Across various locations and cultures, soccer has gained widespread popularity as an engaging sports game. Immersing yourself in soccer-themed films offers a fun experience and inspires you to participate in the sport. By exploring diverse genres of soccer movies, you’ll gain valuable insights into every facet of this beloved pastime. If you’re passionate about soccer, make sure to watch these movies to fuel your motivation and maintain an active lifestyle! And now, let’s delve into our top 50 soccer and football films of all time!
1. Maradona (2019)
The film focuses on the life and career of Diego Armando Maradona, a renowned footballer from the 1980s who was highly acclaimed for his exceptional skills on the pitch. Known for being Argentina’s top player, he consistently delivered top-notch performances in football history. This movie chronicles the story of Maradona, one of the greatest soccer players the world has ever produced.
2. Football Factory (2004)
The Football Factory movie portrays a genuine account of football-related hooliganism, focusing on four working-class characters: Tommy, Bill, Billy Bright, and Zeberdee. This British film is an exploration into the deep-rooted passion for football violence in England. The story primarily revolves around a man known as Chelsea, whose life is dominated by violence, alcohol, drugs, sexual encounters, and soccer.
3. Escape to Victory (1981)
A football enthusiast’s dream would be to watch “Escape to Victory,” a top-notch football movie set during World War II. In this unique match, prisoners of war (POW) faced off against the Germans. Despite the dire circumstances, the POWs chose to take on the challenge with everything they had. The stakes were high – if they lost, they would gain freedom in Switzerland; but if they won, they risked facing intense gunfire. What a gripping tale of courage and sportsmanship!
As victors in the game, prisoners of war encountered intense gunfire and shooting. They believed that triumphing would provide a means for their liberation from the camps. The soccer-loving Karl Von Steiner, head of the German POWs, arranged for a match between the two sides. Gradually, escaping was a covert aim they had to deal with the gunfire.
4. Mean Machine (2001)
Mean Machine” – A Hilarious British Sports Film
This film delves into the life of former English footballer, Danny Meehan. After getting caught for rigging a game against Germany, he serves time in prison.
The narrative unfolds following Danny’s incarceration. In prison, Danny assembled a group to challenge the wardens and other authority figures. As a fallen football player, Danny manipulated a game: arranging a match between the prison guards and inmates.
5. Looking For Eric (2009)
The film centers on Eric Cantona, a renowned and tenacious French soccer player known for his exceptional skills. Known as the best footballer of his generation, the movie delves into the essence of fervent fanaticism, while also highlighting his off-pitch battles instead of just the games he played.
Throughout much of his career, Eric Cantona grappled with complex relationships with his spouse and child, as depicted in the film “Looking for Eric,” which delves into those very challenges.
6. The Damned United (2009)
The Troubled Coach”
The film, “The Damned United,” portrays the tumultuous life story of Brian Clough, a football player known for his explosive and peculiar personality. Like any coin, Clough’s life had two facets. One side represented his professional journey, particularly during his 44-day tenure as Leeds United’s manager in 1974, which was marked by controversy and conflict.
7. Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001)
From a cinephile’s perspective, I find myself stepping into the role of the freshly appointed manager of the esteemed British football squad. The seat was vacated by our previous leader who suffered a tragic heart attack, leaving us all in mourning and eager for new leadership. With unyielding ambition coursing through my veins, I boldly declared that our triumphant return to the pinnacle of world football – the World Cup – is imminent.
At first, Mike served as manager for a lower football league team that clinched the Mr. Clutch Cup. His focus was on preparing this team to compete in the World Cup qualifiers. After successfully securing a spot at the World Cup, he set off for Brazil for the tournament’s finale. However, despite his hard work, England didn’t emerge victorious. This unfortunate defeat and the subsequent humiliation were not what Mike had anticipated.
8. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
The film is an ideal selection for football enthusiasts seeking a true-to-life narrative. In this tale, we follow former Madrid football player Zidane who takes on a Liga clash against Villarreal in 2005 – the encounter between Real Madrid and Villarreal during Spain’s La Liga competition. During the game, Zidane’s actions were aggressive and unsuitable, resulting in public shame. Consequently, he was banned from participating in the World Cup final match.
9. The Goal: Trilogy (2005)
The Goal is a trilogy of football movies, which includes Goal! (first film), Following My Dream (second film), and Challenging Global Powers (third film).
The Aim: This trilogy narrates the tale of Santiago Munez, a Mexican immigrant who happened to be a gardener by trade. Yet, he nurtured a dream in his heart to shine on the soccer field. Throughout his professional journey, he tirelessly pursued that chance.
10. There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000)
In the heart of my favorite film, I find myself immersed in the story of a teenager named Jimmy Grimble. Jimmy was brimming with abilities and potential, yet his self-doubt kept him hidden from the limelight. Unfortunately, he experienced harsh bullying at school, and his dislike for his mother’s partner added to his struggles.
As a passionate movie-goer might say, I took my first steps on the football field at my very own alma mater. Each game and practice session carved the path leading to our triumph in the coveted local school championship.
11. The Game Of Their Lives (2005)
The film narrates an enchanting tale centered around a soccer game in the 1950s. As the top-tier team, comprising Gerard Butler, Wes Bentley, and Jay Rodan (collectively known as the Americans), they journeyed to Brazil for competition. The Americans secured victory against England with a close win. What tipped the scales in favor of the Americans was the 1950 British squad.
12. Offside (2006)
This movie stands out among other football movies due to its unique narrative. The story revolves around a determined group of young girls from Iran who yearn to witness a World Cup qualifying match. Blinded by their passion, they overlook the Iranian laws that prohibit such an action.
The film narrates their tale, while also highlighting the fight for Iranian women’s rights.
13. Goal! The Dream Begins (2007)
The film belongs to the initial Goal trilogy. Santiago aimed to captivate Newcastle through an outstanding display by his team. [This version maintains the original’s clarity and flow, while making it sound less formal.]
As I navigated my arduous journey, life threw me some tough curves – ones I had to navigate head-on. Unexpectedly, I learned about my half-brother, a fact that shook me to my core. Then, my girlfriend abandoned me amidst false rumors. But here’s the twist – all these challenges only fueled my determination to win.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. With every fiber of my being focused on that ball, I took a decisive free-kick that carried the weight of my struggles and hopes. The ball soared through the air, striking the back of the net – victory was mine!
14. Green Street (2005)
Green Street is a movie about football hooliganism that features an American student named Matt Buckner. After being kicked out of college for various reasons, he traveled to his married sister’s house. Upon meeting his sister, her husband, and her husband’s brother (Peter), Matt developed a close friendship with Peter. This marked the beginning of Matt’s real-life football journey as he stepped into a world where football was revered. As an outsider, Peter’s hooligan gang members initially did not accept Matt.
15. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
The movie “Bend it Like Beckham” revolves around its two primary characters who aspire to become professional football players. Here, we have two 18-year-old girls pursuing this goal.
According to their namesake, these two young women flouted the regulations to establish themselves as professional soccer players. Defying their parents’ wishes, they signed up for the neighborhood football team. Over time, they climbed the ranks and reached the pinnacle of the league.
16. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
A Hong Kong comedy movie titled “Shaolin Soccer” revolves around the story of a fan who reassembles his old teammates from Shaolin. Their goal is to develop a powerful and resilient soccer team, utilizing their martial arts abilities on the field. Ultimately, they aim to popularize Shaolin Kung Fu by demonstrating it through their soccer play.
17. Goal! Taking on the World (2009)
In contrast to the initial two installments, this film centers around a significant amount of tragic events. Specifically, Santiago’s former team experienced an accident during their journey back from a game. The question now is whether they can come to terms with this and rally together once more to face the world.
18. Kicking & Screaming (1995)
In “Kickin and Screamin”, a band of fresh graduates are seizing their last moments of freedom before plunging into the vast sea of careers, and this film predominantly revolves around humor.
The entire group is reluctant to depart from college, each for various reasons. Only one member has mapped out a plan for her future life. The phrase “Kicking and Screaming” symbolizes that they all must forsake their dreams. Some of the group members are compelled to engage in family businesses.
The author has related the theme of the film to the football match.
19. The Miracle of Bern (2003)
The film narrates the tale of a remarkable event that took place in the life of a youthful boy, centered around a German family longing for their missing patriarch to return.
At that point, numerous soldiers who had been captured during wartime were being held as prisoners in Germany. A young lad and his relatives unfortunately lost their husband and father during those war times. It was this very man who was among the imprisoned soldiers.
hearing about the upcoming 1954 World Cup final in Bern, Switzerland brought joy to his heart as he learned that the nation would soon free its prisoners of war. This was indeed a miraculous event for the German family, hence the name of the movie – The Miracle of Bern.
20. A Shot At Glory (2000)
As a passionate moviegoer, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the heart of a tale about football, I find myself drawn to “A Shot at Glory,” a story deeply rooted in the complex bond between a coach and his daughter. Here, we follow Gordon McCloud, a dedicated soccer coach on a quest to find the perfect player for his team. One fateful day, he discovers Jackie, an undeniably talented footballer with a knack for individual brilliance. However, Jackie’s reputation precedes him as a challenging teammate.
Jackie was also son-in-law of Gordon. All these things made Gordon not take Jackie on his team.
But Gordon made Jackie his team member due to his endless skills of Jackie in the end.
21. Pele (2016)
The film centers on a young boy from a Brazilian community who was financially disadvantaged. Due to his poverty, Pelé went to great lengths to provide for his loved ones.
Apart from being the primary income provider for his family, he was an ardent soccer enthusiast as well. Pele aspired to hone his footballing abilities and talents.
Pele’s lifelong goal was to achieve global recognition as a renowned soccer player. He never gave up on this dream, and eventually, his dedication and talent led him to become a worldwide icon recognized for his exceptional soccer abilities and unwavering determination.
22. United (2011)
The film portrays the actual events surrounding Manchester United’s famed Busby Babes, who earned their name as the youngest squad to claim the Football League title. However, success for the team took a devastating turn when they were involved in an airplane crash, with eight players losing their lives instantly.
23. Next Goal Wins (2014)
As a passionate cinephile, I’d say: In this inspiring tale, I find myself immersed in the relentless journey of a skilled Dutch soccer coach, who was brought on board to elevate American Samoa’s national football team. Facing an uphill battle to qualify for the FIFA 2014 World Cup, the team was grappling with their future due to the scarcity of proficient coaching. However, when Thomas Rongen agreed to lead them towards the upcoming World Cup, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope. What unfolds next is nothing short of miraculous – a transformation from one of the world’s weakest football teams into an unstoppable powerhouse. And guess what? The American Samoa national football team not only qualified for the World Cup, but they also emerged victorious in their match.
24. The Two Escobars (2010)
In this gripping football flick, I, a dedicated movie enthusiast, find myself immersed in the lives of two captivating characters: Pablo and Andres. Originally hailing from distinct locales and representing different teams, their stories unfold in a way that eventually unites them.
Pablo is not just any ordinary figure – he’s a renowned drug lord, while Andres has the distinction of being a 1994 World Cup champion. As you follow the narrative, you’ll discover how Pablo skillfully leverages the football arena for his personal gains.
25. She’s The Man (2006)
The film centers around a girl who believes that her football team no longer exists. In response, she chooses to join the boys’ team and assert her own control. Unfortunately, the coach rejects her. To overcome this obstacle, she disguises herself as her brother (Sebastian), which leads to an intricate predicament. From there, the narrative becomes filled with suspense as we follow what happens next.
26. The Cup (1999)
In simpler terms, Palden and Nylma were two young Tibetan boys with a passion for football worldwide. They had to flee to Tibet and live in exile. Later on, they longed to witness the World Cup matches. Fortunately, the monastery where they lived managed to set up a satellite system, enabling everyone in exile, including Palden and Nylma, to watch the World Cup.
27. The Match (1999)
In this film, the story revolves around a fierce competition between the proprietors of two pubs. As you’ll notice, there were actually two distinct soccer teams involved. Each team aspired to claim the entire pub for themselves. The rivalry between these two soccer teams was deeply rooted, spanning over a century. They wished to put aside their animosity for good. To achieve this, the two Scottish pubs decided to host a match. The victor of this game would ultimately gain control of the defeated team’s pub.
28. The Arsenal Stadium Mystery (1939)
The film revolves around a soccer game where one player is mysteriously poisoned, specifically during a match against Arsenal at Highbury. The poisoning of John Doyce halted all football matches temporarily. As the police launched an investigation into his murder, the movie follows various twists and turns to finally reveal the true killer.
29. When Saturday Comes (1996)
The film centers around an ordinary man named Jimmy, who harbored aspirations of becoming an international soccer player, yet found himself unable to realize this dream due to a crippling addiction to alcohol. This addiction hindered him from achieving global recognition. However, fate intervened when he encountered a stunning woman, prompting him to overcome his dependence on alcohol. A promising future and life now lay before Jimmy, though the path to redemption proved arduous. Despite the challenges, Jimmy persevered in his quest to fulfill his dreams.
30. Lessons of A Dream (2011)
A film centered around the instruction of English vocabulary for German children is depicted by the concept of “Dream Lessons.” In this educational setting, an Oxford-educated instructor takes charge, having discovered the children’s shared enthusiasm for soccer. Utilizing their passion for the sport, the teacher creatively integrates soccer into the learning process to facilitate a more engaging and effective way for them to grasp English vocabulary.
30. Captain (2019)
In this film, the title makes it clear that it revolves around a captain character. Our protagonist, Madan Khadka who was previously a football player, journeyed to Saudi Arabia to aid his family financially since football wasn’t providing him with the necessary income. Interestingly, his son Ishan had an ardent passion for football too. Madan aimed to inspire Ishan to carry on his love for football, and Ishan was putting in a great effort to do just that. However, a sudden accident left Madan incapacitated, forcing Ishan to make a tough decision between pursuing his dream and supporting his father’s career.
31. We are the Champions (2005)
The song “We Are The Champions” narrates the tale of a divorced father named Torben, who was an exceptional soccer player. His skills were mirrored by his son, David. Eager to guide David and his team, Torben aspired to coach them. Not long after, David’s current coach stepped down, providing him with this opportunity. However, Torben encountered significant pressure from the fathers of the team boys. Eventually, he developed feelings for a single mother among them.
32. Montevideo: Taste Of A Dream (2010)
The film narrates the story of a Serbian soccer team aiming to secure victory in the inaugural World Football Championship held in Montevideo, Uruguay. Having previously experienced triumph in the World football championship, the movie will portray how the Serbian squad is determined to transform their aspirations into reality. In other words, having already savored the taste of success, nothing can deter the Serbian team from pursuing and realizing their soccer dream.
33. Gracie (2007)
The film centers around a spirited young girl named Gracie Bowen, who harbored a deep passion for football. Her father was a celebrated soccer player, and her brothers shared the same love for the sport. As the only daughter, she aspired to emulate her family members in the game. However, traditional norms hindered her from realizing this dream. Gracie sought to eradicate such gender bias decisively.
34. Her Best Move (2007)
The most outstanding film centers on a 15-year-old girl named Sara, who yearned for a straightforward life brimming with affection. She excelled at soccer, yet her father aspired for her to pursue football and become a professional player, which was not in line with Sara’s desires. Ultimately, she found herself confronted with the decision between following her heart’s desire and fulfilling her father’s aspirations.
35. The Four Year Plan (2011)
In this tale, I find myself drawn to the storyline centered around Queen’s Park Rangers Football Club, nestled in the heart of West London. Initially, their performance left much to be desired, but then an unexpected turn of events unfolded in the narrative.
As the plot thickened, a group of astute businessmen took notice and began pouring resources into the team, with the ultimate goal of propelling them towards the finale. This film is a celebration of resilient and affluent personalities who, through their unwavering dedication and substantial investments, managed to elevate QPR to the prestigious Premier League.
36. Kicking it (2008)
This documentary, titled “Kicking It,” follows the stories of six dedicated soccer players. These individuals had poured their hearts into the sport as a means of survival amidst life’s hardships and homelessness. Their lives were filled with struggle, but they held onto hope for a transformative moment that could change everything. That opportunity came when they journeyed to Cape Town and were given the chance to participate in the Homeless World Cup. The narrative takes an unexpected turn at this point.
37. Soccer Killer (2017)
Are you searching for a movie that offers non-stop amusement centered around football?
38. Brother (2010)
The film centers around two siblings, Julius and Daniel, who were raised by a devoted single mother. They shared a deep passion for football and aspired to turn it into their career. Their dreams revolved around escaping their hardships and poverty. This common goal drove them to excel in their city’s football scene.
39. Eleven Men Out (2005)
The movie revolves around a man named Ottar Thor, who was deeply in love with his wife. Notably, Ottar Thor was an acclaimed football player who lived a modest and fervent life. However, once he publicly declared that he was indeed Ottar, the truth about his sexuality, Ottar was gay, his team members promptly dismissed him from the team.
40. The Champions (1983)
The film showcases its brilliance by shedding light on the widespread negativities prevalent in the world of sports. In this story, Lee Tung endures harsh humiliation from his team. Desiring to make football his career and fulfill a dream, he departs from his original team and joins another. The film underscores that the bullying, corruption, and envy rampant within sports have corroded its very core.
41. Mario (2018)
In the movie, Mario – the football player – discovers love within his team, specifically for his teammate named Leon. The two of them shared a strong bond both on and off the field. However, their relationship was not immediately clear. Now, Mario must choose between maintaining his team role or devoting his life to Leon.
42. Let The Girls Play (2018)
As a passionate supporter, I found myself captivated by “Let the Girls Play,” a movie that showcases the extraordinary journey of female soccer players. Initially, it served as a spark, but soon transformed into a whirlwind of change. The team hailed from the heart of France, marking a historic first in their nation’s soccer annals – they were the inaugural female soccer team.
43. Two Half Times In Hell (1961)
The film, “Two Halves in Hell,” narrates a chilling incident, specifically focusing on a post-World War II birthday party hosted by Hitler. In this storyline, a Nazi officer proposes an unusual football tournament involving both German soldiers and prisoners of war. It’s Onodi who forms the team from among the POWs, using this opportunity to lighten his work burden and secure additional rations for his teammates.
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2025-05-23 12:47