Top 10 Football Movies of All Time

I know this list is subjective but I am taking a shot at it today! I know nobody will agree with everything on this list, but I would love for you to comment and tell me any movies I don’t have listed that you do.

10) Knute Rockne”All American”

The story of Knute Rockne is a great movie, and the man who stole the show was Ronald Reagan’s portrayal of legendary Notre Dame player George Gipp. Sure it’s an old movie, hell, it’s now an 80-year-old movie, but it’s a great story of how Rockne built the small Catholic school into a football powerhouse.

Knute Rockne – All American (1940) Official Trailer – Ronald Reagan Sports Biography Movie HD

9) The Express

This movie tells the tale of the short life of standout Syracuse running back Ernie Davis. Davis was an absolute stud running back whose life was cut short by Leukemia.

The Express Official Trailer #1 – Dennis Quaid Movie (2008) HD

8) Invincible

Mark Wahlberg plays Vince Papale, who goes from a nobody to a Philadelphia Eagle. This movie is nowhere near the true story, but it really tugs at the heartstrings of watching Papale lose his teacher job and then watch him as a part-time bartender in his hometown of Philadelphia. Also, you gotta love the music in this film.

INVINCIBLE Movie Trailer

7) All the Right Moves

Tom Cruise as the player and Craig T. Nelson as the coach gives up a look at some Pennsylvania high school football. This is an often-overlooked Football movie, and I think that’s a shame.

All the Right Moves | #TBT Trailer | 20th Century FOX

6) Remember the Titans

This movie had so many historical inaccuracies I wrote an article about it. But with that being said, this is an outstanding movie; I have just had to realize Hollywood likes to go over the top when portraying things that happened. Denzel Washington is outstanding in this movie.

REMEMBER THE TITANS Trailer (2000) Denzel Washington Movie

5) Draft Day

Kevin Costner is the Cleveland Browns GM, and it’s the draft day, and he has to make a big splash to keep his job. The movie is an intense portrayal of what draft day is like for an NFL team and the wheeling and dealing that goes on during this day. Costner does a great job as the GM, and Chadwick Boseman as linebacker prospect Vontae Mack is spot on, and the best part of the movie is when Mack is drafted.

Draft Day Official Trailer #1 (2014) – Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner Movie HD

4) Rudy

Who doesn’t love Rudy, the underdog who makes his dream come true and plays in a game for Notre Dame? The movie is outstanding, and the movie is based on a true story. Of course, the movie is based on a true story, but the movie changes so many stories that the only truth is the runt Rudy getting to play in the game against Georgia Tech after working his ass off. My only real issue with the movie is the portrayal of Notre Dame coach Dan Devine and how it makes it look like he would not honor the previous Notre Dame coach’s promise to Rudy to dress in a game his senior season that simply never happened. But the story of Rudy is great, and everybody loves a true underdog, and that’s what Rudy was.

Rudy (1993) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers

3) We are Marshall

This is a great film, and as always, Hollywood has to spice it up with a bunch of unneeded storylines, but you really get a feel for the community’s love for Marshall University. Unfortunately, Matthew McConaghy is a little over the top, but the movie is tremendous. I still think the actual true story would have been better. The real problem is the stretch on characters, especially the head coach, is so over the top that it’s comical. The Coach was nowhere like McConaghy portrayed him.

We Are Marshall – Original Theatrical Trailer

2) Friday Night Lights

This film was based on H.G. Bissinger’s book of the same name. It tells the tale of the Permian Panthers and has some fantastic performances in this movie. First, you see the sad tale of star running back Bobbie Miles, whose career ended by a knee injury. Then, you get to see how a win-at-all-cost fan base treats the coach at Permian. Finally, the final championship game is riveting TV, and even though the Panthers come up short, the movie scores a touchdown.

Friday Night Lights Official Trailer #1 – Billy Bob Thornton Movie (2004) HD

1) North Dallas Forty

This movie was based on the Dallas Cowboys of the 1970s, and even though it’s not called an outright true story, you get the idea while watching the movie that’s exactly what it was. Mac Davis and Nick Nolte star and give great performances, especially Nolte. If you have never played football before and want to know what it’s like to wake up a day after a game, Nolte gives you that experience in this movie. Unfortunately, it also shows how callous ownership can be towards players.

North Dallas Forty Trailer 1979