Sports run through the veins of nearly every American citizen. Thus, sports films have become very popular over the past decade or so. With that said, these films are never really about the sport so much as the hidden meaning. Every film on the following list is famous for the obstacle the main characters had to overcome. Whether it is racism, equality or fighting for survival, every film has an underlying theme that truly makes the movie.

With the list focusing on the 21st century, the options were limited, but a lot of great films were still unable to make the list such as The Blind Side (2009) and Friday Night Lights (2004). Also, only one sports film in the 21st century has won an Oscar – The Fighter (2010) for best supporting actress and best supporting actor.

Anyway, for anyone who claims to be a big sports fan and movie lover, you should make an effort to see all of the following films and with no further ado, the ten best sports films of the 21st century.

[new page = 10. The Greatest Game Ever Played, 2005]

This is a very inspiring story about overcoming adversity. In a time when golf is meant for the rich and privileged, a young man, Francis Ouimet, beats all the odds when he wins the 1913 U.S. Open. Shia LaBeouf is fantastic in the lead role and there is a lot of comic relief.

[new page = 9. Gridiron Gang, 2006]

One of Dwayne Johnson’s most serious roles, he plays a juvenile detention counselor who brings teenagers together through the game of football. Based on a true story, the best aspect of the film is how all of the characters transform throughout the film.

[new page = 8. The Fighter, 2010]

Mark Wahlberg plays Mickey Ward, a boxer training to go pro. His brother, and trainer, is played by Christian Bale who underwent a dramatic physical change to take on the role of an active crack addict. The entire cast did a fantastic job with this film.

[new page = 7. Million Dollar Baby, 2004]

Hilary Swank plays a hard working young woman who is inspiring to become a professional boxer. When paired with Clint Eastwood, a tough trainer, the two become a very impressive team. This is a great film because it is all about overcoming diversity. Jay Baruchel had a great performance as an innocent teenager.

[new page = 6. Coach Carter, 2005]

Sometime sports can be more than just a game. Coach Carter is about how a basketball coach used basketball to help students succeed. The biggest message in this film is also that education is just as, if not more important than sports. In an underprivileged neighborhood one man gives a group of students a chance.

[new page = 5. The Legend of Bagger Vance, 2000]

Matt Damon was the town golf legend until he was shipped to the war. He came home a defeated man. When the town is going under a group of businessmen decide to hold a friendly golf outing on their world famous course and need Matt Damon to get his act together. Will Smith, presumably an angel, comes to Damon’s side in a classic golf film.

[new page = 4. 61*, 2001]

61* is a movie based on the true story of Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle race to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. It is a good film that shows the ugly side of professional sports. Barry Pepper does a fantastic job playing Roger Maris.

[new page = 3. Cinderella Man, 2005]

In the height of the great depression, a man takes his life into his own hands to get his family out of their financial slump. This is a very inspiring film of a man working hard and succeeding. His story and success is able to lift the spirits of an entire neighborhood.

[new page = 2. Remember the Titans, 2000]

This film takes place during a time of segregation. The basis of the film is a high school football team breaking down the race barrier through the game of football. When the high school team is undefeated, the town rallies around the young men and overcome racism.

[new page = 1. Miracle, 2004]

During the cold war the USA hockey team did what nobody thought possible and won the gold medal in the 1980 winter Olympics. For an American citizen there is not better moment than watching your country overcome all odds and do the impossible. Kurt Russell might have one of the best speeches of all time in this film as well.