Top 7 Inspirational Football Movies
Inspirational sports movies, and football movies specifically, seem to be one of the most consistently popular film genres. Why are these stories so compelling? Is it the inspirational messages they provide, the speeches and one-liners that we remember forever (come on, everyone knows “Show me the money!”)? Or is it because no matter how many times we see an underdog team, we can’t help but root for them? It might be a combination of all these reasons, but whatever it is, we love football movies. So here’s our list of the top 7 inspirational football flicks:
7. Varsity Blues
For mature audiences only, Varsity Blues provides a racy, fun portrayal of a Texas high school football team led by narcissistic, manipulative head coach Bud Kilmer (played by John Voight). Stacked with teeny-bopper stars like James Van Der Beek and Amy Smart, don’t miss the story of how a group of friends broke a tradition of abuse and took back their football team.
For mature audiences only, Varsity Blues provides a racy, fun portrayal of a Texas high school football team led by narcissistic, manipulative head coach Bud Kilmer (played by John Voight). Stacked with teeny-bopper stars like James Van Der Beek and Amy Smart, don’t miss the story of how a group of friends broke a tradition of abuse and took back their football team.
6. Little Giants
Unlike Varsity Blues, Little Giants is a movie for all ages. It’s a classic underdog story of a team of misfits who band together to beat the pewee powerhouse Cowboys. Throw in a brotherly rivalry, some premature romances, and one epic “one time” speech, and Little Giants is an instant classic.
Unlike Varsity Blues, Little Giants is a movie for all ages. It’s a classic underdog story of a team of misfits who band together to beat the pewee powerhouse Cowboys. Throw in a brotherly rivalry, some premature romances, and one epic “one time” speech, and Little Giants is an instant classic.
5. Any Given Sunday
A gritty, hard-hitting take on professional football, Any Given Sunday is a controversial choice to crack the Top 5. It’s hard to find too many heartwarming moments, but Al Pacino’s “Inches” speech alone justifies its spot on this list. If any football coaches need pointers on how to give a rousing pre-game speech, take notes on that scene.
A gritty, hard-hitting take on professional football, Any Given Sunday is a controversial choice to crack the Top 5. It’s hard to find too many heartwarming moments, but Al Pacino’s “Inches” speech alone justifies its spot on this list. If any football coaches need pointers on how to give a rousing pre-game speech, take notes on that scene.
4. The Replacements
Led by Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman, The Replacements is a fun, uplifting comedy about a team of former football players who are given a second chance when the pros go on strike. A combination of heart warming and hilarious scenes are seamlessly intertwined to leave you wishing the movie had never ended. Mix in a great soundtrack and an even better supporting cast, and The Replacements lands itself in the Top 5.
Led by Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman, The Replacements is a fun, uplifting comedy about a team of former football players who are given a second chance when the pros go on strike. A combination of heart warming and hilarious scenes are seamlessly intertwined to leave you wishing the movie had never ended. Mix in a great soundtrack and an even better supporting cast, and The Replacements lands itself in the Top 5.
3. Rudy
Rudy may be too old for some of the younger readers, but it is without a doubt one of the best underdog stories to grace the football movie genre. Based on a true story, Rudy Ruettiger dreams of playing Notre Dame football. Driven by a relentless passion and an unprecedented toughness, Rudy finally gets his shot. As soon as you see him run on the field with his fist in the air, you’ll know why Rudy is an established classic.
Rudy may be too old for some of the younger readers, but it is without a doubt one of the best underdog stories to grace the football movie genre. Based on a true story, Rudy Ruettiger dreams of playing Notre Dame football. Driven by a relentless passion and an unprecedented toughness, Rudy finally gets his shot. As soon as you see him run on the field with his fist in the air, you’ll know why Rudy is an established classic.
2. Friday Night Lights
If you’ve ever played high school football, you understand why this movie is so high on the list. A story of a small-town Texas team devastated by injury, Friday Night Lights captures what it means to be a high school football player with a sincerity and authenticity that no other movie can match. Well-written and perfectly cast, Friday Night Lights isn’t a movie you’ll soon forget. Simply put, it’s a must-see.
If you’ve ever played high school football, you understand why this movie is so high on the list. A story of a small-town Texas team devastated by injury, Friday Night Lights captures what it means to be a high school football player with a sincerity and authenticity that no other movie can match. Well-written and perfectly cast, Friday Night Lights isn’t a movie you’ll soon forget. Simply put, it’s a must-see.
1. Remember the Titans
It’s hard to say exactly what makes Remember the Titans number one, but it definitely is. The acting is phenomenal, the soundtrack is exceptional, and the storyline is captivating. But perhaps the most defining feature of this movie is how it manages to convey just how influential sports can be in people’s lives.
It’s hard to say exactly what makes Remember the Titans number one, but it definitely is. The acting is phenomenal, the soundtrack is exceptional, and the storyline is captivating. But perhaps the most defining feature of this movie is how it manages to convey just how influential sports can be in people’s lives.
When dealing with race, a subject that is both sensitive and polarizing, the characters and audience find solace in the relationships and moments created by football. Charismatic, moving, and downright awe-inspiring, Remember the Titans is the quintessential sports movie, and it takes the number one spot on our “Top 7 Inspirational Football Movies” list.
Needless to say, if you are a football coach, player, or fan, you should run out and see every film on this list right now if you haven’t yet. These movies will leave you inspired, motivated and itching to get back on the gridiron. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.
