13 Best Football Movies to Stream

#13: The Waterboy (1998)

Of the various Adam Sandler sports movies, The Waterboy is probably the silliest. But it’s still an enjoyable college football movie that’s sure to make you chuckle. Eagle-eyed viewers will also find a few connections to other films in the so-called Sandlerverse.

#12: The Freshman (1925)

Speaking of football comedies, Harold Lloyd’s The Freshman is the OG of the genre. The silent film starred Lloyd as a student looking to become the big man on campus in his first year of college. Funny enough, Lloyd’s granddaughter sued Disney for The Waterboy’s similarities with The Freshman. But a district court judge ruled that the Sandler pic didn’t infringe copyright law.

#11: Leatherheads (2008)

As a director, George Clooney has quite a diverse filmography. But one movie that sticks out the most comedically is the delightfully charming Leatherheads. Starring Clooney, Renée Zellweger, and John Krasinski, Leatherheads tells a fictional account of pro football’s legitimization during the 1920s. It’s a fun and quirky movie full of old-timey, slapstick humor—reminiscent of Clooney’s work with the Coen brothers.

#10: The Longest Yard (2005)

The Longest Yard features Adam Sandler as a disgraced former NFL quarterback who’s sent to prison and roped into leading a team of misfit inmates against the brutal guards in a game that’s anything but fair. With a stellar cast, including Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds, Terry Crews, and Nelly, this movie delivers hard-hitting action on the field and laugh-out-loud moments off it. If you’re looking for a football flick with a side of revenge and humor, The Longest Yard should definitely be on your watchlist. —Chantel Buchi, CableTV.com Senior Writer

#9: The Blind Side (2009)

Based on the early life of Michael Oher, The Blind Side was a box office hit during the 2009 holiday season. The rags to riches story touched film-going audiences and even earned Sandra Bullock the Academy Award for Best Actress. Nearly 15 years after the film’s release, The Blind Side still holds up—packing an emotional punch with each viewing.

#8: Draft Day (2014)

Kevin Costner stars in Draft Day as Sonny Weaver, the general manager of the Cleveland Browns who has to lead the team through the NFL Draft.

We’ll admit that Draft Day’s plot falls apart if you poke at it for more than a few seconds. It’s full of cheesy melodrama, story contrivances, and unrealistic details that would get an actual general manager fired on the spot. (Are the Browns really going to pay that much for an undersized middle linebacker?) But are these story holes worth it to see Kevin Costner chew up the scenery and outsmart his adversaries? Absolutely. —Eric Chiu, CableTV.com Home Internet Editor

#7: The Express (2008)

The Express is a powerful film that tells the true story of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Played brilliantly by Rob Brown, Davis’ journey is one of grit, talent, and breaking barriers in the racially charged world of 1960s college football. The film not only captures the intense action on the field but also the social struggles off it, making it a compelling and emotional ride. The Express is more than just a football movie—it’s a story of courage and legacy. —Chantel Buchi, CableTV.com Senior Writer

#6: Heaven Can Wait (1978)

In Heaven Can Wait, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty) gets a new lease on life after he’s escorted to the afterlife too soon. Unfortunately, there are several obstacles to overcome, as he can only continue on Earth in someone else’s body. But his ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl propels him beyond each hurdle in this fantastical sports comedy.

#5: Varsity Blues (1999)

James Van Der Beek’s popularity escalated quickly when Dawson’s Creek made a splash on TV in the winter of 1998. Then, a year later, Van Der Beek hit the big screen with his first leading role in Varsity Blues. The result is a high-octane film about high school football in Texas. It has its goofy coming-of-age moments—it came from MTV Productions, after all. But when its game face is on, Varsity Blues knows how to pack a punch.

#4: Remember the Titans (2000)

Like most movies based on a true story, Remember the Titans takes many creative liberties with its narrative. But that doesn’t subtract from the legacy of coach Herman Boone and the T. C. Williams High School football team. In fact, Boone’s portrayal by Denzel Washington elevates Remember the Titans into the category of modern sports classic. And the film’s message of standing up to adversity never falters, even on repeat viewings.

#3: Friday Night Lights (2004)

The quintessential high school football movie is Friday Night Lights. Like Varsity Blues, it follows a Texan team’s journey to the state championship. But there’s a much more delicate side to Friday Night Lights that’s expertly juxtaposed with football’s on- and off-field brutality. Plus, Billy Bob Thornton has a knack for playing coaches.

#2: Rudy (1993)

“It’s the last practice of the season, and this asshole thinks it’s the Super Bowl!” Those are the words of a riled-up teammate harping on Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger (Sean Astin) for his never-ending commitment. It perfectly sums up the spirit of Rudy, an inspiring film centered on one man’s dream to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

#1: Jerry Maguire (1996)

People should view Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire for what it is: an epic sports movie. At well over two hours long, the film expertly maneuvers between comedy and drama while telling a romantic tale set in the sports industry. Tom Cruise is at the height of his acting powers as the title character, a recently fired sports agent hoping to make a difference in his career. Along the way, he finds love, friendship, and—most importantly—the kwan.

• All the Right Moves (1983)
• American Underdog (2021)
• Any Given Sunday (1999)
• Brian’s Song (1971)
• Gridiron Gang (2006)
• Invincible (2006)
• Knute Rockne, All American (1940)

• Little Giants (1994)
• North Dallas Forty (1979)
• The Program (1993)
• Radio (2003)
• The Replacements (2000)
• Undefeated (2011)
• We Are Marshall (2006)