Huddle up for a cinematic blitz where gridiron clashes and personal victories light up the screen.
From heart-stirring comebacks to the grit beneath the helmets, these stories capture more than touchdowns.
Ready for the play-by-play on the best American Football movies, shows, and documentaries that will tackle your emotions?
Best American Football Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Remember the Titans (2000)
- The Blind Side (2009)
- Rudy (1993)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- Friday Night Lights (2004)
- Jerry Maguire (1996)
- We Are Marshall (2006)
- Invincible (2006)
- The Longest Yard (2005)
- Draft Day (2014)
- The Waterboy (1998)
Table of Contents
#1 Remember the Titans (2000)
- 🎬 Directed by: Boaz Yakin
- 🌟 Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris, Ryan Hurst
Remember the Titans is a sports drama film based on the true story of Coach Herman Boone, portrayed by Denzel Washington, who tries to integrate a racially divided team at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1971.
As the newly appointed African-American head coach, Boone faces resistance from the players, the school, and the community as he brings together the racially segregated team to form a cohesive group. The movie emphasizes themes of unity, determination, and overcoming prejudice, and is regarded as one of the best American football films.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#2 The Blind Side (2009)
- 🎬 Directed by: John Lee Hancock
- 🌟 Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates
The Blind Side tells the inspiring true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who becomes an All-American football player with the help of a caring woman and her family. Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose love and support change Oher’s life forever.
The film explores themes of family, charity, and the influence of a nurturing environment on personal growth and success. It’s a heartwarming tale that highlights the transformative power of kindness and opportunity in the world of American football.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#3 Rudy (1993)
- 🎬 Directed by: David Anspaugh
- 🌟 Starring: Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Robert Prosky
Rudy is a biographical sports film that is often cited as one of the most inspirational movies of all time. It’s the true story of Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin), who harbors dreams of playing college football at the University of Notre Dame despite being undersized and lacking the athletic ability, grades, and money to achieve his goal.
A story of perseverance and determination, Rudy overcomes significant obstacles to realize his dream. The movie motivates viewers to pursue their goals relentlessly, showing how passion and persistence can lead to triumphs, both big and small.
Where to watch: Starz, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#4 Any Given Sunday (1999)
- 🎬 Directed by: Oliver Stone
- 🌟 Starring: Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Jamie Foxx
Any Given Sunday is a film that goes behind the scenes of the fictional Miami Sharks football team and portrays the dynamics between players, coaches, and management. Al Pacino stars as the embattled head coach Tony D’Amato, who navigates personal and professional challenges in the high-pressure world of professional football.
The film depicts the brutal physicality of the sport, the business side of team operations, and the personal sacrifices athletes make. It’s an intense and dramatic look into the world of American football, highlighted by strong performances and an aggressive visual style.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#5 Friday Night Lights (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Peter Berg
- 🌟 Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund, Derek Luke
Friday Night Lights is based on the book by H.G. Bissinger, which tells the story of the 1988 Permian High School Panthers football team from Odessa, Texas. Coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) leads his team through a tumultuous season filled with injuries and controversies in a town obsessed with the sport.
The film dives deep into the impact of high school football on the community and the lives of the players. It’s a stark portrayal of the sport’s intensity, local identity, and the challenges faced by young athletes who carry the weight of their community’s expectations.
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#6 Jerry Maguire (1996)
- 🎬 Directed by: Cameron Crowe
- 🌟 Starring: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger, Kelly Preston
Jerry Maguire is a sports drama film featuring Tom Cruise as the titular character, a sports agent who experiences a moral epiphany and is subsequently fired for expressing it. He decides to put his new philosophy to the test as an independent with the only athlete who stays with him, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.).
The film combines romance, comedy, and sports while offering a critique of the business side of sports management. It’s also known for iconic lines like “Show me the money!” and “You complete me”, and won an Academy Award for Gooding Jr. for Best Supporting Actor.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
#7 We Are Marshall (2006)
- 🎬 Directed by: McG
- 🌟 Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, Anthony Mackie, David Strathairn
We Are Marshall is an American historical drama film based on the true story of the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people, including nearly the entire Marshall University football team.
The film follows the university’s efforts to rebuild the football program, led by coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey). It’s a tale of resilience and recovery, capturing how a community copes with tragedy and finds renewed hope through the determination to carry on and honor the memories of those lost.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu
#8 Invincible (2006)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ericson Core
- 🌟 Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Greg Kinnear, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rispoli
Invincible is based on the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a 30-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia who overcomes long odds to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.
Due in part to his performance in an open tryout, Papale finds himself in a once-in-a-lifetime position to become a professional football player. His underdog story is an embodiment of the American Dream and illustrates the themes of perseverance and the power of self-belief.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#9 The Longest Yard (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Peter Segal
- 🌟 Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds, Nelly
The Longest Yard is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name. It stars Adam Sandler as a disgraced former professional quarterback who ends up in prison and forms a football team comprised of inmates to challenge the guards.
The film combines comedy with the drama of American football, creating numerous humorous moments as well as showcasing the camaraderie and revolt against the unfair prison system. Burt Reynolds, who starred in the original film, plays a supporting role in this version.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#10 Draft Day (2014)
- 🎬 Directed by: Ivan Reitman
- 🌟 Starring: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella
Draft Day stars Kevin Costner as the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who is facing important decisions during the NFL Draft that could affect the fate of his team and his own career.
The film gives an inside look into the wheeling and dealing that goes on behind the scenes of the National Football League, shedding light on the complexities and pressures of assembling a winning team. It is a mix of sports drama and the personal drama of navigating through professional and personal challenges.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#11 The Waterboy (1998)
- 🎬 Directed by: Frank Coraci
- 🌟 Starring: Adam Sandler, Kathy Bates, Fairuza Balk, Henry Winkler
The Waterboy is a sports comedy film where Adam Sandler plays Bobby Boucher, a socially inept, stuttering waterboy with a hidden talent for tackling, which turns him into a star player for the college football team.
The film showcases the transformative journey of Boucher as he finds his self-worth and becomes an asset to his team. Featuring a blend of slapstick humor and an underdog story, The Waterboy is a comedic take on the inspirational sports genre.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
After enjoying visual content, consider listening to the best American football podcasts for in-depth discussions and analysis.
FAQ
What is the best American Football movie of all time?
“Remember the Titans” (2000) is the best American Football movie of all time, showcasing the true story of a racially integrated football team overcoming challenges in the 1970s.
What are some good American Football movies?
“Friday Night Lights” (2004), “Rudy” (1993), “Any Given Sunday” (1999), and “The Blind Side” (2009) are good American Football movies, each with its own inspirational tale.
What American Football movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best American Football movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Last Chance U” (2016-2020), “Home Team” (2022), and “The Playbook” (2020).
