Buzz
While baseball is often called America's pastime, football holds a unique place in our cultural identity. Football movies amplify this, transforming the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the game into compelling narratives. Early Hollywood favored baseball and boxing films, but neither captures the raw intensity or team dynamics of football. Football movies excel at portraying the highs and lows, victories and defeats, that make for unforgettable cinema. Those rooted in true stories, though less fantastical, offer a unique charm—real-life sports tales shaped into narratives that are as inspiring as they are captivating.
The Express (2008)
Based on: The life of Ernie Davis (1939 – 1963), the first Black athlete to win the Heisman Trophy.
Rob Brown stars as Ernie Davis, nicknamed the “Elmira Express,” who propelled Syracuse University to a national championship during his sophomore year. The film highlights the racial challenges Davis faced in an era when Black players were still breaking barriers. While it leans into classic sports movie tropes, it avoids excessive sentimentality, even as Davis’ career is tragically cut short by leukemia. Brown delivers a strong performance, and the movie also features Chadwick Boseman in his debut role as Floyd Little, Davis’ successor at Syracuse.
Where to stream: Peacock, Fubo, Sling
Remember the Titans (2000)
Based on: The life of Coach Herman Boone (1935 – 2019) and his mission to unify the racially divided T. C. Williams High School football team in the 1970s.
In 1970s Alexandria, Virginia, high school football was more than a sport—it was a cultural cornerstone. The integration of all-white and all-Black schools in 1971 sparked outrage, with athletics becoming a focal point for underlying racial tensions. Denzel Washington stars as Herman Boone, the coach tasked with leading the newly integrated team, a role that pits him against the community’s resistance. While the film follows a familiar sports-movie formula, its historical backdrop adds depth and urgency, making it a powerful and uplifting story.
Where to stream: Disney+
Friday Night Lights (2004)
Based on: The 1988 championship season of the Permian High School Panthers from Odessa, Texas, though the film takes significant creative liberties.
Inspired by H. G. Bissinger’s non-fiction book, Friday Night Lights captures the essence of a Texas town where high school football is the lifeblood of the community. The film, like its TV adaptation, balances the thrill of athletic achievement with a sobering look at a town with little else to celebrate. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a standout performance as Coach Gaines, embodying the pressures and controversies of leading a team under such intense scrutiny.
Where to stream: Hulu
Knute Rockne, All American (1940)
Based on: The life of Knute Rockne (1888 – 1931), the legendary Notre Dame football coach, and his standout player, George Gipp (1895 – 1920).
Best known for giving Ronald Reagan a memorable catchphrase (one that only makes sense in the context of George Gipp’s story), Knute Rockne, All American remains a classic football film. It established many genre staples, such as the tough yet compassionate coach, the high-stakes final game, and a poignant tragedy that fuels the team’s determination to succeed.
Where to stream: Digital rental
We Are Marshall (2006)
Based on: The 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of Marshall University’s football team members and the subsequent efforts to revive the program.
Following the disaster, the university considered ending its football program permanently. However, the surviving players persuaded the administration to rebuild the team. The film highlights Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of Jack Lengyel, a new coach tasked with assembling a team from the ground up. With the help of Red Dawson (Matthew Fox), one of the few surviving coaches, the team’s journey from struggle to resilience becomes a powerful tale of perseverance.
Where to stream: HBO Max
Rudy (1993)
Based on: The true story of Rudy Ruettiger, a 5 ft 6 underdog who chased his dream of playing football for Notre Dame.
An emotional powerhouse, Rudy tugs at the heartstrings while telling an inspiring story of determination. Despite being small, financially struggling, and dyslexic, Rudy refuses to give up on his goal of attending Notre Dame and earning a spot on its football team. Sean Astin’s portrayal of Rudy is unforgettable, making this underdog tale a timeless classic.
Where to stream: Starz
Brian’s Song (1971)
Based on: The real-life bond between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo (1943 – 1970) and Gale Sayers (1943 – 2020).
Often hailed as one of the most emotionally charged sports films, this ABC TV movie has earned a devoted following for its heartfelt storytelling. It’s known for bringing even the toughest football fans to tears. Billy Dee Williams, just before his rise to fame in Lady Sings the Blues, portrays Gale Sayers, while James Caan plays his close friend and teammate Brian Piccolo. Their friendship takes a poignant turn when Piccolo is diagnosed with cancer.
Where to stream: Digital rental
The Blind Side (2006)
Based on: The early life and career of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher.
Casting Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side was a double-edged sword. While her performance is undeniably compelling, her star power shifts the focus away from Oher’s remarkable journey. The film centers on a wealthy white family who takes Oher in, overshadowing his struggles growing up in foster care and overcoming adversity. Despite its engaging storytelling and factual accuracy, the movie grapples with the criticisms of its white savior narrative.
Where to stream: Max Go
Invincible (2006)
Based on: The inspiring journey of Vince Papale, who, at 30, became the oldest rookie in NFL history as a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.
While Invincible takes some creative liberties (Papale wasn’t entirely new to football), it tells the uplifting story of Mark Wahlberg’s character, a down-on-his-luck man who seizes the opportunity to try out for the NFL. Greg Kinnear plays the coach who believes in him, and the film delivers a heartfelt underdog tale, proving that age is just a number when it comes to chasing dreams.
Where to stream: Disney+
Concussion (2015)
Based on: The groundbreaking research of Dr. Bennet Omalu, a forensic pathologist who uncovered the link between football-related concussions and long-term brain damage.
While not a traditional sports film, Concussion delves into the critical issue of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on athletes. Will Smith stars as Dr. Omalu, whose findings sparked a contentious battle with the NFL. The film highlights the ethical and medical challenges of addressing brain injuries in sports, offering a thought-provoking look at the intersection of science and football.
Where to stream: Fubo, The Roku Channel, Sling
