Best Underdog
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Lagaan, released in 2001, depicts a village in Central India struggling under British colonial rule and heavy taxation. A cricket match is proposed by a British officer as a means of resolving the villagers’ debt. The film chronicles their efforts to learn and compete in this unfamiliar sport agains...
Rocky Balboa, a Philadelphia boxer, receives an unexpected opportunity to challenge the undefeated Apollo Creed for the world heavyweight title. The film portrays his journey of perseverance and determination as he prepares for and fights against a larger-than-life opponent. Ultimately, Rocky’s figh...
Moneyball chronicles the Oakland Athletics’ 2002 season under general manager Billy Beane. Utilizing statistical analysis—known as sabermetrics—Beane and his team sought to build a competitive roster despite significant financial disadvantages compared to other Major League Baseball franchises. This...
The Fighter is a 2010 biographical drama depicting the relationship between professional boxer Micky Ward and his former boxer half-brother, Dicky Eklund. Based on events surrounding the Eklund-Ward family, the film draws from the 1995 documentary High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell. It explo...
Little Miss Sunshine (2006) is a heartwarming and quirky road-trip comedy-drama that follows a dysfunctional family as they embark on a journey to support their daughters dream of competing in a beauty pageant. The films charm lies in its flawed but loving characters, its witty dialogue, and its cel...
Hoosiers depicts the efforts of a rural Indiana high school basketball team striving for the state championship. The narrative draws inspiration from the 1954 Milan High School victory over Muncie Central, chronicling their competitive journey to the finals. It was directed by David Anspaugh in his...
Rocky Balboa follows Sylvester Stallone’s character as a senior restaurant owner facing a younger opponent, Mason Dixon, in an organized boxing match. The film serves as a continuation of the Rocky series, featuring Burt Young and Antonio Tarver. It depicts Balboa's return to competitive boxing afte...
Logan Lucky is a 2017 political thriller centered on two estranged brothers who devise an audacious plan to rob a NASCAR event. The film’s success stems from its unique blend of crime, comedy, and family drama, showcasing an underdog story rooted in the 1970s. It appeals to viewers interested in ind...
"Strictly Ballroom" is a 1992 Australian romantic comedy film directed by Baz Luhrmann in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Paul Mercurio as Scott Hastings, an ambitious competitive ballroom dancer who defies the strict regulations of the Australian Dancing Federation. He partners with a...
East Tokyo United (ETU) has been struggling in Japan's top soccer league for the past few years. It has taken everything they have just to avoid relegation. To make matters even worse, the team has lost five matches in a row, leading to abysmal team morale. Even the fans are beginning to abandon the...
Cool Runnings depicts the story of a Jamaican national bobsleigh team’s attempt to compete at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The film follows a former Olympian who coaches this inexperienced team, led by sprinter Derice Bannock, in their pursuit of Olympic qualification. It is based on the actual debut o...
Ugly Betty is an American comedy-drama television series developed by Silvio Horta, which aired on ABC from 2006 to 2010. Adapted from the Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, the show stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, a smart but fashion-challenged woman working at a high-fashion magazin...
Kingpin is a 1996 comedy-crime film about Wayne Gordon, a retired bank robber attempting a final heist. He unexpectedly becomes the guardian of Russell Bowman, a young man with an extraordinary – and illegal – physical mutation. The movie explores an unlikely friendship between these two men as they...
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story depicts a team of individuals competing in a Las Vegas dodgeball tournament. The film centers on their efforts to secure funding and prevent the closure of their local gymnasium due to financial difficulties. It involves an unlikely group attempting to overcome a lar...
Eddie the Eagle chronicles Michael “Eddie” Edwards’s attempt to compete in ski jumping for Great Britain at the 1988 Winter Olympics. It was the first time a British competitor had participated in the sport since 1928. The film details his journey, alongside supporting cast members, following initia...
Here Comes the Boom is a 2012 comedy centered on a biology teacher’s effort to secure funding for his school’s music program. The film follows his transition into mixed martial arts competition with support from several cast members including Henry Winkler and Salma Hayek. It was directed by Frank C...
Midori Makibao is a small white racehorse. Compared to other thoroughbred horses, he looks more like a donkey with wide nostrils; however, with his guts and speed as his weapon, Makibao wins in every big race. In the beginning of his career, Makibao had a trouble making his debut as a racehorse, bec...
Graham was an early pioneer whose vehicles showcased the raw, mechanical ingenuity of the nascent automotive industry. While perhaps less glamorous than the later luxury brands, their significance lies in their role in establishing early American automotive standards. They represent the gritty, inve...
This entry focuses on the rare, high-end iterations of Graham-Paige. These models attempted to bridge the gap between pure sportiness and outright luxury, resulting in unique, powerful, and highly desirable collector pieces. They are for the collector who appreciates a brand that fought hard to main...
