The Best Movies About Or Featuring Soccer
“What are the best Soccer Movies?” We looked at 62 of the top Soccer films, aggregating and ranking them so we could answer that very question!
The top 24 films, all appearing on 3 or more “Best Soccer” movie lists, are ranked below by how many times they appear. The remaining 30+ movies, as well as the sources we used, are in alphabetical order on the bottom of the page.
Happy Scrolling!
Top 24 Best Soccer Movies Ever Made
24 .) The Firm (1989) directed by Alan Clarke
Lists It Appears On:
- Seat Geek
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
This is the story of rival “Firms” of football (soccer) supporters, and how one man has a wish to team them up for the European Championships of 1988. However, when this is discussed, the opposing leaders are not happy, as they believe this is a challenge to their authority. This Film shows how football violence has progressed from pure violence to a form of organised crime, to the extent that all the leaders know each others’ phone numbers.
23 .) The Cup (1999) directed by Khyentse Norbu
Lists It Appears On:
- Forbes
- IMDB
- The New Daily
While the soccer World Cup is being played in France, two young Tibetan refugees arrive at a monastery/boarding school in exile in India. Its atmosphere of serene contemplation is disrupted by soccer fever, the chief instigator being a young student, the soccer enthusiast Orgyen who desperately seeks a TV to watch the final.
22 .) She’s The Man (2006) directed by Andy Fickman
Lists It Appears On:
- Film School Rejects
- Hypable
- Mashable
Viola Johnson is in a real jam. Complications threaten her scheme to pose as her twin brother, Sebastian, and take his place at a new boarding school. She falls in love with her handsome roommate, Duke, who loves beautiful Olivia, who has fallen for Sebastian! As if that were not enough, Viola’s twin returns from London ahead of schedule but has no idea that his sister has already replaced him on campus.
21 .) Looking for Eric (2009) directed by Ken Loach
Lists It Appears On:
- IMDB
- Indiewire
- The New Daily
A man trying to put his life back on track gets some advice from an unexpected benefactor (the ex football player Eric Cantona) in this comedy-drama from acclaimed British director Ken Loach.
20 .) Air Bud: World Pup directed by Bill Bannerman
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Common Sense Media
- Mashable
In this second heartwarming and hilarious sequel to the popular favorite, Air Bud masters two new starring roles: soccer (real football) player and fatherhood. Loaded with laughs and cool soccer action, Buddy teams up alongside U.S. women’s soccer greats.
19 .) The Miracle of Bern (2003) directed by Sönke Wortmann
Lists It Appears On:
- IMDB
- The Cinemaholic
- World Soccer Talk 2
The movie deals with the championship-winning German soccer team of 1954. Its story is linked with two others: The family of a young boy is split due to the events in World War II, and the father returns from Russia after eleven years. The second story is about a reporter and his wife reporting from the tournament.
18 .) United (2011) directed by James Strong
Lists It Appears On:
- Complex
- Golden Shoes Movie
- IMDB
United is based on the true story of Manchester United’s legendary “Busby Babes”, the youngest side ever to win the Football League and the 1958 Munich Air Crash that claimed eight of the their number. The film draws on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the inspirational story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.
17 .) When Saturday Comes (1996) directed by Maria Giese
Lists It Appears On:
- Filmy Keeday
- IMDB
- Real Buzz
Jimmy Muir comes from a typical gritty, northern town where there are only two options: working down the pit or in a factory. But Jimmy has other ideas – he dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Confronted by a bitter and unsupportive father, hard drinking friends and a lifetime of bad habits…has Jimmy the will to achieve his ultimate goal?
16 .) Offside (2006) directed by Jafar Panahi
Lists It Appears On:
- Film School Rejects
- Filmy Keeday
- IMDB
- The Cinemaholic
Since women are banned from soccer matches, Iranian females masquerade as males so they can slip into Tehran’s stadium to see the game between Iran and Bahrain. The ones who are caught and arrested are taken to a holding area and guarded by soldiers. One sympathetic soldier agrees to watch the game through a peephole and recount the action to the impatient fans.
15 .) Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos directed by Paul Crowder, John Dower
Lists It Appears On:
- Deseret News
- Indiewire
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
In the 1970s the North American Soccer League marked the first attempt to introduce soccer to American sports fans. While most teams had only limited success at best, one managed to break through to genuine mainstream popularity – the New York Cosmos. The brainchild of Steve Ross (Major executive at Warner Communications) and the Ertegun brothers (Founders of Atlantic Records), the Cosmos got off to a rocky start in 1971, but things changed in 1975 when the world’s most celebrated soccer star, the Brazilian champion Pele, signed with the Cosmos for a five-million-dollar payday. With the arrival of Pele, the Cosmos became a hit and the players became the toast of the town, earning their own private table at Studio 54. A number of other international soccer stars were soon lured to the Cosmos, including Franz Beckenbauer, Rodney Marsh, and Carlos Alberto, but with the turn of the decade, the team began losing favor with fans and folded in 1985. ×
14 .) The Two Escobars (2010) directed by Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist
Lists It Appears On:
- Indiewire
- Seat Geek
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
Pablo Escobar was the richest, most powerful drug kingpin in the world, ruling the Medellin Cartel with an iron fist. Andres Escobar was the biggest soccer star in Colombia. The two were not related, but their fates were inextricably-and fatally-intertwined. Pablo’s drug money had turned Andres’ national team into South American champions, favored to win the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles. It was there, in a game against the U.S., that Andres committed one of the most shocking mistakes in soccer history, scoring an “own goal” that eliminated his team from the competition and ultimately cost him his life. The Two Escobars is a riveting examination of the intersection of sports, crime, and politics. ×
13 .) Kicking & Screaming (2005) directed by Jesse Dylan
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Complex
- IMDB
- Indiewire
- Mashable
Phil Weston has been unathletic his entire life. In college he failed at every sport that he tried out for. It looks like his 10-year old son, Sam, is following in his footsteps. But with becoming the coach of The Soccers, an already successful soccer team, everything changes.
12 .) Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001) directed by Steve Barron
Lists It Appears On:
- Cleats
- IMDB
- Real Buzz
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk 2
Mike Bassett: England Manager is an hilarious British Comedy that stars Ricky Thomlinson. Featuring Cameos from Barry Venison, Gabby Yorath, Atomic Kitten and Pele.When the England manager has a heart attack, footballs’ top brass turn to Mike Bassett (basically no one else wanted the job). England lose Mike’s first two games in charge. His team struggles to a goal-less draw in the final qualifying match but, thanks to a fluke result elsewhere, England qualify for the finals in Brazil.In South America things go from bad to worse. Pressure is mounting for Mike. An embarrassing drunken performance caught by a new photographer seals his fate as the most unpopular Englishman ever.However, Mike makes an impassioned plea for the country to get behind him – fans, press, players…. even his wife. Can Mike turn the tide and bring football home ? .. ×
11 .) The Football Factory (2004) directed by Nick Love
Lists It Appears On:
- Cleats
- Complex
- Global Film Locations
- IMDB
- World Soccer Talk 2
The Football Factory is more than just a study of the English obsession with football violence, it’s about men looking for armies to join, wars to fight and places to belong. A forgotten culture of Anglo Saxon males fed up with being told they’re not good enough and using their fists as a drug they describe as being more potent than sex and drugs put together.
10 .) The Game of Their Lives (2005) directed by David Anspaugh
Lists It Appears On:
- Complex
- Deseret News
- Filmy Keeday
- IMDB
- Real Buzz
Based on a true story, this film tells the tale of the 1950 US soccer team who, against all odds, beat England 1 – 0 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Although no US team has yet won a World Cup title, this story is about the family traditions and passions which shaped the lives of the players who made up this team of underdogs.
9 .) Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006) directed by Douglas Gordon, Philippe Parreno
Lists It Appears On:
- Cleats
- Indiewire
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
Halfway between a sports documentary and an conceptual art installation, “Zidane” consists in a full-length soccer game (Real Madrid vs. Villareal, April 23, 2005) entirely filmed from the perspective of soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane.
8 .) Green Street Hooligans (2005) directed by Lexi Alexander
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Complex
- Forbes
- IMDB
- The Cinemaholic
- World Soccer Talk 2
After being wrongfully expelled from Harvard University, American Matt Buckner flees to his sister’s home in England. Once there, he is befriended by her charming and dangerous brother-in-law, Pete Dunham, and introduced to the underworld of British football hooliganism. Matt learns to stand his ground through a friendship that develops against the backdrop of this secret and often violent world. ‘Green Street Hooligans’ is a story of loyalty, trust and the sometimes brutal consequences of living close to the edge. ×
7 .) Mean Machine (2001) directed by Barry Skolnick
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Cleats
- Complex
- Film School Rejects
- Global Film Locations
- IMDB
Disgraced ex-England captain (Danny ‘Mean Machine’ Meehan) is thrown in jail for assaulting two police officers. He keeps his head down and has the opportunity to forget everything and change the lives of the prisoners. These prisoners have the chance to put one over the evil guards. The prisoners are lead by Danny and the whole of the prison, guards aside, are behind them.
6 .) Shaolin Soccer (2001) directed by Stephen Chow
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Common Sense Media
- Deseret News
- Filmy Keeday
- Forbes
- Hypable
- IMDB
- The Cinemaholic
- The Comeback
A young Shaolin follower reunites with his discouraged brothers to form a soccer team using their martial art skills to their advantage.
5 .) Fever Pitch (1997) directed by David Evans
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Cleats
- Complex
- Film School Rejects
- Indiewire
- Mashable
- Real Buzz
- The Cinemaholic
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
A romantic comedy about a man, a woman and a football team. Based on Nick Hornby’s best selling autobiographical novel, Fever Pitch. English teacher Paul Ashworth believes his long standing obsession with Arsenal serves him well. But then he meets Sarah. Their relationship develops in tandem with Arsenal’s roller coaster fortunes in the football league, both leading to a nail biting climax.
4 .) Goal! The Dream Begins (2005) directed by Danny Cannon
Lists It Appears On:
- Cleats
- Common Sense Media
- Complex
- Film School Rejects
- Filmy Keeday
- Global Film Locations
- Golden Shoes Movie
- Hypable
- IMDB
- Real Buzz
- Seat Geek
- The Cinemaholic
- The Comeback
- World Soccer Talk 2
Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago harbors the dream of being a professional footballer…However, living in the Barrios section of Los Angeles, he thinks it is only that–a dream. Until one day an extraordinary turn of events has him trying out for Premiership club Newcastle United.
3 .) The Damned United (2009) directed by Tom Hooper
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Cleats
- Complex
- Film School Rejects
- Filmy Keeday
- Global Film Locations
- IMDB
- Mashable
- Seat Geek
- The Cinemaholic
- The Comeback
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
Taking over Leeds United, Brian Clough’s abrasive approach and his clear dislike of the players’ dirty style of play make it certain there is going to be friction. Glimpses of his earlier career help explain both his hostility to previous manager Don Revie and how much he is missing right-hand man Peter Taylor.
2 .) Bend It Like Beckham (2002) directed by Gurinder Chadha
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Cleats
- Common Sense Media
- Film School Rejects
- Filmy Keeday
- Forbes
- Golden Shoes Movie
- Hypable
- IMDB
- Indiewire
- Mashable
- Real Buzz
- Seat Geek
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk 2
Jess Bhamra, the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18. When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton, who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team. Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe.
1 .) Escape to Victory (1981) directed by John Huston
Lists It Appears On:
- Barstool Sports
- Cleats
- Complex
- Deseret News
- Film School Rejects
- Filmy Keeday
- Forbes
- Global Film Locations
- IMDB
- Indiewire
- Mashable
- Real Buzz
- Seat Geek
- The New Daily
- World Soccer Talk
- World Soccer Talk 2
A group of POWs in a German prison camp during World War II play the German National Soccer Team in this powerful film depicting the role of prisoners during wartime.
The 30+ Additional Best Soccer Films
| # | Movies | Directors | Lists |
| 25 | Gracie | Common Sense Media | |
| – | – | – | Deseret News |
| 26 | Green Street (2005) | Filmy Keeday | |
| – | – | – | Real Buzz |
| 27 | Gregory’s Girl (1980) | Bill Forsyth | IMDB |
| – | – | – | The New Daily |
| 28 | Maradona | Cleats | |
| – | – | – | Indiewire |
| 29 | Playing for Keeps (2012) | Gabriele Muccino | IMDB |
| – | – | – | Mashable |
| 30 | Rudo y Cursi (2008) | Carlos Cuarón | IMDB |
| – | – | – | Indiewire |
| 31 | The Big Green (1995) | Holly Goldberg Sloan | IMDB |
| – | – | – | Mashable |
| 32 | There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000) | John Hay | IMDB |
| – | – | – | Real Buzz |
| 33 | Two Half-Times in Hell (1961) | Zoltán Fábri | IMDB |
| – | – | – | The Cinemaholic |
| 34 | A Shot at Glory (2000) | Michael Corrente | IMDB |
| 35 | Africa United | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 36 | Best (2000) | Real Buzz | |
| 37 | Cass | The Comeback | |
| 38 | Fever Pitch (2005) | Bobby Farrelly | IMDB |
| 39 | Football Factory (2004) | The Cinemaholic | |
| 40 | Goal II: Living the Dream (2007) | Jaume Collet-Serra | IMDB |
| 41 | Goal! III (2009 Video) | Andrew Morahan | IMDB |
| 42 | Her Best Move | Mashable | |
| 43 | La gran final (2006) | Gerardo Olivares | IMDB |
| 44 | Ladybugs (1992) | Sidney J. Furie | IMDB |
| 45 | Movies ~actual soccer fans~ recommend | Mashable | |
| 46 | Mustang (2015) | Film School Rejects | |
| 47 | Next Goal Wins | Common Sense Media | |
| 48 | Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016) | Seat Geek | |
| 49 | Prakash Jha’s Hip Hip Hurray (1983) | Forbes | |
| 50 | Rise Of The Footsoldier | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 51 | Sixty Six | Deseret News | |
| 52 |
Soccer movies I’ve never actually seen that look slightly promising
|
Mashable | |
| 53 | Switching Goals | Mashable | |
| 54 | The ‘Goal!’ Trilogy | Barstool Sports | |
| 55 | The Arsenal Stadium Mystery | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 56 |
The FIFA 2006 World Cup Film: The Grand Finale (2006)
|
The Cinemaholic | |
| 57 |
The Goalkeeper’s Fear of the Penalty (Germany) (1972)
|
Filmy Keeday | |
| 58 | The Match | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 59 | The Miracle Match | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 60 | The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants | Mashable | |
| 61 | The World At Their Feet | World Soccer Talk 2 | |
| 62 | Will (I) (2011) | Ellen Perry | IMDB |
21 Best Soccer Film Sources/Lists
| Source | Article |
| Barstool Sports | The 10 Best Soccer Movies |
| Cleats | Best Soccer Movies Ever Made |
| Common Sense Media | Best Soccer Movies |
| Complex | 10 Soccer Movies To See Before You Die |
| Deseret News | 6 of the best soccer movies for families |
| Film School Rejects | 9 Soccer Movies To Keep You In The World Cup Spirit After The Final |
| Filmy Keeday | Top 10 Must Watch Movies based on Football/Soccer |
| Forbes | The Best Soccer Movies |
| Global Film Locations | 5 Best Soccer Movies Ever Made |
| Golden Shoes Movie | The Best Soccer Movies of All Time |
| Hypable | 4 of the best soccer movies to watch now that the World Cup has ended |
| IMDB | The Best Football (Soccer) Movies |
| Indiewire | 10 Soccer Movies That Will Leave You ‘Playing For Keeps’ |
| Mashable | 12 kick-ass soccer movies to watch instead of the World Cup |
| Real Buzz | Top 10 Soccer Movies |
| Seat Geek | Best Soccer Movies of All Time |
| The Cinemaholic | 10 Best Soccer Movies of All Time |
| The Comeback | 4 Must-See Soccer Movies You’ve Probably Never Heard Of |
| The New Daily | Top 10 best soccer movies ever to hit the screen |
| World Soccer Talk | The 7 Greatest Soccer Movies Of All Time |
| World Soccer Talk 2 | The Ultimate Guide to Soccer Movies |
