Sports on Screen: Discover Game-Changing Films on Kanopy

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, movie marathoner, and the guy who treats every underdog story like Game 7 of the World Series) are stepping onto the field for a deep dive into the wide world of sports movies. From boxing rings to BMX tracks, buzzer beaters to underdog triumphs, this episode celebrates the stories that make us cheer, cringe, and occasionally cry into our rally towels.     Kristy and Jeff’s picks range from gritty Oscar winners and cult comedies to overlooked indies and political docs that prove sports are never just a game. Whether you love the strategy of the ring, the heartbreak of the playoffs, or the sheer joy of a training montage, there’s something here for every fan.    Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.       Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.       Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.     Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.      Episode Highlights  00:45 — Childhood Sports Favorites  Jeff remembers The Mighty Ducks as the ultimate underdog story, while Kristy shares a hometown connection to the cult hockey comedy Slap Shot (1977).  04:10 — Raging Bull (1980)  Kristy dives into Scorsese’s black-and-white boxing classic and the brutal portrait of Jake LaMotta’s life in and out of the ring.  06:20 — Game 6 (2005)  Jeff spotlights Michael Keaton’s overlooked indie about Broadway anxiety, Red Sox heartbreak, and how sports can mirror life’s biggest failures and triumphs.  09:40 — Not Just a Game (2010)  Kristy highlights this doc about the intersection of sports and politics—from Muhammad Ali to Michael Jordan, and even the bizarre hysteria over “bicycle face.”  13:50 — The Fighter (2010)  Jeff brings it back to his hometown with this Oscar-winning boxing drama starring Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, praising its authentic portrayal of Lowell, Massachusetts.  17:40 — Shaolin Soccer (2001)  Kristy lightens the mood with Stephen Chow’s kung fu-meets-soccer comedy, a chaotic, heartwarming, and hilarious parody of the underdog formula.  21:10 — Rad (1986)  Jeff takes a neon-soaked trip back to the ‘80s with this BMX cult favorite, packed with cheesy fun, adrenaline-fueled stunts, and a killer soundtrack.  24:00 — Bonus Pick: BMX Bandits (1983)    Kristy tosses in Nicole Kidman’s early Aussie adventure, complete with bikes, walkie-talkies, and criminals on the chase.