With so many things in America up in arms currently, the one thing you can always count on, at least from September to February, is the greatest American past-time, Football. Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, the league had 8 members, only two of which are still around today, the Chicago Bears (formerly the Decatur Staleys, and the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals). It wouldn’t be until 1921 that the then Green Bay Packers would join as the Green Bay ACME Packers. The league would officially adopt the now famous NFL moniker in 1922.
With the introduction out of the way, it’s important to understand that the sport has had a huge impact on the world of Hollywood, with many films being made surrounding either players, teams, or the sport itself. Below you will find our list of the top 6 football movies of all-time. Films that tell a story of friendship, beating the odds, and determination in the face of adversity. Let us know what you think of this list and what movies you’d add, or change on your own list.
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Movies about Football
Brian’s Song
Born on October 31, 1943, Brian Piccolo was perhaps one of the most beloved football players of his time. Joining the iconic Chicago Bears in 1965, he would go on to have 4 rushing touchdowns, 927 rushing yards, 537 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown during his short 5 year run with the Bears before his death. Originally airing as a movie of the week for ABC, Brian’s Song tells the incredible story of Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gayle Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and the incredible bond of friendship the two men share in the face of adversity and the terminal cancer that Brian Piccolo faced in the mid 1960s. The story would go on to receive the remake treatment in 2001 with Sean Maher in the title role. Brian’s Song is available to stream on Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox. or Apple TV.
Here’s what fans are saying:
This one because of my first exposure to the Bears, the iconic players who wore that logo, and of course the original TV movie Brian’s Song. If you don’t love the Bears just a little bit more after seeing this tearjerker: you have no heart. 😉 @rogbennett P.S. #NoOrangeHelmets! pic.twitter.com/DMP6klUUPj
— Michael Biede (@mikebd21) February 4, 2023
Alright, lets hear, which movie made you tear up. Please quote.
I’ll start. Brian’s song
— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) February 3, 2023
Rudy
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Dreams, we all have them, but not all of us understand them; what they mean, or how to interpret them. But perhaps they aren’t meant to be understood, but merely believed in. That’s what Daniel E. “Rudy” Ruettiger did when he had his dream of attending one of the most sought after universities in America, Notre Dame. From a young age, all Daniel wanted to do was attend college. Unfortunately for him, he lacked the education needed to gain entry, and the talent necessary to play football. That wasn’t going to stop him. Following the death of his biggest supporter and best friend, Daniel’s mind was made up, and with the aid of two very influential people in his life, Daniel was able to make his dream come true. Rudy stars Sean Astin as Daniel E. “Rudy” Ruettiger, Ned Beatty as Daniel Ruettiger, and Charles S. Dutton as Fortune. Check out Rudy streaming free now on Tubi.
Here’s what fans are saying:
As dramatised in the movie RUDY (1993)…
…this is the actual moment he sacks the quarterback for NOTRE DAME in 1975. pic.twitter.com/djKX6Q6iQR
— James Leighton (@JamesL1927) November 24, 2022
No way!! I’ve been a huge fan for a long time Sean! Rudy was my Dad’s favorite sports movie and we watched it many times growing up, I was a walk on linebacker in college, and it meant even more during that. Nobody could possibly wear that outfit better than Doug himself! https://t.co/5a5CfRCu5q
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) December 6, 2022
Any Given Sunday
Set in beautiful sunny Miami, Florida, the story of Any Given Sunday follows the Miami Sharks as they struggle to make it into the 2001 Affiliated Football Franchises of America (AFFA) playoffs. When the new owner of the Miami Sharks, Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz), has a falling out with the veteran coach Tony D’Amato (Al Pacino), the future of his career is called into question. This is only increased when during the thirteenth game, not only his starting quarterback, but also his second-string quarterback are injured, he is forced to play third string-quarterback, and loose cannon, Willie Beamen (Jamie Foxx), much to Pagniacci’s pleasure. After Beamen goes on to take full credit for the team’s new found winning streak, the rest of the team refuse to play “his game”, and starting quarterback Jack “Cap” Rooney (Dennis Quaid) is put back in the game. When Rooney’s health takes a hit again, he insists that Beamen be put back in after he makes amends. Will the Miami Sharks be able to win the playoffs, or will they fall in the end? You can find out now by watching this incredible film on Prime Video, or Vudu before the Superbowl.
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Here’s what fans are saying:
Any Given Sunday rewatch coming Super Bowl weekend. I want to do a deep dive review of one of my favorite sports movies.
— Movie Mad Motto (@Rob_Motto) January 26, 2023
Any Given Sunday is one of the GREATEST sports movies of all time.
— Quentin (@ItzMcDonaldFor3) February 1, 2023
Friday Night Lights
The 2004 film Friday Night Lights is based on the best selling book of the same name by H. G. Bissinger, the film follows the Permian High School Panthers as they are trying to get to, and win, the state championships. While the movie follows the team as a whole, it is also about the relationships between the team members and their personal lives. In the film, Coach Gaines’ (Billy Bob Thornton) struggles to win a state championship with his star quarterback James “Boobie” Miles (Derek Luke), while fullback Don Billingsley (Garrett Hedlund) struggles with dealing with his abusive alcoholic father. The award winning film spawned a successful television series which ran for 5 seasons. Friday Night Lights is available to stream on Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox. or Apple TV.
Here’s what fans are saying:
Billy Bob Thornton’s halftime speech in Friday Night Lights is one of the best scenes in football movie history.
Goosebumps every time. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/Jeb9XJLF0O
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) August 14, 2022
Friday Night Lights (movie) is the best football movie ever. Change my mind:
— Vikings Central (@VikesCentral) January 21, 2023
Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans is based on the true story of how one man, coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) would go on to successfully integrate the Alexandria City High School (formally known as T.C. Williams High School) football team in 1971. Herman and his assistant coach, Bill Toast (Will Patton) butted heads when Herman was first assigned to the department, but with grit and determination, the two would go on to coach the Titans to victory in this 2000, hit film by Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer. Remember the Titans is available to stream on Disney+, Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox. or Apple TV.
Here’s what fans are saying:
Remember the titans will forever be my favorite football movie
— Steph ✨💫🌻 (@stephysmallz_) January 30, 2023
Remember the Titans is literally my fave sports movie. Uhhh so great pic.twitter.com/MlvGA64wNm
— COZY (@ieshabewriting) February 2, 2023
Rent now on Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon.
The Waterboy
Written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, The Waterboy is a 1998 film about a slow and stuttering 31 year old man who is fired from his one job as the Waterboy for the University of Louisiana football team for being, as coach Red Beaulieu (Jerry Reed) says, is too disruptive. In an effort to not disappoint his mama, Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler) approaches the coach of the South-Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs, Coach Klein (Henry Winkler), and becomes their new Waterboy. After being made fun of by the team, Bobby tackles the quarterback, knocking him and shocking everyone. Now, encouraged to play for the team and help Coach Klein take down his rival, Red Beaulieu, Bobby helps lead the team to victory, despite his mothers constant objections. You can stream The Waterboy on Hulu, Spectrum TV, Freeform – Movies & TV Shows, Prime Video, Vudu, Redbox. or Apple TV.
Here’s what fans are saying:
Rewatched The Waterboy. This movie is just as ridiculous as it is hilarious. Definitely not Adam’s best movie but it’s always worth the rewatch. Rating this movie 7 out of 10. pic.twitter.com/XVn2ik07CE
— Chris Goodman (@ChrisG1420) February 4, 2023
I needed a pick me up from the week I’ve had and one of my favorite movies just came on The Waterboy😁
— 7/14♋️ (@Allison_TooCool) January 27, 2023
Looking for other movies out now? Take a look at the newest releases currently playing in theaters.
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