The 30 Best Football Movies to Stream Right Now
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Super Bowl season calls for a couple of things: ice-cold beer, Instagram-worthy snacks and, of course, a collection of football movies to tide you over before the big game.
Fortunately for us, the popular American sport has inspired dozens of great films across multiple genres. For instance, there are comedies like The Waterboy, biographical dramas like Remember the Titans and romances like Everybody's All-American. Not to mention, the kid-friendly classics like Little Giants and Air Bud: Golden Receiver.
So, whether you’re up for a good laugh or a heartwarming tearjerker, check out these 30 football movies to get you in the spirit.
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1. ‘Draft Day’ (2014)
On NFL draft day, Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner), general manager of the Cleveland Browns, gets an opportunity to save his team when he trades for the number-one pick. But this leaves him in a sticky situation. Will he choose a low-ranking linebacker with a promising future, or the famous quarterback whose future doesn't look so certain?
2. ‘Undefeated’ (2011)
Follow the inspiring true story of the Manassas Tigers, a team of underprivileged high school students whose lives are turned around with the help of their coach, Bill Courtney.
3. ‘School Ties’ (1992)
In this riveting drama, Jewish teen and football star David Greene receives an athletic scholarship to an elite prep school. But when he arrives, he realizes that his well-to-do classmates aren’t so fond of Jews. Can he go on hiding his heritage for the sake of his reputation?
4. ‘Go Tigers!’ (2001)
Get to know the Massillon Tigers as they share their stories and navigate the ups and downs of high school sports. The eye-opening film speaks to their impact on the small town, as well as their famous rivalry against the Canton McKinley High School Bulldogs.
5. ‘Concussion’ (2015)
As we’ve seen with King Richard, Will Smith has a knack for depicting real-life heroes. Only in this case, he plays a forensic pathologist who was brave enough to go up against the NFL. Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, whose findings on chronic traumatic encephalopathy in football players caused quite a stir.
6. ‘Safety’ (2020)
Based on the true story of Ray McElrathbey, Safety follows the Clemson University football player (played by Jay Reeves) as he struggles to balance his football career with school and family drama. We know, we know—two hours is a lot. But trust us, every minute is worth it.
7. ‘Invincible’ (2006)
Eagles fans, this one's for you. Mark Wahlberg stars as the former wide receiver Vince Papale, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles during the ’70s. The heartfelt underdog story details how he became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL to play without any college football experience.
8. ‘Rudy’ (1993)
At the core of this captivating sports drama is the simplest message: never give up on your dreams. Inspired by the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, the film follows a Notre Dame student who dreams of playing football. While it seems impossible, he stops at nothing to make this a reality.
9. ‘Remember the Titans’ (2006)
Set during the early ’70s and based on true events, Remember the Titans follows Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), a no-nonsense coach who’s tasked with integrating Black and white football players at T. C. Williams High School. The film teaches us a lesson or two on achieving racial harmony despite challenges.
10. ‘The Blind Side’ (2009)
It’s an incredibly moving adaptation of Michael Lewis's book, which chronicles the life of former offensive lineman Michael Oher. Quinton Aaron stars as the football player, who, with the help of his adoptive parents, goes from being poverty-stricken to playing in the NFL.
11. ‘Friday Night Lights’ (2004)
When star running back Boobie Miles (Derek Luke) suffers an injury, it’s up to coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) to instill confidence in his football team at Permian High School in Texas. Can they continue their winning streak without him?
12. ‘Brian's Song’ (1971)
Adapted from Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers's autobiography, I Am Third, it tells the story of how he and his white teammate, Brian Piccolo (Sean Maher), formed an unlikely friendship after starting off as rivals during the civil rights era.
13. ‘The Express’ (2008)
It's so inspirational and insightful that even those who don't like football will enjoy this film. Based on the life of Ernie Davis, a Syracuse University football player who made history as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, The Express tackles multiple civil rights themes, including discrimination in the sports world. Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid and Chadwick Boseman star.
14. ‘The Longshots’ (2008)
Inspired by the life of Jasmine Plummer, who became the first girl to participate in the Pop Warner football tournament, The Longshots follows a former player (Ice Cube), who finds purpose when he decides to coach a failing football team, including his niece (Keke Palmer).
15. ‘The Longest Yard’ (2005)
Adam Sandler delivers all the laughs as a former pro athlete named Paul Crewe. To reduce his prison sentence, Paul (Sandler) invites several fellow convicts to participate in a football game against the guards. The cast includes Chris Rock, James Cromwell, Nelly and Burt Reynolds.
16. ‘The Waterboy’ (1998)
While we’re on the topic of Adam Sandler, Bobby Boucher Jr. might be one of his most memorable characters ever. In the film, Bobby goes from being a hapless, socially awkward waterboy to being a star linebacker for the University of Louisiana football team.
17. ‘Little Giants’ (1994)
Need a break from the sentimental content? Try Little Giants, a family-friendly classic that follows two brothers (played by Rick Moranis and Ed O'Neill) as they coach rival Pee-Wee Football teams.
18. ‘All the Right Moves’ (1983)
Combine teen angst, sports and ’80s nostalgia, and you’ll get this classic. Tom Cruise plays Stef Djordjevic, a gifted high school defensive back with dreams of escaping his small town and dead-end job.
19. ‘The Replacements’ (2000)
The film offers a fictionalized version of the 1987 NFL strike, where the Washington Redskins scored three victories in their replacement games and went on to win the Super Bowl in 1988.
20. ‘Gridiron Gang’ (2006)
Loosely based on Kilpatrick Mustangs's life, the sports drama follows Sean Porter (Dwayne Johnson), a probation officer who forms a football team of teen inmates to keep them out of trouble. While slightly predictable, Johnson gives a solid performance as the levelheaded coach.
21. ‘Semi-Tough’ (1977)
Although quite a few of its scenes feel dated, it’s a treat for anyone who lives for parodies and sharp humor (expect so see a few jabs at self-improvement). The comedy follows two pro football players who get caught up in a love triangle with their attractive roommate, Barbara Jane Bookman (played by Jill Clayburgh).
22. ‘The Freshman’ (1925)
This charming silent film is about a doe-eyed college freshman who wants nothing more than to be popular on campus. After enrolling at Tate University, Harold Lamb (Harold Lloyd) tries out for the football team, creating some of the funniest (and most iconic) sports scenes ever.
23. ‘North Dallas Forty’ (1979)
The playful satire offers a bit of insight into the world of football and pro athletes during the '70s—and it’s sure to spark some interesting discussions. Nick Nolte stars as a football player who refuses to conform to the rest of his team, which results in backlash.
24. ‘Varsity Blues’ (1999)
Dawson Leery James Van Der Beek stars in this coming-of-age gem as Mox, whose life is turned upside-down when he goes from being a backup quarterback to a starting player for the West Canaan High’s varsity football team.
25. ‘12 Mighty Orphans’ (2021)
Set during the Great Depression, this feel-good movie follows Coach Rusty Russell (Luke Wilson), who gives up a successful job to start a football team of orphans in Fort Worth, Texas.
26. ‘The Game Plan’ (2007)
While Joe (Dwayne Johnson), a self-absorbed football star, is preparing for his next championship game, an 8-year-old girl shows up at his luxurious pad and claims to be his daughter. Cue the chaos.
27. ‘Woodlawn’ (2015)
Based on the true story of former football coach Tandy Gerelds and former running back Tony Nathan, Woodlawn shows how one speaker inspired a team of football players to overcome hate and violence following government-mandated desegregation in 1973.
28. ‘Run the Race’ (2018)
Zach Truett (Tanner Stine) is determined to land a football scholarship and leave his hometown. But when he injures his knee, he’s devastated at the possibility of never living his dream. That is, until his brother steps up and tries to restore his hope.
29. ‘Air Bud 2: Golden Receiver’ (1998)
Josh (Kevin Zegers) teams up with his mom's boyfriend and veterinarian Patrick (Gregory Harrison) to rescue their pup, Buddy, who's been kidnapped because of his football skills. Sign us up for anything that involves dogs.
30. ‘Everybody's All-American’ (1988)
It's a rather intriguing plot, where a football star struggles to keep up with life in the NFL and doesn’t get his happily ever after. Still, it offers a good balance of steamy romance and drama.
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