THEME EXPLORATION

underdog sports champion

12 films · 2 directors
FILMS THAT EXPLORE THIS
Hajime no Ippo
Hajime no Ippo
2003 · —
DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story
DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story
2004 · Rawson Marshall Thurber
Jerry Go-Round
Jerry Go-Round
1965 · Chuck Jones
Kid Galahad
Kid Galahad
1962 · Phil Karlson
The Longest Yard
The Longest Yard
2005 · Peter Segal
Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of Concepts
Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of Concepts
2017 · Susumu Mitsunaka
Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
1938 · Leni Riefenstahl
Short Plays
Short Plays
2014 · Apichatpong Weerasethakul
2DIE4
2DIE4
2026 · André Abdala
Kung Fu
Kung Fu
2026 · Giddens Ko
Peddi
Peddi
2026 · Buchi Babu Sana
Black Jack: The Visitor in the Eye
Black Jack: The Visitor in the Eye
1977 · Nobuhiko Obayashi
DIRECTORS WHO EXPLORE THIS
Gavin O'Connor USA

Directed 'Warrior' and 'Miracle', both quintessential underdog sports champion films that explore redemption and triumph against overwhelming odds.

 John G. Avildsen USA

Directed the original 'Rocky' and 'The Karate Kid', establishing the template for underdog sports champion cinema with deeply personal character journeys.