When it comes to movies, there is nothing like a great tear-jerker but when that tear-jerker is tinged with a sense of victory, it quickly becomes one of the all-time best movies, no matter what the genre. Now add sports into the mix and you have a blockbuster. There is just something about a victorious hero or heroine that overcomes all odds that touches the hearts of moviegoers and remains there forever. Here are the top five sports movies of all time.

1) Rocky

Okay, so it may not be your personal favorite but based on box office sales and the number of sequels, Rocky will surely be at least in the top 10 for years to come. Still shown on satellite networks around the world, this story is the epitome of everything viewers want, romance, drama, sports, victory – you name it. Starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, this is one for the history books.

2) Bull Durham

Kevin Costner starred in this romantic drama about a catcher from the minor leagues who is considered to be ‘aging’ and the movie revolves around how he slowly begins to lose his place of glory in the sport. With Susan Sarandon, another star who is a favorite among moviegoers, this one is packed with great dialogue that will keep this among the best sellers of all times as well.

3) The Natural

Ok, what can be said about a movie that stars hunky Robert Redford in his oh-so handsome younger days? Although he was considered ‘aging’ in the movie, he still looked great to fans and perhaps why this movie along with Rocky saw more female viewers than all other top sports movies. With two of the nation’s leading male ‘sex symbols’ of their day, is it any wonder? This one movie is still shown on major cable and satellite networks and continues to be a rental favorite in the sports genre.

4) Caddyshack

Most of the top sports movies are either tear-jerking dramas or romances interwoven into the plot but not Caddyshack. The only tears you will shed will be from uncontrollable laughter as three classic comics star in this irreverent look at golf. Starring Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase, it was sure to be a blockbuster and it is still going strong more than 30 years down the road.

5) Major League

Perhaps it’s not the actual movie itself that landed this in the top 5 but rather the assembled cast of actors in the film. Just take a look at the all-star cast including Charlie Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Renee Russo and Tom Berenger and you’ll see why fans loved this film.

It is really not fair to try to name five of the top sports films of all time because there have been so many. However, when there is that ‘something extra’ like a blend of comedy or overcoming defeat at all odds, it makes for a memorable script that will live on in the hearts of viewers. And after all, if it takes a man away from his recliner and a major league game on the tube, it must be great. Right?