Discover the Best football film, hailed as the greatest of all time, in this captivating exploration of the genre’s finest.
Enjoy some great American football movies by the fireside with these amazing tales. Can’t get enough? Then check out our comprehensive Best Football movie list!
Best Football Movie List
- The Blind Side (2009): This biographical drama tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her family. The film was a huge commercial success, grossing over $255 million in the US and becoming the highest-grossing Best football movie of all time. It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and a win for Sandra Bullock as Best Actress
- Remember the Titans (Best Football movie IN 2000): This historical drama depicts the true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit in 1971 Virginia. The film was praised for its inspirational message and powerful performances, especially by Denzel Washington as Coach Herman Boone. It also performed well at the box office, earning over $115 million in the US and becoming one of the most profitable football movies ever made.
- Rudy (Best Football movie in 1993): This biographical sports film chronicles the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who dreamed of playing football for Notre Dame despite being too small and academically challenged. The film was acclaimed for its uplifting story and Sean Astin’s portrayal of Rudy, who overcame the odds and fulfilled his dream of playing for Notre Dame. It also became a cult classic among football fans and sports enthusiasts, inspiring many people to pursue their goals despite the obstacles.
- Jerry Maguire (Best Football movie in 1996): This romantic comedy-drama follows the career and personal life of a sports agent who has a moral epiphany and is fired for expressing it. He decides to start his own agency with the only athlete who stays with him and his former colleague. The film was a critical and commercial hit, earning over $153 million in the US and receiving five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Tom Cruise, and Best Supporting Actor for Cuba Gooding Jr., who won the award The film also popularized several memorable quotes, such as “Show me the money!” and “You had me at hello.”
- Friday Night Lights (Best Football movie in 2004): This sports drama is based on the non-fiction book by H. G. Bissinger, which follows the 1988 season of a high school football team in Odessa, Texas. The film explores the social and economic pressures faced by the players, coaches, and community as they strive to win the state championship. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised its realistic depiction of football culture and its emotional impact. The film also spawned a successful TV series of the same name that ran for five seasons.
- Any Given Sunday (Best Football movie in 1999): This sports drama is directed by Oliver Stone and features an ensemble cast that includes Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Jamie Foxx, James Woods, LL Cool J, Matthew Modine, John C. McGinley, Charlton Heston, Ann-Margret, Lauren Holly, Bill Bellamy, Lela Rochon, Aaron Eckhart, Elizabeth Berkley, Marty Wright and legendary NFL players Jim Brown and Lawrence Taylor. The film depicts a fictional professional football team in Miami as they deal with various conflicts on and off the field. The film was praised for its intense action sequences, its soundtrack, and its commentary on the corruption and commercialization of modern sports.
- The Longest Yard (Best Football movie in 1974): This comedy film stars Burt Reynolds as Paul Crewe, a disgraced former NFL quarterback who is sent to prison after stealing his girlfriend’s car. There he is coerced by the warden to form a team of inmates to play against his own guards in a football game. The film was a box office success, earning over $43 million in the US and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 19741. It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who enjoyed its humor, action, and social satire. The film was remade twice: once in 2001 as Mean Machine starring Vinnie Jones; and again in 2005 as The Longest Yard starring Adam Sandler.
- Invincible (Best Football movie in 2006): This biographical sports film is based on the true story of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcame long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Papale, Greg Kinnear as coach Dick Vermeil, Elizabeth Banks as Papale’s love interest Janet Cantrell, and Kevin Conway as Papale’s father Frank. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised its inspirational message, its authenticity, and its performances. The film also grossed over $57 million in the US and became one of the most successful football movies of the decade.
- We Are Marshall (Best Football movie in 2006): This historical drama is based on the true story of the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including 37 members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans. The film follows the efforts of the new coach Jack Lengyel, played by Matthew McConaughey, and his surviving players to rebuild the football program and honor the memory of those who died. The film also stars Matthew Fox as assistant coach Red Dawson, Anthony Mackie as team captain Nate Ruffin, David Strathairn as university president Donald Dedmon, and Ian McShane as Paul Griffen, a grieving father who lost his son in the crash. The film was praised for its emotional impact, its respectful tone, and its performances. The film also earned over $43 million in the US and became one of the most popular football movies of the year.
- IMDB
- Brian’s Song (Best Football movie in 1971): This biographical sports film is based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s. The film chronicles their friendship, their rivalry, and their bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying of cancer. The film stars James Caan as Piccolo, Billy Dee Williams as Sayers, Jack Warden as coach George Halas, and Shelley Fabares as Piccolo’s wife Joy. The film was originally made for TV but was later released theatrically due to its popularity and acclaim. The film was widely praised for its touching story, its realistic portrayal of football, and its performances. The film also won several awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Single Program and a Peabody Award. Official trailer youtube link
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