Everybody loves a good underdog story because it represents a part of ourselves that wants to fight against the man! Watching the little guy triumph over the big guy is something that we love to see because we want the mean cruel enemy to be taken down. In fact, we love it so much that it is a regular meal in our cinematic diet - a young naïve yet talented person is belittled by some monstrous yet equally talented person who wins everything. The former trains and rises up the ranks to ultimately win something or, at the very least, a moral victory. Even this past week’s film releases have an underdog story including Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and The DUFF.
But what movies are the best underdog stories?
Starter for 10
Although, well, here it all goes spectacularly wrong through Brian’s momentary blip of which takes it to a different level of underdog movies, despite being a bit dull in places.
Little Miss Sunshine
Again, this isn’t a story about the family winning. In fact, along the way they are met with many obstacles that bring them down. However, as the audience isolates Olive during her less than innocent dance, her remaining family members take to the stage to dance with her - much to the shock of the titular organisation. Which shows that earned a lot more than a trophy. It’s a spectacular seen of an underdog triumph over prejudice.
Pride
It’s the perfect British story, told through brilliant wry and witty dialogue and great spirit at the core of it. The film was a bit absent at award season which is shame. Because when you get to the finale of the film - if you’re heart doesn’t swell with pride, then I’d say you don’t have one.
Rocky
is probably the first thing that came to your mind when you thought of underdog movies. Starring the rough and tough muscles of one Mr Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is one of the pivotal pieces of sports romp that made sure Philadelphia would always be over-saturated with people running up the steps (also probably why Survivor is rolling around in royalties in a presumably tiger shaped pool). Anyway, the film tells a tale of a ragamuffin dim-witted wannabe boxer who is training to become the heavyweight champion whilst also romancing a shy and reclusive girl.
As predictable as all sporting farces go, you cannot escape how good Stallone is that levelled him beyond action hero and into legendary status. So legendary in fact, you can find him in this Warburton’s advert.
Karate Kid
Again, we all know that Daniel is going to win (woops, spoilers). Yet it is filled with warmth, heart, comedy and some kick-ass scenes so severely epic that we got whiplash from the ferociousness.
What Do You Think?
What do you think?
What other underdog movies are your favourites?
Let us know in the comments below