Another post that has been hanging out in my draft folder for far too long.
Note: Marvel and Star Wars titles are not included.
#10: Cool Runnings (1993)
This film tells the story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to qualify for the Olympics. It is a fun, entertaining movie with a great message about perseverance and teamwork.
#9: McFarland, USA (2015)
Track coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) arrives at predominantly Latino McFarland High School. Based on the true story of the school’s 1987 cross-country team, the film follows their journey to winning the state championship.
#8: Miracle (2004)
This film recounts Herb Brooks’s (Kurt Russell) journey as he transforms a group of college hockey players into a world-class team. The 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team will forever be remembered for the “Miracle on Ice,” when they defeated the heavily favored Russian national team to win gold.
#7: The Rookie (2002)
Based on the true story of high school coach Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid), who made his Major League Baseball debut at age 35. Morris attends an open tryout to motivate his Big Lake (TX) Owls team and ends up playing two seasons for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His background—including growing up in Texas and playing football at Brownwood High School—adds depth to this inspiring story.
#6: The Love Bug (1968)
The movie that launched the Herbie franchise, featuring a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own and plenty of attitude. I loved these movies growing up.
#5: The Muppet Movie (1979)
This film follows Kermit the Frog’s journey from Florida to California as he pursues his dream of becoming a movie star. Along the way, he meets Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo.
4: National Treasure (2004)
A feel-good adventure movie starring Nicolas Cage as historian Ben Gates. Gates races against a former colleague in a quest to uncover a legendary treasure.
#3: The Princess Diaries I & II (2001, 2004)
Anne Hathaway stars as an awkward teenager who discovers she is actually a princess. Julie Andrews plays her grandmother, the Queen. While some critics dismissed the films as cheesy and a waste of Andrews’s talent, I strongly disagree. They are sweet, feel-good movies with a positive message.
#2: Mary Poppins (1964)
One of my all-time favorites growing up, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. It was also one of the few movies my mom allowed me to own merchandise from. I had the book, coloring books, paper dolls, lunchbox, and puzzles. It remains a favorite to this day.
#1: Remember the Titans (2000)
This Jerry Bruckheimer film addresses school integration in Alexandria, Virginia. Coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) is tasked with merging the football teams from the formerly segregated Black and white high schools. The movie chronicles the team’s journey from hostility to unity—and ultimately, a championship.
The Dee Zone 