The Best Sports Movies Filmed in Shreveport-Bossier: Their Impact and Financial Success
When we talk about the best sports movies, classics like “Hoosiers”, “The Natural”, or “Bull Durham” often pop up. While those films are beloved, there’s another list worth checking out – the best sports movies filmed in Shreveport-Bossier. North Louisiana has been the set for many sports movies over the years. Some did well, some didn’t, and a few barely made it on to the field.
Here’s how we rank these movies and their money-making success.
Photocall for Movie “The Guardian”
Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
The Guardian (2006)
Box Office Gross: $94.9 million
“The Guardian” might not be your typical sports movie, but it is all about the tough training and devotion of U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmers. Basically it was “let’s practice drowning until we are no longer drowning.” With stars like Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, this film blends high-energy action scenes with stories of personal sacrifice. With a $70 million budget, it earned nearly $95 million worldwide, making it the top-grossing sports movie filmed in Shreveport-Bossier.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Benefit Screening Of “Playing For Keeps”
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Playing for Keeps (2012)
Box Office Gross: $30.9 million
This romantic sports drama has Gerard Butler as a former pro soccer player who’s trying to coach his son’s youth team while sorting out his own life. Filmed in Shreveport, the movie cost $35 million to make but brought in only $30.9 million worldwide. Turns out, people like their sports movies to be about winning games, not just about winning back the ex. Even though it didn’t do great at the box office, it’s still one of the more memorable sports films from the area. (You might even recognize the horrible coach in the beginning of the film)
World Science Festival
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Ruffian (2007) – A Made-for-TV Film
Unlike the others, “Ruffian” was made for TV, so it didn’t have a theatrical release or box office numbers to consider. But as a biographical sports drama, it has a unique spot in Shreveport-Bossier’s film history. It tells the true story of Ruffian, one of the greatest racehorses ever. Mostly filmed at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, it captures the world of horse racing and shots of the largest unused parking lot in Bossier.
Premiere of the Weinstein Company’s ”The Longshots” – Arrivals
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
The Longshots (2008)
Box Office Gross: $11.7 million
Directed by Fred Durst (yes, the Limp Bizkit, guy), “The Longshots” tells the true story of Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback in a Pop Warner football tournament. With Ice Cube and Keke Palmer in the lead roles, the film was mostly shot in Minden, Louisiana, with some scenes in Shreveport. Despite its touching story, it didn’t do well financially. It cost $23 million to make, but only earned $11.7 million worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Shreveport-Bossier has been the backdrop for several sports movies, each leaving its own mark. “The Guardian” leads in terms of both impact and earnings, while others like “Playing for Keeps” and “Ruffian” hold a special place in sports film history. Even “The Longshots,” despite its poor financial performance, deserves a shout-out for its inspiring story. Hopefully, the next sports movie filmed here will do better in both popularity and profits.
Reddit Horror Movie Fans Rank Their Favorite Horror Movies Set in New Orleans
Straight from r/horror, these are the most commonly mentioned films when users were asked what their favorite horror movies set in New Orleans are.
Top Ten Living Authors Whose Books have been Made Into Movies
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.