ambitious goals.
9. ”I, Tonya”, 2017
Although this year marks the Summer Olympics, it is also worth mentioning a representative of winter sports. “I, Tonya”, as this film is referred to, is a sports drama from 2017. The plot of the work is a record of real events that took place in the late 1990s in the United States. They reverberated around the world, becoming one of the most shocking and moving cases of the turn of the century. Its heroine is Tonya Harding, considered one of the best figure skaters in the US. She competes for the title mainly against Nancy Kerrigan. Their rivalry has electrified public opinion throughout the country. However, the two ladies gained real fame when one of them became the victim of an attack that excluded her from participating in the national championship. It soon became clear that her biggest rival was behind the assault.
The film is a behind-the-scenes look at the whole affair. The picture by director Craig Gillespie focuses, as is often the case in similar cases, on the psychological feature of the story, more than on the sporting struggles themselves. And this is most understandable. The production lifts the shroud of mystery of the heroine’s life, showing us her in a more human light. The film is shot in a quasi-documentary style, which gives it depth and authenticity. A separate praise is certainly deserved by the performer of the main role, Margot Robbie, who proves that she can afford much more than playing the characters of screen dolls. “I, Tonya” is a story about simple people put in an unusual situation, who lacked the intelligence and reason to find a more constructive way to solve life’s problems.
8. “The Wrestler” 2008
In the United States, the so-called free American wrestling is popular. Another name is simply wrestling. This is a completely different discipline from the wrestling known in our country. In the version from overseas, the sport turns into a spectacle full of impressive twists and turns and speeches, and people of all ages get excited about it. They don’t mind the fact that these competitions are directed. Thus, they have little in common with real sports competition. Despite this, however, they are very physically demanding, and participants have to demonstrate considerable fitness and resistance to pain. This cannot be denied them.
The backstage of the sport is revealed in Darren Aronofsky’s drama “The Wrestler,” starring Mickey Rourk. This picture, devoid of glitz, is a sad testimony to the life of a man who in life only succeeded in wrapping chairs over his heads to the delight of the public. The background of the film is the life of an athlete, but in fact it is a full-blooded moral drama about difficult family relationships, passing and loneliness. All its characters suffer, and the main character’s injuries symbolize his inner wounds. And the finale is a form of swan song, in which the protagonist performs symbolic self-destruction.
7. “He Got Game”, 1998
Basketball is one of the most common sports in the world of cinema. The fact that the sport is particularly popular in the US, a country that is a hegemon when it comes to the film industry, is not insignificant here. So here we have a wide selection of sports dramas with basketball in the background. These works usually tell the story of the fate of the teams and their coaches. An item that breaks out of this pattern is a picture directed by Spike Lee with the title “He Got Game” from 1998. The plot is set in the harsh realities of urban life. Young Jesus (Ray Allen) is a talented basketball player who faces the decision of choosing a college. His father Jake (Denzel Washington) is just serving a sentence for killing the boy’s mother.
The man gets an offer from the authorities – if he persuades his son to go to a state university, his sentence will be shortened. The problem, however, is that Jesus hates his father for his crime, which makes Jake’s task much more difficult. The production can safely be counted as one of the more successful in Spike Lee’s oeuvre. It is a sincere and engaging study of family decay and senseless violence. The film is an example of moral cinema at the highest level, in which sports serve as a bridge to show the impure mechanisms that govern the world. Authenticity and sportsmanship were ensured by the young Ray Allen, then a rising star of American sports.
6. “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” 1956
History shows that boxing biographies are ideally suited for transfer to the silver screen. Stories about the often difficult cases of people who faced adversity from childhood to eventually reach the top seem to especially appeal to a wide audience. The life of many a fist fighter is ready material for a screenplay. The situation with Rocky Graziano was no different. This middleweight fighter is still considered one of the best punchers in history. His ability to end fights with one punch gained him great popularity among fans and experts. In 1955, Graziano’s autobiography was written, and just a year later, its screen adaptation entitled “Somebody Up There Likes Me” was released. It was directed by Robert Wise, and the role of the boxer was played by Paul Newman.
The production depicts the difficult beginnings of the protagonist – his struggle with an abusive father, problems with the law, unsuccessful military service, up to his sports career. The various stages of his life are shown in a smooth and engaging way. The filmmakers manage to maintain a balance between Rocky’s private dilemmas and his strictly professional career. The film charms with its simplicity and lack of cheap Hollywood gimmicks, which gives it credibility. It doesn’t embellish anything, but also doesn’t try to force any particular emotion in the audience. Casting Paul Newman in the lead role, on the other hand, is a guarantee of quality when it comes to acting expression. It is devoid of artificiality and unnecessary embellishments, and the character created by the actor arouses our sympathy. “Somebody Up There Likes Me” may be a somewhat forgotten, but it is certainly a noteworthy example of sports cinema that captivates with its straightforwardness.
5. “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner”, 1962
The motif of one man’s struggle against the system has been exploited many times in cinema. Sports themes are ideally suited to show the struggle of an individual against a heartless authority. One that tries to impose on us how we should live and think. In short, it wants to tell us who we should be. This theme can be found in the British drama “ The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner,” directed by Tony Richardson. Its protagonist is young and athletically talented Colin (Tom Courtenay). The boy is sent to a correctional facility, where he is immediately subjected to pressure not only from his peers, but, above all, from the management of the facility. The facility’s rulers want to use Colin’s skills for their purposes, which is to win a prestigious cross-country competition.
Disillusioned by the falsehood and hypocrisy surrounding him, Colin decides to use the race to express his disapproval. His symbolic, silent defiance can be understood as disagreement with the immoral rules that govern the world. This is not only a youthful rebellion, but also a human-wide demonstration against hypocrisy and artificial rules that punish us to bend our necks against our will. It is also a heroic example of civil courage defying conventions and social norms. For the title loneliness accompanies the protagonist all his life, and each of us can find in his course, a metaphor for our own struggle against adversity.
4. “The Hustler”, 1961
Billiards does not count as an Olympic sport. It is a specific sport that is not based on the motto of the modern Olympic movement “faster, higher, stronger.” Its nature is even far from noble ideas, as it is often associated with common gambling. Nevertheless, it provides an interesting backdrop for analyzing human characters and conflicting attitudes. And since a billiard match is, after all, a game so it too deserves a place among sports productions. Perhaps the most famous such work is the 1961 “The Hustler”. The title player is Fast Eddie (Paul Newman), who toils at playing billiards for money. He is a kind of swindler, as he first pretends to be low-skilled in front of other players so that they will be willing to bet more money to win against him.
When they are fooled by his forays, he easily outplayed them. His biggest dream is to beat the legendary Minnesota Fatman (Jackie Gleason). When the opportunity to do so comes, the young and uncouth Eddie allows himself to be led into the field by an experienced opponent. From now on his goal becomes the desire for a rematch, for which, however, he needs more cash. To get it, he goes into business with local gambler Bert Gordon (George C. Scott). Meanwhile, he also meets Sarah (Piper Laurie), with whom he develops a romantic relationship.
The picture, directed by Robert Rossen, is a classic work that resists the passage of time. The sports game here serves as a metaphor for human existence. It makes us realize how thin a line separates victory from defeat. Life itself is a form of competition, in which the main stakes are generally taken by the unscrupulous and conscienceless. In this world, there is no place for compassion and showing weakness. “The Hustler” tells the stories of people who are unfortunate and broken by circumstances, who desperately fight for their independence and right to dignity. The production has basically no weak points. Every element of it presents the highest level, with great dialogues and expressive acting performances coming to the fore.
3. “Raging Bull”, 1980
Boxing is certainly a leader when it comes to cinematic inspirations. Over the years, there have been countless pictures depicting the lives of fistfighters whether real or imagined. The sport is ideally suited for cinematic adaptations. This is determined by its peculiarities. It is not a team sport, but the struggle of one man in a brutal fight against an opponent. Of course, there are also support people behind him in the form of coaches or family, but when it comes to a decisive confrontation, you are on your own. Perhaps the most famous boxing biography is Martin Scorsese’s 1980 famous picture “Raging Bull” starring Robert de Niro. It depicts the fate of Jake LaMotta, a fist-fighting champion from the post-war years. Because of his tenacity and fortitude he was just called the Raging Bull. Watching his clashes, it is indeed hard to be surprised by such a nickname.
LaMotta had a peculiar fighting style of drawing opponents into a kind of trap. When the opponent attacked, he did not retaliate with blows, but allowed himself to be pounced upon. However, when the opponent, deprived of his guard, was already quite close, then Jake would move to a frenzied assault on the surprised and exposed enemy. LaMotta’s fights were thus very spectacular, and audiences loved his explosive style. Scorsese’s film, however, focuses not so much on the purely sporting aspect as on the hero’s private life. We learn that he was an untrustworthy narrator whose paranoia led to the breakup of his marriage. This is not a monumental image but a tragic tale of a man who lost to himself. Noteworthy for sure is the black and white form that gives the production an artistic flair. “Raging Bull” is one of the best examples of cooperation on the line of Scorsese, De Niro and Joe Pesci.
2. “Chariots of Fire”, 1981
The picture that perhaps most profoundly captures the spirit of Baron de Coubertin’s ideas is the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire”, directed by Hugh Hudson. It tells the true story of two British runners competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. One of them, Eric Liddell, is a dedicated Scottish missionary, and the other, Harold Abrahams, is an English Jew who must contend with prejudice and a hierarchical social system. The work won widespread acclaim, resulting in an Academy Award statuette for Best Picture in 1981.
Thanks to its memorable scenes, it went down in the annals of cinema, becoming a reference point for other sports dramas. A not inconsiderable function in making “Chariots of Fire” famous was also played by the soundtrack by Greek composer Vangelis, who at the time was perhaps one of the most prolific creators in world cinema. The theme he wrote for Hudson’s film is still one of the most distinctive film themes today. All these elements make the production of undeniable quality in every sphere of execution, being a flagship example of an epic tale of struggle against adversity. Above all, however, it is a tribute to an honorable game and a time when everything was not decided by money. It is a stylish picture that restores faith in the nobility of competition.
1. “Rocky”, 1976
There is perhaps no more famous saga in the world of cinema than that of Rocky Balboa. The first installment of his fate, dating back to 1976, became an instant hit, winning praise from audiences and critics alike. It was also the springboard for a stellar career for screenwriter and star Sylvester Stallone. Subsequent installments were made based on the success of the first installment, and the franchise is still active today, expanding to include more characters from the original work. However, it is the first installment of Rocky’s fate that remains the most important one, as well as the best one in terms of film quality.
The production captured audiences above all with its simplicity. It can be described as a modern version of the Cinderella fairy tale, about an ordinary man who gets an unexpected chance from fate and, thanks to self-denial, ambition, will of spirit and hard work, reaches the top, becoming a symbol for hosts of similar gray citizens. This is a story about the struggle between David and Goliath, about overcoming weakness and the power of modesty. Rocky is a straightforward and slightly naive hero, with whom anyone who has to struggle with the blandness of everyday life can identify. Although the film has little to do with real boxing, its strength lies in the clarity of its message and sincere naiveté. And the icing on the cake is certainly the iconic training sequences in an urban setting, laced with the legendary musical theme, which have given “Rocky” cult status.