Regardless of whether you are a soccer fanatic or not, sometimes it’s fun to put on a movie about the amazing sport. If you are itching to learn about it or want to learn more about a player’s life, then watching a movie about soccer is a fun way to do it!
Watching these films will get you excited and eager to go outside and play the sport with your pals (or even on your own)!
‘The Two Escobars’
This riveting documentary from 2010 interweaves the stories of soccer player, Andres Escobar, and the world’s most notorious and powerful drug king Pablo Escobar.
It’s a very fasinating look at the intersection between crime, politics, and sports in 1990s Colombia!
‘The Damned United’
In this 2009 sports drama film, actor Michael Sheen plays the lead role of Brian Clough the extraordinary coach who headed Leeds United for 44 days. Even though his tactics as a manager were controversial, he is considered an icon.
The movie is based on David Peace’s bestselling (and mostly fictional) novel The Damned Utd, which is mostly based on the author’s interpretation of Clough’s tenure as the team’s manager in 1974.
‘Victory’
From 1981, this movie takes place during WWII, where a group of POW’s in Paris are prepping to play the German National Team.
During that time, the British and French resistance are working to flee from Nazi occupation. The film features an all-star cast and is masterfully directed by John Huston.
‘Diego Maradona’
Known as one of the best soccer players in the sport’s history, Diego Maradona (1960-2020) is at the center of this documentary film.
The movie is compiled with footage that has never been seen by the public and it’s all about the soccer star’s rise to fame.
‘Bend It Like Beckham’
In this wonderful film from 2002, Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra play two girls from the U.K. who do anything to become professional soccer players, despite all of the setbacks they encounter.
If you are in the mood for a feel-good movie that inspires you, then this is the one you want to watch tonight!
‘The Miracle of Bern’
This 2003 movie will pull at your heart strings, no doubt. It follows a boy Matthias (Louis Klamroth) who attempts to live an ordinary life in post-war Germany.
His friend is a player for the German national soccer team at the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Matthias finds solace and hope.
‘Becoming Zlatan’
This 2015 coming-of-age sports movie chronicles the rise of Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of his era’s best strikers. The bio pic captures the journey of Ibrahimović through his early years and he speaks candidly about his challenges.
The movie follows his life from 1999-2005, beginning with his start on the Malmö FF team through his tough years with Ajax Amsterdam, and his ultimate breakthrough in 2005 with Juventus.
‘Green Street Hooligans’
Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam are the stars of this incredible movie. It’s about Matt Buckner, a Harvard student who finds himself unfairly expelled.
When he goes to London and moves in with his sister, he becomes entranced with English soccer hooliganism and introduced to its violence and grittiness.
‘She’s The Man’
Amanda Bynes stars in this classic comedy from 2006. Bynes plays Viola, a girl who trades places with her twin brother, James, so she can attend boarding school and play soccer.
Not only does she end up experiencing a different way of life, but she also learns many important lessons in the process. The movie was based on Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night.
‘Ronaldo’
As you might have guessed, this 2015 movie follows the life of famous soccer star, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The riveting movie gives the audience a special look into Ronaldo’s life and this soccer pitch’s journey to fame, fortune, and stardom.
‘Goal! The Dream Begins’
This 2005 soccer movie is about the fictional soccer player Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) who is found by a scout for England’s Newcastle team. He ends up getting a chance to have a professional career in the sport.
The soccer prospect can’t let challenges get him down easily in order to succeed. Remarkably, several sequels have come out after the release of this movie.
‘Kicking and Screaming’
In this gut-punching comedy from 2005, Will Ferrell plays Phil, a competitive father who becomes the coach of his son’s soccer team.
Phil’s father Buck (Robert Duvall) always wanted his son to be an athlete, but Phil could never live up to his demands. When Phil starts coaching the team, things get quite interesting to say the least!
‘Johan Cruijiff: En un memento dado’
Regarded as one of the most influential figures in the soccer history, the documentary movie from 2004 follows Johan Cruijiff. It highlights the milestones of the soccer star’s career and is accompanied by amazing editing and narration.
Even though the film is in Spanish and Catalan, it’s available with subtitles. Cruijiff holds the title as the greatest Dutch footballer ever.
‘Fever Pitch’
This 1997 movie starring Colin Firth might be the few times you see the actor rocking a big head of hair.
In the film, Firth’s character Paul has to navigate his obsessive love for soccer and his relationship with Sarah (Ruth Gemmell). The movie is based on a novel by Nick Hornby.
‘Mean Machine’
Ex-soccer player Vinnie Jones stars in this great 2001 crime comedy. It follows Jones’ Danny Meehan as a former soccer coach who goes to jail.
During his time in prison, he is asked to train the guards’ soccer team against a group of convicts. Don’t miss this one – it’s an entertaining and fun movie!
‘Gascoigne’
If you want to know more about the professional soccer player, Paul Gascoigne, then definitely put this movie on. It chronicles his incredible life and it’s recounted directly by the star himself.
Gascoigne was one of the best players of his generation and one of the most prolific footballers of all time.
‘Playing for Keeps’
This 2012 film starring Gerard Butler has a brilliant cast including Jessica Biel, Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
In the movie, Butler is a retired sports star who attempts to pick up the pieces of his life by running his son’s soccer team. However, the lure of attractive soccer moms is present around every corner.
‘Early Man’
At first glance, you might be wondering what this movie is doing on this list! Well – it actually has a lot to do with soccer.
With the voices of Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, and Maisie Williams, this cute animated movie is worth a watch if you are in the mood for something light-hearted and silly.
‘Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos’
Don’t let the long title put you off, this movie is extremely well-made and highly intriguing. It’s all about the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos soccer team.
The legendary team is responsible for bringing the sporting icon Pelé to the United States!
‘Hermano’
In a Venezuelan slum, two boys grow up together as if they are brothers. Soccer is the only way out of their depressing village.
So, when a scout arrives to see them, nothing goes as they had planned.
‘Garpastum’
Set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1914, two brothers will stop at nothing to play soccer and attempt to purchase land for a soccer pitch in this 2005 movie.
Much to their dismay, WWI has begun, and their dreams seem less and less attainable.
‘We Must Go’
An Egyptian national men’s soccer team tries to come together in the middle of political unrest so they can compete in the FIFA World Cup. The 2014 documentary chronicles their trials and tribulations on their way to the top.
With an American coach, Bob Bradley, leading them, the team stops at nothing until they reach their goal.
‘Purely Belter’
This 2000 comedy drama film is more about the fans than it is about the sport itself, but it’s still a great movie. It’s about two young boys who don’t have the means to pay for season tickets for their local team, so they try all sorts of ways to raise the money.
From regular jobs to small-time crime, these British lads find themselves in a world of trouble.
‘The Arsenal Stadium Mystery’
Who could have guessed that the next spot on this list was a murder mystery? That’s right – this movie from 1939 follows the match between the professional team Arsenal and the Trojans, an amateur team.
To crack the mystery, it takes all of Scotland Yard’s smarts.
‘Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story’
As the title eludes, the movie centers on Jay DeMerit’s life and career. In the beginning, DeMerit had lots of challenges in the U.S. and he ended up moving to the U.K.
There, in England, he was able to make a name for himself.
‘Another Sunday and Sweet FA’
In this television play from 1972, Sunday League Football’s spirit is captured in all of its excitement and glory.
The film is about the comedic and dramatic side of soccer in a small town.
‘Offside’
In this significant 2006 movie, a group of Iranian women in Tehran is banned from watching a soccer match at a stadium. So, they took matters into their own hands and decide to dress up as male soccer fans.
The events of the film take place during the Bahrain vs. Iran match of 2005.
‘The Bromley Boys’
If you are in the mood for a funny British soccer comedy, then this is the one! The 2018 movie is about a 15-year-old boy (Brennock O’Connor) who becomes a diehard fan of his not-so-great local soccer team, Bromley.
When he discovers a secret that could forever change Bromley FC, his friends, and the chairman’s daughter, embark on a journey to investigate.
‘Next Goal Wins’
This 2014 documentary film directed by Taika Watiti is about the world’s worst soccer team, American Samoa. They are trained by Dutch coach Thomas Rongen and, despite all odds, try to win a game.
They are infamously known for a devastating 2001 FIFA match where they lost 31-0.
