Why we watch: Sports movies' emotional connections resonate

FILE - In this March 15, 2016, file photo, "Hoosiers" director David Anspaugh, left, and writer Angelo Pizzo pose during an NBA basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the Boston Celtics in Indianapolis. “Hoosiers” shot all the way to No. 1 in The Associated Press best sports movies Top 25. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2005, file photo, Robert De Niro, left, and boxer Jake LaMotta stand for photographers before watching a 25th anniversary screening of the movie "Raging Bull," in New York. The Associated Press has compiled a list of the best sports movies ever made — a one-of-a-kind AP Top 25. Seventy writers and editors who work for the company around the world participated in the vote. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

FILE - In this July 24, 2008, file photo, Kevin Costner looks down at a photo of himself from the film "Bull Durham" as he signs autographs in Los Angeles. “Hoosiers” shot all the way to No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 of best sports movies, narrowly edging Academy Award Best Picture honoree “Rocky” -- released in 1976, and “Bull Durham” -- starring Costner and Susan Sarandon in 1988. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

FILE - In this March 24, 1997, file photo, George Foreman, left, looks on as Will Smith, center, gives Muhammad Ali a hug after Ali And Foreman made an appearance on stage after the film "When We Were Kings" was awarded Best Documentary Feature at the 69th Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. The Associated Press has compiled a list of the best sports movies ever made — a one-of-a-kind AP Top 25. Two documentaries made the rankings: “Hoop Dreams” at No. 14 and “When We Were Kings,” tied for No. 21. (AP Photo/Susan Sterner, File)