Best Football Movies to Watch before the Super Bowl Weekend

Do you think you are ready for the upcoming weekend’s big event, the Super Bowl 2016? No, you do not, until watching the best football movies. Or at least some of them. So grab a beer, find the remote control and let the film begin.

Remember the Titans

Starting with a modern era of film making – after 2000 –  the first and most recommended film is Remember the Titans with famous actor Denzel Washington (2000). The film is based on a true story about an African-American coach and his young team in the suburban segregated Virginia school.  After 2 schools (one black and one white) closed, the students are sent to T.C. Williams High School to integrate. In time, the teams learn to trust each other and become a symbol of the community.

Friday Night Lights

We cannot leave this film out from the best football movies, since sport is all about fighting, just like it appears in this piece. The story of Friday Night Lights (2004) is based on H.G.Bissinger’s book describing the rationally divided town of Odessa, Texas which struggles with economic crisis. There is only one thing worth experiencing in the town; Friday Night, when the high school football team of Odessa, The Permian High Panthers play. The team has a big winning tradition in Texas high school football. Starring with Billy Bob Thornton and Connie Cooper, this film is really a must see piece.

The Invincible

The Invincible (2006) is a biography-drama about the life of a 30-year-old bartender who has to overcome big odds to be a player for NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Back in the summer of 76’ Vince Papale loses his job and starts playing football. The coach of Philadelphia Eagles, Dick Vermeil, decides to hold open tryouts for the team, and our man, Vince gives it a try. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear, it is definitely one of the best football movies ever made by Hollywood producers.

Heaven Can Wait

Our next film is Heaven Can Wait (1978) which is an Oscar laureate in the category of best art direction/set decoration. A football quarterback, Joe Pendleton and his team prepare to the Super Bowl. The story develops and he is almost killed accidentally. However, an angel kicks him out of heaven. This is a comedy – fantasy – romance film, so heavy boys should avoid watching it.

Any Given Sunday

Any Given Sunday (1999) with Al Pacino and Cameron Diaz is a great movie, about the struggles of modern day gladiators – NFL players. A professional football player gets kicked off his quarterback position. The has to find a player to replace him. Well, it is not as easy as it sounds. Stunning performance, exciting story-line, so watch it!

The Longest Yard

The Longest Yard (2005) is an Adam Sandler movie. So, now you already know what to expect from this movie. It is about prison inmates and their football team against the guards. Paul Wrecking is a former football superstar, however he gets into jail due to his driving accident. He sets up a team in the prison against the sadistic guards.

Leatherheads

George Clooney fans should check the next movie on our list: Leatherheads (2008). The romantic comedy starts back in 1925 with a football hero’s determination to guide his team to packed stadiums. However, all of a sudden, the players lose their sponsor and the league faces financial collapse. The film was nominated for the Best Sports Movie Award in 2008.

The 5th Quarter

The 5 th Quarter (2010) is a real biography drama about a fatal car crash which takes the life of a 15-year-old boy (Luke), and his brother Jon Abbate who leads the team – Wake Forest Demon Deacons – to their most successful season in the school’s history. This piece won the Festival Prize during Boston Film festival in 2010.

Hometown Legend

Hometown Legend (2002) is a family drama about a teenager who decides to join a school football program which is headed by a tough-minded coach. Based on reviews, the football film has lots of solid action which is far from cliches. So if you want to see something unique without a predictable plot you should give it a chance.

Second String

Our last recommendation on the ‘compulsory football movie list’ is the Second String (2002) describing the story of an American football coach, Chuck Dichter who works with the Buffalo Bills and plans to crown his career with a Super Bowl victory. It is a comedy – drama with Jon Voight and Gil Bellows.

So here are some of the best football movies to prepare you for this year’s biggest football event, Super Bowl. It is even more fun if you bet on your favorite football team. Check our NFL Betting Guide before wagering your luck bet on your favorite team.