Football dominates life for many people. They love watching it at the ground or on the TV, betting on the sport at newbettingoffers.co.uk and looking at the news constantly surrounding their side.
Football is such a popular pastime that it has even made it onto the silver screen on many occasions meaning it opens up the market of football to many other people who people who may not particularly like sport. The genre is very different to the likes of action, comedy or horror but it can certainly bring in all of those aspects which makes it such an accessible idea for making a film.
With football films being made for a long time, there is an abundance to choose from but here are some of the best ones that you can find out there that will certainly get you your football fix on the big screen
1. Damned United
Following the success of the book, a film was made following the managerial life of Brian Clough during his time at Leeds United. Despite being arguable the best manager in England, Clough failed miserably at Leeds United lasting just 44 days.
The film has flashbacks to his time with Derby County and his relationship with his amazing assistant Peter Taylor with who he enjoyed so much success.
With great actors such as Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Colm Meaney, Jim Broadbent and Stephen Graham all appearing in the film it is a perfect British spectacle.
2. Looking for Eric
Ken Loach is one the best British directors surrounding social issues. He took to the footballing genre highlighting the issues of modern life for an average person in Britain. Following the story of postman Eric, he is close to committing suicide.
However, he uses the help of his imagination and uses the help of ex Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona (played by himself) to help him through is life issues.
Steve Evets plays Eric…the postman!
3. Football Factory
Highlighting the other side of fan support; violence. England has a bad history of footballing related crimes due to gang violence who fight for their football club on match day. This film follows a Chelsea football firm and focuses on the story of Tommy played by Danny Dyer who lives for the weekend and fighting.
With lots of drugs, drink, violence and just a little bit of football it is pushing the boundaries of it being included in this list.
4. Goal
Back to the football well and truly as the film follows the story of a young Mexican called Santiago Munez living in America who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Struggling in America and seeing his family struggle, his dreams are saved by a scout from Newcastle United.
The Premier League club take a punt on him and he adapts to life in England but it is not all easy along the way. However, he shows what he has to make it in the big leagues.
If you enjoy Goal then be sure to check out Goal 2 as the story continues for Munez.
5. Bend it like Beckham
A groundbreaking British film as it shows life in Britain for Sikh families in the UK and what it is like for female footballers. Cultural issues are show in abundance in this classic film. With the England football team experiencing success in 2022, it is a great idea to go back 20 years to this film when it was released and see what it was like for a women’s footballer.
Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers all starred in this football film.
6. Green Street
Another football gang film but this time focused around another London side West Ham United. It shows of football violence in a less comedic way than Football Factory but shows just as much violence. It shows a family divided by football violence that ultimatley leads to tragedy.
Stars such as Elijah Wood, Charlie Hunnam and Leo Gregory all star as part of the ICF; West Ham’s firm name.
7. Escape to Victory
A real classic that still stands the test of time today. Released in 1981, the story is set in war time Europe in a German prisoner of war camp. The German officials have a plan to have an exhibition game against them in a propaganda attempt but it leads to an escape idea from the Allies.
With great actors such as Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine both featuring it also has an abundance of ex footballers who all made an appearance in the film.
Stand out players include Bobby Moore, Ossie Ardiles and arguably the best player in the world Pele.
