The highs of the final touchdown, the dramatic Hail Mary pass, and the victory under the stadium lights—football films are as much a part of the American cultural imagination as the sport itself. Huddle up and let’s take a touchdown dance through the 20 greatest football films, from kickoff classics to stories that rewrite the playbook.
1. “Remember the Titans” (2000), dir. Boaz Yakin
Often heralded as one of the best football movies ever made, this biographical film is a master class in portraying leadership and resilience. Set against the backdrop of racial integration in 1970s Virginia, it tells the story of how a high school football team overcomes prejudice and internal discord to achieve greatness. Denzel Washington’s portrayal of the passionate Coach Herman Boone is both commanding and sensitive—necessary for a role in which the physicality and emotional stakes are at an all-time high.
2. “Friday Night Lights” (2004), dir. Peter Berg
“Friday Night Lights” proves that some stories are meant to be told (and retold). Originally a nonfiction book about the pressures and passion of high school football in a small Texas town, author Buzz Bissinger’s work has since been adapted into a short-lived 1993 TV series titled “Against the Grain,” Berg’s 2004 film, and a hit TV show that ran on NBC from 2006–2011.
In the film, Billy Bob Thornton stars as the dynamic Coach Gary Gaines, who leads the Permian High School Panthers through a tumultuous season. The film’s gritty realism makes it a standout in the genre, offering a less predictable yet undoubtedly impactful ending. The chemistry between the cast is palatable, making the emotional conclusion hit even harder. Gaines sums it up perfectly when he says, “My heart is full.”
3. “Rudy” (1993), dir. David Anspaugh
The biographical “Rudy” is the quintessential underdog story. Sean Astin stars as Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a young man who dreams of playing football for Notre Dame, despite lacking the height and strength typically expected with the sport. His relentless determination ultimately leads to a triumph against all odds. The film’s depiction of vulnerability and hope—not to mention the iconic scene in which Rudy is carried off the field—has made it one of the greatest feel-good football movies of all time.
4. “Any Given Sunday” (1999), dir. Oliver Stone
With a star-studded cast including Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, and Cameron Diaz, “Any Given Sunday” provides a behind-the-scenes look at professional football. The film takes on a raw, sometimes unfiltered perspective on the rougher side of professional sports, such as injuries, overblown egos, and financial concerns. Its intense and often chaotic portrayal of the football world examines characters torn between business and personal integrity.
5. “Jerry Maguire” (1996), dir. Cameron Crowe
Unlike most films on this list, Jerry Maguire focuses almost entirely on action off the football field. We’re given a unique perspective on the industry through the eyes of Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), a sports agent who strives to maintain his integrity while navigating the cutthroat world of sports management. The chemistry between Cruise and costar Cuba Gooding Jr. as struggling football player Rod Tidwell adds heart to the film, making it more than just a commentary on the business of sports. It has us saying, “Show me the money!”
6. “Concussion” (2015), dir. Peter Landesman
Few films underscore the gravity of the health implications of football quite like “Concussion.” Starring Will Smith as the real-life Dr. Bennet Omalu, the film focuses on the neuropathologist’s research and battle to bring awareness to the long-term effects of concussions in football players. While it may not be a feel-good football movie, it makes a significant contribution to the conversation surrounding the consequences of physical contact sports, and raises questions about player safety within professional leagues.
7. “We Are Marshall” (2006), dir. McG
Based on a true story, “We Are Marshall” tells the poignant tale of the Marshall University football team rebuilding after a tragic plane crash killed most of its players and coaches. Matthew McConaughey portrays Coach Jack Lengyel, hired to replace the deceased Coach Rick Tolley (Robert Patrick) after the devastating crash. The film is a moving tribute to resilience and community spirit, showcasing how sports go beyond just the game and can be a source of hope and healing.
8. “Varsity Blues” (1999), dir. Brian Robbins
“Varsity Blues” dives into the pressures faced by high school football players in a small Texas town (sound familiar?). James Van Der Beek plays Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a backup quarterback thrust into the spotlight. Exploring themes of parental expectations and teenage rebellion, the film manages to imbue familiar archetypes with nuance and complexity. Van Der Beek expertly performs the balance of his character’s internal struggles with the external pressures of being a teen athlete.
9. “Undefeated” (2011), dir. Daniel Lindsay and T. J. Martin
While many top football films focus on fictional characters or adaptations of true stories, the documentary “Undefeated” showcases the sport’s real-life struggles and triumphs. The film follows an underfunded high school football team in Memphis as they navigate obstacles and strive for improvement on and off the field, authentically depicting emotional stakes for both players and coaches. It won the 2012 Oscar for best documentary feature, solidifying its status as a must-watch football film.
10. “The Longest Yard” (2005), dir. Peter Segal
A remake of the 1974 classic, “The Longest Yard” features Adam Sandler as Paul Crewe, a disgraced former NFL player who leads a team of prison inmates against the guards in a high-stakes football game. The film navigates the fine line between comic timing and dramatic moments, making characters both amusing and relatable. While still a remake, the film finds a way to stand on its own with a unique blend of humor and heart.
Comedic Timing 101: How to Tell Jokes With Ease11. “Invincible” (2006), dir. Ericson Core
“Invincible” is based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old bartender who tries out for the Philadelphia Eagles and makes the team. Set against the Philly sports scene in the 1970s, this is a nostalgic underdog story reminding us that hard work and a healthy dose of self-confidence can make anything possible.
12. “The Replacements” (2000), dir. Howard Deutch
And speaking of underdog tales, let’s tackle the crowd-pleaser “The Replacements.” Keanu Reeves scores big as Shane Falco, a former college star leading a ragtag team of players during a pro football strike. Reeves’ performance shines with humility and determination, so you’ll be cheering from the sidelines when Falco and his band of misfits eventually triumph.
13. “The Express” (2008), dir. Gary Fleder
Some sports stories transcend the scoreboard, focusing instead on their impact on society—and “The Express” is one such story. Based on the true story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, this powerful film chronicles his life through racial tensions and adversity in the sport. Rob Brown delivers a moving performance as Davis, showcasing the courage and determination required to challenge societal norms. “The Express” reminds viewers that sometimes the most important victories happen off the field.
14. “Gridiron Gang” (2006), dir. Phil Joanou
Redemption is common among sports films, but what this one does differently is shine a light on the role of football in rehabilitation. Dwayne Johnson portrays Sean Porter, a probation officer who starts a football team at a juvenile detention center. Based on a true story, it’s an inspiring tale of second chances, overcoming adversity, and the ways that athletics can transform lives and foster hope in unlikely places.
15. “North Dallas Forty” (1979), dir. Ted Kotcheff
Not all football stories are touchdown dances and Gatorade showers. Enter “North Dallas Forty,” a film that offers a satirical look at the less-discussed aspects of professional football. Based on the novel of the same name by former NFL player Peter Gent, it stars Nick Nolte as Phillip Elliott, a player struggling with the physical and mental toll of the sport. Notably, the National Football League refused to assist with the film’s production in any way, leading to speculation that the story hit uncomfortably close to home.
16. “All the Right Moves” (1983), dir. Michael Chapman
Featuring a young Cruise, “All the Right Moves” follows a high school football player trying to secure a college scholarship to escape his small town. The hard-hitting coming-of-age film highlights the pressure and expectations put on student-athletes, as well as the complex dynamics of a community that revolves around football.
17. “Radio” (2003), dir. Michael Tollin
Many football movies leave us with lessons about teamwork, but “Radio” takes it a step further by exploring themes of acceptance and the impact one person can have on a community. The biographical film tells the story of James Robert “Radio” Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a man with an intellectual disability who becomes an inspiring figure for a high school football team. While the film has received controversy over the years due to its portrayal of Kennedy, it still serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of inclusion and empathy.
18. “Draft Day” (2014), dir. Ivan Reitman
The drama behind the scenes of the NFL Draft may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of winning football films, but “Draft Day” successfully sheds light on the intense and complicated process. Kevin Costner plays a fictional general manager for the Cleveland Browns, taking viewers through the strategic and emotional decisions involved in building a team. It’s a captivating deep dive into a lesser-known aspect of football and the pressure that goes into creating a successful team.
19. “Brian’s Song” (1971), dir. Buzz Kulik
Based on the real-life Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams), “Brian’s Song” is a touching tale of friendship and perseverance in the face of adversity. The film follows the journey of Sayers and Piccolo, who become roommates and unlikely friends despite their team’s racial tensions. The story centers around their bond and Piccolo’s battle with terminal cancer, leaving viewers with a bittersweet reminder of the power of friendship.
20. “The Waterboy” (1998), dir. Frank Coraci
Sandler balances physical comedy with emotional depth as Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward waterboy for a college football team who discovers his talent for hitting hard. Ridiculous, hilarious, and heartwarming, “The Waterboy” makes even the most absurd characters endearing to audiences through sincerity and relatability.