Football films aren’t often given enough credit. Good football films do exist, and there are a few gems that have cropped up over the years. Here are just a few that you should take a look at.
Friday Night Lights
This is based on the book by H.G. Bissinger which follows the exploits of the Permian Panthers from the blue-collar town of Odessa Texas 1988 season and their run for the state championship. The coach, Gary Gaines, is constantly faced with scrutiny and also faces losing his job if his team does not make the playoffs. Their future looks bleak when the team lose their star running back early in the season. However, they manage to remain competitive in their attempt to win the Championships. The film was also followed by a TV series.
Brian’s Song
This was originally made to be a TV movie but got a cinematic release due to its popularity. This is a film that is based on a true story and focuses on the life of Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. It follows his friendship with his teammate Gale Sayers. This movie will definitely bring a tear to your eye.
The Waterboy
This is a film about someone achieving against the odds. Bobby Boucher discovers that he is able to tackle like a beast when he channels his rage. He is about to make the transition from water boy to starting linebacker and helps his team reach the championships in the process. This is a heartwarming and funny story from the beginning until the end. It shows the amazing atmosphere of a football game, which you can too. Ticket Sales is worth a visit if all these football films are getting you in the mood to watch a game!
Remember the Titans
This is also loosely based on true events. Herman Boone is hired as the head coach for the T C Williams High School football team. Boone initially faces a lot of opposition with the white players threatening to boycott the team if he is appointed. The players soon change their mind and Boone puts them through a rigorous training camp that helps unite the racially segregated team in preparation for their season.
Varsity Blues
Jonathan Moxon is less enthusiastic about football than those around him but is pressured to play from a young age by his father. He is also constantly playing second fiddle to star quarterback Lance Harbor. But when Harbor is sidelined with an injury, Moxon is called on to start and lead the team. His relaxed attitude toward his coach causes conflict. The film explores the effect American football has on a small town in the Texan community.
Wildcats
Molly McGrath is an American football-obsessed high school track coach who dreams of being given the opportunity to coach a football team. She applies to a job that comes up to coach the team of an inner-city high school and gets the job. She faces challenges in getting the team to get together but turns their fortunes around and ends up getting them to the championship game where she ends up facing the team she used to teach. It is predictable and cheesy but still enjoyable.