Sports features have always had a robust fan base among both young adults and seasoned film buffs across the globe.
So, today, we are going to be covering some of the finest hockey-themed motion pictures to have ever hit the screens for them.
While we are predominantly including mainstream projects in our story, there are also a handful of documentaries that are definitely worth their time.
We understand that it is difficult for fans to chance upon feature films that do justice to the on-screen depiction of their favorite game and players.
Fortunately for them, we have come up with a thorough story on the finest hockey-themed titles to watch. Needless to say, we have a film in stock for each one of you out there.
While some of these titles aim to pay a fitting tribute to the players who have contributed to the popularity of the sport, others are unabashed mainstream commercial entertainers that only strive to amuse you, by hook or by crook.
DocumentaryBiographyHistory
Director:
Gabe Polsky
Release Date:
Thu Jan 29 2015
Star Cast:
Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladislav Tretiak, Scotty Bowman
Box Office (Worldwide):
$798,680
"Red Army" is a compelling American-Russian documentary written, directed, and produced by Gabe Polsky. The film follows the remarkable journey of hockey captain Slava Fetisov and four fellow players as they come together to form the legendary 'Russian Five,' an almost unbeatable unit on the ice.
Yet, their ascent is far from smooth. The team's punishing training regime under a strict coach soon pressures Fetisov and his teammates, ultimately driving them to defect from the Soviet Union.
The documentary skillfully captures the shifting landscape of the Soviet national ice hockey team, seen through the perspective of its captain. It offers viewers a chance to piece together the personal and professional journeys of the iconic squad members.
Alongside its gripping narrative, "Red Army" explores themes of deep camaraderie and the complexities of close-knit male friendships. Its thorough research and insightful storytelling make it a standout, highly watchable sports documentary.
Recommended:
DramaFamilySport
Director:
Shimit Amin
Release Date:
Fri Aug 10 2007
Star Cast:
Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Malvade, Sagarika Ghatge
Box Office (Worldwide):
$21,505,244
Directed by Shimit Amin and produced by the renowned Yash Raj Films, Chak De! India stands out as a critically-acclaimed Bollywood masterpiece that has garnered global praise.
The film features Shah Rukh Khan in the pivotal role of Kabir Khan, a former hockey star whose reputation is tarnished when he is unfairly branded a traitor after losing an important match for his country.
Seeking redemption, Kabir steps into the challenging role of coaching the Indian women's national hockey team. His journey not only highlights his unwavering commitment to his nation, but also plays a key role in elevating the status of hockey as a national sport in India.
As one of the highest-rated hockey films worldwide, Chak De! India is an essential watch for any true hockey enthusiast. Don’t let this remarkable story pass you by.
Recommended:
BiographyDramaHistory
Director:
Gavin O'Connor
Release Date:
Fri Feb 6 2004
Star Cast:
Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Nathan West
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$64,445,708
Directed by Gavin O'Connor, Miracle chronicles the inspiring journey of Herb Brooks, a former player turned coach. Against all odds, Brooks leads the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team in their quest to defeat the seemingly invincible Russian squad.
The film features standout performances by Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, and Noah Emmerich. Even though the outcome is widely known, the movie keeps audiences captivated until the final whistle.
Much praise is due to the filmmakers for crafting an emotionally resonant and engaging experience, despite the predictability of its true-story foundation. Disney’s interpretation of the U.S. hockey team's gold medal triumph at Lake Placid is exceptionally entertaining.
However, the film doesn't delve deeply into its supporting characters, likely to maintain its focus on the team's overall journey rather than individual stories.
Upon release, Miracle earned positive reviews and performed well at the box office, with particular acclaim for Russell’s compelling portrayal of Herb Brooks.
Recommended:
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
George Roy Hill
Release Date:
Fri Feb 25 1977
Star Cast:
Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin
Budget:
$6,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$28,000,000
Directed by George Roy Hill, "Slap Shot" is a classic sports comedy featuring standout performances from Paul Newman and Michael Ontkean. The film follows a struggling minor league ice hockey team in a fading factory town as they adopt rough and aggressive tactics to gain notoriety and spark the community’s enthusiasm.
Unlike many polished, mainstream sports movies, "Slap Shot" sets itself apart by offering a gritty, authentic look inside the often chaotic and raw dynamics of a locker room. This honest portrayal resonates deeply with devoted hockey fans.
Upon release, "Slap Shot" received mixed reviews from critics but managed to achieve moderate success at the box office, cementing its legacy as a cult favorite among hockey enthusiasts.
Recommended:
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
Michael Dowse
Release Date:
Fri Feb 24 2012
Star Cast:
Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill
Box Office (Worldwide):
$6,985,158
Directed by Michael Dowse, "Goon" features a talented cast including Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Marc-André Grondin, Kim Coates, Eugene Levy, and Liev Schreiber in pivotal roles.
The film centers on Doug Glatt, a good-hearted bouncer who is unexpectedly recruited by a struggling minor league hockey team.
Doug must overcome his lack of skating skills and face a formidable adversary in pursuit of victory—revealing that the story is about more than just winning games or championships.
Despite its engaging plot, "Goon" initially struggled at the box office. However, the movie gained a devoted following and renewed popularity after being released on Netflix.
ComedyFamilyRomance
Director:
Charles Shyer
Release Date:
Fri Dec 20 1991
Star Cast:
Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Martin Short
Budget:
$20,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$89,325,780
While many passionate hockey fans focus on today’s game, few delve into the sport’s fascinating roots. For those curious about hockey’s beginnings, The Father of Hockey is an essential watch.
This compelling documentary follows the story of Captain James Sutherland, the visionary who championed Kingston, Ontario as the true birthplace of hockey. His dedication sparked both pride and controversy throughout the hockey community.
The film explores the heated debates surrounding the origins of hockey and the longstanding dispute over the ideal location for the sport’s hall of fame. As a result of these unresolved questions, two halls of fame eventually opened – one in Toronto and another in Ontario.
Ultimately, The Father of Hockey dives deep into the sport’s contested history, inviting viewers to reconsider where hockey truly began and showing the passion that built the game’s legacy.
DocumentaryBiographySport
Director:
Geordie Day
Release Date:
Fri Apr 12 2019
Star Cast:
Bruce Bell, Don Cadarian, Colin Campbell
"Tough Guy: The Bob Probert Story" is a compelling sports documentary chronicling the life of one of the NHL's most legendary enforcers. Written and directed by Geordie Day, the film combines rare archival footage with intimate interviews, offering viewers a powerful glimpse into Bob Probert’s extraordinary life and hockey career.
This documentary stands out for its unfiltered and honest portrayal of Probert’s numerous on-ice battles and personal struggles. The authenticity and raw emotion captured in each scene make it as gripping as it is revealing.
While some viewers may come away inspired by Probert’s fearless spirit, others may find it difficult to sympathize with him, highlighting the divisive nature of his legacy both on and off the ice.
DocumentarySport
Director:
Don Metz
Release Date:
Tue Oct 15 2019
Star Cast:
Glenn Anderson, Fred Brathwaite, Martin Brodeur
Budget:
$600,000 (estimated)
"Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story" stands out as one of the finest documentaries ever produced about ice hockey. Directed by Don Metz, the film delves deeply into the life and career of legendary goaltender Grant Fuhr.
As the first black superstar in hockey, Fuhr broke barriers and achieved remarkable success during his time in the NHL. This documentary highlights both his impressive achievements and the challenges he overcame.
Fuhr not only secured 403 NHL wins but was also inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003. The film succeeds in presenting the compelling story of Fuhr's journey both on and off the ice, offering an inspiring look at a true pioneer of the sport.
Documentary
Director:
Jason Gileno
Release Date:
Tue Jan 20 2004
Star Cast:
Brady Austin, Mike Bajurny, Robert Berger
Budget:
CA$250,000 (estimated)
Directed and written by Jason Gileno, The Chiefs is a compelling sports documentary that delves into the lives of five hard-hitting hockey players as they navigate the harsh realities of their brutal league.
These athletes live on the fringes, tucked behind the scenes at a hockey arena, fighting both for recognition and to carve out heroic identities amid relentless physical confrontations.
Their reliance on violence soon takes a psychological and emotional toll, forcing each man to confront his greatest adversary—himself.
For hockey enthusiasts, Gileno's revealing portrayal offers an authentic glimpse into the sacrifices, struggles, and camaraderie that define life on the edge of professional ice hockey.
DocumentarySport
Director:
Alex Gibney
Release Date:
Sun Apr 22 2012
Star Cast:
Donald Brashear, Lyndon Byers, Guy Carbonneau
What sets The Last Gladiators apart is its universal theme—it could just as easily have depicted any competitive sport, but it uniquely focuses on hockey.
This gripping documentary explores the relentless spirit of the sport, showing that certain battles—on and off the ice—never truly end.
Acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney takes an unconventional approach, tracing the gritty legacy of the "goon"—the player whose singular duty is guarding the team's stars.
This poignant and thought-provoking film offers hockey fans a rare glimpse into the sport's lesser-known chapters and its rough-and-tumble past.
DramaRomanceSport
Director:
Peter Markle
Release Date:
Fri Jan 31 1986
Star Cast:
Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, Patrick Swayze
Box Office (Worldwide):
$15,448,384
Directed by Peter Markle, "Youngblood" features standout performances by Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, Ed Lauter, and Patrick Swayze in key roles.
The film follows the story of a 17-year-old farm boy who receives the chance to audition for an ice hockey team.
Accompanied by his brother, he travels to Canada and earns a spot in the lineup. However, his slow fists threaten his potential for success on the ice.
The gripping narrative explores whether he can toughen up enough to play hockey the Canadian way.
As the story unfolds, he also develops feelings for the coach's charming daughter. Rob Lowe's personal and athletic transformation makes this otherwise familiar sports movie worth watching.
Like many classic sports films, "Youngblood" includes an energizing training montage, complete with speed bag workouts and shirtless push-ups.
DramaSport
Director:
Stephen S. Campanelli
Release Date:
Fri Apr 13 2018
Star Cast:
Ajuawak Kapashesit, Wayne Baker, Sladen Peltier
Box Office (Worldwide):
$2,097,362
"Indian Horse" is a powerful hockey-themed sports drama that earned critical acclaim at film festivals worldwide for its compelling storytelling and strong performances.
Directed by Stephen Campanelli, the story centers on Saul, a young Indigenous boy separated from his family and culture and forced into a residential school, where he discovers and excels at hockey.
Yet, Saul's most difficult battles take place off the ice. As he rises in the world of hockey, he faces the harsh realities of racism and struggles with alcoholism, highlighting the deep scars left by his past.
The film was praised for its unflinching depiction of trauma within the sport and its courage in confronting difficult subject matter. It portrays Saul's resilience and enduring hope as he strives to overcome adversity.
"Indian Horse" is an official adaptation of Richard Wagamese's acclaimed novel and stands as a poignant exploration of identity, perseverance, and healing.
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
Jay Roach
Release Date:
Fri Oct 1 1999
Star Cast:
Russell Crowe, Burt Reynolds, Hank Azaria
Budget:
$28,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$8,891,623
"Mystery, Alaska" stands out among hockey movies, delivering a captivating mix of drama and sports-driven excitement.
The film centers on the determined amateur hockey team from the small town of Mystery, Alaska. When the renowned New York Rangers challenge them to a televised match, the townspeople put aside their differences to rally behind their local heroes in this high-stakes contest.
Directed by Jay Roach, the film subtly explores how the power of sports can unite a community, helping people forgive and overcome past grievances. It's a must-watch for hockey fans and anyone who enjoys seeing Russell Crowe in an inspiring, heartfelt role.
ComedySport
Director:
Jay Baruchel
Release Date:
Fri Sep 1 2017
Star Cast:
Seann William Scott, Alison Pill, Marc-André Grondin
Box Office (Worldwide):
$124,875
"Goon: Last of the Enforcers" marks Jay Baruchel's directorial debut and serves as the sequel to the 2011 hit, "Goon." This energetic hockey comedy brings together a talented cast, including Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Liev Schreiber, Alison Pill, Elisha Cuthbert, Wyatt Russell, Marc-André Grondin, and Kim Coates in pivotal roles.
The story centers on a tough hockey player facing the harsh reality of career-threatening injuries, forcing him to grapple with the idea of early retirement. As his legendary reputation as the league's top enforcer is put to the test by the arrival of a fierce new player, the stakes grow higher on and off the ice.
While the film received mixed reviews upon release, Seann William Scott earned particular praise for his compelling and heartfelt performance as the resilient protagonist.
ActionComedyCrime
Director:
Erik Canuel
Release Date:
Fri Aug 11 2006
Star Cast:
Michel Beaudry, Patrice Bélanger, Pierre Boudreau
Budget:
CA$8,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$12,735,126
"Bon Cop, Bad Cop" (2006) stands out as a unique entry on our list, blending dark comedy and thrilling buddy-cop action with unmistakable Canadian flair. It offers a fresh and entertaining twist on the genre by incorporating hockey elements in unconventional ways.
While the film's main storyline doesn't center exclusively on the sport, it cleverly weaves a subplot that satirizes National Hockey League teams, as well as their owners and players, making it a treat for hockey fans.
The narrative focuses on two detectives from Ontario and Quebec, forced to collaborate and overcome their cultural differences in order to catch a prolific serial killer. Their uneasy partnership drives much of the film's humor and suspense.
"Bon Cop, Bad Cop" became one of Canada's highest-grossing films, cementing its status as a beloved and influential piece in Canadian cinema.
BiographyDramaSport
Director:
Nikolay Lebedev
Release Date:
Thu Apr 18 2013
Star Cast:
Danila Kozlovskiy, Oleg Menshikov, Svetlana Ivanova
Budget:
€10,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$16,096,860
"Legend No. 17" is a Russian biographical sports drama directed by Nikolai Lebedev that brings to life the remarkable story of ice hockey legend Valeri Kharlamov. The film offers a vivid portrayal of Kharlamov's journey, chronicling the highs of his illustrious career and the tragedy of his untimely death.
The narrative closely follows Kharlamov's ascent to stardom, highlighting pivotal moments such as his participation in the historic 1972 Summit Series between the USSR and Canada. The film meticulously recreates this iconic matchup, reflecting both the tension and excitement of the era.
For those familiar with Russian history, "Legend No. 17" offers deeper layers, allowing viewers to interpret its political and cultural undertones. Nevertheless, the movie's true appeal lies in its ability to immerse audiences in the fast-paced and competitive world of professional hockey.
The film's achievements are notable: it was honored with six Golden Eagle awards, including Best Film, and earned its creators the prestigious State Prize of the Russian Federation in 2013.
ComedyRomanceSport
Director:
Louis Saia
Release Date:
Fri Dec 11 1998
Star Cast:
Marc Messier, Rémy Girard, Patrick Huard
Budget:
CA$4,700,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$5,974,732
Director Louis Saia returns with the lively sequel, continuing the story of a spirited amateur hockey team in "Les Boys II." This second installment of the popular franchise brings familiar faces back for more on-ice antics and camaraderie.
The film follows the team's adventures as they travel to France for an international hockey tournament, blending sports action with lighthearted, romantic misadventures along the way.
Although the film was a box office hit in Quebec, some felt that its humor didn't quite match the charm of the original. Still, "Les Boys II" delivers enough laughs and nostalgia to make it worth a watch for fans of the series.
Comedy
Director:
David Fleer, Erik Moe, Peter Rudy
Release Date:
Thu Apr 4 2002
Star Cast:
Jim Gaffigan, Ian Brennan, T.J. Jagodowski
"No Sleep 'til Madison," directed by David Fleer, Erik Moe, and Peter Rudy, tells the story of Owen Fenby, a 30-year-old man whose heart belongs to both his girlfriend and the sport he loves most.
Owen's true passion is High School Hockey, but his world takes a turn when his closest friends decide to back out of their traditional trip to the Wisconsin State High School Hockey Tournament.
This unexpected change forces Owen to confront the difficult realities of his obsession with hockey. Jim Gaffigan delivers a memorable performance, showcasing his impeccable comedic timing throughout the film.
ComedySport
Director:
Doug Dearth
Release Date:
Tue Sep 1 2020
Star Cast:
Jack Mulhern, Dylan Playfair, Caspar Phillipson
Budget:
$5,000,000 (estimated)
Directed by Doug Dearth, "Odd Man Rush" is a sports drama inspired by Bill Keenan's 2016 memoir of the same name.
The film follows the heartfelt journey of Bobby Sanders, a Harvard hockey player navigating the unique world of Sweden's minor leagues.
Bobby's romance with a local market girl becomes a turning point, forcing him to confront the reality behind his childhood dream of making it to the NHL.
Though "Odd Man Rush" may not hold the highest IMDb rating, its screenplay is noted for blending sports, drama, comedy, and romance into a truly engaging story.
ComedyDramaFamily
Director:
Stephen Herek
Release Date:
Fri Oct 2 1992
Star Cast:
Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith
Budget:
$10,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$50,752,337
Directed by Stephen Herek, "The Mighty Ducks" features Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith, and Jussie Smollett in key roles. The story centers on Gordon, who is haunted by the memory of losing a crucial hockey match with his team.
This loss continues to trouble him deeply, lingering in his thoughts and shaping his outlook on life. Unlike many, Gordon is offered a rare second chance to redeem himself and reclaim his former glory.
This time, the twist is that he steps into the role of coach for an underdog hockey squad known for its lack of confidence and cohesion. The movie follows his journey to inspire a team—and perhaps himself—toward a shot at greatness.
BiographyDramaSport
Director:
Charles Binamé
Release Date:
Mon Mar 26 2007
Star Cast:
Roy Dupuis, Stephen McHattie, Julie Le Breton
Budget:
CA$8,000,000 (estimated)
The Rocket is an award-winning Canadian biopic that attempts to trace the journey of Quebec's most famous hockey player Maurice "The Rocket" Richard.
It focuses on the struggles of a French Canadian individual in the National Hockey League, which was known to be dominated by Anglophones.
The hockey sequences in this motion picture are beautifully filmed. Also, the director has been able to successfully duplicate the look and feel of the game from the 1940s and 1950s.
Roy Dupuis manages to portray the lead character amazingly and is able to capture the fire and intensity that drove the man's career. Indeed, "The Rocket" was an inspiration to many in his home country, and this project did well to showcase it to the fans of the sport.
Having said that, the film sees a lot many appearances by National Hockey League players. It opened to positive reviews and was nominated for many awards.
ComedyDramaFamily
Director:
Éric Tessier
Release Date:
Fri Dec 21 2012
Star Cast:
Antoine Olivier Pilon, Rémi Goulet, Alice Morel-Michaud
Budget:
CA$8,300,000 (estimated)
This comedy-drama sports film has been directed by Éric Tessier and stars Antoine Olivier Pilon, Alice Morel-Michaud, Guy Nadon, and Julie Le Breton in crucial roles.
It traces the journey of Janeau, who is urged to shift to a new city after the death of his mother.
After having shifted there, Janeau joins a hockey team. However, his teammates are envious of his undeniable talent. But, he tries to befriend the competent goalkeeper as they gear up for the league's top tournament.
Aside from being a decent hockey-themed feature film, it is also a decent family entertainer.
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
Louis Saia
Release Date:
Fri Nov 30 2001
Star Cast:
Marc Messier, Rémy Girard, Patrick Huard
Budget:
CA$5,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$3,557,100
Directed by Louis Saia, Les Boys III is the third installment in the Les Boys franchise of motion pictures.
The film tracks the journey of a hockey player who returns from France to find out that a lot many things have changed within the squad after the arrival of a rich but shady businessman.
He soon unearths that greed has replaced friendship and loyalty. While Patrick Huard and Marc Messier deliver excellent performances in this feature film, the rest of the actors in the supporting cast are fair as well.
BiographyDramaSport
Director:
Shaad Ali
Release Date:
Fri Jul 13 2018
Star Cast:
Diljit Dosanjh, Taapsee Pannu, Angad Bedi
Budget:
₹200,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$6,579,645
This Shaad Ali directorial venture is another notable Bollywood project to make it to our story. Starring actors Diljit Dosanjh, Taapsee Pannu, and Angad Bedi in pivotal roles, it is based on the life of popular Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh.
The film tracks the arduous journey of Sandeep who is left paralyzed after a gunshot accidentally and, unfortunately, hits him.
While many speculate that his career is gone for good, he surprises one and all when he decides to make a rock-solid comeback.
Sooner than later, the champion seeks to lead the Indian unit to victory. Lead stars Diljit and Taapsee deliver noteworthy performances in this biographical sports drama.
DramaHistorySport
Director:
Reema Kagti
Release Date:
Wed Aug 15 2018
Star Cast:
Krishan Tandon, Hubertus Geller, Siddharth Kher
Box Office (Worldwide):
$505,385
Director Reema Kagti's Gold is a period sports drama film that attempts to trace the journey of India's first national hockey team to the 1948 Summer Olympics.
The story follows the manager of the Indian hockey team, Tapan Das, who faces a ton of difficulties as he helps his team in preparing for the upcoming Olympics.
The teammates and the manager have only one dream in their optimistic eyes - to win a glowing gold medal for their country.
Gold stars Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the lead and is infused with a ton of songs and drama to adhere to the fans of Bollywood movies.
The motion picture was a moderate success at the domestic box office.
ComedyDramaRomance
Director:
Paul Michael Glaser
Release Date:
Fri Mar 27 1992
Star Cast:
D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice
Box Office (Worldwide):
$25,105,517
This sports romantic-comedy film has been helmed by Paul Michael Glaser. It stars D. B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice, and Terry O'Quinn in crucial roles.
The motion picture traces the journey of a self-centered ex-hockey player and a master figure skater. Things get exciting as they become unlikely partners in their ambitious quest for the Olympic gold.
The Cutting Edge's focus on a rich and spoiled figure skater is something to truly watch out for. Even though the romance may come across as contrived, the movie can still be watched by devoted fans of the sport.
ComedySport
Director:
George Mihalka
Release Date:
Fri Dec 9 2005
Star Cast:
Rémy Girard, Pierre Lebeau, Luc Guérin
Budget:
CA$1,000,000 (estimated)
The adventures of Stan and his boys continue in the fourth installment of the Les Boys series of feature films.
Director George Mihalka's film attempts to track how Stan brings back his team four years later with the aim to face and defeat the team of the legends of the National League.
Contrary to the previous motion pictures in the franchise, this one does not entirely rely on its hockey sequences to make an impact.
The focus here is more on the actions of the individual characters. Also, there is a decent amount of slapstick comedy injected into the storytelling.
ComedyDramaRomance
Director:
Richard Goudreau
Release Date:
Fri Dec 6 2013
Star Cast:
Simon Pigeon, Derek Poissant, Samuel Gauthier
Budget:
CA$8,500,000 (estimated)
Not many of our readers would be aware of the fact that this sports comedy-drama film is the fifth installment in the Les Boys franchise.
Striving to take the viewers back to the winter of 1967, the film follows a group of friends who are facing different issues in their respective lives.
They decide to come together during the Christmas holidays to form a strong hockey team. Their only aim seems to be to win a prestigious competition.
Written and directed by Richard Goudreau, When We Were Boys will not disappoint the viewers who truly enjoy watching films of the Les Boys series.
ActionCrimeThriller
Director:
Peter Hyams
Release Date:
Fri Dec 22 1995
Star Cast:
Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry
Budget:
$35,000,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$64,350,171
This sports-themed action-thriller film can turn out to be a fair way to pass your time if you are looking forward to watching either a hockey-based flick or one starring actor Jean-Claude Van Damme.
The film traces the journey of an ex-firefighter named McCord who is not only duty-bound to save his family but also the vice president of the United States of America from a potential terrorist plot.
Even though this movie promises a ton of other things, hockey remains central to its plot. While the story on paper might come across as dumb, one can certainly give it a try for the purpose of guilty pleasure, if nothing else.
DramaSport
Director:
Dwayne Beaver
Star Cast:
Gabrielle Rose, Curtis Bechdholt, Deanna Milligan
Budget:
$850,000 (estimated)
This indie sports drama film has been helmed for the screen by Dwayne Beaver. Spearheaded by Curtis Bechdholt, it endeavors to tell the story of a Canadian family that lives, breathes, and sleeps hockey.
The screenplay follows how Stefan decides to let go of hockey right when he was about to make the jump from minor league hockey to the dreamy majors.
However, since he considers giving up the game, his family proves to be far more intimidating than any opponent that he might have faced while on-field.
Needless to say, he then experiences the ups and downs that are an integral part of a sportsperson's life.
ComedyDramaFamily
Director:
Sam Weisman
Release Date:
Fri Mar 25 1994
Star Cast:
Emilio Estevez, Kathryn Erbe, Michael Tucker
Box Office (Worldwide):
$45,610,410
As ardent fans of cinema, we have often observed that no matter the franchise, the sequels usually fail to live up to the hype and expectations of their predecessors.
The case is, unfortunately, no different for the second installment of The Mighty Ducks film series.
While it does give the 90s-born kids a quote, "You lost it for yourself", to remember, it offers a rather preposterous storyline.
Helmed by Sam Weisman, the film tracks how Gordon is compelled to quit the professional hockey league and, instead, guide a junior hockey team.
However, the task proves to be ridiculously tough for he has to train his young unit to the best of his abilities to face an indomitable opponent.
ActionComedyDrama
Director:
Robert Lieberman
Release Date:
Fri Oct 4 1996
Star Cast:
Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling, David Selby
Box Office (Worldwide):
$22,955,097
The third and final installment in The Mighty Ducks trilogy has been helmed for the screen by Robert Lieberman.
It stars actors Emilio Estevez, Jeffrey Nordling, Heidi Kling, and Joss Ackland in significant roles. The Walt Disney-backed mainstream project attempts to track how the Ducks team manages to obtain scholarships to the prestigious Eden Hall Academy.
Soon after, the squad is seen readying itself to compete against the school's pompous varsity team. Sure enough, they have the support of their coach Gordon Bombay.
D3: The Mighty Ducks did not open to fair reviews at the ticket counters and was called lazier than its predecessors.
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
Robert Lieberman
Release Date:
Fri Sep 23 2011
Star Cast:
Vinay Virmani, Camilla Belle, Russell Peters
Box Office (Worldwide):
$198,033
This Canada-based sports-comedy feature film has been directed by Robert Lieberman and produced by Indian actor Akshay Kumar and Paul Gross.
While Vinay Virmani can be seen making his maiden screen appearance in this project, he is supported by performers such as Camilla Belle, Rob Lowe, Russell Peters, and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles.
In addition, Akshay Kumar and rappers Drake and Ludacris can be seen in cameo roles in this one. The motion picture tracks the journey of hockey enthusiast Rajvinder, who is intimidated by his family and ridiculed by other hockey players.
However, he decides to take a stand for himself by building his own hockey team and going on to challenge those who mock him.
The title opened to unfavorable reviews at the ticket counters.
DramaRomanceSport
Director:
George McCowan
Release Date:
Fri Nov 12 1971
Star Cast:
Bruce Armstrong, Eric Cryderman, Don Allen
Directors George McCowan and Kay Hawtrey's Face-Off is a romantic sports film that stars actors Trudy Young, Art Hindle, Frank Moore, Austin Willis, Vivian Reis, and John Vernon in critical roles.
The storyline of the film casts a light on a Toronto Maple Leaf hockey star (played by Art Hindle), who falls head over heels in love with a pop star (played by Trudy Young).
However, the ice hockey star's romance with the musician in this film was not received well by the critics; even though several National Hockey League players were seen making a guest appearance in the movie.
It is not surprising then that Face-Off was only an average performer at the Canadian box office.
DocumentaryBiographySport
Director:
Jukka-Pekka Siili
Release Date:
Fri Sep 27 2013
Star Cast:
Teemu Selänne, Wayne Gretzky, Alpo Suhonen
Box Office (Worldwide):
$1,713,266
Written and directed by Jukka-Pekka Siili, this documentary strives to track the personal and professional life of the Finnish ice hockey star Teemu Selänne.
Even though Teemu had played in the NHL for over 20 years and was considered to be one of the country's best ice hockey players, not many knew about his life outside the rink.
Therefore, this documentary aims to let the viewers get acquainted with the true Selänne. Sel8nne definitely needs to be watched by ardent fans of ice hockey.
ComedyDramaSport
Director:
Louis Saia
Release Date:
Fri Dec 12 1997
Star Cast:
Marc Messier, Rémy Girard, Patrick Huard
Budget:
CA$3,300,000 (estimated)
Box Office (Worldwide):
$4,602,341
This Quebec-made sports comedy feature film has been directed by Louis Saia. Its success led to the production of three more sequels.
Today, the Les Boys film franchise is known to be one of the most popular Canadian series of all time.
Touted to be grim in its execution, this project has a fair bit of domestic drama spearheading its screenplay.
The story follows a family that is compelled to confront chaos after two siblings are reunited with their psychopathic brother who has only recently been out on parole.
Ever since the release of this motion picture in 1997, it has been established that French viewers have cherished it far more than the English audience.
Drama
Director:
Éric Tessier
Release Date:
Thu Nov 23 2017
Star Cast:
Antoine Olivier Pilon, Rémi Goulet, Alice Morel-Michaud
Director Éric Tessier's Junior Majeur is another Canadian hockey-themed sports drama project that stars Antoine Olivier Pilon, Rémi Goulet, Alice Morel-Michaud, Normand Daneau, Claude Legault, Patrice Robitaille, Madeleine Péloquin, and Edith Cochrane in prominent roles.
The film tracks the journey of an 18-year-old hockey prodigy who has to face a lot many impediments during the course of his journey; each of which threatens to endanger both his career and relationships.
Prior to its official theatrical outing, Junior Majeur premiered at the Abitibi-Témiscamingue International Film Festival. It went on to win the Public Prize at the 20th Quebec Cinema Awards.
Adventure
Director:
Jean LaFleur, Peter Svatek
Release Date:
Thu Dec 25 1975
Star Cast:
Michael Macdonald, Angele Knight, Jean-Louis Millette
Budget:
CA$125,000 (estimated)
Directors Jean LaFleur and Peter Svatek's The Mystery of the Million Dollar Hockey Puck aspire to be more than just your regular hockey-based feature.
The film traces the journey of a young and brave orphan who eavesdrops on a plot to smuggle diamonds out of Canada.
The kid decides to get involved because the diamonds are to be smuggled while being packed in the paraphernalia of his favorite hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens.
As the thieves realize that the kid knows about their plan, they decide to go after him before their scheme is destroyed for good.
While the plot may come across as enjoyable, the execution, sadly, does not meet the expectations here.
DramaSport
Director:
Peter Pearson
Release Date:
Fri Sep 21 1973
Star Cast:
Keir Dullea, Elizabeth Ashley, John Beck
Budget:
CA$500,000 (estimated)
Helmed for the screen by Peter Pearson, Paperback Hero stars actors Keir Dullea and Elizabeth Ashley in significant roles.
The story follows a minor-league hockey player (played by Keir Dullea) in a small town in Canada who is forced to turn to a life of crime after his backers decide to drop his team.
Paperback Hero may not be talked about anymore but it is a prominent try in the sense that it won the Canadian Film Awards in 1973 for Film Editing, Overall Sound, and Cinematography, respectively.
The motion picture was also selected for the Canadian Open Vault program of the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006.
DramaRomanceSport
Director:
Arthur Lubin
Release Date:
Thu Sep 30 1937
Star Cast:
John Wayne, Sheila Bromley, Charles Brokaw
Not many of us are aware of the fact that Hollywood star John Wayne even played the character of an ice hockey player of celluloid. Well, hello, he most certainly did!
Filmmaker Arthur Lubin's Idol of the Crowds is one of the only non-Western motion pictures that you could find the great Wayne headlining.
The story follows a professional hockey player who starts to receive life-threatening messages after he declines to throw a critical championship game.
Even though this is not a very popular title today, it has sufficient excitement to keep its target audience going.
History
Director:
Marilyn Higgins
Star Cast:
Marilyn Higgins
Director Norma Bailey's The Sheldon Kennedy Story is a lesser-known hockey-based television movie that deals with a lot many things other than the sport.
A young countryside lad named Sheldon Kennedy feels that his father unnecessarily punishes him whenever he performs poorly. However, soon after getting recruited for professional ice hockey at the age of 14, he seems to have found his way out.
But, finding a way out of something toxic does not necessarily mean that you are delving into something better.
Therefore, a lot many things come into the picture as the screenplay proceeds to track Sheldon's arduous journey.
ActionAdventureComedy
Director:
Kenny Griswold
Star Cast:
Todd Field, Craig Sheffer, Daniel Baldwin
This Canadian biographical sports drama television flick has been helmed by Jerry Ciccoritti. It is based on the 1991 book Net Worth: Exploding the Myths of Pro Hockey by journalists David Cruise and Alison Griffiths.
Starring Aidan Devine, Kevin Conway, R. H. Thomson, and Al Waxman in significant roles, the story follows the actions of a popular hockey player, who, after the unfortunate demise of a former teammate, decides to fight for the rights of the players against the unprincipled team owners.
The performances in this feature are good enough for a title that made its debut on television. That being said, Net Worth should be seen by fans of each and every sport in order to understand both the on and off-field complexity of the games.
DocumentarySport
Director:
Craig Knapp
Release Date:
Sat Oct 24 2009
Star Cast:
Mike Alexander, Mike Apperson, Terry Caldwell
This Paul Shapiro directorial venture is a coming-of-age sports drama film that stars Megan Follows, Yannick Bisson, and Rick Moranis in pivotal roles.
The plot follows a 14-year-old girl (portrayed by Megan Follows) who tries out as a goalie for a local boys team in Canada.
However, despite her hard work and efforts, she is forced to face the prejudice of being the only girl surrounded by a bunch of boys.
While Hockey Night is restricted to basic moves of the game, it does have its fair share of melodrama to boot.
And, even though the film comprises no major surprise, it is still worth watching at least once. That said, Megan stands out as a performer among the cast members.