Soccer films have long been an important form of entertainment for conveying the spirit of the game. They typically revolve around themes such as competition, unity, achievement, setbacks, and challenges, and are presented through biographical stories, dramas, comedies, or documentaries.
If you’re a fan who loves soccer culture, then don’t miss the handpicked selection of soccer movies we’re introducing today.
10 Best Soccer Movies
Here is an introduction to the 10 best soccer movies.
Related: The 15 Best Football Movies
Looking for Eric (2009)
Run time: 1h 56m
Looking for Eric revolves around a middle-aged mailman called Eric, who has faced a sequence of setbacks in his family relationship and job, being encouraged by his favorite soccer player. With the inspiration of his idol and daughter, Eric cheers up and renews his life.
Though this movie is not about soccer skills and competitions, it shows a strong belief in rebirthing and bracing up, which also represents the spirit of the sport.
Looking for Eric is available on Amazon Prime Video and Philo.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Run time: 1h 52m
Bend It Like Beckham is one of the best girl soccer movies. It is about an Indian girl, Jess Bhamra, who is passionate about soccer but is limited to engaging in this sport by her parents. However, her talent was found, and she was convinced to play for a semi-pro team. Finally, she breaks all the decayed concepts that constrain her and indeed bends for soccer like her favorite player, Beckham.
You can stream Bend It Like Beckham on Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018)
Run time: 1h 49m
Take the Ball, Pass the Ball is a documentary soccer film that tells the story of how FC Barcelona, under the management of Pep Guardiola, worked together, developed strategies, competed against Real Madrid, and what happened behind the scenes at the club.
The film not only showcases exceptional soccer skills but also highlights the spirit, emotion, and charm of this legendary team.
The film source is on YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video.
Green Street Hooligans (2005)
Run time: 1h 49m
The story of Green Street Hooligans mainly revolves around the culture, spirit, and values of soccer. The film follows the journey of the protagonist, Matt Buckner, who is wrongly expelled from university and goes to stay with his sister’s family. There, he encounters a soccer firm and is deeply influenced by the brotherhood and spirit of the group.
Viewing this movie on Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video.
The Damned United (2009)
Run time: 1h 37m
The Damned United is one of the best soccer movies based on true story. It revolves around the story of a soccer manager, Brian Clough. He once had a long-time assistant and partner, but driven by pride and ambition, he chose to lead the team on his own. However, the outcome was tragic — Brian was dismissed in less than 50 days after joining the new team, as he failed to earn the full trust of the players.
The film is thought-provoking. In a soccer team, being a standout may not be the best; staying humble is what helps you move forward.
The Damned United can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Goal!
Run time: 1h 58m
Goal! is a classic inspirational soccer movie. It tells the story of Santiago Muñez, a Mexican immigrant living in a Los Angeles neighborhood, who is passionate about soccer. He is discovered by a soccer agent during a community match. After traveling to England, the protagonist faces numerous challenges but ultimately achieves success.
You can rent or buy Goal! on Fandango at Home.
Next Goal Wins (2023)
Run time: 1h 44m
Next Goal Wins is a comedy soccer movie based on a true story. It tells the story of a soccer team from Samoa, going from being considered the weakest team in the world to breaking a decade-long losing streak. The film showcases the inclusiveness of Samoan culture, the resilience of the sporting spirit, and the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in the new era.
Next Goal Wins is available on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
Victory (1981)
Run time: 1h 57m
In Victory, Sylvester Stallone plays a prisoner who is incarcerated in a Nazi prison in Germany. He is arranged to play in a soccer match against the Nazi army alongside other imprisoned soccer players.In the end, the group of prisoners wins the game and hopes to use the opportunity to escape.
You can view Victory on Google Play Movies, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Amazon Prime Video.
Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)
Run time: 1h 47m
Pelé: Birth of a Legend is a biographical soccer movie. It is about how Pelé grew up to be a world soccer star. In the film, you can see Pelé’s deep love for soccer and how he was inspired by the traditional Brazilian dance, Ginga, to create his own unique playing style.
Pelé: Birth of a Legend is free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Philo, PLEX, and The CW.
Related: The List of Best Free Sports Streaming Sites
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Run time: 1h 25m
Shaolin Soccer is one of the best Chinese comedy movies about soccer, directed and starring Stephen Chow.
This film mainly tells the story of a monk, played by Stephen Chow, who dreams of promoting the spirit of Shaolin. One day, he meets a down-and-out former soccer star known as “Golden Leg,” and the two hit it off immediately, deciding to use Shaolin kung fu to play soccer.
The movie is filled with humor, passion, dreams, warmth, and absurdity, and it has gained a large fan base in China. Stephen Chow also directs many similar movies, including Kung Fu Hustle, CJ7, Kung Fu Dunk, Shaolin Basket, and so on.
You can watch Shaolin Soccer on Paramount+, YouTube, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and YouTube TV.
Other Great Soccer Movies You Can Binge-Watch
Here is a list of good soccer movies that are worth watching.
- ESPN 30 for 30: The Two Escobars (2010): This is a documentary film revolving around the relationship between soccer, drugs, politics, and violence in Colombia.
- Rudo y Cursi (2008): Rudo y Cursi is a funny soccer movie about two half-brothers, Beto and Tato, who were recruited by a soccer scout into Mexican soccer teams. They are then allured by degenerate things, but still keep their desires in check to make money in their soccer career.
- Kicking and Screaming (1995): This is a family comedy about a father and son who don’t get along, each coaching a different soccer team, and eventually facing off against each other.
- Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006): This is a documentary about the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, a soccer team that once recruited the legendary player Pelé.
- Kicking It (2008): This film is a documentary that follows six homeless people from different countries, engaging in the Homeless World Cup soccer game held in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Mean Machine (2001): Mean Machine is a sports comedy film starring Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham. The story follows a former soccer star who lands in prison and ends up leading a team of inmates in a high-stakes match against the prison guards.
- The Four Year Plan (2011): The Four Year Plan is also a documentary film that follows the London-based soccer club Queens Park Rangers during a turbulent period when the club was on the brink of bankruptcy and was being taken over by a billionaire.
- Pelada (2010): Pelada is an independent documentary about two former college soccer players who, after failing to achieve their dreams of becoming professional athletes, set out on a journey to explore street soccer culture around the world.
- When Saturday Comes (1996): The film tells the story of a factory worker who, after experiencing setbacks in life, regains his confidence and pursues his dream when he unexpectedly gets a chance to try out for a soccer team.
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery (1939): This is a British soccer-themed mystery film that tells the story of a player who is suddenly poisoned during a match, leading the main character, a detective, to investigate the case.
- A Shot at Glory (2000): The movie tells the story of a soccer coach trying to lead an English soccer team to overcome various difficulties and pressures to achieve victory in a match.
- One Night in Turin (2010): One Night in Turin is a documentary about the 1990 FIFA World Cup, focusing on the moment when the England team lost to Germany in a penalty shootout. The film captures the players’ psychological states, emotions, and experiences before and after the match.
- Game of Their Lives (2005): This film is a soccer movie based on true events, telling the story of the United States team defeating Portugal in the 2002 World Cup.
- The Big Green (1995): The Big Green is a soccer-themed family comedy film for kids. It tells the story of an elementary school teacher helping a group of students train in soccer to face the stronger teams at their school.
How to Watch Geo-Restricted Soccer Movies in Your Region?
If you can’t find specific soccer films in your region, use a VPN to unblock the geo-restriction and watch them. For instance, you can use a robust VPN to unblock the specific Netflix region library where your desired soccer movie is available.
However, we recommend using a VPN with strong unblocking ability. LightningX VPN is a great option. It uses the best VPN protocol, WireGuard, based on top-grade encryption algorithms. With LightningX VPN, you can unblock entertainment resources in 70+ countries.
It is compatible with all kinds of devices and supports 3 simultaneous connections. You can search for its extensions on the add-on store of Firefox, Chrome, and Edge.
