Football is more than a sport; it’s passion, struggle, and emotion. Movies about football show how players, teams, and fans give everything for victory – or how football changes lives. Whether based on true stories, epic matches, or inspiring underdog tales, these 15 movies perfectly capture the magic of football.
1. The Damned United (2009) – The most fascinating football coach ever
Michael Sheen plays Brian Clough, one of the most eccentric and controversial managers in English football history.
This biographical movie follows his disastrous 44 days as coach of Leeds United and how his ego and vision cost him dearly.
A brilliant character study and a must-see for every football fan.
2. Goal! The Dream Begins (2005) – The ultimate football dream
Santiago Muñez is a poor boy from Mexico who gets the chance to play in England for Newcastle United.
A classic underdog story about how hard work and talent can take you from the streets to professional football.
Perfect for fans dreaming of a career as a professional footballer.
3. Goal II: Living the Dream (2007) – The next step in professional football
In this sequel, Santiago Muñez moves to Real Madrid and must cope with the pressure and temptations of big money.
The movie shows the glamour and the dark sides of life as a superstar.
A must-watch if you loved Goal!.
4. Goal III: Taking on the World (2009) – The World Cup adventure
The least popular of the Goal! movies, but still interesting as it revolves around the World Cup.
Although the focus is less on Santiago, the movie effectively shows how football and national pride come together on the world stage.
5. Green Street Hooligans (2005) – The dark side of football
Elijah Wood plays an American student who gets caught up in the violent world of football hooligans in London.
An intense movie about fanaticism, friendship, and the extreme side of football supporters.
For fans of the rougher side of football.
6. Bend It Like Beckham (2002) – Women’s football and cultural conflicts
A young Indian woman in England dreams of a career as a professional footballer, but her traditional family wants her to lead a ‘normal’ life.
An inspiring and funny story about following your passion despite all obstacles.
For fans of female footballers and underdog stories.
7. United (2011) – The tragic story of the Busby Babes
This movie tells the true story of the Manchester United air disaster in 1958, which killed many young talents.
A moving tribute to the Busby Babes and how the club was rebuilt after the tragedy.
8. Escape to Victory (1981) – Football against the Nazis
In this bizarre but great movie, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pelé play together in a team of prisoners of war who must play football against the Nazis in a match of life and death.
A classic combining football, war, and heroism.
9. The Two Escobars (2010) – Football and the Colombian underworld
An impressive documentary about the connection between Pablo Escobar and the Colombian national football team in the 1990s.
The tragic story of Andrés Escobar, who was murdered after scoring an own goal at the 1994 World Cup, is central.
One of the best sports documentaries ever made.
10. Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016) – The story of a football legend
This movie shows how Pelé grew from a poor boy in Brazil into one of the greatest footballers of all time.
With beautiful football scenes and an inspiring story, this is a great movie for lovers of Brazilian football.
11. Diego Maradona (2019) – An explosive documentary about a football god
Director Asif Kapadia (known for Senna and Amy) impressively portrays the life of Diego Maradona.
The focus is on his prime years at Napoli, including his genius on the field and his self-destructive tendencies off it.
An absolute must-watch for fans of Maradona and football history.
12. Ronaldo (2015) – An exclusive look into the life of CR7
A documentary following Cristiano Ronaldo’s life up close, with footage of his family, training sessions, and his drive for perfection.
Whether you’re a fan or not, this movie shows his dedication to his sport.
13. The Class of ’92 (2013) – Manchester United’s golden generation
A documentary about David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt, the youth players who dominated with Manchester United in the 1990s.
A great insight into team spirit, perseverance, and football at the highest level.
14. Mean Machine (2001) – Football in prison
Vinnie Jones plays an ex-professional footballer who trains a team of inmates for a match against the guards.
A mix of hard action and humor, culminating in a great football match.
15. Shaolin Soccer (2001) – Football meets kung fu
This hilarious and absurd Chinese movie combines football and kung fu, with incredible action scenes and spectacular tricks.
A unique and entertaining movie for football fans looking for something different.
