Football Friday Night Lights

In America, it’s common knowledge that football is the most financially successful sport, given the NFL’s dominance. This popularity has led to a multitude of films and television shows centered around the game. Notably, some excellent football movies are accessible on Netflix, making it effortless for you to watch them whenever you desire.

As such, we have come up with a list of the 25 best football movies that you can stream on Netflix.

Let’s explore the top (1st to 25th) movies in terms of quality, focusing on excellent football films you can find on Netflix.

25. QB1: Beyond the Lights (2017 – 2019)

Instead of a film, it’s a captivating documentary series titled QB1: Beyond the Lights. This compelling narrative could be worth your time if you’re interested in understanding the rigorous journey that high school football players undergo to secure a college scholarship at a Division I institution.

Originally airing on go90, QB1 later became available on Netflix. The series centers around three high school quarterbacks during their final seasons of play. It provides insights into their diverse backstories and the various challenges they face in attempting to secure a college football scholarship.

24. The Longshots (2008)

The Longshots” is an engaging football film that delves into the theme of second opportunities, both personally and professionally on the field. This movie narrates the tale of a once-promising football player who encounters hardship but gets a new lease on life when he discovers his calling as a coach.

In this film, Ice Cube transitioned from being a football player to coaching the Pop Warner team in Minden, Illinois, during a difficult period in his life. However, when he placed his niece in the quarterback position, he discovered his true vocation. This allowed him to revitalize not only the team but also the entire town of Minden.

23. All-American (2018 – Present)

Another fantastic Netflix documentary worth checking out is “All-American,” which centers around the sport of football. This film provides an interesting perspective as it follows a football player from various parts of Los Angeles, contrasting his world with that of Beverly Hills. The movie is also based on the true-life experiences of professional football player Spencer Paysinger.

The narrative centers on a gifted high school football player who got offered to play for Beverly Hills high school because of his exceptional skills. Yet, it becomes apparent how various aspects of life intersect, as the character from Crenshaw now finds himself in Beverly Hills – a stark contrast to what he was accustomed to.

22. Undefeated (2012)

You might find an intriguing aspect of the movie “Undefeated” as it delves into a less common perspective of football. Unlike many documentaries that emphasize a team’s success, “Undefeated” presents something contrasting to its title. It doesn’t demonstrate victories but instead offers a glimpse into the struggles and challenges faced by the team.

In Undefeated, instead of following a traditionally successful football team, you’ll be introduced to a Memphis-based high school squad from the city’s inner areas. Prior to 2009, this team had never triumphed in a playoff game due to the school’s historically poor performance in football. The documentary primarily highlights the struggles the team encounters, emphasizing the profound impact of football on its members, rather than solely focusing on the games played on the field.

21. The Waterboy (1998)

Among the Adam Sandler movies on our roster, “The Waterboy” stands out as the initial one. Interestingly, Sandler himself harbors a deep-seated passion for American football, which is reflected in this film. Given that it’s a Sandler production, you can anticipate a humorous take rather than an intense focus on the technical aspects of football.

In the film we’re discussing, Adam Sandler portrays an underdeveloped man who once served as his college football team’s water boy. But when he lost his job, he switched allegiances to a rival team – not as a water boy this time, but as a tough, aggressive player instead. This movie is a wild ride that successfully blends humor and emotion, making it an entertaining choice for you and your friends to enjoy together.

20. Friday Night Tykes (2014 – 2017)

Friday Night Tykes offers an unconventional perspective on the world of football documentaries, zeroing in on youth football teams and the hurdles these young athletes encounter as they navigate the process of mastering the game.

From a dedicated cinephile’s perspective, this movie delves into the lives of diverse participants from the Texas Youth Football Association. It offers a glimpse into their journeys, where they endure grueling training regimens and various hurdles, including neglectful parents and unsupportive spectators. This unique perspective on the sport unfolds as children as young as eight years old navigate through a competitive landscape brimming with diverse challenges, revealing an untold side of their resilience and spirit.

19. Titletown High (2021 – Present)

One of the latest reality series featured here is Titletown High, which spotlights a single school located in Valdosta, Georgia. The show delves into the various challenges faced by the team members during their inaugural season, under the guidance of head coach Rush Propst.

Essentially, even though Titletown High is a football movie, it’s not just about football. Instead, it offers insights into the challenges faced by students as they juggle athletics, academics, and personal relationships. In essence, it portrays these athletes as ordinary teenagers who don’t have to devote their entire lives to the game of football.

18. Colin in Black and White (2021)

If you’re a football enthusiast, it’s likely you’re familiar with Colin Kaepernick. Essentially, he’s a professional football player who has publicly claimed that the NFL blacklisted him because of his activism for racial justice.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: “Colin in Black and White offers a glimpse into my own high school years, sharing the struggles and sights that shaped me into a contemporary champion for racial equity in sports and beyond. The series provides an intimate look at my journey.

17. The Express (2008)

The Tale of the Football Player is an uplifting narrative, chronicling the journey of an athlete who faced numerous obstacles in life to secure his place within Syracuse University’s football team. This was all under the watchful eye and supportive tutelage of a coach who served not only as a guiding force but also as a surrogate parent and role model for this young man.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share the captivating tale of Ernie Davis, a remarkable football prodigy who rose from humble beginnings. His raw talent was such that it propelled him past the legendary Jim Brown’s accomplishments in high school. Overcoming numerous life hurdles, he made history as the first African-American player to claim the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1961. Yet, even with this remarkable achievement under his belt, leukemia remained an unyielding challenge in his life.

16. Last Chance U (2016)

The Netflix series “Last Chance U” isn’t solely focused on football; instead, it delves into various sports across the United States. True to its title, this show primarily revolves around aspiring athletes striving to secure college scholarships.

In this week’s viewing, I find myself drawn into the compelling storyline of the Mississippi Community College Football team, a relatively unknown but powerhouse squad on the national stage. This team, often overlooked due to its unconventional status, is a testament to grit and determination. We delve deeper into their unique approach to player development, as these athletes strive for their shot at realizing their dream of playing in the NFL.

15. The Blind Side (2006)

Titled “The Blind Side,” this movie is a heartfelt portrayal centered on gratitude for one’s blessings and providing inspiration to those who seemed destined for limited opportunities in life, with Sandra Bullock playing a key role. The narrative primarily follows the extraordinary journey of Michael Oher, eventually leading him to a successful career as an NFL player.

Michael Oher, once a homeless teenager struggling with poverty, frequently had to attend different schools because of his financial circumstances. Yet, Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family offered him hope by welcoming him into their home and assuming guardianship, providing him an opportunity to prosper in life. This caring family environment helped Michael recognize his abilities as a football player, ultimately unlocking his true potential.

14. Coach Snoop (2018)

As a devoted movie-goer, let me tell you, Snoop Dogg is a household name thanks to his impressive music career. Yet, here’s an interesting twist: In the role of Coach Snoop, he ventures into new realms of life, and one of those passions is football – a sport that ignites his heart.

In this movie, Snoop embarks on establishing a youth football league, offering troubled children an opportunity to grow beyond their current circumstances. This endeavor also serves as a means to keep kids away from the streets and channel their energy into football. Additionally, viewers get to witness Snoop leading his own team within this league.

13. Home Team (2022)

In a different take, “Home Team” is yet another film that delves into the tale of a former football coach who experienced setbacks but ultimately triumphed in alternative spheres. Notably, it’s the most recent football-themed movie featured here.

In the depicted film, Sean Payton is a head coach in the NFL who faced suspension and found himself compelled to return to his childhood home. There, he cultivated a deeper connection with his 12-year-old son, and their bond deepened further when he started coaching his son’s Pop Warner football team. This heartfelt tale centers around family ties and growth.

12. Audible (2021)

Although the film on Audible lasts just 39 minutes, it’s remarkably inspiring as it showcases the lengths some individuals are prepared to go to chase their passions, regardless of the hurdles they might encounter along the way.

In Audible, you’ll follow a resilient high school football player who is deaf, navigating various life hurdles including the tragic loss of a friend, strained family dynamics, and complex relationship issues. Despite its brevity, this powerful short film is definitely a must-watch.

11. Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020)

Among all the movies listed here, this one might be the most unusual, yet it delves into the life of a once-great NFL player who had hit rock bottom. Interestingly enough, it leans more towards a crime genre than a traditional football movie.

Exploring the Heart of Destruction: Unveiling the Transformation of Aaron Hernandez from NFL Star to Convicted Murderer delves into the life of Aaron Hernandez, revealing insights about him through his relatives, associates, fellow players, and companions.

10. Concussion (2015)

Despite the NFL’s success and football’s widespread popularity in America, one significant challenge facing the sport is the prevalence of concussions, which are common due to its physical nature. In this context, the film “Concussion” sheds light on how these injuries affect athletes and their brains.

This film focuses on Will Smith’s character, a medical professional delving into the various impacts of repeated concussions on athletes. The story portrays the emotional struggles these players face regarding their mental well-being, as loved ones notice unusual behavior in those who have sustained multiple concussions. It’s an engaging movie that centers around challenging established norms to shed light on a longstanding issue – one that has persisted for many years.

9. Friday Night Lights (2004)

As a cinephile who’s no stranger to the gripping saga of Friday Night Lights, allow me to share an intriguing tidbit: prior to the acclaimed TV series, there was in fact a motion picture adaptation that predates it. Surprisingly enough, this film holds its own against its small-screen counterpart, offering a compelling watch for fans and newcomers alike.

In this film, we track Billy Bob Thornton’s character who leads a high school football team. Tragically, their star player gets injured, which complicates matters as the town’s grown-ups are heavily invested in their own team. As a result, our coach now faces challenges in handling expectations, more so with his top player out of commission.

8. The Game Plan (2007)

The Game Plan” features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a real-life former college football player, starring in a family-friendly comedy. This film offers a delightful mix of family values and football, resulting in a charmingly funny movie experience for all ages.

In this film, the narrative centers on The Rock portraying a former quarterback who learns about an eight-year-old child from a past relationship. Balancing his career as a football icon with fatherhood – a role he’s never played before – proves challenging for him. However, he eventually discovers the immense value of his daughter in this touching family drama, ultimately embracing his newfound role as a loving parent.

7. Happy Valley (2014)

Beware, the movie’s title might deceive you as it’s far from a cheerful production. Instead, it delves into some of the darker aspects of football, with an unsettling narrative that highlights the chilling fact that some would tolerate heinous actions to back a successful football team.

The film primarily focuses on Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State defensive coordinator who faced 45 counts of sexual abuse charges in 2011 and was convicted. Despite this, those involved in the program, the fans, and even the coach were aware of these allegations but chose to turn a blind eye, as the team’s success was their main concern.

6. Invincible (2006)

The film “Invincible” is an intriguing true story, as it skillfully narrates the journey of a player who faced challenges in gaining acceptance from his NFL peers due to not having the same experiences they had on their path to the league.

In the film, Vince Papale is portrayed as a stand-in teacher in real life. Despite not having the same background as some of the Philadelphia Eagles’ players, he managed to catch the attention of the team’s general manager. This led him to play for the team at the age of 30. However, due to the unique circumstances surrounding his joining the team, Papale faced challenges in gaining acceptance from his fellow players, often feeling out of place on the team.

5. The Longest Yard (2005)

In simpler terms, “The Longest Yard,” starring Adam Sandler, is a modern adaptation of the 1974 film. It’s an entertaining choice for those seeking hearty laughter and a glimpse into the trials and tribulations convicts face on their path to redemption.

In this film, Adam Sandler was once a celebrated quarterback, but life takes an unexpected turn, landing him behind bars. During his time in prison, he witnesses the unjust treatment by the guards. This is when he decides to leverage his fame as a former football icon to propose a game between the prisoners and the guards. The match serves as a means for the inmates to retaliate against the abusive guards.

4. A Triumph of the Heart (1991)

The film “A Triumph of the Heart” centers on a character who had been destined for greatness in American football’s National Football League (NFL), but unfortunately passed away prematurely as a result of a skin and muscle ailment. The central figure, Ricky Bell, succumbed to this illness at the tender age of 29.

This film narrates Ricky Bell’s journey, detailing how he managed to reach such greatness that he was the first pick in the NFL draft of 1977. It’s an emotionally compelling story that you shouldn’t miss if you want to grasp the hardships he faced in his life.

3. Radio (2003)

Radio tells a heartwarming account, inspired by real events, about a man battling mental health issues. This man, portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr., is known as Radio. However, he forms an unlikely friendship with a high school football coach named Harold Jones, who hails from a small town.

As a cinephile, I found myself drawn into the friendship between Jones and Radio, but it soon became evident that Radio was haunted by the taunts from Jones’ band mates. This heartbreaking situation stirred Jones into action, inspiring him to aid Radio in creating a fulfilling life within our small community. Simultaneously, he endeavored to teach his musicians a valuable lesson: to look beyond someone’s flaws and recognize their inherent worth as individuals.

2. Remember the Titans (2000)

Indeed, “Remember the Titans” should be placed prominently on any list, given the outstanding acting by Denzel Washington and the exceptional production work by Jerry Bruckheimer. Merely mentioning these two names is often sufficient to entice people to experience this cinematic masterpiece.

The movie “Remember the Titans” is inspired by actual events, depicting a black coach’s struggle to lead a high school football team in Virginia during the 1970s. This film offers a powerful commentary on social issues like inequality and justice, standing out from typical sports movies due to its poignant themes.

1. Carter High (2015)

Carter High’s football team presents an exceptional narrative that goes beyond the gridiron, offering insights into the lives of its players off the field. This captivating film provides a unique perspective on football, set in a close-knit small town where the community’s unwavering support for their football team is evident.

Essentially, this narrative focuses on a Texas high school football team from the 80s, a dominant team carrying the expectations of an entire town. Yet, it delves into the underlying racial strife in the small community and portrays the townsfolk’s willingness to disregard certain misdeeds committed by their players off the field due to their perceived invincibility.

2025-05-18 12:46