Long before Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce became a power couple, football movies created iconic characters like Rudy Ruettiger, Shane Falco, and Rod Tidwell. In honor of the Super Bowl matchup, here’s a list of the top 25 football films of all time.
‘The Waterboy’ (1998)


In this guilty pleasure, Adam Sandler portrays a dim-witted mama’s boy and aspiring college football player who transforms into a powerhouse on the field when sufficiently provoked, amidst Cajun accents and a craving for “high-quality H2O.”
‘Varsity Blues’ (1999)
After an all-state high school quarterback (Paul Walker) sustains an injury, his backup (James Van Der Beek) experiences both the perks of Texas football stardom – including popularity, girls, and strip clubs – and the downsides, facing the harsh reality of Jon Voight’s ruthless coaching.


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‘Friday Night Lights’ (2004)
Let’s face it: While the “Friday Night Lights” TV show might overshadow half of the movies on this list, the film adaptation of H.G. Bissinger’s novel about Texas high-school football still stands out for its genuine portrayal of the game’s obsession and Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of a driven, win-at-all-costs coach.


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‘The Express’ (2008)
Syracuse running back Ernie Davis (played by Rob Brown), the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, is the subject of an inspirational biopic. However, the film is tinged with melancholy as leukemia tragically curtails both his playing career and his life.


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‘The Game Plan’ (2007)
In a notable entry of his family-friendly phase, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portrays a cocky pro quarterback who undergoes a significant transformation upon discovering he has an 8-year-old daughter. This film showcases Johnson’s softer side, contrasting with his tough-guy persona.


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‘Paper Lion’ (1968)
Alan Alda portrays George Plimpton, a master of participatory journalism, who proposes the idea of attending a professional team’s training camp and attempting to make the roster. The Detroit Lions are the only team to accept the challenge. Despite initially facing skepticism from his teammates, including all-star Alex Karras, they eventually warm up to him. However, Plimpton’s one game as a quarterback turns into a disaster, with him managing only three plays resulting in negative 41 yards.


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‘Invincible’ (2006)
Mark Wahlberg exudes the appearance of a guy fit enough to hit the field in this true-life narrative. Sporting serious 1970s style, he portrays a Philadelphia bartender who defies expectations by attending an open tryout for his cherished Eagles and ultimately earns a spot on the squad.


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‘Safety’ (2020)
The newest addition to this list packs an emotional punch with its heartwarming story and intense action. A Clemson freshman (portrayed by Jay Reeves) takes a risk by allowing his younger brother (played by Thaddeus J. Mixson) to secretly live with him on campus while their mother battles drug addiction in rehab. This real-life tale showcases the strength of community and the bond between siblings.


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‘All the Right Moves’ (1983)
Before embracing the adrenaline rush of speed, Tom Cruise showcased his talents in one of his early film roles as a high school defensive back. In this movie, he portrays a young man from a working-class Pennsylvania steel town who views football as his ticket to a better life. However, he finds himself at odds with his coach, played by Craig T. Nelson, and unexpectedly forms a romantic connection with a member of the marching band, portrayed by Lea Thompson.


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‘The Last Boy Scout’ (1991)
In this delightfully over-the-top action film, a disgraced quarterback (played by Damon Wayans) and a Los Angeles private eye (portrayed by Bruce Willis) join forces to uncover corrupt activities related to legalized gambling. The film kicks off with a wild and memorable opening sequence, featuring a high-energy “Monday Night Football”-style introduction and a chaotic scene where a man in a drug-induced rage storms the end zone during a game, adding to the film’s excitement.


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‘Horse Feathers’ (1932)
The Marx Brothers bring their trademark comedy to the field in this classic film. Groucho Marx takes center stage as the new president of Huxley College, aiming to recruit two professional players to secure victory against rival Darwin University. However, he inadvertently ends up with a duo of bootleggers instead. Chaos ensues, highlighted by a side-splitting scene during the Big Game involving a playful dog and an uproarious chariot chase.


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‘The Replacements’ (2000)
When the Washington Sentinels face a player strike, an unlikely group of underdogs steps onto the field in place of the regular team. Leading the charge as quarterback and winning over fans’ hearts is Keanu Reeves’ Shane Falco. Despite his past Sugar Bowl meltdown as a college All American, Falco seizes the opportunity to redeem himself and lead the team to victory.


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‘North Dallas Forty’ (1979)
In this satirical comedy-drama, the North Dallas Bulls’ football life takes a backseat to a hedonistic lifestyle filled with sex, drugs, and alcohol. Nick Nolte portrays a constantly blitzed receiver who prioritizes indulgence over play-action passes, making for a wild and unpredictable ride both on and off the field.


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‘Necessary Roughness’ (1991)
When Texas State University’s football program faces closure, all hope isn’t lost. Despite lacking scholarships, the Fightin’ Armadillos discover success with a ragtag team of misfits. Among them is a gifted 30-something freshman quarterback played by Scott Bakula, a brainy defensive lineman portrayed by Sinbad in one of his standout roles, and a female kicker, portrayed by Kathy Ireland, who refuses to tolerate on-field misogyny.


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‘Remember the Titans’ (2000)
“Titans” blends elements of civil rights drama and inspirational sports film, with Denzel Washington portraying a coach tasked with uniting white and black students at desegregated T.C. Williams High. Who wouldn’t want to play for Denzel? Plus, the film features a notable appearance by a young Ryan Gosling!


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‘The Longest Yard’ (1974)
Delve into one of Burt Reynolds’ standout performances as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, an ex-professional football player turned convict. Tasked with leading a team of inmates, dubbed the “Mean Machine,” Crewe faces off against a squad of villainous guards assembled by a ruthless warden, portrayed by Eddie Albert.


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‘Heaven Can Wait’ (1978)
Football serves as the backdrop for this romantic fantasy centered around LA Rams quarterback Joe Pendleton. After winning the starting job, Pendleton tragically dies in a biking accident caused by angelic error. However, since his time wasn’t up yet, he’s granted a second chance at life and love by inhabiting the body of a murdered industrialist.


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‘Jerry Maguire’ (1996)
While the romantic subplot of “Jerry Maguire” might tug at the heartstrings with its “You complete me” sentiments, the true standout is the bromance between Cuba Gooding Jr.’s uber-confident Arizona Cardinals wideout, Rod Tidwell, and his struggling agent, played by Tom Cruise. Gooding Jr.’s portrayal earned him a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his memorable performance, particularly for the iconic line, “Show me the money!”


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‘Any Given Sunday’ (1999)
Oliver Stone takes the drama to new heights with “Any Given Sunday,” delving into the chaotic world of the Miami Sharks. From their embattled high-profile coach portrayed by Al Pacino, to the talented but overlooked third-string quarterback played by Jamie Foxx, and the star running back portrayed by LL Cool J, who fiercely guards his spotlight, the film explores the intense on- and off-field dynamics of professional football.


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‘The Freshman’ (1925)
Even in the 1920s, the pursuit of popularity drove nerdy kids to extreme measures. In this classic comedy, Harold Lloyd stars as the titular rookie who enters Tate University in search of football glory and perhaps a girlfriend. However, he quickly finds himself relegated to the role of the resident tackling dummy. This film set the template for countless sports and college comedies that followed.


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‘The Blind Side’ (2009)
Sandra Bullock earned a Best Actress Oscar for her role in this heartwarming biopic centered around Michael Oher (portrayed by Quinton Aaron), a sizable foster child in Memphis whose life takes a transformative turn when he’s welcomed into the home of a compassionate couple played by Bullock and Tim McGraw. Oher discovers his natural talent for protecting quarterbacks, setting him on a path to success both on and off the field.


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‘We Are Marshall’ (2006)
Tragedy lies at the core of this film centered on Marshall University and the devastating 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of most of its football team. Matthew McConaughey portrays Jack Lengyel, the newly appointed coach tasked with leading a fresh roster of players. Together, they aid the town and school in their recovery while honoring the memory of those lost in the tragedy.


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‘Draft Day’ (2014)
An exhilarating and memorable film delving into the intricate world of the NFL Draft, it follows the Cleveland Browns’ general manager, portrayed by Kevin Costner, whose career rests on his selections. Keep an eye out for a pre-“Black Panther” Chadwick Boseman as linebacker prospect Vontae Mack, delivering one of the most spine-tingling moments in sports movie history when he’s drafted.


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‘Knute Rockne, All American’ (1940)
The classic biopic features Pat O’Brien as the Notre Dame player-turned-coach, but it’s future President Ronald Reagan who leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of Fighting Irish halfback George Gipp. Reagan’s delivery of the iconic deathbed line, “Win one for the Gipper,” remains a standout moment. However, the ultimate winner of this list is… [continuation is needed to identify the true victor].


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‘Rudy’ (1993)
As inspiring as any “Rocky” installment, and perhaps any film in general, this movie captivates viewers with the journey of Sean Astin’s “5-foot-nothing, 100 and nothing” character as he wins over not just the audience but also his Notre Dame teammates. By the time he takes the field in the climax, viewers are filled with such exhilaration that they’re ready to joyously tackle somebody themselves.


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