Netflix Is Adding One of the Most Inspirational Movies of All Time in June

Netflix will be adding a whole slew of new shows and movies this summer for subscribers to kick back, relax, and decompress. One of the biggest movies coming in June is a defining family favorite from the early 1990s.

Rudy came out in 1993 and has been a staple of the sports movie genre ever since. Starring Sean Astin as the ultimate underdog protagonist, it is based on the real-life journey of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger.

Rudy did whatever it took to follow his dreams of playing college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 1960s, even if he didn't have the money or the athletic talent to make the team. The film defines the American spirit and the heart and tenacity that reside in the most ambitious of human souls.

The film helped make Astin one of the most likable "aw, shucks" actors of the decade. His defining role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings, less than 10 years later, definitely possesses some parallels to his character in Rudy. The film is also famous for giving Hollywood stars John Favreau and Vince Vaughn their first major film roles.

Movie critic Roger Ebert gave the film a 3.5/4 star rating back when it came out.

"Underdog movies are a durable genre and never go out of style. They're fairly predictable, in the sense that few movie underdogs ever lose in the big last scene. The notion is enormously appealing, however, because everyone can identify in one way or another.

In 'Rudy,' Astin's performance is so self-effacing, so focused and low-key, that we lose sight of the underdog formula and begin to focus on this dogged kid who won't quit. And the last big scene is an emotional powerhouse, just the way it's supposed to be."

Rudy will come to Netflix on June 1. Parents and children alike will continue to enjoy this classic for generations to come.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 4:32 PM.