For most of us, part of social distancing means catching up with whatever is in our streaming ques or on our DVR rosters. So, let’s wind our way through a countdown of the top 10 sports movies to watch while social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. Happy Gilmore
The sheer sports versatility of this 1996 Adam Sandler movie puts it on the list. Sandler is a hockey player who is reluctantly proficient in socially distancing golf balls at tremendous clubhead speeds. He trains in a batting cage, and the Sandler-Bob Barker donnybrook is some of the finest heavyweight boxing ever filmed. Something for everyone.
9. Field of Dreams
The choice to forgo sports in a health-care crisis is embodied by one Archibald “Moonlight” Graham in this 1989 classic. This entry is also a reminder of a bet-able regular-season game (Yankees vs. White Sox) being slated to take place at the film site — Dyersville, Iowa — on Aug. 13. (Tag that one as New York -117 until we learn more about the pitching matchup.) Also, proper distancing is evident in a key game of catch. And gloves are even worn.