Editor’s note: In the spirit of holiday movie-watching, we asked NESN.com readers to vote for their favorite sports film of all time. The debate was fierce, but the votes spoke for themselves. The results start with NESN.com readers’ No. 10 sports movie of all time: “Friday Night Lights.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzyp4qOW0F0&w=640&h=360]
Why it’s a top-10 sports movie: Welcome to the surreal world of Texas high school football. Based on a true story, “Friday Night Lights” quickly became a smash hit that spawned its own TV show. This honest, sometimes cringeworthy look at high school football at its highest stakes will have you reminiscing about the glory days, for better or worse.
Biggest star:Â Derek Luke (Boobie Miles) and Lucas Black (Mike Winchell) performed admirably as the Permian Panthers’ star players, but Billy Bob Thornton stole the show as head coach Gary Gaines. In arguably his finest acting appearance, Thornton inspires the Panthers with some speeches for the ages.
Marquee moment: Most sports movies have storybook endings, but the final play in Permian’s state championship game against Dallas Carter will have your emotions doing jumping jacks.
Did you know? Luke was 30 years old at the time of filming of the 2004 movie. Not exactly high school age.
