Best Soccer Movies of All Time
It shouldn’t be surprising that filmmakers have spent years attempting to convey the spirit of soccer in documentaries because it is unquestionably the most beloved spectator sport in the world and is followed by people all over the world. Here is the list of ten famous soccer documentaries that you can catch if you are a football fan.
Soccer field – Free photo on Pexels
Football Factory (2004)
British director Nick Love’s sports drama The Football Factory is about a football team. The Football Factory, a dystopian depiction of the Chelsea Company full of racial stereotyping and cocaine usage, is inspired by John King’s novel. The movie follows Danny Dyer’s spiral into extreme paranoia following a mishap involving the family of the protagonist Tamer Hassan. The film ends with a violent pitched battle planned in front of a Chelsea-Millwall cup match, and “Going Underground” by The Jam is the perfect song to finish any movie.
Goal! (2005)
The first part of the Goal! trilogy has Mexican busboy Santiago Munez traveling from Los Angeles to Newcastle, one of the most famous football movies ever filmed. Conflict with his fellow football players, his ongoing issues with asthma, and the passing of his parents back in the USA all impede Munez’s ascent to the top. The movie, produced with FIFA’s assistance, stars numerous real football players, including Ronaldo, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zinedine Zidane.
Mean Machine (2001)
Mean Machine is Barry Skolnick’s British sports comedy movie. It was a remake of an American football movie, “The Longest Yard,” and Vinnie Jones portrays a former England leader whose career was destroyed by charges of match-fixing. He gets beaten up by prisoners who hate him for betraying them and living the high life after attacking a police officer, but he seeks redemption when he is asked to help his prisoner buddies play against the guards.
Zidane: a 21st Century Portrait (2006)
Given that Zinedine Zidane is unquestionably one of the greatest football players of all time, this French documentary was made by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno. Based on Zidane’s career and life, this movie has been made about him; however, the Liga match versus Villarreal in 2005 was its primary focus. Thus, it was less about his personal affairs and much more about his playing style. The audience can witness Zinedine’s brilliance due to the 17 synced cameras.
Group of men playing soccer – Free photo on Pexels
Escape to Victory (1981)
This film should not be missed. It is a 1981 John Huston-directed sports war movie with American, British, and Italian actors that takes place in a Nazi POW camp, and Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, and Pele lend their voices to make it appealing. Retired pro footballer Caine is a British POW who keeps up with his pastime while he’s behind bars. Additionally, he can escape with the win when playing against guards.
Fever Pitch (1997)
A controversial narrative about an Arsenal supporter is presented here. Inspired by Nick Hornby’s novel, the film illustrates how someone may become dependent on a single passion. Paul makes an effort to balance watching football games with his daily obligations, such as his employment and family. And the crucial time was when he saw Liverpool’s final match of the year. The 1988–1989 Arsenal season included a spectacular last-minute Champions league victory, much like the 2004 World Series championship of the Boston Red Sox, which was the eventual subject of the remake of the 2005 version of the film starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon.
Maradona (2019)
This movie is based on a comprehensive account of Diego Maradona’s rise to popularity. Yes, you will learn how this Argentine football player got his start and navigated the cutthroat football world by meeting Serbian director Emir Kusturica. The movie also depicts several non-sporting events, such as the union of two followers of Maradona.
Mad About Mambo (2000)
Football and dance are two of the movie’s more lighthearted themes. Danny (William Ash), a Catholic high schooler, is obsessed with soccer and its players. He particularly admired South American football because, in his opinion, it has the elegance and fluidity that European football lacks.
An Impossible Job (1994)
This is based on Graham Taylor, the manager of England at the time, who is the subject of breakthrough voyeurism during the Three Lions’ unsuccessful 1994 World Cup qualifier attempt.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
It centers on teenager Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra; she joins a neighborhood soccer club in defiance of her traditional Indian Sikh parents. The film’s reflection on race and multiculturalism in contemporary Britain is encouraging, insightful, and truly hilarious. A stage musical adaptation of the movie debuted in London’s West End in 2015.
Conclusion
I’m hoping that if you love football, these movies about the game ever created with a blend of drama will be capable of winning you over from start to finish.
