Monday, April 25, 2016

U is for Underdogs

I love underdogs.  I love when someone who is thought of as inferior breaks through that barrier and does well.  I think my love of underdogs comes from my West Virginia roots.  You see, West Virginians are really the epitome of the term underdog, having been consistently viewed as inferior, backwards, and unintelligent by the masses throughout history.  When West Virginians succeed and prove the naysayers wrong, I rejoice.  

For today's entry, I present you with my personal Top 10 Underdog Movies of All-Time: 


Honorable Mention:  Cool Runnings (1993) 
Cool Runnings is based on the true life story of a the Jamaican bobsled team who participated in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

Honorable Mention:  The Hunger Games (2012)
This movie tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a fellow Appalachian, who must fight to the death against 23 other teens in an annual event called The Hunger Games that takes place in a future dystopian society.

#10 The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
The Pursuit of Happiness is based on the true life events of Chris Gardner, a homeless man who worked tirelessly for a better life for himself and his son.

#9 The Karate Kid (1984)
This movie tells the story of Daniel Larusso, a California teen who is being bullied at school and his mentor, Mr. Miyagi.  Mr. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing to teach him karate and in the process, Daniel learns that there is more to martial arts than fighting.

#8 Angus (1995)
Angus is the story of a brilliant but overweight teen who has a secret crush on the class beauty.

#7 Billy Elliott (2000)
Billy Elliott is the story of a poor boy from a coal mining town in northern England who dreams of becoming a professional dancer.

#6 Breaking Away (1979)
Breaking Away is a coming of age story about a young man who dreams of breaking out of the life that he and his friends seem destined to live. 


#5 Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump is the story of Forrest, a man with below average intelligence, who defies all odds and experiences success beyond everyone's imagination.

#4 Rudy (1993)
Rudy is based on the true life story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, a man with limited athletic ability who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame.

#3 Rocky (1976)
This movie really needs no explanation...

#2 Shawshank Redemption (1994)
This is the story of Andy Defresne, a banker convicted of killing his wife and her lover  who is sentenced to life in prison, despite his claims of innocence.

#1 October Sky (1999)
I guess it's no surprise that my #1 is the story of fellow West Virginian, Homer Hickham. Hickham, who seemed fated to be a coal miner like his father, dreamed of something bigger, something extraordinary, something beyond the mountains of southern West Virginia. Through hard work and perseverance, he achieved his dream.



Do you have a favorite underdog movie?  If so, what is it?  Feel free to share below.  Thanks for stopping by!


This is the twenty-first of twenty-six alphabetized blog entries I am publishing this month as a part of the 2016 Blogging A to Z Challenge.  Many bloggers who participate in this challenge, select a theme.  My theme is - "Whatever I Think Of."  

For more information on the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge, click here.


12 comments:

  1. I have seen most of these, but not all. I haven't seen your number 1 pick, now I want to! I love underdogs too, it's very Australian to support the underdog too. I chose my puppy as she was the runt and the colour no one wanted. She is so amazing. #mg

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    1. October Sky is very near and dear to my heart. It is based on a book written by Homer Hickham originally called Rocket Boys. I love that you chose your puppy b/c she was the runt. My husband did the same with our dog. :) Have a good one!

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  2. I've seen most of these. As I was reading each one, I was thinking October Sky. And there it was right at #1. Many true life "sports" movies are about underdogs. I really liked The Blind Side, too. Million Dollar Baby was a good one (though I can't remember now if that was a true story or just a good movie). I also liked Clint Eastwood's movie Trouble With The Curve. And Bull Durham remains a favorite. I think they all count as "underdog" films.

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    1. Blind Side is an excellent movie. I considered it along with Bull Durham. BD is a one of my "will watch whenever I find it on movies." Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Good post. I love several of the movies listed - Billy Elliott, Forrest Gump, RUDY!, Rocky. I want to see the new movie, Eddie the Eagle. It's an underdog story as well. I enjoyed Miracle as well.

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    1. Thank you! I want to see Eddie the Eagle, too! Yes, Miracle was an excellent underdog movie as well.

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  4. I like a lot of the films you have here. Cool Runnings is one I love. John Candy is great in that one. Hunger Games is good, but I never read the books. Rocky and Karate Kid were must watch films in the 80s. Forrest Gump is cool too. Tom Hanks is amazing.
    Off the top of my head, I can't think of any underdog films. But if I do, I'll be back.

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    1. Sure! Pop on back over if one (or more) come to mind! Thanks for stopping by!

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