Football Movies

Football Movies

Sports have long played a central part of movies coming out of Hollywood. From the early days of film to recent releases, football has especially been a popular movie theme. We take a look at some favorite football themed movies.

Any Given Sunday

The veteran coach of the Miami Sharks clashes with the headstrong daughter of the team’s late owner. Any Given Sunday starred Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx and Al Pacino.

All The Right Moves (1983)

Tom Cruise and Craig T. Nelson starred in 1983’s “All The Right Moves”. In the movie, a high school football player (Cruise) clashes with the team’s coach (Craig T. Nelson).

Brian’s Song (1971 and 2001)

“Brian’s Song” focuses on the friendship that develops between Chicago Bears teammates Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo especially when Piccolo is diagnosed with cancer. The 1971 version of the movie starred Billy D. Williams as Sayer and James Caan as Piccolo. In 2001, the same roles would be portrayed by Mekhi Phifer and Sean Maher, respectively.

Friday Night Lights (2004)

A small Texas town is obsessed with their local high school football team. “Friday Night Lights” starred Billy Bob Thornton and Tim McGraw.

Gridiron Gang (2006)

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson starred in 2006’s “Gridiron Gang”. What will happen when a Sean Porter (Johnson), a detention center counselor, convinces the group of troubled youth to form a football team?

Heaven Can Wait (1978)

The quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, Joe Pendleton, is dead. Or is he? Warren Beatty stars as Pendleton, who happens to come back in another person’s body.

Invincible (2006)

Based on a true story, “Invincible” told the story of Vince Papole, a bartender who makes the Philadelphia Eagles squad during open tryouts. Papole is portrayed by Mark Wahlberg. The movie also stars Greg Kinnear.

Jerry Maguire (1997)

Tom Cruise stars as the title character in this 1997 comedy about an unorthodox sports agent who is determined to keep his only client. Cuba Gooding Jr. won a best supporting actor Oscar for his work in the film which also stars Renee Zellweger.

Knute Rockne: All American (1940)

“Win one for the Gipper…” was actually a quote from a movie before in became a popular catch phrase in Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Reagan starred in the movie as George Gipp, a football player for Notre Dame. The film also starred Pat O’Brien.

The Last Boy Scout (1991)

It’s up to a former agent and football star to get to the bottom of some shady dealings in the sport. “The Last Boy Scout” starred Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans.

Longest Yard (1974 and 2005)

The incarcerated men of a state prison form a football to challenge the facility’s guards. Burt Reynolds starred in the 1974 version of the movies and also made a cameo appearance in the 2005 remake. Eddie Albert and James Cromwell played the prison’s warden in the 1974 and 2005 films, respectively. The role that was played by Burt Reynolds in the original movie would be portrayed by Adam Sandler in the 2005 remake which also starred Chris Rock.

Lucas (1986)

A young boy tries to “fit in” by not only making the high school’s football team but also falling in love with one of the most popular girls in school. “Lucas” starred Corey Haim, Winona Ryder and Charlie Sheen.

Necessary Roughness (1991)

Texas State University finds itself in a bind when they must form their football team from only the students attending their college. The result is a 30-something quarterback and a team of characters who aren’t exactly ideal. “Necessary Roughness” starred Scott Bakula.

North Dallas Forty (1979)

“North Dallas Forty” told the story of football player Phillip Elliott and how the game impacts his daily life. Nick Nolte portrayed Elliott.

Paper Lion (1968)

What happens when a local sports reporter gets the opportunity to play an exhibition game for the Detroit Lions who are opposing the Arizona Cardinals? Alan Alda and Lauren Hutton starred in “Paper Lion”.

Radio (2003)

A mentally challenged boy becomes the inspiration for the local high school team and community when the team’s coach encourages him to play the game. Based on a true story, “Radio” starred Cuba Gooding Jr. in the title role and Ed Harris as the coach who befriends him.

Remember The Titans (2000)

A Virginia high school team must adjustment when they are integrated and have a new African American coach. “Remember the Titans” stars Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, Donald Faison and Kate Bosworth.

The Replacements (2000)

Football season is threatened by a strike resulting in the league calling upon replacement players to fill the vacancies. “The Replacements” focuses on the Washington Sentinels who end up with a varied assortment of players. The movie stars Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman.

Rudy (1993)

Rudy (Sean Astin) is one of the most unlikely people to play Notre Dame Football. But he becomes an inspiration when he makes the team. “Rudy” also stars Ned Beatty.

Varsity Blues (1999)

When Lance Harbor (Paul Walker), the high school quarterback, is injured, Coach Kilmer (Jon Voight) must bring in Jon Moxon (James Van Der Beek) to replace him. Will the two be able to co-exist with the team?

The Waterboy

Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler) is a college waterboy who gets the chance to play football at the encouraging of Coach Klein (Henry Winkler). But will his Mama (Kathy Bates) approve?

We Are Marshall (2006)

“We Are Marshall” is based on the true story of the Marshall Football program. Tragedy strikes when most of the team and coaching personnel are killed in an airplane crash. When all seems hopeless, one man (Matthew McConaughey) tries to pick up the pieces to rebuild the team. The movie also stars Matthew Fox and David Strathairn.

Wildcats (1986)

Goldie Hawn starred in 1986’s “Wildcats” that told the story of a local football team who has to adjust to having a female coach. The film also starred Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes.

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