It’s winter, it’s lockdown, the sofa’s our new best friend and the TV is calling, so we’re recommending some of our top binge-worthy movies and documentaries – guaranteed to get you motivated and moving beyond your front door. Check out our top picks…
Invincible
We love an underdog and we love Greg Kinnear, so this film is a win-win. Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a down on his luck part-time bartender and substitute teacher, tries out for his beloved Eagles when coach (Greg Kinnear) hosts an open call. Invincible is a true story of Papale's career with the Eagles as a professional player and his personal struggles and triumphs. Get your fill of ‘feel good’ here.
The Barkley Marathons
One of the world’s best kept secrets takes place in the woods of Tennessee. In 25 years, only 10 people have finished the challenge. Dubbed ‘the race that eats it’s young’, this gruelling marathon is a mockery of James Earl Ray’s historic prison escape gone awry and tests participants to their physical and mental limits. It's certainly one (more extreme) way to ‘Enjoy the Elements’!
Coach Carter
Based on another true story, Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter (played by Samuel L. Jackson), made headlines in 1999 for suspending his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic results. Carter is an inspiring coach who instils teamwork, discipline and respect in his players, helping them to overcome obstacles and realise their potential. Tune in and learn how to win at life.
The Playbook
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to win golds, grand slams and world cups (apart from hard graft, sweat and tears), it’s also about incredible coaches. The Playbook is an insightful documentary that profiles legendary coaches as they share the rules, they live by to achieve success in sports and in life. A good watch, solid advice and a bit of wisdom.
Battle of the Sexes
Emma Stone calls the shots as she plays the real-life story of tennis legend, Billie Jean King, when she revolutionises women’s tennis in the early ’70s and takes on former men’s champ, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carrell). The live tennis match, viewed by over 90 million viewers worldwide, is one of the most watched televised sporting events of all time. Billie Jean beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3, 6–3, and earned the winner-take-all prize of $100k. #legend.
Against the Tides
An award-winning feature-length documentary that follows marathon swimmer and world record holder Beth French, as she sets out to conquer Oceans Seven, the ultimate challenge for extreme swimmers, taking on the seven most dangerous sea-channels in the world. Driven by a desire to set an example for her autistic son and by her lifelong battle with M.E., this is guaranteed to inspire.
