13 Best Soccer Movies to Stream

Chances are, you’re here because you’re a die-hard soccer fan — and who can blame you? The beautiful game captivates millions around the globe with its excitement and passion. Yet, waiting for your favorite club or country’s next match can feel like an eternity. That’s where my list of the best soccer movies comes into play.

Let these fútbol flicks bridge the gap between game days. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the pitch or the inspiring stories off it, I’ve curated the ultimate movie selection for soccer fans. You’ll even find a few hidden gems worth adding to your watchlist.

“Bend It Like Beckham” (2002)

I’m happy that “Bend It Like Beckham” tops this list alphabetically because it’s still one of the best soccer movies ever made. It’s a feel-good gem packed with social commentary that holds up well today (apart from the dated player-coach romance).

The story follows Jess, a British-Indian girl who defies her family’s expectations to pursue her soccer dreams. I love how the film explores themes of cultural identity, gender, and ambition with warmth and humor. Not only is it a perfect time capsule of women’s soccer during the 99’ers era, but it also stands as a turning point for representation in sports movies.

You can stream “Bend It Like Beckham” on Disney+.

“The Champions” (1983)

In “The Champions,” martial arts meets soccer in a way that I think only Hong Kong cinema can truly deliver. Directed by Brandy Yuen and starring the incredibly agile Yuen Biao, this sports comedy follows a young man’s journey from street hustler to soccer star.

The film is packed with over-the-top action sequences, slapstick humor, and genuinely impressive athleticism. If you’re a fan of both martial arts and the beautiful game, I highly recommend checking out this wildly entertaining twist on the classic underdog story.

You can stream “The Champions” on iQIYI.

“The Cup” (1999)

“The Cup” is an endearing look at soccer through an unexpected lens. Directed by Khyentse Norbu, this Tibetan-language film follows a group of young monks in a remote monastery who become obsessed with the 1998 World Cup.

Despite their isolated, traditional lives, the boys’ passion for soccer transcends cultural boundaries as they scheme to watch the tournament’s finals. Blending humor and spirituality, “The Cup” is a charming tale of youthful enthusiasm and the universal love for the beautiful game.

You can stream “The Cup” for free on Pluto TV and Tubi.

“The Damned United” (2009)

If “Ted Lasso” is the embodiment of optimism in soccer, “The Damned United” is its gritty antithesis. This sharp, riveting drama follows the disastrous 44-day reign of Brian Clough at Leeds United. Michael Sheen delivers a magnetic portrayal of the brilliant but egotistical manager.

Far from heartwarming, the film dives into the obsession, rivalry, and bitterness that defined Clough’s tenure. It’s a tense character study that pulls no punches, standing in stark contrast to typical feel-good sports narratives.

You can stream “The Damned United” on The Roku Channel.

“Early Man” (2018)

From Nick Park, the guy behind “Wallace & Gromit” and “Chicken Run,” “Early Man” is a delightful stop-motion adventure that brings prehistoric soccer to life. The story follows a group of Stone Age cavemen who challenge a more advanced Bronze Age civilization to a soccer match to save their home.

With Park’s signature humor and charm, the film offers plenty of laughs, clever visuals, and whimsical moments. It’s a playful and inventive take on soccer, wrapped in a quirky, animated package.

You can stream “Early Man” on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.

“Fever Pitch” (1997)

Not to be confused with the Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore rom-com that it inspired, this “Fever Pitch” is a British classic based on Nick Hornby’s memoir. Starring Colin Firth as an obsessive Arsenal fan, the film delves into the struggle to balance a passion for soccer with relationships and real life.

It’s a thoughtful, funny, and sometimes bittersweet look at the highs and lows of fandom. That makes it an enduring favorite for soccer lovers and anyone who’s ever been consumed by their favorite team.

You can stream “Fever Pitch” on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.

“The Game of Their Lives” (2005)

If you love the against-all-odds spirit of director David Anspaugh’s “Hoosiers” and “Rudy,” you’ll enjoy seeing him bring that same energy to the pitch in “The Game of Their Lives.” The film dramatizes one of the sport’s greatest real-life upsets: the USMNT’s improbable victory over England during the 1950 World Cup.

While it may not reach the emotional heights of Anspaugh’s previous work, it’s an inspiring tribute to a now-distant chapter in American soccer history. Plus, it’s worth a watch just to hear Gerard Butler ditch his Scottish accent — well, kinda — to play U.S. goalkeeper Frank Borghi.

You can stream “The Game of Their Lives” for free on Pluto TV and Tubi.

“Kicking & Screaming” (2005)

“Kicking & Screaming” is arguably the most entertaining film about youth soccer, though it doesn’t have much competition (sorry, fans of “The Big Green” and “Ladybugs”). Will Ferrell goes full Ferrell as a clueless dad-turned-coach, trying to lead his son’s ragtag team to victory while clashing with his own ultra-competitive father, played by Robert Duvall.

Packed with absurd humor and over-the-top moments, it’s a hilarious take on the parent-fueled chaos that can completely hijack youth sports. I especially love the inclusion of Mike Ditka playing a heightened version of himself, caught between the antics of Farrell and Duvall.

You can stream “Kicking & Screaming” on Peacock.

“Mike Bassett: England Manager” (2001)

Filmed in a classic mockumentary style, “Mike Bassett: England Manager” chronicles the wild tenure of a lower-league coach unexpectedly put in charge of the England national football team. Ricky Tomlinson shines as the titular Bassett, whose stubborn, old-school approach instantly clashes with modern player egos and media scrutiny. Inevitably, this leads to a string of embarrassing mishaps.

Full of sharp British wit, this film is a must-watch for soccer fans who enjoy all sides of the sport. It perfectly captures the pure panic of a high-stakes squad teetering on the brink of self-destruction.

You can stream “Mike Bassett: England Manager” for free on The Roku Channel.

“Next Goal Wins” (2014)

This uplifting documentary chronicles the American Samoa national team’s journey from being dubbed the “world’s worst” to their historic attempt to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The underdog story centers on Dutch coach Thomas Rongen, who transforms the team with a blend of tough love and inspiration.

Full of heart and determination, “Next Goal Wins” is a testament to resilience. Though Taika Waititi adapted it into a 2023 film, I believe the original documentary remains the superior version.

You can buy or rent “Next Goal Wins” on Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

“Offside” (2006)

Set in Iran, “Offside” offers a sharp, socially conscious look at gender restrictions in sports. The story follows a group of young women disguised as men who try to sneak into a World Cup qualifying match, where female spectators are forbidden.

It’s a bittersweet exploration of how the love for soccer transcends boundaries. Filmmaker Jafar Panahi uses the game to spotlight larger societal issues, blending humor and poignancy in a way that resonates long after the final whistle.

You can stream “Offside” for free on The Roku Channel.

“Shaolin Soccer” (2001)

I’m just going to put it out there: “Shaolin Soccer” is hands-down my favorite soccer movie of all time. This high-flying martial arts comedy delivers an unforgettable fusion of anime-style superpowers and the beautiful game, likely drawing inspiration from 1983’s “The Champions.” Writer, director, and star Stephen Chow brings his signature Hong Kong cinema flair to a story about a former Shaolin monk who reunites his brothers to form an unstoppable squad.

Tracking down the film can be a puzzle, though, as U.S. streaming services are notoriously inconsistent. You’ll often find a weirdly mismatched experience on digital platforms, like the heavily edited 89-minute U.S. cut paired with the original Chinese-language audio track.

Because of that digital chaos, I recommend grabbing the movie on DVD to access both the original 112-minute Chinese cut and the 89-minute English version. I’ll always have a soft spot for that English dub since it’s how I first experienced the film, and Chow dubs his own lines with extra comedic charm.

You can stream “Shaolin Soccer” on Paramount+ or for free on Pluto TV and Tubi.

“When Saturday Comes” (1996)

Starring Sean Bean, Emily Lloyd, and the legendary Pete Postlethwaite, “When Saturday Comes” is a gritty, working-class soccer drama set in Northern England. Bean plays a brewery worker with dreams of playing professionally, but he faces personal struggles and skepticism from those around him.

It’s a story about chasing second chances and proving your worth on and off the field. While it leans into familiar sports movie tropes, the solid performances and raw emotion give this ’90s flick its charm.

You can stream “When Saturday Comes” for free on Pluto TV and Tubi.

More soccer movies to stream

It’s always felt a bit strange that soccer hasn’t inspired as many cinematic classics as American football or baseball. But I suppose that’s a Hollywood problem. Still, if you’re looking for more soccer stories to stream, here are 15 extra titles worth adding to your watchlist.