The 30 Greatest Football Movies To Watch This Season

Many sports have enjoyed their cinematic companions, from baseball to basketball to hockey, but none have had quite the presence in American cinema as football. From early day silent films to modern dramas, from slapstick comedies to intimate documentaries, football has served as the source for many great stories of triumph and determination throughout movie history. And with so many football movies to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow down the absolute best of the best—but I believe I have. What follows is my list for the greatest football movies ever made. Ranging from the high school arena to college sports to the NFL, these are the films that should be on every football lover’s radar.

Football movies have enjoyed a long and diverse history that spans nearly a century. Going back to the early days, older films like The Freshman (released in 1925) and Horse Feathers (1932) typically used the sport as a comedic backdrop. But over the years, as the genre has evolved to mirror football’s growing cultural significance, football movies have become much more dramatic and serious in tone. In the 1970s, films like Brian’s Song and North Dallas Forty focused on the personal and dramatic aspects of the game, balancing on-field action with off-field character development. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, football films became much more varied, offering everything from dramatic stories of underdog triumphs (movies like Greater and Invincible) to humorous takes on football culture (The Waterb0y, Little Giants) to compelling documentaries that bring real stories to life (Undefeated, Go Tigers!).

Before we get into my rankings, let’s review the biggest football movies of all time. As far as box office success, The Blind Side stands above the rest with $309.2 million in global income, with $255.9 million coming from domestic sales. In second place is Jerry Maguire, which earned $273.5 million globally. Next in line are two football movies starring Adam Sandler: The Longest Yard with $191.4 million in worldwide ticket sales and The Waterboy with $185.9 million. But purely in terms of domestic ticket sales after accounting for inflation, the 1978 film Heaven Can Wait takes the cake with $326.9 million in revenue.

Now onto the rankings. It was tough to decide what did or didn’t constitute as a “football movie,” so I had to draw up some criteria. Essentially, football needs to be a major component of the plot to qualify. That means a movie like Jerry Maguire, which isn’t about a football player but about an agent who manages a professional athlete, did qualify, while a movie like Forrest Gump, which doesn’t feature much football time, did not qualify. From there, these rankings are purely based on my personal feelings for what not only constitutes a great movie, but a great football movie, one where the sport is an integral part of the storytelling. Without further ado, let’s get to the list.

30. American Underdog (2021)

Considered football’s greatest undrafted player of all time, Kurt Warner is the centerpiece of American Underdog, which chronicles the inspiring rise of this legendary presence from free agent to Super Bowl-winning quarterback and NFL MVP. This dramatic and uplifting biopic details his journey through hardships, from working at a grocery store to playing in the Arena Football League, before finally making it to the NFL. Through a story that heavily incorporates Warner’s commitment to faith and family (Warner was closely involved in the film’s production, providing insights into his life and career to ensure authenticity), American Underdog uses a mix of personal storytelling and football action to bring Warner’s fascinating journey to life. Directed by Andrew Erwin and Jon Erwin, the film stars Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, Ser’Darius Blain, Bruce McGill, Hayden Zaller, Chance Kelly, Adam Baldwin and Dennis Quaid.

Here’s where you can stream Underdog.

29. We Are Marshall (2006)

Based on a true story, the emotionally rich We Are Marshall recounts the aftermath of the tragic 1970 plane crash that killed members of the Marshall University football team and coaching staff. This inspiring film, which focuses on how loss, resilience and hope permeated a community collectively struggling with grief, follows the university and new coach Jack Lengyel as they attempt to rebuild the fragmented team and traumatized community. A heartfelt drama that uses the sport of football as a means to explore the process of healing, We Are Marshall received significant support from Marshall University, with many scenes filmed on campus and the cast spending time with survivors and relatives of those involved in the tragedy. You can feel the validity of the narrative because of this time the filmmakers and actors spent entrenching themselves into these people’s lives. Directed by McG, the film stars Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Ian McShane, Anthony Mackie, January Jones, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Brian Garaghty and David Strathairn.

Here’s where you can stream We Are Marshall.

28. Draft Day (2014)

Sonny Weaver Jr., the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, is the focus of the highly underrated football film Draft Day. The story follows Sonny as he navigates the high-pressure environment of the NFL Draft, with the film’s fast-paced, intense fervor matching the make-or-break nature of football’s annual event. As Sonny makes decisions that will affect the team’s future, he faces personal and professional challenges in his effort to build a winning team. Venturing off the football field and into the behind-the-scenes machinations that make the sport churn, Draft Day is as much a sports drama as a personal introspection, focusing on the negotiation and strategy of professional football management, as well as how the process affects those who are (and aren’t) drafted. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film stars Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Sam Elliott, Sean Combs, Terry Crews, Ellen Burstyn and Chadwick Boseman.

Here’s where you can stream Draft Day.

27. Little Giants (1994)

Inspired by a real-life 1992 McDonald’s Super Bowl commercial about a pee-wee football team that featured future NFL star Joe Montana, Little Giants is a family-friendly film I grew up loving. One of the absolute best comedies starring a kid-filled cast centers on a group of misfit kids who form their own football team, the Little Giants, to challenge the local elite unit, the Pee-Wee Cowboys team. Led by the underdog coach Danny O’Shea, these children learn the importance of teamwork, friendship and having fun in this lighthearted and humorous film filled with slapstick comedy and feel-good moments. A classic underdog story, Little Giants uses sports tropes in ways that will entertain adults as much as kids. Directed by Duwayne Dunham, the film stars Rick Moranis, Ed O’Neill, Devon Sawa, Shawna Waldron, Todd Bosley, Mike Zwiener and Danny Pritchett.

Here’s where you can stream Little Giants.

26. Greater (2016)

Inspired by the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on player for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Greater tells the story of the man who defied all odds to become an All-American and a symbol of hard work and determination. An ardent sports document that consistently stirs and uplifts, this under-appreciated drama follows Burlsworth’s journey from underdog to college football legend. With a focus on personal growth and determination, Greater uses the world of college football as a backdrop to tell a story of dedication and faith. Burlsworth is so beloved by his alma mater that his jersey number, 77, was retired by the University of Arkansas, making him one of only two players in the football-obsessed school’s history to receive that honor. Directed by David Hunt, the film stars Christopher Severio, Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Parks, Fredrick Lehne and Nick Searcy.

Here’s where you can stream Greater.

25. Invincible (2006)

Need proof that any average Joe can play in the big leagues? Look no further than Invincible. This classic underdog story tells the true tale of Vince Papale, a 30-year-old bartender who earns a spot on the Philadelphia Eagles during an open tryout. The hopeful film follows his incredible journey as he overcomes doubts and obstacles to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. A practical movie that avoids flashy techniques, Invincible opts for a blue-collar approach that captures Papale’s gritty journey—one that has as many low moments of self-doubt and personal struggle as moments of cathartic triumph and winning perseverance. Directed by Ericson Core, the movie stars Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Conway, Michael Rispoli, Kirk Acevedo, Dov Davidoff and Michael Kelly.

Here’s where you can stream Invincible.

24. Leatherheads (2008)

Set in the 1920s, Leatherheads—part comedy, part sports drama, part romance—is all about the early days of American football as it transitioned from a rough-and-tumble pastime to a more organized professional sport. The film follows Dodge Connolly, a veteran football player, as he attempts to legitimize the sport while dealing with the arrival of a college star and a sharp-tongued reporter. Leatherheads adopts a playful, nostalgic tone, with a blend of screwball comedy and period-inspired set pieces that sets it apart from most football movies—especially modern ones. Its style harkens back to classic romantic comedies, using witty banter and slapstick humor to ensure a more lighthearted take on the sport’s early days. Directed by George Clooney, the film stars Clooney, Renée Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce, Peter Gerety, Jack Thompson, Stephen Root and Wayne Duvall.

Here’s where you can stream Leatherheads.

23. Safety (2020)

In what has become on what has become one of the absolute best sports movies ever put out by Disney, Safety tells the true and heartwarming story of Ray McElrathbey, a Clemson University football player who takes custody of his younger brother after their mother’s struggles with addiction. The film follows Ray’s efforts to balance his academic and athletic responsibilities all while raising his younger brother and setting him up for a brighter future. The high-energy football games become an integral part of the characters’ journeys as Ray and his brother, Fahmarr, struggle to move past the trauma that weighs down their lives. There are as many intense on-the-field moments as there are tender exchanges between brothers in this emotionally rich sports drama. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film stars Jay Reeves, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Corinne Foxx, Matthew Glave, James Badge Dale, Robert Crayton and Hunter Sansone.

Here’s where you can stream Safety.

22. Harvard Beats Yale 29-29 (2008)

Several of the narrative-led films on this list do a great job of recounting true events. But sometimes you just can’t fully capture the authenticity of football’s culture outside the documentary format—as is the case with one of college sports’ most famous games in the documentary Harvard Beats Yale 29-29. This critically revered documentary recounts the iconic 1968 football game between Harvard and Yale, where an underdog Harvard team pulled off a stunning comeback to not win, but tie Yale in a rather strange game. More of a straightforward documentary, Harvard Beats Yale 29-29 relies on the action at hand to drive the interest and allows its compelling story to be led by interviews with the players. The film explores their experiences during the historic game, allowing the story to unfold in a raw and unfiltered format. Directed by Kevin Rafferty, the film features real players and coaches from the legendary game—which includes, believe it or not, Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, who played offensive guard for Harvard.

Here’s where you can stream Harvard Beats Yale 29-29.

21. The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008)

A poignant sports drama with a respectful, historical tone, The Express: The Ernie Davis Story tells the inspiring true story of highly influential and charismatic Ernie Davis, the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy. It follows his journey from young nobody athlete to star All-American player at Syracuse University, highlighting his challenges and triumphs both on and off the field. To this day, The Express: The Ernie Davis Story stands as one of the best films to detail the impact of breaking racial barriers in sports, blending on-field action with personal moments as it highlights the courage and resilience of such a monumental figure. Directed by Gary Fleder, the film stars Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Omar Benson Miller, Aunjanue Ellis, Clancy Brown, Darris Dewitt Henson, Nelsan Ellis and Saul Rubinek.

Here’s where you can stream The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.

20. Big Fan (2009)

A much-welcome outlier in the world of football movies, the bitingly dark comedy Big Fan centers on the “big fan” Paul Aufiero, a die-hard lover of the New York Giants. Seemingly every aspect of Paul’s life revolves around his obsession with the NFL team—but when an encounter with his favorite player goes wrong, he faces personal turmoil and a public reaction that challenges his devotion to the sport. Comedian Patton Oswalt’s performance as Paul in this offbeat, introspective showcase of sports fandom was widely praised for its depth and vulnerability, showcasing Patton’s range beyond his usual smaller comedic roles. The movie does a great job of portraying fandom’s obsessive side, using dry humor and uncomfortable situations to explore the boundaries of “passion” f0r sports and how people use sports to identify themselves. Directed by Robert Siegel, the movie stars Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rapaport, Marcia Jean Kurtz and Matt Servitto.

Here’s where you can stream Big Fan.

19. Paterno (2018)

In this tense drama that details of one of the 21st century’s biggest sports scandals, Paterno focuses on the aftermath of the Penn State child abuse scandal as seen through the eyes of legendary football coach Joe Paterno. The film examines the career and reputation of Paterno—portrayed by Al Pacino, who spent significant time studying the coach’s mannerisms and speech patterns to capture his persona authentically—all while exploring the complexities of the coach’s legacy amid the controversy. Reflective and thoughtful regarding a very serious matter in the world of sports, where younger people with less power are thrust into the hands of older people who decide their future, this powerful story about football delves into the moral and ethical questions surrounding Paterno’s involvement in the scandal, using a somber, dramatic style to explore a beloved figure’s fall from grace. Directed by Barry Levinson, the film stars Al Pacino, Riley Keough, Kathy Baker, Greg Grunberg, Annie Parisse, Ben Cook and Jim Johnson.

Here’s where you can stream Paterno.

18. Monday Night Mayhem (2002)

In what is undoubtedly one the best made-for-TV sports films in history, Monday Night Mayhem explores the creation and evolution of “Monday Night Football,” one of the most influential and enduring sports broadcasts in history. This behind-the-scenes period piece dives into the machinations between the network, announcers and production team in producing one of America’s most-hyped nights of television, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of bringing football into the primetime spotlight. The movie is based on the book “Monday Night Mayhem: The Inside Story of ABC’s Monday Night Football,” which provided an authentic recount of the show’s history, thus allowing the movie to offer viewers a glimpse into the television industry of yesteryear. Directed by Ernest Dickerson, the film stars John Turturro, John Heard, Kevin Anderson, Nicholas Turturro, Brad Beyer, Patti LuPone and Eli Wallach.

Here’s where you can stream Monday Night Mayhem.

17. Brian’s Song (1971)

One of the more revered sports movies that owns a legion of superfans, Brian’s Song tells the true story of the friendship between Chicago Bears teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. A poignant film that joins the ranks of the best dramas from that era explores themes of friendship, race and perseverance as it follows these teammates’ bond—transitioning from tense rivals to close friends as they face Piccolo’s devastating illness together. Treading off the beaten path for your typical sports film, this very serious story is deeply emotional, capturing the highs and lows of these two teammates’ harrowing journey with a straightforward, touching narrative that relies on heavyweight acting from its leads. Brian’s Song was originally made as a television movie, but the producers were so blown away after its completion that it earned a theatrical release. Directed by Buzz Kulik, the film stars James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack warden, Shelley Fabares, Judy Pace and Bernie Casey.

Here’s where you can stream Brian’s Song.

16. Woodlawn (2015)

Some of the best football stories take place not on the NFL field, but in the high school arena. Woodlawn is based on the true story of a high school football team in 1973 Birmingham, Alabama during a time of extreme racial tension. The movie follows the team’s journey as they find unity and hope through faith and football, led by their star player Tony Nathan (who went on to have a successful career in the NFL and served as a consultant during the film’s production). The movie features a swash of fantastic training montages that rival the scenes from great high school football films like Friday Night Lights, and incorporates a heavy focus on faith that becomes the foundation for this fierce team’s struggles and commitment to overcoming the odds. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, the movie stars Caleb Castille, Sean Astin, Jon Voight, C. Thomas Howell, Nic Bishop, Sherri Shepherd and Kevin Sizemore.

Here’s where you can stream Woodlawn.

15. The Waterboy (1998)

One of Adam Sandler’s most successful and quotable films of the 1990s (“My mama says that alligators are ornery because they got all them teeth and no toothbrush!”), The Waterboy is an outrageous comedy that follows Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward, mild-mannered waterboy for a college football team who discovers an unexpected talent for tackling—particularly, sacking the opposing quarterback. Encouraged by the team’s down-on-his-luck coach, and defying his mother’s warnings against the devilish sport of football, Bobby joins the team in this goofy, over-the-top film filled with incorporates slapstick humor and exaggerated characters and transforms into a star player, defying all expectations and gaining confidence he never knew existed. Oh, and amidst all of this, he meets the girl of his dreams, Vicki Vallencourt (his mother doesn’t approve of her, either). Directed by Frank Coraci, the film stars Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed, Peter Dante and Blake Clark.

Here’s where you can stream The Waterboy.

14. Horse Feathers (1932)

The next flick on our list features one of the earliest examples of American football on film—with a climactic game that is played with complete disregard for the rules. In the classic comedy Horse Feathers, Groucho Marx stars as Professor Wagstaff, the president of a failing college who decides that outfitting the football team for success at any and all costs is the key to success. Chaos ensues as the team recruits two unlikely players, resulting in a series of slapstick gags and side-splitting gaffes. For anyone unfamiliar with the Marx brothers’ trademark brand of comedy, Horse Feathers embodies the madcap, fast-paced style typical of their aesthetic, which uses witty dialogue, sight gags and absurd situations to create a lighthearted, farcical tone that’s quotable for days. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, the movie stars Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx, Thelma Todd and David Landau.

Here’s where you can stream Horse Feathers.

13. Go Tigers! (2001)

Documentaries seem to be the perfect format for football movies like Go Tigers! —a gritty, cinéma vérité-style depiction of small town culture that provides an unadulterated look into the impact of high school football in Massillon, Ohio. This revered sports documentary follows the town’s team, the Massillon Tigers, during their 1999 season. These driven kids not only chase athletic success but also grapple with intense expectations from a community that adores its team and the looming possibility of budget cuts will threaten their ability to compete. In effect, Go Tigers! stands as one of the best and most insightful documents of high school football on film, as it offers a critical look at how community obsession can place untenable expectations on teenagers who aren’t ready for such pressure. Directed by Kenneth A. Carlson, the documentary features real-life players, coaches and residents of Massillon.

Here’s where you can stream Go Tigers!.

12. Lucas (1986)

If there was ever a decade of movies concerned with the plight of the lonely high school student, it was the 1980s. And Lucas is the best sports drama in that arena. The film centers on a shy, intellectual 14-year-old teenager named Lucas, who develops a crush on an older girl and decides to join the football team to win her over—all while navigating the tumultuous terrain of high school life. The film adopts a very naturalistic approach to its story, capturing the awkwardness, confusion and fleeting moments of adolescence in ways that feel authentic, so that you feel you’re truly part of Lucas’ journey in this coming-of-age classic. One interesting fact here: Lucas marked the film debut of Winona Ryder, who would go on to become a big Hollywood star (and is still quite active to this day). Directed by David Seltzer, the film stars Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen, and Winona Ryder.

Here’s where you can stream Lucas.

11. Remember the Titans (2000)

If you were a fan of high school football during the 2000s, then you knew about (and probably loved) Remember the Titans. Set in the 1970s, this classic high school sports film is based on the true story of a newly integrated high school football team in Virginia. The story follows Coach Herman Boone as he takes over the head coaching position and strives to unite the players amid racial tension, leading them on a journey of growth and teamwork that defies expectations and transcends the social issues plaguing the times. One of the more rousing sports dramas from the 2000s era, Remember the Titans features some incredible on-field action, with its tight framing and impactful sound design making you feel you’re part of the game, as well as several emotionally charged moments that feature the community working through its issues via football. Directed by Boaz Yakin, the movie stars Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst, Donald Faison, Ethan Suplee, Nicole Ari Parker, Hayden Panettiere and Ryan Gosling.

Here’s where you can stream Remember the Titans.

10. The Longest Yard (1974)

In what later became a remake starring Adam Sandler, the original The Longest Yard stands to this day as one of the grittiest, truest-to-the-sport depictions of football ever put on film. This sports comedy-drama tells the story of Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former professional quarterback who ends up in prison. There, he is tasked with assembling a team of inmates to play against the guards for a story that’s as much of an action-comedy as it is a social commentary with anti-establishment aspirations. Perhaps more than any other football film ever made, The Longest Yard embraces the brutal realism and raw violence of football, especially in a situation where the guards and prison inmates are desperate to hurt and emasculate one another. Directed by Robert Aldrich, the movie stars Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter, Michael Conrad, James Hampton, Harry Caesar and John Steadman.

Here’s where you can stream The Longest Yard.

9. Concussion (2015)

The mental health of football players has increasingly become a topic of social attention over the past several years. And few experts were ahead of the curve on raising awareness about concussions than Dr. Bennet Omalu, the protagonist of Concussion. This biographical sports drama explores Bennet’s true story as the forensic pathologist discovers Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of deceased NFL players. The film details his fight to raise awareness about the dangers of repeated head trauma in football, all while facing resistance from the powerful football industry and those who wish to preserve the inherent rough-and-tumble nature of football. With its procedural, investigative approach, this truly moving film tackles the legacy of football and the impact it’s had on both participants in the sport and the families affected by its most damaging aspects. Directed by Peter Landesman, the movie stars Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard and Mike O’Malley.

Here’s where you can stream Concussion.

8. North Dallas Forty (1979)

While most football movies aim to capture the uplifting nature of sports and the good the game can provide for the individual, movies like North Dallas Forty present a much more unglamorous image. This sports flick that’s part drama, part comedy, offers a raw look into professional football that focuses on the off-field lives of players on a fictional Texas team. North Dallas Forty is based on the semi-autobiographical novel by former NFL player Peter Gent, and provides a candid look at the physical and emotional toll that the sport takes on its athletes. This aesthetic is bolstered by its intimate camerawork, which lends an almost documentary-like feel to the experience. To boot, the incredible script takes a darkly comedic and satirical approach to the commercialization of a professional sport that asks players to sacrifice their bodies for public consumption. Directed by Ted Kotcheff, the movie stars Nick Nolte, Mac Davis, G.D. Spradlin, Dayle Haddon, Bo Svenson, John Matuszak and Marshall Colt.

Here’s where you can stream North Dallas Forty.

7. The Freshman (1925)

You probably didn’t expect to see a silent film on this list. But as a major fan of silent films myself, and as a fan of one of the era’s biggest comedic stars, Harold Lloyd, I knew I couldn’t pass up including The Freshman in the Top 10. This classic silent comedy explores the college experience and the universal desire to fit in through Harold Lamb (played by Lloyd), a socially awkward but determined young man who goes to college with high hopes of becoming popular. Inspired by movie clichés of the ideal college life, The Freshman effectively critiques the conventional narratives that typically populate sports stories, capturing the tension between the players’ passion for football and the dehumanizing aspects of the sports industry. Anybody curious about getting into silent films might be surprised by how well the movie’s slapstick comedy and physical humor holds up to this day. Directed by Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor, the movie stars Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Rolston, Brooks Benedict, James Anderson and Hazel Keener.

Here’s where you can stream The Freshman.

6. Rudy (1993)

This may not be the top football movie on our list, but it does contain what might be the best moment in sports movie history. Rudy tells the true story of its titular character, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who long held dreams of playing football for the University of Notre Dame—despite his small size, despite his lack of athletic ability and despite his academic qualifications. Nevertheless, Rudy fights his way onto the team, resulting in a motivational story about the power of hard work and dedication. The film places heavy emphasis on achieving the small victories of life as part of our incremental growth, as told through the eyes of the everyman character of Rudy, who grinds his way through the gritty reality of training, the academic challenges of balancing an athletics schedule and the emotional toll of chasing a seemingly impossible dream. The final scene of this movie (don’t worry—no spoilers) offers the most satisfying catharsis possible to such a turbulent tale. Directed by David Anspaugh, the movie stars Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Robert Prosky, Jason Miller, Lily Taylor, Mitch Rouse, John Beasley and Vince Vaughn.

Here’s where you can stream Rudy.

5. Heaven Can Wait (1978)

Hollywood has a rich history of movies where people die and go to Heaven, only to be gifted a second chance at life. Heaven Can Wait brought that formula into the sports arena with a fantastical, humorous take. This fantasy-comedy follows Joe Pendleton, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams who is prematurely taken to the afterlife, a.k.a. Heaven, due to a celestial mistake. He is given another shot at lfie, but only in the body of a recently deceased millionaire. The movie then follows Joe as he tries to reclaim his football career while navigating his new life. One of the few football movies on this list that I’d describe as “whimsical” and “fantastical,” this classic is a breath of fresh air in the sports genre, as its aesthetic is sleek and carefully composed, enhanced by an elegant and warm dreamlike quality as it explores life on the other side of tragedy. Joe’s equates a second chance at life with pursuing his football dreams, which creates for both a comedic and moving depiction of ambition and who we become in the pursuit of our dreams. Directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry, the movie stars Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason, Jack Warden, Charles Grodin, Dyan Cannon, Buck Henry and Vincent Gardenia.

Here’s where you can stream Heaven Can Wait.

4. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Of all the movies on this list, Jerry Maguire is the one I hold dearest, that I’m most nostalgic for. While it doesn’t have enough football scenes to justify placing it higher than #4, it does capture the spirit of dedication and determination required by the sport through its central titular character: a sports agent who experiences a moral epiphany that leads him to pursue a more honest and compassionate approach to his relationship with athletes. After leaving his sports agency, Jerry decides to go solo with his new philosophy, joined by his assistant, Dorothy, who was deeply inspired by his message, and a charismatic wide receiver, Rod Tidwell, who helps Jerry see his vision through. The movie’s most famous line of “Show me the money!” perfectly captures the tension of Jerry’s journey and what makes Jerry Maguire such a classic sports movie, as he finds out his job isn’t about the money, but instead about the catharsis one achieves through one’s actions—whether that’s on the field, where Rod proves himself as an elite athlete, or off the field, where Jerry learns to live life by his own rules. Directed by Cameron Crowe, the movie stars Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston, Jerry O’Connell, Jay Mohr, Bonnie Hunt, Regina King and Jonathan Lipnicki.

Here’s where you can stream Jerry Maguire.

3. Undefeated (2011)

This list wouldn’t be proper if I wasn’t including what many consider to be the greatest football documentary of all time: the Academy Award-winning Undefeated. This powerful sports documentary chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the Manassas High School football team in North Memphis, Tennessee, a program that has historically been plagued by failure. The film focuses on Coach Bill Courtney’s efforts to transform the team and, in turn, the lives of the young men he mentors. Armed with a cinéma vérité approach, employing handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a raw depiction of high school sports, Undefeated immerses the audience in the lives of the players and coaches more effortlessly and engagingly than any other football documentary. We become so personally intertwined with the personal struggles and growth of several key players, such as O.C. Brown, Chavis Daniels, and Montrail “Money” Brown, as well as the challenges faced by Coach Bill Courtney, that we can’t help but cheer and cry alongside their journeys. The film is edited to carry such a tremendous sense of momentum, constantly paralleling the football season’s progression and the players’ development as they try to become something more than what’s expected of them. Directed by Daniel Lindsay and T. J. Martin, the movie features real-life players and coaches from the Manassas Tigers.

Here’s where you can stream Undefeated.

2. Friday Night Lights (2004)

There are several high school-focused football movies on this list, to the point where student-led football feels just as integral to football culture in the United States as the professional level. And while there are several great high school football movies that capture that enthusiasm, none of them did it quite like Friday Night Lights (which in turned spawned a long-running television show). This classic sports drama that follows the high-pressure world of high school football in the small town of Odessa, Texas. The film, based on the non-fiction book by H.G. Bissinger, focuses on the Permian Panthers’ 1988 season and captures the intense football culture of small towns and how it affects the lives of the players and their coaches. There’s such a vibrant sense of authenticity to the film, with the handheld cinematography creating an intimate, on-the-ground feel, placing viewers directly in the football field’s fray as well as in the strenuous personal lives of the characters. There’s a stark realism to the film that emphasizes the economic hardships and societal pressures faced by the community—allowing Friday Night Lights to become the ultimate document of high school sports’ importance in America. Directed by Peter Berg, the movie stars Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Tim McGraw, Connie Britton and Lee Thompson Young.

Here’s where you can stream Friday Night Lights.

1. Any Given Sunday (1999)

My argument for Any Given Sunday being #1 is simple. Not only is it an amazing movie that stands on its own without the football components, but as a football movie, there’s simply nothing else that matches it. The film features so much actual game footage over the course of an entire season, and is so intertwined with how football affects the lives of everybody tangentially related to football, from players to coaches to owners to agents to fans, and so effectively captures how football affects the everyday culture in America—there just isn’t another movie like it. Any Given Sunday tells the season-long story of the Miami Sharks, a struggling football team that is fighting to make the playoffs under veteran coach Tony D’Amato, who clashes with young owner, Christina Pagniacci, over the team’s future. When the team’s top two quarterbacks are injured, the shaky third-stringer Willie Beamen steps in and slowly but surely gains enough confidence to become a star quarterback—one that both unites and divides the team as his ego inflates. Obviously the story is great, but it’s how the story is told visually that makes Any Given Sunday the best football movie ever, with its kinetic, fast-paced game-time footage matching the harrowing struggles faced by those invested in the Sharks’ success. Directed by Oliver Stone, the movie stars Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, James Woods, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Ann-Margret, Lauren Holly and Lawrence Taylor.

Here’s where you can stream Any Given Sunday.

Bottom Line

Football movies aim to capture the rapturous culture surrounding America’s most popular sport. These are the thirty movies that do it best, from high school games to professional sports and everything in between.