Touchdown: The 12 Greatest Football Films Ever

      With the Super Bowl approaching, here’s a list of the best football movies of all time.

      Football films extend beyond sports; they explore emotions we often hesitate to discuss and encompass various genres, from comedies to heartfelt dramas.

      Now, here’s our compilation.

      **Brian’s Song (1971)**

      Columbia Pictures

      Brian’s Song is often compared to David Anspaugh's Rudy, as both are profound tearjerkers based on true stories. They revolve around themes beyond football, such as disappointment, friendship, overcoming adversity, and bravery.

      However, Brian’s Song stands out because it lacks a happy ending. It tells the story of the friendship between Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and legendary Gale Sayers. When Piccolo receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, Sayers supports him to the very end.

      It's acceptable to shed tears while watching this film—or even just listening to it. The soundtrack composed by Michel Legrand is one of the saddest ever.

      **Jerry Maguire (1996)**

      TriStar Pictures – Credit: C/O

      An excellent football movie and nearly perfect overall, Cameron Crowe’s 1996 film Jerry Maguire depicts sports agent Jerry Maguire's realization that he should prioritize clients over money.

      This change doesn’t sit well with his high-powered agency, leading to his dismissal. Consequently, he is left with only one client, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr., who won an Oscar for his memorable performance).

      The film is rich with drama, sharp comedic dialogue, and romantic elements—showcasing not just Jerry's clumsy relationship with sweet single mother Dorothy (Renee Zellweger) but also Tidwell's strong marriage to Marcee (Regina King).

      **Remember the Titans (2000)**

      Disney – Credit: C/O

      Remember the Titans is a largely true account of football coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) as he confronts racism while attempting to lead the newly integrated T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, to an undefeated season in 1971.

      Boone replaces white coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton), creating initial conflicts, but they learn to put aside their differences for the sake of their community and team.

      As with the finest football films, it delves into themes beyond the sport.

      **Heaven Can Wait (1978)**

      Paramount Pictures

      Inspired by Harry Segall’s play of the same name—remade multiple times—this classic from the New Hollywood era, co-directed by Buck Henry and starring Warren Beatty, bears little resemblance to the earlier 1943 version by Ernst Lubitsch since it takes place in the realm of football.

      It's a well-written, acted, and directed football film. Quarterback Joe Pendleton, taken to heaven too soon before his team heads to the Super Bowl, must strive to secure a new body, convince his former coach of his identity, buy his old team, and reclaim his role as its star quarterback.

      We know it sounds complicated, but it's far more straightforward than it seems.

      **North Dallas Forty (1979)**

      Paramount Pictures

      Another standout from the golden era, North Dallas Forty offers a semi-fictional portrayal of a professional football team (modeled after the early 1970s Dallas Cowboys).

      It’s bold, loud, and irreverent, providing a raw look at the often unglamorous life of a professional football player.

      **The Best of Times (1986)**

      Credit: Universal Pictures

      This often-overlooked football film will leave you asking, “Why did I enjoy that so much?”

      The answer lies in its script by Ron Shelton (Bull Durham, Tin Cup), as he knows how to craft a fantastic sports movie, regardless of the sport.

      In this case, it focuses on football and features Kurt Russell as an aging ex-high school quarterback with attitude issues and Robin Williams (at his finest) as the awkward ex-receiver hoping to redeem himself for a missed catch.

      **Rudy (1993)**

      TriStar Pictures

      This film tells the true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a smaller-than-average kid who aspires to join the Notre Dame football team. While it may not be the most intellectually stimulating film about football, it compensates with genuine heart and spirit.

      Written by Angelo Pizzo and directed by David Anspaugh, both experts in creating uplifting sports films (Hoosiers, The Game of Their Lives), it’s sure to move you.

      Be prepared for goosebumps and tears as you experience the emotional conclusion.

      **The Program (1993)**

      MGM

      The Program has become a cult favorite among college students who watch it repeatedly before moving on after graduation. It explores themes of camaraderie and poor behavior on and off the football field, addressing issues like steroids, domestic violence,