The 5 All-Time Best Football Movies

If you are even slightly interested in football you will love the 5 All-Time Best Football Movies list. They will make you laugh, cringe, and cry. Some of the best actors starred in them and some of the less than best also. These movies were picked by myself because of their strong football theme with some heavy-duty principles for all to follow.

Paper Lion (1968)

A great flick and the first football movie I ever saw or almost didn't see. Why? It was my first date and the girl I was with was more interested in necking then watching the flick. Mause of taybe it was because I took her to the Drive-In? Anyway I saw it while wiping the windows so I could see because of all the heavy breathing.

George Plimpton the sportswriter starred in it as a 36-year old third string quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Secret was he was a sportswriter trying to get the inside scoop. This movie starred a lot of then Lions players including Alex Karras, whom was launched into an acting career from this film.

Magnificent movie about football and sports writing.

Rudy (1993)

The true story of big hearted Rudy Ruttiger and his oversized desire to play football for Notre Dame University.

This movie tells of his rise from junior college to help his playing abilities and grades. After being accepted at Notre Dame he walks on and tries to play football. Problem was he was to small, but his desire and hard work helped him to win over his teammates and coaches. On the final game the players talked the coaches into letting him play. Lots of great feelings from this movie.

This movie shows that no matter what our shortcomings if we set our minds and focus our desires we can beat all odds.

Great movie starring Sean Astin as Rudy.

Remember the Titans (2000)

The true story of Coach Herman Boone who takes over a football program from a white coach in Virginia during times of de-segregation. He faces strong racism and bigotry but guides the team to the state championship as well as helps the players come face to face with what they believe.

A great performance by Denzel Washington who plays Coach Boone to perfection in this football movie with strong underlying morals about racism and life's up and downs.

Brian's Song (1971)

Another true story from the gridiron. This film is about the life of Brian Piccolo and his friend Gayle Sayers. This movie was my second football film while playing football at Florida State University. Holds a lot of memories for me at that time in my life.

One player is white and one is black. Both players are trying to be the starting running back for the infamous Chicago Bears. Along the way they become close friends whose bonds strengthen when Brian is diagnosed with cancer.

A truly heart-wrenching story as Brian gets worse and Gayle becomes a Hall of Fame player. This is truly a legendary film starring James Cann and Billy Lee Williams.

The Replacements (2000)

This film starring Keanu Reeves and Brooke Langton is a comeback story of a quarterback who is recruited during a walk out by professional football players.

They struggle with all life's problems but come out on top in the end. A great look at the attitudes and greed of the modern football player as contrasted by the replacements that are playing for pride and bragging rights. The replacement also gets the girl in the end. A true romance values character and integrity over pompous greedy attitude.

A fun movie with great football live action shots.

Well, there you have the 5 All-Time Best Football Movies according to Kirby.