Nothing beats the raw emotion of watching a football match. But it often happens that a film about football is much more interesting than the game itself. These are the pictures we have collected in this list. There are inspiring dramas, funny comedies, biopics about legendary players, and a series that, using the example of football, gives a master class on how to overcome difficult life conflicts and find mutual understanding with a variety of people.
Ted Lasso
A good comedy series tells about a talented American football coach from a college in Wichita, Kansas, who is invited to London to coach the unsuccessful Richmond football club. Ted Lasso – that is the name of the main character – does not understand anything about European football, but gladly takes on such a challenge. His approach to each player, optimism and ability to find a common language help him improve the lives of the players of the football club. And over time, this translates into the team’s success on the football field.
Damn United
The drama, based on real events, takes the viewer back to 1974 and tells the story of the coach of the British team Leeds United, Brian Clough. He has shown good results in another team over the past few years. However, Clough himself had previously repeatedly criticized Leeds United’s play. And the club’s players remember the previous grievances very well. What adds complexity to this situation is the fact that Clough’s faithful partner, with whom he previously achieved high results, is not moving to the new club. As a result, he lasted only 44 days in the coaching chair and transferred to Nottingham Forest, where he revealed all his talent.
Goal!
Mexican boy Santiago, despite all the obstacles and troubles of life, becomes a professional football player. On the way to his goal, he was created obstacles by his relatives, who did not believe in his success at all. However, one day the guy was noticed by a former Newcastle United player. He gave Santiago a chance to prove himself on the field. This inspiring film features footage of real football matches and also features appearances from football stars.
Bend It Like Beckham
Another inspiring film starring Keira Knightley. The plot centers on a girl named Jess, who in her free time kicks a ball in the park. Her dream is to achieve high results in football so that she can be compared with the legendary Beckham. However, circumstances force her to be disappointed in her plans. At this time, her friend Juliet appears in her life, who invites the main character to come to the local women’s football section. There, Jess realizes that this place will completely change her life.
The game of their lives
This is a rare case when Hollywood made a film about European football with famous American actors. The film is based on the true story of the US soccer team that beat England in the 1950 World Cup. The film tells about the family traditions of the main characters that shaped the American players.
Pelé: Birth of a Legend
Biopic about one of the best football players in history. The film follows the fate of the legend, from his first matches for the Santos club at the age of fifteen to his landmark victories as part of the national team. He managed to win the World Championship three times, which no one else managed to do in subsequent years.
United
The historical drama tells the story of the tragedy that happened on February 6, 1958. Then, at Munich airport, a plane was trying to take off, carrying the Manchester United team, several fans, journalists and club staff. The average age of the team was 22 years. As a result of an unsuccessful takeoff, almost all the players died. Despite this tragedy, the young assistant coach takes on the task of reviving the club.
Dream Team
A light French comedy tells the story of Patrick Orbert, who in the past was a famous football player and played for the national team. However, years later, he began to abuse alcohol and got involved in a number of scandals, as a result of which his career fell apart. After all these adversities, fate gives him another chance and he is invited to become the coach of an amateur team in the north of France. When he first meets the team, Patrick is completely disappointed when he sees how much of a bunch this team is. To rectify the situation, the main character turns to his football star friends for help.
A Shot at Glory
The plot of the film takes place in the small town of Kilnocky in Scotland. The local boys are trained by a man named Gordon. There are some real talents among his players. The club’s managers plan to transfer them to capital clubs, where a higher level of football awaits them. However, the coach is categorically against this. The team has championship games coming up, for which it is necessary to prepare responsibly. Coach Gordon passes all these tests with dignity.
Mean Machine
The captain of an English football club has everything he wanted in life. He is famous, rich, healthy, he can afford the cars and women he talks about geeks don’t even dream. But one day drama happens – he gets drunk and beats up a policeman. For this he receives a prison sentence. Once behind bars, he is called by the prison warden, who offers him to coach the prison football team. However, the main character goes against it and creates his own team of prisoners. He sets himself the goal of winning the match against the team of guards.
Mike Bassett: England Manager
The English national football team remains without a coach. There is simply no one to replace him. The proud British are not going to invite foreigners, and all the coaches are busy with other teams. As a result, there is nothing left but to invite a coach from the Norwich City club, who plays in one of the lower leagues. This coach only recognizes one formation: 4-4-2 and writes the names of the players on a pack of cigarettes. By a strange coincidence, the British manage to make it to the World Cup, where incredible incidents await the team.
When Saturday Comes
Arrogant alcoholic Jimmy Muir has the talent of a footballer. But all his endeavors fail due to lack of discipline and courage. One day, while playing for a local pub team, the football manager of another club pays attention to him. This gives the main character a chance to participate in an amateur team. And soon after that, with a little effort, the guy makes his way to the professionals – at Sheffield United.
Looking for Eric
At the center of this social drama is lonely postman Eric Bishop. He is no longer young and has two marriages behind him. The first one broke up many years ago, so he does not communicate with either his ex-wife or their daughter together. Relations with his second wife and her sons are no better. The latter often communicate with individuals who have problems with the law. The only thing that truly warms the soul of the main character is the memories of his favorite Manchester United player Eric Cantona. One day the postman smokes a joint and his idol appears to him…
Will
The plot of the film revolves around eleven-year-old Will Brannan, who is a fierce fan of Liverpool. Due to the fact that the guy lives in a special school for boys, he is not always able to watch football. One day his favorite team reaches the Champions League final, which is to be held in Turkey. Will dreams of going to this match. But getting there on your own is unrealistic. And at that moment his father suddenly appears with two tickets to the match. For this, the boy is ready to forgive him for such a long separation. However, soon after this, the father suddenly dies. Now the boy with two tickets must find someone to take him to the football game.
Flitzer
The piquant comedy tells the story of a humble literature teacher who decides to make money for his dream in an unusual way. He bets on sports. True, he is not interested in the score of the game, but in how many seconds the next naked hooligan who suddenly runs out onto the lawn in the middle of a football match will last on the field. According to the plot of the comedy, at a certain point, fans begin to follow these naked people more than football.
How the Cossacks played football
Well, as a bonus – a classic of Ukrainian animation, which tells about the football adventures of the trio of Cossacks Grai, Oka and Tur. In the story, they fight with teams of knights, musketeers and the British. Every time the Cossacks are helped by their ingenuity.