Sports in 2020: Ranking the 5 best sports movies of the year

First Published Dec 15, 2020, 3:02 PM IST

As the year of 2020 draws to a closure, it's time for a brief look back to what has happened in sports. Although the year was not a healthy one, citing the pandemic, it was still noteworthy, especially in the area of entertainment, that produced some sports movies.

<p>The time for the ongoing year of 2020 has nearly come to an end, with just over 15 days to go. Although the year was not a happy one, citing the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, that has torn the world apart, it has still managed to produce its moments in the field of sports.</p>

The time for the ongoing year of 2020 has nearly come to an end, with just over 15 days to go. Although the year was not a happy one, citing the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, that has torn the world apart, it has still managed to produce its moments in the field of sports.

<p>As most of the sporting events were delayed, fans tuned in to watch some of the sporting movies, released this year. On the same note, we take a look and rank the best sporting movies for the year.</p>

As most of the sporting events were delayed, fans tuned in to watch some of the sporting movies, released this year. On the same note, we take a look and rank the best sporting movies for the year.

<p><strong>The Way Back:</strong> The movie is about the sport of basketball. As per the plot by IMDB, "Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption." Although the movie did not get enough hits at the box office, owing to its limited theatrical release, it was a critical success, with a rating of 6/7/10 on IMD, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66% on Metacritic. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.</p>

The Way Back: The movie is about the sport of basketball. As per the plot by IMDB, "Jack Cunningham was a high school basketball phenom who walked away from the game, forfeiting his future. Years later, when he reluctantly accepts a coaching job at his alma mater, he may get one last shot at redemption." Although the movie did not get enough hits at the box office, owing to its limited theatrical release, it was a critical success, with a rating of 6/7/10 on IMD, 84% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66% on Metacritic. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.

<p><strong>Rising Phoenix:</strong> It is a documentary movie on Paralympic Games, released on Netflix. The plot involves around portraying the impact of these games that leads to a great understanding of disability, diversity and excellence. With a rating of 8.1 on IMDB, along with 90% and 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, respectively, it is a must-watch for sports fanatics.</p>

Rising Phoenix: It is a documentary movie on Paralympic Games, released on Netflix. The plot involves around portraying the impact of these games that leads to a great understanding of disability, diversity and excellence. With a rating of 8.1 on IMDB, along with 90% and 76% on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, respectively, it is a must-watch for sports fanatics.

<p><strong>Anelka: Misunderstood</strong>- As the name suggests, it happens to be a Netflix documentary movie based on prolific former French footballer, Nicolas Anelka. According to the plot summary, it focuses on his career, along with 'the pressure, the money, the trade process, the triumphs, the betrayals, relationships with coaches, and the competitiveness and even hatred between players'. With a 6.4 rating on IMDB and 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, fans of Anelka are sure to love this movie about the former UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner.</p>

Anelka: Misunderstood- As the name suggests, it happens to be a Netflix documentary movie based on prolific former French footballer, Nicolas Anelka. According to the plot summary, it focuses on his career, along with 'the pressure, the money, the trade process, the triumphs, the betrayals, relationships with coaches, and the competitiveness and even hatred between players'. With a 6.4 rating on IMDB and 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, fans of Anelka are sure to love this movie about the former UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner.

<p><strong>Panga:</strong> A Bollywood movie based on the sports of Kabaddi. As per IMDB's plot synopsis, "Panga is inspired from the life of a national level Kabbadi player from India. It follows her triumphs, struggle and overcoming of stereotypes. It shows how important the love and support of your family is for you to be successful." The Movies had a limited theatrical run, with a box office collection of around ₹41.71 crore to the budget of ₹29 crore. With a rating of 6.8 on IMDB and 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is a must-watch for every Indian sports buff. The movie is available on Disney+ Hotstar.</p>

Panga: A Bollywood movie based on the sports of Kabaddi. As per IMDB's plot synopsis, "Panga is inspired from the life of a national level Kabbadi player from India. It follows her triumphs, struggle and overcoming of stereotypes. It shows how important the love and support of your family is for you to be successful." The Movies had a limited theatrical run, with a box office collection of around ₹41.71 crore to the budget of ₹29 crore. With a rating of 6.8 on IMDB and 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, it is a must-watch for every Indian sports buff. The movie is available on Disney+ Hotstar.

<p><strong>Athlete A:</strong> In what could indeed be considered the best documentary sports movie of the year, Athlete A surpasses all expectations. It involves the story of Dr Larry Nassar of USA Gymnastics, who sexually abused the female athletes, as reporters from The Indianapolis Star expose the real truth. At the same time, Maggie Nichols recalls her horrific experience. It has a rating of 7.7 on IMDB, along with 100% and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, respectively. It is a must-watch for all, on Netflix.</p>

Athlete A: In what could indeed be considered the best documentary sports movie of the year, Athlete A surpasses all expectations. It involves the story of Dr Larry Nassar of USA Gymnastics, who sexually abused the female athletes, as reporters from The Indianapolis Star expose the real truth. At the same time, Maggie Nichols recalls her horrific experience. It has a rating of 7.7 on IMDB, along with 100% and 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, respectively. It is a must-watch for all, on Netflix.

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