Soccer, or football as it’s known in most of the world, is more than just a sport – it’s a global passion that unites billions of fans. From the dusty streets of Rio to the hallowed grounds of Wembley, the beautiful game has inspired countless unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch. And of course, this beloved sport has also been the subject of many great films over the years.
Whether you call it soccer, football, or the beautiful game, the sport has a rich history on the silver screen. From gritty dramas to lighthearted comedies, filmmakers have long been drawn to the excitement, emotion and inherent cinematic qualities of the world’s most popular game.
So which soccer movies deserve a spot in the hall of fame? Grab your popcorn and get ready to relive some of the greatest moments in soccer cinema, as we count down the 25 best soccer movies of all time!
25. She’s the Man (2006)
Kicking off our list is this gender-bending teen comedy loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Amanda Bynes stars as Viola, a skilled soccer player who disguises herself as her twin brother in order to play on the boys’ team after her own team gets cut. It’s silly and predictable, but Bynes’ energetic performance and the film’s positive message about female empowerment make it a guilty pleasure for many fans.
24. The Game of Their Lives (2005)
Before the U.S. Men’s National Team became a World Cup regular, they shocked the world by defeating England 1-0 at the 1950 tournament in Brazil. This film dramatizes that historic upset, focusing on the underdog American players and their journey to the world’s biggest stage. Gerard Butler and Wes Bentley star in this earnest and inspiring sports drama.
23. Goal III: Taking on the World (2009)
The third and final installment in the Goal! trilogy finds star Mexican striker Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) facing challenges on and off the field as he leads his team to the World Cup. Though not as well-received as the first two films, Goal III still delivers exciting match footage and a satisfying conclusion to Santiago’s underdog story.
22. The Miracle Match (2005)
Another film about the U.S. team’s 1950 World Cup victory, The Miracle Match takes a slightly different approach, focusing more on the players’ personal lives and the post-war context of the time. With an ensemble cast including Patrick Stewart, this film may take some liberties with the facts, but it captures the emotion and importance of this watershed moment in American soccer history.
21. Mean Machine (2001)
Imagine The Longest Yard with soccer instead of football and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this British remake. Vinnie Jones stars as a disgraced former soccer star serving time in prison, who coaches a team of inmates in a high-stakes match against the guards. It’s raunchy, action-packed, and a whole lot of fun.
20. Gracie (2007)
Inspired by the real-life experiences of actress Elisabeth Shue, Gracie tells the story of a teenage girl in 1970s New Jersey fighting to play on the boys’ high school soccer team after her star athlete brother dies. Though it follows a fairly predictable sports movie formula, the film tackles issues of sexism and gender inequality with heart and sincerity.
19. The Arsenal Stadium Mystery (1939)
One of the earliest soccer movies ever made, this British whodunit centers on an amateur detective investigating a murder at a charity match between Arsenal and a fictional team called The Trojans. Notable for featuring actual Arsenal players and game footage from the legendary Highbury stadium, the film is a fascinating time capsule of pre-war English football.
18. The Cup (1999)
Bhutanese monk Khyentse Norbu made his directorial debut with this charming indie film about two young Tibetan refugees in a remote monastery who are desperate to watch the 1998 World Cup final. Sweet, funny, and brimming with humanity, The Cup uses soccer as a lens to explore themes of tradition vs. modernity and the universal desire for connection.
17. Offside (2006)
Iranian director Jafar Panahi (The White Balloon, Taxi) drew from real life for this powerful drama about a group of female soccer fans who disguise themselves as men to sneak into a World Cup qualifying match, since women were banned from attending sports events in Iran at the time. Offside is a provocative and eye-opening look at gender politics, set against the backdrop of the beautiful game.
16. Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006)
This fascinating documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, the glamorous North American Soccer League team that brought Pelé and other international superstars to the U.S. in the 1970s. Featuring interviews with players, coaches, and celebrities, Once in a Lifetime is a stranger-than-fiction tale of ego, excess, and the original American soccer dream.
15. Looking for Eric (2009)
British director Ken Loach is known for his gritty social realist dramas, but he tries his hand at magical realism in this uplifting film about a depressed postman who starts receiving life advice from Eric Cantona, the legendary Manchester United player. With strong performances and a perfect blend of humor and heart, Looking for Eric is a testament to the power of sports heroes to inspire us.
14. Sixty Six (2006)
This coming-of-age comedy follows a Jewish boy in 1960s London whose bar mitzvah plans are overshadowed by England’s improbable run to the 1966 World Cup final. Helena Bonham Carter and Stephen Rea star in this charming and nostalgic film that captures the excitement of England’s greatest soccer triumph through the eyes of a boy on the cusp of manhood.
13. The Damned United (2009)
Michael Sheen delivers a brilliant performance as Brian Clough, the outspoken and controversial manager who led Nottingham Forest to back-to-back European Cup titles in the late 1970s. The Damned United focuses on Clough’s infamous 44-day stint as manager of Leeds United and his bitter rivalry with the team’s former boss Don Revie, played by Colm Meaney. It’s a smart, stylish, and engrossing character study of one of soccer’s most iconic figures.
12. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This beloved British comedy launched the careers of Keira Knightley and Parminder Nagra, who star as two teenage girls from different cultural backgrounds who bond over their shared love of soccer. Dealing with themes of race, gender, and identity, Bend It Like Beckham is a warm and empowering film that celebrates the unifying power of sports.
11. Escape to Victory (1981)
Directed by the legendary John Huston, this WWII drama stars Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone as Allied POWs who form a soccer team to play an exhibition match against their Nazi captors, as part of a larger plan to escape the prison camp. The film also features Pelé and other professional soccer players, adding a level of authenticity to the thrilling match sequences.
10. Fever Pitch (1997)
Based on Nick Hornby’s autobiographical novel, this British romcom stars Colin Firth as a die-hard Arsenal fan whose obsession with the team complicates his new relationship with a fellow teacher, played by Ruth Gemmell. Fever Pitch perfectly captures the highs and lows of being a devoted soccer fan, while also serving as a relatable story about the challenges of balancing love and passion.
9. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
This unconventional documentary focuses solely on French superstar Zinedine Zidane during a single match for Real Madrid in 2005. Using 17 synchronized cameras and a hypnotic score by Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, directors Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno create an immersive and almost spiritual experience, offering a unique perspective on the art and athleticism of one of the greatest players of all time.
8. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Before he brought us Kung Fu Hustle, Hong Kong comedy legend Stephen Chow wrote, directed, and starred in this outrageous martial arts/sports mash-up about a group of Shaolin monks who use their superhuman skills to compete in a soccer tournament. Packed with jaw-dropping special effects and over-the-top humor, Shaolin Soccer is a wildly entertaining and inventive take on the underdog sports movie formula.
7. Gregory’s Girl (1981)
One of the most beloved Scottish films of all time, Gregory’s Girl is a sweet and quirky coming-of-age comedy about a gangly teenager who falls for the new girl on his school’s soccer team. With its awkward romance, dry humor, and charming performances from a young cast, the film perfectly captures the bittersweet innocence of adolescence and first love.
6. The Two Escobars (2010)
This gripping ESPN 30 for 30 documentary explores the intertwined lives of Colombian soccer star Andrés Escobar and notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar (no relation), and how the former’s tragic death in the aftermath of the 1994 World Cup reflected the complex relationship between soccer, politics, and crime in Colombia. The Two Escobars is a haunting and illuminating look at the dark side of soccer’s global influence.
5. Diego Maradona (2019)
Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this immersive documentary from Amy director Asif Kapadia chronicles the tumultuous life and career of Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona, focusing on his time at Napoli in the 1980s. Diego Maradona is a fascinating and unflinching portrait of a brilliant but troubled icon, whose impact on the game and popular culture is still felt today.
4. Offside (2006)
Not to be confused with the aforementioned Iranian film of the same name, this German drama follows a referee who must confront his past mistakes and moral dilemmas as he officiates a high-stakes match. With its philosophical themes and existential tone, Offside is a thought-provoking meditation on the burden of responsibility and the search for redemption, both on and off the pitch.
3. The Goalkeeper’s Fear of the Penalty (1972)
Inspired by a novel by Peter Handke, this experimental German film by Wim Wenders is a haunting and enigmatic character study of a goalkeeper who wanders aimlessly through Vienna after committing a murder. Though light on plot and dialogue, the film uses soccer as a metaphor for the absurdity and alienation of modern life, with the goalkeeper’s existential crisis mirroring the loneliness and isolation of the human condition.
2. Escape to Victory (1981)
Combining the talents of Hollywood stars like Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone with soccer legends like Pelé and Bobby Moore, Escape to Victory is a classic sports drama that still holds up today. Set in a WWII prison camp, the film follows a group of Allied POWs who agree to play a soccer match against a German team, as part of a larger plan to escape. With its thrilling match sequences and rousing message of hope and resilience, Escape to Victory is the ultimate feel-good soccer movie.
1. The Damned United (2009)
Topping our list is this brilliant British drama about the controversial soccer manager Brian Clough and his ill-fated 44-day stint at Leeds United in 1974. Michael Sheen delivers a mesmerizing performance as Clough, capturing his wit, arrogance, and ultimate vulnerability as he tries to prove himself against his bitter rival Don Revie. With its sharp script, stylish direction, and powerhouse acting, The Damned United is not just a great soccer movie, but a great movie period – a complex and compelling character study that explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the price of success. It’s a film that transcends the sport it depicts, offering universal insights into the human condition and the nature of leadership. For all these reasons and more, The Damned United takes the top spot on our list of the 25 best soccer movies of all time.
So there you have it – from heart-warming comedies to gritty dramas to provocative documentaries, these are the films that best capture the magic and madness of the beautiful game. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual observer, these movies offer something for everyone – laughter, tears, thrills, and above all, a deep appreciation for the power and passion of soccer. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to experience the joy, heartbreak, and glory of the world’s most beloved sport on the big screen. Goal!
