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.