Greatest Fictional Athletes

Some sports heroes aren't real, but that doesn't make them any less heroic.

Greatest Fictional Athletes

Daniel LaRusso, "The Karate Kid" — Daniel LaRusso, right, played by Ralph Macchio, is "The Karate Kid."

Few genres capture the imagination better than sports movies and TV shows.

Sports fans can be skeptical of the underdog story and jaded by true experiences with their teams. But great sports movie and TV characters live forever alongside real-life sports greats.

What makes them stand out is a combination of personality, humanity, resilience and athletic greatness. These men and women overcome obstacles or endure tragic failures to become unforgettable heroes in sports history.

Here are the greatest fictional athletes of all time.

60. Morris Buttermaker

Sport: Baseball

Movie: The Bad News Bears

Year: 1976

Played by: Walter Matthau

In his own words: "This quitting thing, it's a hard habit to break once you start."

Bottom line: By the time Morris Buttermaker and the Bears meet each other, the former ballplayer is far beyond his glory days.

A down-on-his-luck slob by this point, it’s hard to believe he was ever any sort of athlete.

But Buttermaker channels that old competitive spirit in the heartwarming cult classic.

59. Bruce Pearson

Sport: Baseball

Movie: Bang the Drum Slowly

Year: 1973

Played by: Robert De Niro

In his own words: "Everybody'd be nice to you if they knew you were dying."

Bottom line: Bruce Pearson’s doesn't talent didn’t leap off the field. The third-string catcher is a natural athlete, but his intelligence for the game holds him back.

Once Bruce is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Henry Wiggen, the star player on the New York Mammoths, and Bruce forge a bond. Wiggen (played by Michael Moriarty) saves Person’s career by insisting he is his full-time catcher.

In turn, Pearson motivates Wiggen to be a better player and teaches the whole Mammoths team lessons about how to treat people.

58. Cal Naughton Jr.

Sport: NASCAR

Movie: Talladega Nights

Year: 2006

Played by: John C. Reilly

In his own words: "Now you see me. Now you don’t."

Bottom line: The "Bake" to Ricky Bobby’s "Shake" for years, Cal Naughton Jr. finally starts to step into the winner’s circle during Bobby’s absence from NASCAR.

Naughton has grown tired of years as Bobby’s No. 2 and shows he can take the top spot from time to time as well.

Although Bobby proves he is still the class of the sport when he returns, Naughton remains right there with him.

57. Jess Bhamra

Sport: Soccer

Movie: Bend It Like Beckham

Year: 2002

Played by: Parminder Nagra

In his own words: "If I had an arranged marriage, would he let me play football whenever I wanted to?"

Bottom line: Jess Bhamra’s remarkable story of breaking cultural norms and triumphing over obstacles is matched only by her drive and soccer (football) ability.

Despite being forbidden to play by her family originally, Bhamra’s fiery spirit inspires her.

And she uses the doubt as motivation to soar to unforeseen heights.

56. Walter Sobchak

Sport: Bowling

Movie: The Big Lebowski

Year: 1998

Played by: John Goodman

In his own words: "Smokey, my friend, you are entering a world of pain."

Bottom line: Walter Sobchak serves as a sidekick to The Dude in "The Big Lebowski," but he’s the lead dog on the bowling team.

The Vietnam veteran is a stickler for the rules and possesses an intimidating level of intensity.

His overconfidence sometimes gets in his way, but he takes the game as seriously as anything.

55. Mickey Goldmill

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Rocky 1-3, 5

Year: 1976-1990

Played by: Burgess Meredith

In his own words: "You're gonna eat lightnin' and you're gonna crap thunder!"

Bottom line: Affectionately dubbed "Mick" by his pupil Rocky Balboa, Mickey Goldmill was a great bantamweight back in the day who never got famous or rich.

But he did learn the fight game, and Mick's motivational tactics are entirely old school. He takes Balboa through the ringer to bring out the greatness inside of him.

For a man his age, Goldmill can still go, and without his help, Balboa stands little chance of achieving his underdog story.

54. Hamilton "Ham" Porter

Sport: Baseball

Movie: The Sandlot

Year: 1993

Played by: Patrick Renna

In his own words: "You play ball like a girl!"

Bottom line: His signature line has aged like milk, but "Ham" is the heart and soul of the Sandlot crew. And he continues to be the predominant figure in many millennials’ minds when they think of the film.

The movie that introduced many to the fun and camaraderie of baseball is anchored by Hamilton Porter, who always wanted to be Babe Ruth and riles up his crew to take the field.

With Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez in his corner, Porter knows he can be a bit more vocal, but he also brings plenty to the table on the field.

53. Kenny Powers

Sport: Baseball

TV Show: Eastbound and Down

Year: 2009-2013

Played by: Danny McBride

In his own words: "I play real sports. Not trying to be the best at exercising."

Bottom line: A foul-mouthed former fireball relief pitcher, Kenny Powers is desperate to return to his former glory. Although his methods to do so are questionable at best and shady at worst.

Regardless, he still has a few of those electrifying fastballs in his right arm.

Putting the rest together is a different story.

52. Lola Bunny

Sport: Basketball

Movie: Space Jam

Year: 1996

Played by: Kath Soucie (voice)

In her own words: "Don’t ever call me 'doll.' "

Bottom line: Don’t let those inviting eyes lull you into a trance. Lola Bunny is as cerebral as anyone on the basketball court.

Despite her diminutive size, Lola possesses excellent handles and great vision on the fastbreak for the Toon Squad.

She plays a key role in their comeback victory against the Monstars, saving Looney Toon Land.

51. Sidney Deane

Sport: Basketball

Movie: White Men Can’t Jump

Year: 1992

Played by: Wesley Snipes

In his own words: "Hey, baby, I don't mean to brag ... but I'm the greatest!"

Bottom line: Sidney Deane and Billy Hoyle are an unstoppable duo on the street courts of Venice Beach. But they just can’t seem to get along, and off-the-court issues tend to get in their way.

While Deane's game complements Hoyle’s style, Deane’s skills are often surpassed by his confidence, which creates some uncomfortable situations.

Still, if it’s a tie game and you need one basket, Deane is the man for the job.

50. Air Bud

Sport: Basketball

Movie: Air Bud

Year: 1997

Played by: Buddy

In his own words: "Woof."

Bottom line: After breaking free of his semi-abusive home, a dog (Buddy) finds a family he deserves in 12-year-old Josh Framm. Under Framm’s nurturing, Buddy’s talent on the hardwood is revealed.

They figure out a loophole in the league rules, Buddy joins Framm’s team for the championship game, and the rest is history.

The canine leads a comeback victory, with Framm scoring the game-clinching basket.

49. Jeff "The Dude" Lebowski

Sport: Bowling

Movie: The Big Lebowski

Year: 1998

Played by: Jeff Bridges

In his own words: "That’s just like your opinion, man."

Bottom line: The Dude only cares about a few things in life (that he can’t smoke), and bowling is at the top of that list.

The laid-back Lebowski brings that same attitude to the local alley. Bowling is where The Dude and his crew find comfort and camaraderie.

Their ever-optimistic views on their chances in the upcoming bowling tournament center on The Dude’s skills.

48. Demetrius Harris

Sport: Football

TV Show: Playmakers

Year: 2003

Played by: Omar Gooding

In his own words: "Union says players got to take this s***. Stripping down for the Piss Man, getting eyeballed by a guy you know wants to toss your salad. You do blow, you're pissing it out for 72 hours. I did some day before yesterday. You do the math."

Bottom line: An earnest take on modern football, ESPN’s "Playmakers" only lasted one season before the NFL called the dogs on them, but in that year, plenty of eyes were watching.

Demetrius Harris is the standout on the fictional Cougars. As a rookie running back, he takes over the starting role, but his off-field lifestyler and behavior get in the way of his on-field success.

47. Roy Munson

Sport: Bowling

Movie: Kingpin

Year: 1996

Played by Woody Harrelson

In his own words: "I don't puke when I drink. I puke when I don't."

Bottom line: Fueled by a haunting memory of losing his right hand in his youth, former bowling prodigy Roy Munson discovers a new bowling prodigy in Amish country and sees it as a ticket to prosperity.

Circumstances later require Munson (rubber hand and all) to compete in a bowling tournament against Ernie McCracken, or "Big Ern," the man who robbed Munson of his shot at success.

Munson proves he can still compete at the highest level and lands an endorsement deal to get out of poverty.

46. Harry Potter

Sport: Quidditch

Movie: Harry Potter series

Year: 2001

Played by: Daniel Radcliffe

In his own words: "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

Bottom line: A prodigy from the moment he stepped onto a broom, Harry Potter makes the Gryffindor House as the starting seeker in just his first year in school.

If not for a war-torn realm due to the reemergence of Lord Voldemort, Potter’s legend on the pitch would have grown as he matured and his skills got better.

45. Ricky Jerret

Sport: Football

TV Show: Ballers

Year: 2015-present

Played by: John David Washington

In his own words: "You ain't Derek Jeter. You ain't even Derek Fisher. Those m----------rs got rings and class."

Bottom line: A fast-talking, spiritually enlightened wide receiver, Ricky Jerret sees himself as Randy Moss combined with Ricky Williams.

Jerret is a stud route runner, but his personality and lifestyle make him unpredictable a la Antonio Brown.

All of this leaves Jerret a little wishy-washy on football, but his talent, especially in his prime, is undeniable.

44. Julie “The Cat” Gaffney

Sport: Hockey

Movie: D2: The Mighty Ducks, D3: The Mighty Ducks

Year: 1994-1996

Played by: Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine

In his own words: "I hate ties. They're like kissing your brother."

Bottom line: Aptly nicknamed "The Cat," Julie Gaffney joins the Mighty Ducks squad to play for Team USA at the Junior Goodwill Games.

Although clearly the sharper athlete, she plays backup to Ducks regular Goldberg — until the team needs a save, which Gaffney provides in a relief effort.

43. Jimmy Chitwood

Sport: Basketball

Movie: Hoosiers

Year: 1986

Played by: Maris Valainis

In his own words: "I play, coach stays. He goes, I go."

Bottom line: Jimmy Chitwood is the best player in rural Hickory, Indiana, but he leaves the basketball team to focus on schoolwork.

New coach Norman Dale (played by Gene Hackman) convinces Chitwood to play again.

Chitwood’s return sparks a series of victories, and he caps it off by sinking the game-winning bucket in the state championship.

42. Frank "Cush" Cushman

Sport: Football

Movie: Jerry Maguire

Year: 1996

Played by: Jerry O'Connell

In his own words: "I just want to play football, Jerry."

Bottom line: A can’t-miss prospect, "Cush" is the crown jewel in Jerry Maguire’s top agent crown.

When Maguire has a crisis of conscience, Team Cush jumps ship to hot-shot agent Bob Sugar.

Although Frank Cushman is a superstar in the making, he realizes at the end of his rookie season that he may have made a mistake by signing with Sugar.

41. Jean Girard

Sport: NASCAR

Movie: Talladega Nights

Year: 2006

Played by: Sacha Baron Cohen

In his own words: "Aaaaah, Ricky Bobby! Now we shall dance. And yes, it will be a slow jam."

Bottom line: An import from France, Jean Girard makes his name on the European Formula 1 circuit.

Watching from afar, Girard longs to compete against Ricky Bobby on the NASCAR track, in a test of the world’s best.

While Bobby endures personal trauma, Girard surges. He has rapid success in the States until Bobby returns, and he tops Girard in dramatic fashion.

40. Jimmy Dugan

Sport: Baseball

Movie: A League of Their Own

Year: 1992

Played by: Tom Hanks

In his own words: "There’s no crying in baseball!"

Bottom line: When a former all-star player Jimmy Dugan is tasked with managing the Rockford Peaches of the all-female All American League, he's in a bad place.

The former slugger for the Cubs treats the league as a total joke, but along the way, he sees the women as real ballplayers and gets his mojo back.

The result is a fantastic managerial run after a solid pro career.

39. Adam Banks

Sport: Hockey

Movie: The Mighty Ducks, D2: The Mighty Ducks, D3: The Mighty Ducks

Year: 1992-1996

Played by: Vincent LaRusso

In his own words: "I just want to play hockey."

Bottom line: A reluctant participant in the Mighty Ducks trilogy (at least at first), Adam Banks is in high demand with his natural talent.

His father attempts some shady dealings to get him off the first incarnation of the District 5 hockey team, but he can't skirt the rules.

Banks blossoms into the player they all knew he could be, leading the Ducks to international success, and playing through injury to do so.

38. White Goodman

Sport: Dodgeball

Movie: Dodgeball

Year: 2004

Played by: Ben Stiller

In his own words: "Facial, La Fleur! Total facial!"

Bottom line: Burdened by his history of gluttony and sloth, the now-shredded captain of the Globo Gym Purple Cobras has a real mean streak.

Agile, confident and neurotic, White Goodman leads his juggernaut of a team to the finals of the tournament in Las Vegas.

The antagonist and his band of flunkies fall victim to the Cinderella story Average Joes in sudden death.

37. The Hanson Brothers

Sport: Hockey

Movie: Slap Shot

Year: 1977

Played by: Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, David Hanson

In his own words: "Call the pizza man!"

Bottom line: Tough to tell whether the Hanson brothers were hockey players who loved to fight or fighters who liked playing hockey.

Either way, Steve, Jeff and Jack Hanson make a fearsome trio on the ice.

Whether or not you agree with their tactics, they are the lightning rod the Chiefs need.

36. Sanka Coffie

Sport: Bobsled

Movie: Cool Runnings

Year: 1993

Played by: Doug E. Doug

In his own words: "Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, its bobsled time!"

Bottom line: Jamaica’s initial foray into the winter sport of bobsledding gets off to a rocky start.

But through dedicated training, strong leadership and plenty of natural athleticism, the squad blossoms into a real medal threat at the Winter Olympics.

Sanka Coffie is a champion push-cart racer and captains the team along the way, leading the off-the-wall foursome to unexpected success.

35. Peter La Fleur

Sport: Dodgeball

Movie: Dodgeball

Year: 2004

Played by: Vince Vaughn

In his own words: "Time to put your mouth where our balls are."

Bottom line: The owner of a struggling fitness center, Peter La Fleur enters the dodgeball world out of necessity, a last-ditch effort to save his business.

The $50,000 prize in Las Vegas is his last shot, and he proves to be a natural talent and an even better leader.

La Fleur captains an Average Joes team to an unexpected run through the tournament and creates a signature moment by topping White Goodman when it counts.

34. Ernie "Big Ern" McCracken

Sport: Bowling

Movie: Kingpin

Year: 1996

Played by: Bill Murray

In his own words: "You're on a gravy train with biscuit wheels."

Bottom line: A combination of fate, luck and devious tactics are the only things that separate the villain of Kingpin from his one-handed counterpart.

Ernie McCracken has undeniable skills, which he's used to rise to the top of the bowling world. Despite the re-emergence of his rival, McCracken flexes his clutch gear to topple Roy Munson once again.

But Munson gets the last laugh.

33. Mr. Miyagi

Sport: Karate

Movie: The Karate Kid

Year: 1984

Played by: Pat Morita

In his own words: "Wax on. Wax off."

Bottom line: A mild-mannered elderly Japanese man on the outside, Mr. Miyagi possesses an undying fire within to stand up for those who get taken advantage of.

His mentorship provides valuable life lessons and confidence for Daniel LaRusso, and Miyagi shows flashes that if it came down to it, he could take down most challengers to defend himself.

32. Apollo Creed

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Rocky 1-4

Year: 1976-1985

Played by: Carl Weathers

In his own words: "See that look in their eyes, Rock? You gotta get that look back, Rock. Eye of the tiger, man."

Bottom line: Apollo Creed serves as the polished foil to the underdog Rocky Balboa.

While Creed may have better boxing skills than the Rocky series protagonist, Balboa overcomes Creed with sheer will, heart and desperation.

Creed still creates a strong championship legacy in his own right, before meeting Ivan Drago, who cuts a Hall of Fame career and life short.

Creed's legacy lives on in his son Adonis.

31. Forrest Gump

Sport: Football, ping pong, track and field

Movie: Forrest Gump

Year: 1994

Played by: Tom Hanks

In his own words: "From that day on, I was running"

Bottom line: Forrest Gump captures the hearts of Americans throughout several different periods in his life.

As a college kid, Gump stands out for his speed on the Alabama football team, electrifying the Tuscaloosa crowd with his punt and kickoff returns.

Nearly a lifetime later, a Vietnam veteran Gump masters the game of ping-pong and earns national recognition for his ability.

But it's not until he takes an epic run that he becomes a legend.

30. Pedro Cerrano

Sport: Baseball

Movie: Major League 1-2

Year: 1989-1994

Played by: Dennis Haysbert

In his own words: "Ah Jesus, I like him very much. But he no help with curveball."

Bottom line: Pedro Cerrano just cannot hit that curveball — until he needs to.

The man who brings voodoo to the Indians clubhouse in the "Major League" movies, Cerrano is a power-hitting outfielder for the underdog squad.

He blossoms into one of the best power hitters in the game and has some of the best one-liners in the trilogy.

29. Paul Crewe

Sport: Football

Movie: The Longest Yard

Year: 1974

Played by: Burt Reynolds

In his own words: "The most important thing to remember is to protect your quarterback — me!"

Bottom line: A redemption story if there ever was one.

Paul Crewe is an all-time great college quarterback, but a point-shaving scandal erodes any goodwill he built up with the public.

After getting sent to prison, he leads a group of misfit prisoners to topple their captors in a football game for the ages, earning the public’s respect and righting his previous wrongs.

28. Shooter McGavin

Sport: Golf

Movie: Happy Gilmore

Year: 1996

Played by: Christopher McDonald

In his own words: "I saw two big, fat, naked bikers in the woods off 17 having sex. How am I supposed to chip with that going on?"

Bottom line: Cocky, rich, talented and a total and complete jerk, Shooter McGavin is the country-club style golfer most sports fans can’t stand. His arrogance and pompous attitude make him the perfect foil for Happy Gilmore.

McGavin is on the path to greatness in golf, until showing his true colors when Gilmore steals his spotlight.

The sabotage of Gilmore consumes him and makes him go mad with rage.

27. Ivan Drago

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Rocky IV

Year: 1985

Played by: Dolph Lungren

In his own words: "I must break you."

Bottom line: Ivan Drago is a Soviet genetically engineered wrecking machine.

He kills Apollo Creed in the middle of the ring with repeated blows to the head, devastating and infuriating Rocky Balboa. The worst part is Drago's cold nature about the whole ordeal.

He is trained all his life for one purpose: to become heavyweight champion. Nothing else matters. But do you really think evil can beat "The Italian Stallion"?

26. Steve Nebraska

Sport: Baseball

Movie: The Scout

Year: 1994

Played by: Brendan Fraser

In his own words: "I'm the Yankee, not you!"

Bottom line: Baseball scout Al Percolo first discovers Steve Nebraska in a little-traveled town in Mexico, hitting the radar gun at 100-plus mph and hitting homers left and right.

After bringing him back to the states for a tryout, Nebraska inks a record, $55 million contract to play for the Yankees.

Despite some emotional instability, which includes him hiding from team officials at the top of Yankee Stadium, Nebraska bounces back to pitch a perfect game in a 2-0 win over the Cardinals in the World Series.

Those two runs? Both solo homers by Nebraska.

25. Billy Hoyle

Sport: Basketball

Movie: White Men Can’t Jump

Year: 1992

Played by: Woody Harrelson

In his own words: "I'm in the zone!"

Bottom line: On the pickup basketball court, the white boy under six feet tall is valued beneath all others. Billy Hoyle uses this fact to his advantage.

Together, he and Sydney Deane run through some of the best street ballers California has to offer.

Hoyle’s ballhandling and passing allow the duo to run circles around the competition.

24. Shane Falco

Sport: Football

Movie: The Replacements

Year: 2000

Played by: Keanu Reeves

In his own words: "I wish I could say something classy and inspirational, but that just wouldn't be our style."

Bottom line: A top college quarterback who fizzled out as a pro, Shane Falco gets a second chance at glory during a players' strike.

Falco grows into the leader he always wanted to be, taking a team of replacement players to the playoffs.

Oh, yeah, and he hooks up with the head cheerleader. Some guys have all the luck.

23. Willie Beamen

Sport: Football

Movie: Any Given Sunday

Year: 1999

Played by: Jamie Foxx

In his own words: "I'm trying to win coach. I ain't trying to disrespect nobody, but winning is the only thing I respect."

Bottom line: This movie was before its time, and so was big-armed, swift-footed Willie Beamen.

Before Michael Vick was a thing, Beamen epitomized the athletic quarterback and brought energy and a dynamic aspect to the fictional Miami Sharks franchise.

His attitude forced him to ride the bench behind "Cap" Rooney, but Beamen matures and earns a starting job the following season, signing with the upstart Albuquerque Aztecs.

22. Roy McAvoy

Sport: Golf

Movie: Tin Cup

Year: 1996

Played by: Kevin Costner

In his own words: "Give me another ball."

Bottom line: Roy McAvoy was a golf prodigy turned driving range owner out of Texas when something gets into him.

McAvoy, who previously lacked the proper temperament to make it on the professional tour, qualifies for the U.S. Open. After shooting what looks like a crippling 83 in the first round, he recovers in heroic fashion by firing a 62 in the second round and has a chance to win coming down the stretch.

McAvoy repeatedly hits balls in the water on 18 in an unprecedented display of stubbornness, not utilizing the drop zone, before finally hitting the green to a raucous cheer.

21. Rod Tidwell

Sport: Football

Movie: Jerry McGuire

Year: 1996

Played by: Cuba Gooding Jr.

In his own words: "Show me the money."

Bottom line: Rod Tidwell enters his contract season with the Arizona Cardinals on a sour note, having felt disrespected by their lowball extension offer.

The volatile and eccentric wide receiver channels that frustration into a career year.

He caps off the season by shaking off those who doubted his size and takes a brutal hit, holding on to the ball to score and popping up for a demons-exercising celebration.

20. Adonis Creed

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Creed 1-2

Year: 2015-2018

Played by: Michael B. Jordan

In his own words: "I was afraid I couldn't live up to his expectations."

Bottom line: A security officer by day and an amateur boxer by night, Adonis Creed finally decides to give his dream career a shot.

The son of heavyweight great Apollo Creed, Adonis learns to sharpen his skills under the tutelage of his father’s greatest rival, Rocky Balboa.

With Balboa in his corner, Creed’s skills round into form. Despite losing in a split decision in his first shot at the title, he shows promise by being the first to knock down champion Ricky Conlan.

19. Reggie Dunlop

Sport: Hockey

Movie: Slap Shot

Year: 1977

Played by: Paul Newman

In his own words: "They spent their own dough to get here, and they came here to see us! All right, let's show 'em what we got, guys! Get out there on the ice and let 'em know you're there."

Bottom line: A lifelong minor league hockey player, Reggie Dunlop continues to play into his 50s, also coaching the frequent cellar-dwelling Charlestown Chiefs.

After hearing criticism from fans around the league, Dunlop rises to the occasion, winning the Federal League Championship in the franchise’s final season.

Despite the dissolving of the franchise, he receives an offer from the Minnesota Nighthawks to continue his passion of playing and coaching hockey.

18. Ty Webb

Sport: Golf

Movie: Caddyshack

Year: 1980

Played by: Chevy Chase

In his own words: "Don't be obsessed with your desires, Danny. The Zen philosopher, Basho, once wrote, 'A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A donut with no hole, is a Danish.' He was a funny guy."

Bottom line: A bit of a Renaissance man, Ty Webb is a wealthy member of the prestigious Bushwood Country Club.

Despite his obvious talent for golf, his other interests drew him in other various directions. But he can show off the different skills of his game on command.

This is capped by a rebound performance in one of the legendary matches in club history, teaming with Danny Noonan to take down Judge Smails and Dr. Beeper.

17. Maggie Fitzgerald

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Million Dollar Baby

Year: 2004

Played by: Hilary Swank

In her own words: "I can't be like this, Frankie. Not after what I've done. I've seen the world. People chanted my name."

Bottom line: The story of Maggie Fitzgerald is a meteoric rise, capped by a tragic ending.

She and trainer Frankie Dunn team up to turn Fitzgerald into a spitfire in the junior welterweight class, and she earns a $1 million title fight against Billie "Blue Bear" Osterman, a known dirty fighter.

Despite dominating the fight, she’s taken out by a sucker punch, causing her to land on the stool in her corner, which remained in the ring, breaking her neck and ending her boxing career, and ultimately her life.

16. Monica Wright

Sport: Basketball

Movie: Love & Basketball

Year: 2000

Played by: Sanaa Lathan

In her own words: "I was just trying to play ball."

Bottom line: Monica Wright has serious game. Her lifelong love Quincy McCall provides her with plenty to compete with on the court, and it helps Wright blossom.

As teenagers, they have skills, yet Wright’s temper keeps her from reaching her peak on the court. They both end up at USC playing ball for the Trojans, then Wright leaves to play overseas.

McCall's career gets upended by an ACL injury while he is on the Lakers, and Wright goes on to play in the newly formed WNBA. But not before she finds love.

15. Johnny Utah

Sport: Football, Surfing

Movie: Point Break

Year: 1991

Played by: Keanu Reeves

In his own words: "Look Bodhi, people are dead, the ride is over."

Bottom line: Johnny Utah was a sure thing for the NFL, until a knee injury crushed his dreams.

After giving up on football, he stays in school and becomes an FBI agent, going undercover as a surfer to find a group of bank robbers.

Utah is equally skilled at shredding some waves, and it allows him to play a crucial role in taking down the gang.

14. Willie Mays Hayes

Sport: Baseball

Movie: Major League 1-2

Year: 1989-1994

Played by: Wesley Snipes

In his own words: "I bought 100 of these, one for every base I’m gonna steal."

Bottom line: Willie Mays Hayes enters spring training with the Indians as the rarely seen nonroster non-invitee.

But his speed turns heads on the coaching staff. Until they see him hit.

The light-hitting outfielder utilizes ground balls to get on base and ends up being the top basestealer in the league.

13. Ricky Bobby

Sport: NASCAR

Movie: Talladega Nights

Year: 2006

Played by: Will Ferrell

In his own words: "If you’re not first, you’re last."

Bottom line: Ricky Bobby begins his career as a racer after hopping in the driver’s seat directly from the pit crew and winning.

His legend grows overnight, and he is the top man in the sport until being dethroned after a traumatizing accident.

A newly focused Bobby rises from the ashes to win yet again and claim his title of the best in the sport.

12. Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn

Sport: Baseball

Movie: Major League 1-2

Year: 1989-1994

Played by: Charlie Sheen

In his own words: (Referring to his new glasses) "After the game, I’m gonna pick out a pair that’s more me."

Bottom line: As Indians announcer Harry Doyle describes him, Ricky Vaughn is a "juvenile delinquent in the offseason."

The right-handed pitcher receives an invite to camp after his efforts in the California Penal League.

His fastball is untouchable, yet wild, but once he corrects some vision problems, he uses that heat to turn into a strikeout machine.

11. Crash Davis

Sport: Baseball

Movie: Bull Durham

Year: 1988

Played by: Kevin Costner

In his own words: "I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing AstroTurf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve, and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days."

Bottom line: A career minor leaguer, Crash Davis spent 12 years waiting to realize his dream.

In a strategic move, the organization sends Davis down to the Single-A Durham Bulls to mentor young stud prospect Ebby Calvin LaLoosh.

After their relationship dissolves and LaLoosh gets called up to the Show, Davis is released and later catches on with the Asheville Tourists, where he gets redemption by breaking the career minor league home run record.

10. Gordon Bombay

Sport: Hockey

Movie: The Mighty Ducks, D2: The Mighty Ducks

Year: 1992-1994

Played by: Emilio Estevez

In his own words: "Ducks fly together."

Bottom line: Gordon Bombay gave up on his dream of becoming an NHL hockey player after a series of knee injuries forced him into early retirement.

After becoming a lawyer, he regains his love for the sport by coaching the District Five youth squad. He leads them to the title and becomes a hot coaching prospect.

Despite this, he still holds the desire to play and earns an NHL tryout with the Minnesota North Stars.

9. Bobby Boucher

Sport: Football

Movie: The Waterboy

Year: 1998

Played by: Adam Sandler

In his own words: "Mama I got the football!"

Bottom line: Bobby Boucher gets a bit of a late start to football, enrolling in college when he is 31 years old, after spending years as the waterboy for the legendary University of Louisiana Bulldogs.

He learned something on those sidelines, as he becomes the most tenacious linebacker in college football the moment he steps on the field for perennial laughingstock South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs.

The rest is pigskin history.

8. Jesus Shuttlesworth

Sport: Basketball

Movie: He Got Game

Year: 1998

Played by: Ray Allen

In his own words: "Basketball is like poetry in motion, cross the guy to the left, take him back to the right, he's fallin' back, then just J right in his face. Then you look at him and say, 'What?' "

Bottom line: The No. 1 high school recruit in the country, Jesus Shuttlesworth is a natural superstar on the court. His upbringing has groomed him for greatness, and he exceeds every expectation.

The smooth shooting and athletic guard has only one thing standing in his way: that same relationship with his father.

He eventually overcomes the resentment toward his dad and heads off to college with a clear mind and conscience.

7. Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez

Sport: Baseball

Movie: The Sandlot

Year: 1993

Played by: Mike Vitar

In his own words: "Man, this is baseball, you gotta stop thinking! Just have fun. If you were having fun, you would have caught that ball!"

Bottom line: You know that kid growing up who was the best at every sport? That is Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez.

The leader of his group of baseball-obsessed friends in "The Sandlot," the Jet throws it harder, runs faster and is by far the best hitter out of the entire group.

He ends up becoming a legendary player for his childhood favorite team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

6. Scott Howard

Sport: Basketball

Movie: Teen Wolf

Year: 1985

Played by: Michael J. Fox

In his own words: "Well, Dad, it didn't pass me by. It landed on my face."

Bottom line: Pint-sized, wannabe popular kid by day and werewolf by night, Scott Howard does everything he can to hide his condition, until it makes him the most popular kid in school.

It also makes him a literal beast on the basketball court, soaring through the air for electric dunks and swiftly moving past defenders with ease.

He ultimately decides to ditch the full-time wolf routine, which is unfortunate if he had dreams of NBA glory.

5. Happy Gilmore

Sport: Golf (but he’s a hockey player)

Movie: Happy Gilmore

Year: 1996

Played by: Adam Sandler

In his own words: "Happy learned how to putt, uh-oh."

Bottom line: Happy Gilmore is chased away from hockey for being ... well, not good.

He does have a ridiculous slap shot, though, which translates into crazy-long drives off the tee.

Gilmore is mostly just a sideshow at the beginning of his run, but he puts it all together at the Tour Championship, toppling favorite Shooter McGavin to win his first gold jacket.

4. Daniel LaRusso

Sport: Martial Arts

Movie: The Karate Kid 1-3

Year: 1984-1989

Played by: Ralph Macchio

In his own words: "Never had karate training like this before. Sure wish I knew how it worked."

Bottom line: It's not always easy being the new kid in high school. After moving to California from New Jersey, Daniel LaRusso meets Mr. Miyagi following several run-ins with the karate-squad bullies from the Cobra Kai dojo.

With Mr. Miyagi as his sensei, LaRusso slowly blossoms into a master of martial arts. Despite his new skills, he still has to overcome his inner demons and go through the Cobra Kai in his first tournament.

His memorable victory on essentially one leg with the crane kick in the finals cements LaRusso’s place among the great heroes in sports movie history.

3. Dottie Hinson

Sport: Baseball

Movie: A League of Their Own

Year: 1992

Played by: Geena Davis

In her own words: "Kit, we won. Get mad if we lose."

Bottom line: Inspiring, graceful and a remarkable athlete, Dottie Hinson is one of the premier stars of the women-only All American League in "A League of Their Own."

The catcher for the Rockford Peaches brings with her an electric arm and a toughness unparalleled by anyone else in the league.

Her clutch hitting and leadership lead the team to an appearance in the league’s World Series.

2. Roy Hobbs

Sport: Baseball

Movie: The Natural

Year: 1984

Played by: Robert Redford

In his own words: "Sometimes when I walk down the street I bet people will say there goes Roy Hobbs, the best there ever was in the game."

Bottom line: A teenage pitching phenom destined for greatness, Roy Hobbs has his career derailed after he is shot by a mysterious woman while on his way to a major league tryout.

Fast-forward 15 years later and Hobbs reemerges as the right fielder for the New York Knights, and using his legendary bat "Wonderboy," Hobbs takes the baseball world by storm.

The ending of Bernard Malamud's book differs from that of the movie, but either way, Hobbs remains one of the most notable fictional sports heroes ever.

1. Rocky Balboa

Sport: Boxing

Movie: Rocky 1-5, Rocky Balboa, Creed 1-2

Year: 1976-2018

Played by: Sylvester Stallone

In his own words: "Yo Adrian, we did it!"

Bottom line: The ultimate underdog story, "Rocky" captured the hearts of millions upon millions of people beginning in 1976.

Back then, few realized the phenomenon Rocky Balboa would become. Seven movies and nearly 50 years later, the man is still at the top of the list for fictional athletes.

His wins, and often more so his losses, continue to inspire. Why? He is a human being with flaws and shortcomings who battles through them time and time again to triumph.

Anyone (and everyone) can relate to Rocky.