4. Angus
Before Varsity Blues, James Van Der Beek was the starting quarterback in another movie: Angus. Only, he didn’t portray a humble, southern gentleman.
He was Rick Sanford, big man on campus – and an insufferable, fatphobic jerkwad. Angus Bethune, who describes himself as a fat kid who’s good at science and fair at football, is the direct target of Rick’s torment.
But the best part about this movie is that, aside from routinely breaking Rick’s nose, Angus handles the relentless harassment as well as one would expect. It also helps that he has a loving, supportive family and best friend.
If you’ve never seen Angus, I suggest you do so at your earliest convenience. It is one of the best movies about bullying and self-acceptance.