26 Top Football Movies for Sports Fans

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Let’s plan a movie night with these 26 best football movies for sports fans.

best football movies

If you’re reading this article, than I already know you’re a huge football fan!

What happens when the seasons over and you’re left waiting months for next season to start? Well, why not checkout some awesome football movies to hold you over.

Plan a movie night! Get together with your buddies or watch with your family. Either way, these movies are sure to have you rooting out loud at the screen.

We’ve chosen 26 of the best football movies of all time, to get you immersed in the action, drama and team spirit.

So, grab your favorite gameday snacks, kick back, and lets get ready to watch some football!

Don’t forget to download the FREE MOVIE CHECKLIST to keep track of what movies you want to watch!

List of the 26 best football Movies of all time!

1. Little Giants (1994)

  • Director: Duwayne Dunham
  • Cast: Rick Moranis, Ed O’Neill, Shawna Waldron
  • Genre: Comedy, Family, Sport
  • Rating: PG
  • IMDb: ‘Little Giants’ on IMDb

This heartwarming ’94 classic follows a group of misfit kids coached by their unlikely but lovable uncle, played by Rick Moranis. They take on the elite Pee Wee football team, the Cowboys, in an epic showdown. Expect a lot of laughter, a few tears, and a whole lot of fun as these little giants prove that size doesn’t matter when you have heart and determination.

2. The Replacements (2000)

When professional football players go on strike, the Washington Sentinels turn to a motley crew of replacements to save their season. With hilarious characters and memorable moments, “The Replacements” is a touchdown of a comedy.

3. The Waterboy (1998)

  • Director: Frank Coraci
  • Cast: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler
  • Genre: Comedy, Sport
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘The Waterboy’ on IMDb

In this uproarious comedy, Adam Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, a water boy with an explosive tackle. When he’s recruited to play for the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs, it’s a hysterical ride of football madness and tackling fuelled by water!

4. Remember the Titans (2000)

Based on a true story, Denzel Washington stars as Coach Herman Boone, who leads a racially integrated high school football team in Virginia. The movie is a is an inspiring tale of overcoming racial tensions.

5. All the Right Moves (1983)

Tom Cruise stars in “All the Right Moves,” a coming of age drama set in a small Pennsylvania town where high school football is everything. Cruise plays a talented high school football player looking to escape his small town life through a football scholarship.

6. Necessary Roughness (1991)

When the Texas State University Fightin’ Armadillos lose their entire football team to NCAA sanctions, they’re forced to recruit a ragtag group of misfits, including a 34 year old quarterback played by Scott Bakula. It’s a hilarious underdog story that proves that heart and determination can triumph over skill.

7. Friday Night Lights (2004)

Based on a true story, it follows a Texas high school football team and their passionate coach, played by Billy Bob Thornton. It’s a gritty look at the pressure and passion surrounding small town football.

8. Varsity Blues (1999)

  • Director: Brian Robbins
  • Cast: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker
  • Genre: Drama, Romance, Sport
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘Varsity Blues’ on IMDb

James Van Der Beek stars as a high school quarterback navigating the pressures of a small Texas town where football is king. With memorable moments, like the whipped cream bikini scene, and an unforgettable coach portrayed by Jon Voight, this movie is a touchdown in teenage angst and football glory.

9. The Longest Yard (2005)

Adam Sandler returns to the gridiron in this remake of the classic football film. He plays a former NFL quarterback who lands in prison and organizes a team of inmates to face off against the guards. With a mix of comedy and action, “The Longest Yard” is a riotous take on football behind bars.

10. Any Given Sunday (1999)

With an all star cast that includes Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, and Cameron Diaz, “Any Given Sunday” explores the fierce competition, politics, and the sacrifices that come with the game. It’s a gritty and intense look at the world of professional football.

11. Rudy (1993)

  • Director: David Anspaugh
  • Cast: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG
  • IMDb: ‘Rudy’ on IMDb

“Rudy” is the ultimate football underdog story, and it’s based on a real life legend. It follows the journey of Rudy Ruettiger, a small town kid with big dreams of playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With determination and heart, he overcomes the odds to achieve his goal, making it a tearjerker and a true inspiration for anyone with football dreams.

12. The Program (1993)

  • Director: David S. Ward
  • Cast: James Caan, Halle Berry, Omar Epps
  • Genre: Drama, Sport
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘The Program’ on IMDb

“The Program” takes you deep into the world of college football, shedding light on the intense pressures and temptations faced by players and their coaches. It’s a no holds barred look at the gritty side of the game, from the demanding workouts to the off-field challenges.

13. Jerry Maguire (1996)

  • Director: Cameron Crowe
  • Cast: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘Jerry Maguire’ on IMDb

“Show me the money!” is just one of the iconic lines from “Jerry Maguire.” While this movie may not be all about football, it’s a classic sports film that gives you a glimpse into the life of a sports agent, played by Tom Cruise, who learns about the values of integrity and relationships in the world of professional sports. Plus, it features the unforgettable “You had me at hello.”

14. Brian’s Song (1971)

  • Director: Buzz Kulik
  • Cast: James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: G
  • IMDb: ‘Brian’s Song’ on IMDb

This heartfelt film tells the true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, who bonded in the face of adversity. Grab the tissues, because this one is a tearjerker.

15. Draft Day (2014)

  • Director: Ivan Reitman
  • Cast: Kevin Costner, Chadwick Boseman, Jennifer Garner
  • Genre: Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘Draft Day’ on IMDb

Starring Kevin Costner as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, it provides an inside look at the high stakes decisions made on draft day. It’s a thrilling and suspenseful ride through the world of player selection and the pressures of the front office.

16. Division III: Football’s Finest (2011)

“Division III” is a hidden gem in the world of football comedies. This indie film follows the hilariously inept Paul “Gooch” Gustav as he becomes the head coach of the worst college football team in America. Get ready for some absurd and outrageous moments as Gooch attempts to turn things around with his unconventional methods.

17. The Express (2008)

  • Director: Gary Fleder
  • Cast: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Darrin Dewitt Henson
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG
  • IMDb: ‘The Express’ on IMDb

“The Express” is a powerful and moving biographical film about the life of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. This movie takes you through his journey as a college football star at Syracuse University and his inspiring story of breaking racial barriers in the sport.

18. Wildcats (1986)

  • Director: Michael Ritchie
  • Cast: Goldie Hawn, Swoosie Kurtz, Robyn Lively
  • Genre: Comedy, Sport
  • Rating: R
  • IMDb: ‘Wildcats’ on IMDb

Goldie Hawn plays a high school track coach who takes on the challenge of coaching a troubled inner city football team in “Wildcats.” It’s a sports comedy with plenty of laughs and a dose of inspiration, as Hawn’s character proves that girls can do anything boys can, even when it comes to football.

19. Air Bud: Golden Receiver (1998)

Yes, you read that right, a dog playing football! In this family friendly film, Buddy the Golden Retriever is back and taking his athletic talents from the basketball court to the football field. “Air Bud: Golden Receiver” is a fun and heartwarming movie for fans of both football and furry friends.

20. Invincible (2006)

  • Director: Ericson Core
  • Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG
  • IMDb: ‘Invincible’ on IMDb

“Invincible” is based on the true story of Vince Papale, a bartender who made the improbable journey from a local football player to an NFL star with the Philadelphia Eagles. Mark Wahlberg’s portrayal of Papale’s determination and hard work is inspiring, making this a must watch for those who believe in chasing their dreams.

21. Quarterback Princess (1983)

“Quarterback Princess” is the ultimate girl power football movie. It’s based on the true story of Tami Maida, the first female quarterback to play high school football in a boy’s team. Her journey to break gender stereotypes and become a quarterback is an inspiring tale that will make you root for her all the way to the end zone.

22. North Dallas Forty (1979)

“North Dallas Forty” is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the NFL. The film, starring Nick Nolte, dives into the harsh realities of professional football, from the physical toll it takes on players to the politics behind the scenes. It takes a deeper look into the darker side of the sport.

23. We Are Marshall (2006)

Get ready to be moved by the resilience and determination of a college football team that faces an unimaginable tragedy. “We Are Marshall” tells the heart wrenching true story of the 1970 Marshall University football team, which lost many of its members in a tragic plane crash. The film highlights the power of sports to heal and unite a community.

24. The Blind Side (2009)

  • Director: John Lee Hancock
  • Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron
  • Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘The Blind Side’ on IMDb

This heartwarming film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who becomes a football star with the support of his adoptive family. It’s a touching and inspiring story that transcends the game of football.

25. The Best of Times (1986)

  • Director: Roger Spottiswoode
  • Cast: Robin Williams, Kurt Russell, Pamela Reed
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘The Best of Times’ on IMDb

Robin Williams and Kurt Russell play two small town guys who want to replay a high school football game they lost years ago. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming story of second chances and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

26. Gridiron Gang (2006)

  • Director: Phil Joanou
  • Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Xzibit, L. Scott Caldwell
  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Sport
  • Rating: PG-13
  • IMDb: ‘Gridiron Gang’ on IMDb

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson takes on the role of Sean Porter, a counselor at a juvenile detention center who starts a football team as a way to teach discipline and teamwork to the young inmates. Based on a true story, “Gridiron Gang” is an inspiring and action packed film that shows how football can be a powerful tool for redemption and personal growth.

Thanks for reading this article for football movie inspiration!

You can also checkout our other articles on sports movies!

We also have an article on the 25 Best Sports Movies of All Time you should checkout next!

We hope to see you again soon!

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So, what are your thoughts on the movies included in this list? What additional movies would you have included? What movies would you have left off?

We encourage all comments and discussion!

Everyone is welcome!

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Tiffany Marie

Tiffany is a female entrepreneur who has been in the movie business since 2005. She loves all things horror! Movies, Books, Magazines, Podcasts and Film Festivals. ***** Fav Author: Richard Laymon — Fav Director: Dario Argento — Fav Magazine: Cemetery Dance — Fav Podcast: Final Girls Horrorcast *****

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