Counting Down to the Super Bowl? Here Are the Best Football Movies to Binge

Considered one of the greatest and most inspirational football movies of all time — and one of the great films from the Sean Astin canon — Rudy is an inspiring drama about the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a young man from a working-class family who dreams of playing football for the University of Notre Dame. Despite all the obstacles in his way, Rudy works hard and never gives up on his dream. With the support of his friends and family, Rudy eventually earns a spot on the team and achieves his goal of playing in a Notre Dame game. Rudy is a classic underdog story about the power of determination and the importance of chasing your dreams.

Check out the Rudy trailer.

Friday Night Lights (2004)

Before there was the universally beloved television series of the same name, there was Friday Night Lights, the movie. Based on the book of the same name, this critically acclaimed drama follows a small-town Texas high school football team in its quest to win the state championship. Led by star quarterback Mike Winchell (Lucas Black) and Coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton), they must overcome personal issues, racial tensions, and other obstacles on their way to the championship. Friday Night Lights is an honest and suspenseful tale of life in a small town, as well as one of the best football movies ever made.

Check out the Friday Night Lights (movie) trailer.

The Longest Yard (1974)

For pure laughs, The Longest Yard can’t be beaten. This classic football comedy starring Burt Reynolds follows the story of a former NFL quarterback who is sent to prison and put in charge of organizing an inmate football team to take on the prison guards. This fish-out-of-water story is filled with plenty of laughs, including memorable performances by Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, and especially the late, great Robert Conrad. The Longest Yard also spawned a 2005 remake starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock, but the original is still considered one of the best football movies of all time.

Check out The Longest Yard (1974) trailer.
Or for something more modern, check out The Longest Yard (2005) trailer.

Any Given Sunday (1999)

If you’re looking for a football movie with some serious star power, look no further than Any Given Sunday. Directed by Oliver Stone and starring Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Jamie Foxx, and more, this film follows the story of a professional American football team — the Miami Sharks — as they fight to make it through the season and make it to the playoffs. Any Given Sunday is filled with intense football action, but also tackles some tough issues such as ageism, racism, and sexism — making this one of the most thought-provoking football films ever made.

Check out the Any Given Sunday trailer.

Remember The Titans (2000)

Remember the Titans stars Denzel Washington and is inspired by the true story of the T.C. Williams High School football team in Alexandria, Virginia, which was the first integrated high school in the South. The film follows the Titans, a newly integrated football team, as they prepare for the 1971 season and their struggles to overcome racism and prejudice. The film focuses on the relationships between the players, particularly the relationship between head coach Herman Boone (Washington) and star player Gerry Bertier (Ryan Hurst). Through hard work, perseverance and determination, the team succeeds in becoming the state champions. In the process, they learn to accept and respect each other and the community they live in.

Check out the Remember The Titans trailer.

We Are Marshall (2006)

In We Are Marshall, Matthew McConaughey stars as Jack Lengyel, the new coach of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, which was decimated in a plane crash on November 14, 1970. The story follows Lengyel as he attempts to rebuild the team and honors the victims of the crash. The film also stars Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Strathairn, and Ian McShane. This football classic is a heartfelt, emotional story about resilience, perseverance, and the power of community.

Check out the We Are Marshall trailer.

Varsity Blues (1999)

Varsity Blues follows the story of Mox (James Van Der Beek), a small-town Texas football star who has been groomed to lead the local high school team to victory. He soon discovers, however, that he is not the only one with a passion for the game. His teammates, led by the team’s star quarterback Lance Harbor (Paul Walker), are a tight-knit group of hardworking, dedicated players who have been playing together since childhood. When a rival high school threatens their chances of victory, Mox must put aside his own ambitions and focus on leading his team to victory. Along the way, he discovers the true meaning of loyalty and friendship, as well as the power of believing in yourself.

Check out the Varsity Blues trailer.

Johnny B. Goode (1988)

Johnny Walker (Anthony Michael Hall) is a high school football star with a dream of playing college ball and making it to the NFL. After receiving numerous offers from top universities, Johnny decides to accept a scholarship from the University of Georgia. But when Johnny’s best friend, Leo (Uma Thurman), is implicated in a scandal involving a college recruiter, Johnny is forced to reconsider his decision. With his future on the line, Johnny must decide between loyalty to his friend and his dreams of football stardom. With the help of his girlfriend (Jennifer Connelly) and his coach (Paul Gleason), Johnny makes the tough decision to stay true to himself and his friends and follow his heart.

Check out the Johnny Be Goode trailer.

The Blind Side (2009)

Based on the inspiring true story, The Blind Side stars Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, an affluent Memphis woman who takes in a homeless and traumatized boy named Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron). Under the guidance of the Tuohys, Oher is able to reach his full potential on and off the football field. With their support, he becomes an All-American offensive lineman and is accepted at one of the top universities in the country. The Blind Side encourages viewers to believe in themselves, regardless of their circumstances.

Check out The Blind Side trailer.

The Waterboy (1998)

If you’re looking for something outrageously funny, then you can count on Adam Sandler to deliver. The Waterboy centers around Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler), a socially inept, 31-year-old water boy for a college football team. After being ridiculed and abused by the team for years, Bobby discovers he has a special talent for tackling and becomes the team’s star player. With the help of his coach, Bobby quickly rises to fame and leads the team to the championship game. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about self-esteem and standing up for himself.

Check out The Waterboy trailer.

Draft Day (2014)

Draft Day takes place on the day of the NFL draft when general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to save football in Cleveland when he trades for the number one pick. As he and his staff scramble to make a deal before the clock runs out, their decisions impact not just the future of their team but also the lives of those closest to them. With insight into the NFL draft process and an intense dramatic plot, Draft Day is an inspiring tale of resilience, perseverance, and the power of community.

Check out the Draft Day trailer.

The Replacements (2000)

A comedy at heart, The Replacements stars Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman and follows the story of a pro football team as they search for replacements for their players who are on a strike. After a failed attempt of recruiting college players, they hire a ragtag group of misfits who all have different talents and qualities. With the help of the team’s coach (Hackman), the new players must come together to create a winning team. In the end, they learn that it’s not just about winning, but also having fun and believing in yourself.

Check out The Replacements trailer.

Jerry Maguire (1996)

While most of this movie takes place off the field, it still ranks up there among the best football movies ever. Tom Cruise plays sports agent Jerry Maguire, who comes to the realization that money isn’t everything. After getting fired from his job and only one client (Cuba Gooding Jr.) left in tow, Jerry embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he learns what it means to truly care about something other than himself. Along the way, football greatness is achieved by Jerry’s client and himself, with the help of a few friends (Renee Zellweger, Jay Mohr).

Check out the Jerry Maguire trailer.

Get Your Game Face on With Great Football Movies

No matter what kind of movie you’re in the mood for, there’s always a great football film out there to help you get your game face on. Whether it’s inspiring dramas like The Blind Side or zany comedies like The Waterboy, these films will have you rooting for the underdog and learning important lessons about life along the way. So grab some popcorn, slap on your jersey, and enjoy the show!