Why we watch sports movies

“They needed a second chance to finish first.”
Can you guess which sports movie that tagline is from? Neither can I.
The correct answer is “Hoosiers,” though, honestly, it could apply to any number of sports movies.  
Sports films have developed into a genre ruled by homogeny. The rules of play are strict and clear. The formula is simple. Pick a sport. Choose a time period — bonus points if it’s “based on a true story.”
Create a group (or individual) to be the underdog based on its plight in society. Give the group a coach with a mysterious past and hints of former greatness. Throw in a minor plot for one of the characters — I prefer the strained romantic relationship. Struggle, struggle, practice montage, small win, plot twist, redemption, big game and lesson learned.
And thus, we watch the same movie (more or less) over and over again. Hollywood throws us the ball, and we continue to run with it, ignoring the unavoidable sense of deja vu.  
There is nothing earth-shattering about another athlete defying the odds. We know what we’re getting into. The formulaic approach to sports movies is no secret.
Yet, every year, successful sports movies follow that recipe straight to the bank. Some, such as 2009’s “The Blind Side”, are outrageously successful and even go as far as the Kodak Theater to claim their gilded statues. Millions of dollars are made every year by replaying the same tired concept.
So why do we keep going back for more?
I think we are seduced by the struggle. It feels good to escape from our primarily intangible daily problems and watch someone passionately fight for something real. Our catharsis comes not from when they win or lose the game but from watching them work hard to overcome obstacles.
We root for the underdog because that’s how we like to view ourselves, fighting against the hardships of family, work, life or whatever else that we believe plights us.
We connect with sports movies because they are metaphorical pep talks.
Think about it: “Eye of the Tiger” and the theme from “Chariots of Fire” are not solely reserved for ironic spectacles.
Sometimes we all want to feel like a winner.