The game of football can be a great source of excitement and drama in film. The inspirational underdog stories, the intense nature of the competition, and edge-of-your-seat action can help set the stage for a thrilling movie experience.
While there have been plenty of duds on this front, there have also been some memorable classics revolving around American football, spanning the course of several decades.
With this list, we'll comb the archives of IMDb and tackle the 10 greatest football films, according to the rankings of the online database.
The Express (2008) (7.3)
While it's been noted by critics to adhere to many of the "sports underdog" tropes, it's tough not to get into this heartfelt docudrama.
The film chronicles the hardships of civil rights hero Ernie Davis, played by Finding Forrester star Rob Brown, as he becomes the first African-American to earn the Heisman Trophy. This hard-fought rise to prominence is all the more inspirational, as it occurs in the early phases of the civil rights movement and amidst his battle with leukemia. Using football as a backdrop, Gary Fleder's film makes for an emotional, gripping tale of overcoming adversity.
Jerry Maguire (1996) (7.3)
It might be something of a stretch to brand Jerry Maguire with a standard "football film" moniker to the point of pulling a muscle. Regardless, director Cameron Crowe uses the premise of NFL football as a backdrop to craft a nuanced drama dealing with succeeding in American society and coming to terms with oneself.
Many remember this '96 classic based on its standout performance by Tom Cruise as a sports agent, as well as quotable bits like the iconic "show me the money!" line. Yet, this film also stands out with its clever writing, dynamic acting, and unexpected plot turns that keep viewers engaged despite its over 2-hour runtime.
A Triumph Of The Heart: The Ricky Bell Story (1991) (7.4)
Oftentimes, it's true stories that can make for the most emotional, inspirational, or otherwise gripping tales. This heartfelt made-for-TV drama reinforces this notion. It hones in on the life of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back named Ricky Bell (Mario Van Peebles), who's struck with an inflammatory muscle disorder. This 1977 number 1 draft pick befriends a physically impaired child, each of whom inspires the other to thrive in their own way.
Being confined to the television set, this '91 film flew under the radar, but many who have viewed it praise it for its tear-jerking moments and motivating story.
The Freshman (1925) (7.5)
Long before the game of football had replaced baseball as "America's sport," director Fred C. Newmeyer created a zany comedy dating all the way back to 1925 revolving around the sport. The film follows a college freshman who seeks to become popular by joining the school football team, leading to various hijinks and wacky antics.
Being almost a century old, the film is confined not only to gritty black-and-white visuals, but also a lack of sound - minus the orchestral music. Regardless, this charming silent film captivates with its bold imagery, lively performances, and rich compositions.
MASH (1970) (7.5)
During a time when black comedy wasn't too common, Robert Altman and Ring Lardner Jr. went one step further by mixing lighthearted humor with a grim war premise and sociopolitical commentary. You know you've got a film that does something right when it births a popular spin-off TV series which lasted over a decade.
The film showcases Donald Sutherland in top form as Hawkeye Pierce, and a slew of other likable characters, as they partake in shenanigans and fun activities to overcome the harshness of their time in the Korean War. This is capped off with an inter-MASH football contest, which ends the film on a fun, memorable note.
Despite its Korean War setting, MASH represents a growing distaste towards the US involvement in the Vietnam War with its satirical bent and a brushing off of authority.
Brian's Song (1971) (7.6)
When it comes to football films, 71's Brian's Song still shines as one of those timeless classics, even for many who don't reside in the Baby Boomer generation. Though the movie was given a more tepid remake in 2001, this heartfelt original still captives audiences today with its inspiring tale of friendship.
The film takes its viewers on an emotional biographical journey, recounting the memoirs of Chicago Bears' Gale Sayers' close bond with fellow player Brian Piccolo, who tragically died of cancer. James Caan and Billy Dee Williams convincingly take on the roles of these real players, injecting personality and emotional weight into this drama.
Horse Feathers (1932) (7.6)
Despite the age of this little-known comedy from 1932, Norman Z. McLeod's film shines with standout performances from the Marx Brothers - who are still household names to this day.
The movie revolves around a college football game between teams residing from the fictional Darwin and Huxley colleges. The film makes for a fun watch in terms of historical context, to be sure. Not only does this brand of comedy almost feel foreign in its early 20th-century silliness, but it also resides in the era of Prohibition.
It involves a duo of zany bootleggers accidentally being recruited for the Huxley team. This requires they enroll in the school as well, and as you'd imagine, wacky mishaps ensue from there.
The Blind Side (2009) (7.6)
Drawing from yet another true story for the strength of its narrative, 2009's The Blind Side chronicles the interesting life of Michael Oher, an offensive lineman draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens. The film is something of a "fish out of water" tale as much as an inspirational sports film. It features a homeless protagonist's unlikely rise to sports star prominence after being adopted by a wealthy couple, played memorably by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.
Like many on our list, critics have remarked on its tendency to succumb to cliches, but it's been renowned for its terrific acting, a dynamic script, and its motivating tale of personal growth.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) (7.7)
As is the case with some prior entries, this rom-com from 2012 demonstrates the value of comradery in helping to mutually shape the lives of our protagonists. This is definitely the case with Silver Linings Playbook, whose dynamic leads find they need each other to overcome respective hardships in their lives.
Bradley Cooper's portrayal as the troubled bipolar protagonist helps this compelling character drama shine, as do star-studded performances by Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro. The football elements exist on the periphery here (through high-stakes Eagles games), but play a prominent role in the narrative as the story escalates.
Remember The Titans (2000) (7.8)
Like Brian's Song, this 2000 classic by Boaz Yakin frequently comes to mind when the topic of football films is brought up. It draws on the depth and emotional drama of a true story amidst racial tensions for the crux of its gripping plot. The film centers around a coach (Denzel Washingon) as he takes the helm of a newly racially integrated football program in Virginia.
Remember the Titans leaves quite the impression on its viewers - with its blend of social commentary, inspirational moments, believable performances, and rich cinematography. This film is truly a metaphorical touchdown.