What Are The Best Soccer Movies Of All Time?

10) She's The Man

‘She's the Man’ is a romcom from director Andy Fickman. Released in March 2006, this exciting soccer movie certainly ranks among the all-time favorites with fans.

It stars the inimitable Channing Tatum as Duke, and the multi-talented Amanda Bynes as Viola.

This soccer story unfolds at a blistering pace, with its fair share of twists and turns to make for wildly entertaining viewing.

Incidentally, it scored a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb, and 43% with Rotten Tomatoes. With a budget of $20 million, and box office takings of $57.2 million, this DreamWorks Pictures soccer production definitely hits the back of the net!

9) Bend It like Beckham

‘Bend it like Beckham’ is a loose tribute to soccer legend David Beckham. This movie closely examines intercultural associations, and how norms and values differ among various communities in London.

This soccer movie focuses on the talented daughter of an Indian couple who has a passion for soccer.

Her skills certainly don't go unnoticed, although her parents frown upon her playing soccer. The iconic Keira Knightley stars alongside Parminder Nagra to deliver a performance worthy of praise.

This soccer film was released in January 2003, and scored a 6.6/10 rating on IMDb, and an astounding 85% with Rotten Tomatoes. This soccer flick is definitely onside!

8) Fever Pitch

‘Fever pitch’ is arguably one of the finest names for a soccer movie, in more ways than one!

The Gunners a.k.a. Arsenal are revered in the English Premier League, and worldwide as one of the legendary soccer teams of all time. This soccer movie tells the story of an Arsenal fan named Paul and his passion for the team.

This flick is based on the eponymous book – Fever Pitch – by Nick Hornby. Like many sports fans, Nick becomes truly obsessed about his team, and it leads to all sorts of personal challenges, angst, and drama.

This film is incredibly well made, and definitely worth a throw in when you've got two hours to spare!

7) The Goal! Trilogy

‘The Goal! Trilogy’ is great when you’ve got a couple of hours to spare. These are the Ben Hur of soccer movies; in total you’ll be watching soccer overtime with 5 hours of captivating soccer entertainment.

These stories detail the life of a Mexican immigrant living in LA, named Santiago Munez.

Needless to say, this guy has got some mad skills on the soccer field and he's eager to showcase them in grand style! At times – there are plenty of them – the films drag on. But ultimately our hero ends up playing for Newcastle in the Champions League.

Remember, ‘The Goal!’ comprises 3 films that culminate in some pretty spectacular soccer performances and more than their fair share of box office takings. 

6) Soccer Mom

Here's a great comedy caper with plenty of soccer to keep fans entertained! Soccer Mom stars the comedic genius of Emily Osment, Missi Pyle, and Ellery Sprayberry.

It was released in 2008, and is an all too common story for soccer moms across the US. This soccer mom is extra special, since she pretends to be a world-class Italian soccer star. 

Like all dedicated soccer moms, she is keen to turn her daughter’s poorly performing soccer team around to get them to win a big tournament. This light-hearted soccer movie is definitely worth a watch!

5) Soccer Dog: The Movie

Greatness comes in many different forms, and species apparently! ‘Soccer Dog: The Movie’ is a family flick with a furry soccer hero.

Directed by Tony Giglio, and starring Olivia D’abo, Jeremy Foley, and James Marshall, ‘Soccer Dog: The Movie’ is definitely an entertaining ensemble of sorts.

Film fans who enjoy tongue-in-cheek humor will have a field day with this soccer flick. With a rather modest budget of $500,000, don't expect too much in terms of effects, or fireworks.

But it’s got some great laughs, a heart-warming story, and enough soccer excitement to keep you dribbling throughout - much like the canine star of the show!

4) The Football Factory

Football a.k.a. soccer is the name of the game in ‘The Football Factory’. The soccer movie is rated among the creme de la creme by aficionados of the game.

The soccer movie was directed by Nick Lowe in 2004 and scores an incredible 6.8/10 from 28.5K+ reviewers. It follows a different genre, as it delves into the dark underworld of a Chelsea football fan who takes things a little too far.

‘The Football Factory’ stars the talented Danny Dyer as Tommy Johnson.  During its 1h 31 min runtime, the film tackles the fanaticism of hardcore English football fans.

FYI, a lot of what you’re seeing is commonplace in the UK, given that soccer is like a religion among devout supporters. There is plenty of violence, drugtaking, and lewd references in this documentary-style soccer flick.

Parental guidance is strongly advised in this brilliant soccer movie.

3) Escape To Victory

Here's a soccer movie that is based on a true story that took place during World War II in the Ukraine. It stars the hugely talented Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, Bobby Moore, and Pele.

Even the most hardened fans of Sylvester Stallone probably don't recall him starring in this film, but it was extraordinary. Released in 1981, ‘Escape to Victory’ a.k.a. Victory was directed by John Huston, and scores a solid 6.7/10 from 27,5K+ reviewers on IMDb.

So, what's it all about? The soccer film tells the story of a soccer match played by talented Nazi officers versus Allied prisoners of war.

The film brings the musical talents of Bill Conti to the scene, making for captivating entertainment. Without revealing too much, the Allied prisoners of war use this soccer match as an opportunity to escape from their dreadful fate.

It is incredible to see legendary superstars in Stallone and Pele acting alongside one another on a soccer field. Definitely worth the almost 2 hours of screen time for this soccer movie. Get comfy, pop some corn, grab a soda, and enjoy the action!

2) Once In A Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story Of The New York Cosmos

It may be difficult to remember the title of this soccer movie, (recall the zany title: Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan), but once you've seen it, you'll love it!

Back in the 1960s, the New York Cosmos soccer team and the mercurial fortunes of the North American Soccer League were the talk of the town.

Released by Miramax in July 2006, this soccer movie has scored a top-tier 7.3/10 from 1400+ reviewers.

It's extraordinary to think that the New York Cosmos were one of the greatest soccer teams in the world at the time, and that they were an American soccer team. This soccer movie is truly worth every minute of its screen time.

The 3Gs share the stage with celebrated soccer stars, including – Girls – Greed – Goals, in abundance. The New York Cosmos featured the likes of Giorgio Chinaglia, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, and even Pele.

This soccer documentary features authentic match coverage, with Matt Dillon narrating. Be sure to put this one on your soccer movie must-watch list!

1) The Two Escobars

It's always going to be tough picking a winner from a competitive selection of soccer movies. ‘The Two Escobars’ delivers on expectations in every way.

It tells the story of the most notorious drug baron of all time, the inimitable Pablo Escobar, and his brother, a talented soccer player named Andres Escobar.

It's stunning to think that these two brothers went in completely opposite directions, yet both achieved international recognition – notoriety and fame respectively.

You can only imagine the impact the Escobar Bros had on the fortunes of Colombia, and this soccer-themed documentary is poignant, gripping, and intense throughout. It scores an incredible 8.2/10 from 1700+ reviewers on IMDb.

Written and directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, this soccer story has everything you need to be on the edge of your seat from the opening credits to the final whistle!