Holiday Classics: The sports films that bring families together

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

With summer upon us, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the beach, gathering around the BBQ with family and friends, or simply switch off the work laptop and turn on the TV.

One of my favourite things to do off-duty is to park up behind the screen and stream all my go-to films and TV shows, especially the nostalgia kick I get from rewatching sports movies.

The PMN News team hit the streets of South Auckland to find out everyone’s favourite sports films to enjoy over the festive season.

Adam Sandler, Hollywood stalwart, was a crowd favourite, with Bianka Holgate, who says, “anything with Adam Sandler is good”.

Sandler’s 2005 comedy, The Longest Yard, unsurprisingly made the list of childhood favourites.

A famous quote from the 2005 film Coach Carter. Photo/Facebook

Dakoda Iosefa says that Sandler’s blend of comedy and his attempt to portray prison life resonated with him.

“All of my cousins would get around it and watch the movie all the time,” he says, calling it a household staple.

For many, childhood memories wouldn’t be complete without Denzel Washington.

From left: Julius Campbell (Wood Harris) and Gerry Bertier (Ryan Hurst) of Remember the Titans.

Losaline Alatini continued the nostalgic theme with Remember the Titans, one of Washington’s most iconic roles.

For those lucky enough to have grown up with such movies, it’s safe to say that Washington shaped many childhoods.

Whether you know him as Alonzo Harris, Robert McCall, or John W. Creasy, Washington’s legendary career has left a major impact on film lovers everywhere.

And if Remember the Titans wasn’t already on your list of favourites, it might be now. Alatini says the iconic 2000 film was an integral part of her upbringing, praising its powerful, feel-good soundtrack that blends classic soul, Motown, and rock. “I feel like it’s so cool… and I love the soundtrack,” she says.

For Sammy Pasa, Washington’s portrayal of coach Herman Boone was something she encountered during school. “I used to watch it in class and it was very emotional,” she says.

When it comes to respected names in the African American community, Samuel L. Jackson, like Washington, stands out.

Coach Carter generated plenty of laughs, with Cyril Toto naming the 2005 classic as his favourite on a whim, while Saynt Tuimauga admitted that the boys from the Richmond Oilers “are just really cute”.

If you’re not into typical inspirational sports flicks, this one might not be for you, but it’s more than a motivational montage.

Based on the true story of Ken Carter, the film follows the real-life coach (played by Jackson) whose message is simple: athletes aren’t exempt from discipline or academic expectations just because they can win games.

And for fans like Toto and Tuimauga, that message echoes throughout the film.

Sports films: What they mean to me

I can’t begin to explain my love for films, specifically sports films, as I’ve grown up alongside Coach Boone, Carter, and Crewe and the mean machine.

Holiday films, in particular, are special to me. They take me back to simpler times with my closest family and friends. Being the youngest has its perks: I was exposed to films through my older siblings and cousins, which shaped my cultural awareness, whether the movies were great or not-so-great.

If you ever get the chance to meet me and my family, you’ll find we’re walking cinephiles. We can go on for ages reciting movie quotes in place of real conversations (sorry, Mum and Dad).

Beyond the crowd favourites mentioned, the films that stand out for me are Sandra Bullock’s The Blind Side, the Shakespeare-inspired She’s the Man, and countless rewatches of Rocky.

I love how films unite people from all walks of life, explore deeper societal issues, and create lasting memories. Honestly, the post-film debriefs can be really crazy.

So whether you’re a Mighty Ducks fan or prefer Hilary Swank in the boxing ring, I hope you get to enjoy some movies this summer.