Netflix’s Hustle marks one of the films in Adam Sandler’s career where he adopts a more serious tone than what fans know him for. Known primarily as a comedy actor, Sandler’s portrayal of Stanley Sugarman is a refreshing addition to his resume. What are some movies like Hustle?
10 Southpaw
For fans of Hustle who enjoyed its raw and vulnerable method of storytelling, Southpaw, directed by Antoine Fuqua, will be right up their alley. Documenting the life of Billy Hope, the film attempts to convey the dangers that lurk behind the world of professional boxing.
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After a dispute with a rival boxer, Billy’s wife is shot and killed. Billy had known his wife since childhood, so her death sent him into a spiral of anguish and depression, resulting in him being forbidden from boxing for one year. As the story progresses, Billy attempts to regain control of his life alongside his former boxing titles.
9 Bend It Like Beckham
For those who found the subject of Hustle to be slightly too serious, Bend It Like Beckham is an ideal substitute. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend It Like Beckham documents the story of Jess Bhamra, an eighteen-year-old woman who is forbidden by her family to engage in sporting activities of any kind.
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One day while playing for leisure, Jess’ soccer abilities are noticed by Jules Paxton, a lover of the sport who encourages the protagonist to pursue the game professionally. It is a heartwarming tale of self-expression revolutionary for its time.
8 The Phantom Of The Open
Those longing for a more comedic but sincere approach to storytelling may find great joy in watching The Phantom of the Open, directed by Craig Roberts. Based on true events, Phantom tells the wholesome tale of Maurice Flitcroft, a longtime dreamer with seemingly unachievable goals.
Maurice decides late in his life that he wants to become a professional golfer. Though many of his peers attempt to knock him down, Maurice’s unwavering happiness is constantly spurring him to march toward his dreams. He enters the 1976 Open tournament despite having never played a round of golf before, but his inexperience does not diminish his charm.
7 Shaolin Soccer
Fans of Hustle may also find enjoyment in Shaolin Soccer, directed by Stephen Chow. Unlike most sports films, Shaolin Soccer contains what is arguably one of the most absurd depictions of any form of sporting activity seen in cinema.
The film follows the story of Sing and five of his childhood friends as they join forces to create the most powerful soccer team in history. Their expertise in Kung Fu permits them to transfer their fighting skills to the soccer pitch, resulting in some of the most ludicrous but hilarious goal-scoring methods ever seen.
6 Foxcatcher
The story of Foxcatcher, directed by Bennett Miller, is an uncomfortable portrayal of true events. When John Du Pont, a wealthy sports patron, recruits Mark Schultz to form a wrestling team, the end result leaves more lives ruined than one.
While living on Du Pont’s estate, Schultz’s confidence begins to fade due to Du Pont’s questionable teaching methods. Schultz loses the passion he once held for wrestling and instead begins to spiral downward into a pit of doubt and self-criticism.
5 Happy Gilmore
For those curious to see Adam Sandler’s more comedic approach to acting, Happy Gilmore is a fantastic place to start. Directed by Dennis Dugan, Happy Gilmore follows the story of Happy as he searches for a medium to showcase his talent in hockey.
Once obsessed with becoming a professional hockey player, Happy discovers that his sporting gifts may be more applicable to gold. To prevent his grandmother from becoming homeless, Happy sets out to win a golfing tournament to win enough money to buy back her home.
4 Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Baby, directed by Clint Eastwood, is undoubtedly one of the most emotionally compelling sports films ever made. The story follows the life of Frankie Dunn, an introverted boxing coach who has little patience for anyone except himself and his friend Eddie.
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The story begins when Maggie Fitzgerald shows up at Frankie’s gym in search of a mentor. Though Frankie is skeptical at first, he eventually decides to take her in and teach her everything he knows about boxing. It is an extremely emotional film, so the viewer should ensure to have tissues at a reaching distance for their impending tears.
3 Punch Drunk Love
Punch Drunk Love, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a must-watch for those who find themselves captivated by Sandler’s more serious roles. Though it has little to do with sport of any kind, it does a wonderful job in allowing Sandler to express his lesser-known acting abilities.
The story follows the restricted life of Barry Egan, a man riddled with anxiety who often lashes out in response to the constant pressure he is placed under. Barry, in need of a human connection, reaches out to a phone sex line in the hope of bonding with someone, but this one phone call turns his life upside down.
2 Moneyball
The story of Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller, follows the life of Billy Beane as he attempts to outwit his opposition. As captain of the Oakland As, Billy is tasked with enhancing the abilities of his team in the hope of preparing them for victory.
Unlike the opposing baseball teams, there is very little funding being contributed to the Oakland As, so Billy comes up with his own unique methods to ensure they stand a fighting chance on the baseball pitch. He recruits a variety of different players for his team and, though they do not look like much, are extremely skilled in the art of baseball.
1 Coach Carter
Coach Carter, directed by Thomas Carter, follows the story of Ken, a determined basketball coach who wants nothing more than to ensure that his students have a future. Tasked with training a group of students at his former school, Carter is determined to create professional athletes, but not at the expense of their education.
After receiving an array of negative feedback from his students and their families, Carter seals off their access to the basketball court. He insists that each member of his team must perform well in their studies even if they want to return to the court, a risky but effective means of coercion.
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