Top 10 Best Soccer Movies Of All Time- Ranked

Soccer being the most popular sport across the globe, it’s no surprise to witness that there are so many soccer movies filmed over the past few decades. In the midst of hundreds of these artistic creations, it’s not easy to find out the best soccer movies to have been ever made as hundreds of them have been equally important to spread the importance and aura of the sport amongst its fans. 

There are a bunch of soccer documentaries about players and clubs, social dramas, and hardcore comedies that have been made on soccer. Many of these movies drive fans’ emotions towards the sports while some ignite comic sense inside them. Stardom, fandom, popularity and cash influx of soccer have also forced prominent OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney to make soccer movies to attract audiences. On that note, let’s discuss the top 10 best soccer movies of all time.

Ranking Factors

In the last two decades, hundreds of movies have been released that have focused either on the journeys of the players or some specific historical events of the sports. As a result, it has been difficult for us to rank the top 10 best soccer movies as more than 30 movies are too good to be overlooked. However, factors such as grossing, number of viewers on streaming platforms, storyline, social effects, genre and subject of the film have been taken into account before finding the top 10 soccer movies of all time.

• Genre
• Grossing
• Storyline
• Number of viewers
• Social effects

Top 10 Greatest Soccer Movies

Also Read: Top 10 Best Players In Major League Soccer

10. The Two Escobars

If you are an ardent soccer lover, then it will surely be on your watchlist. The Two Escobars is about the story of the Colombian goalkeeper Andres Escobar, whose name is famous for some nasty incidents in soccer history. Escobar was accused of deliberately scoring an own goal during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and was murdered for this later for this allegation. His murder was followed by the elimination of Colombia from the tournament.

In 2010, prominent filmmakers Michael Zimbalist and Jeff produced one of the best soccer movies of the century, The Two Escobars, exploring the connection between Andres Escobar and the kingpin of Colombia’s Medellin drug cartel, Pablo Escobar.

9. The Damned United

A generational actor, Michael Sheen has played the lead role in “The Damned United”, which was released in 2009 in theatres, garnering widespread appraisals and criticism alike at that time. Many claim it to be one of the best soccer movies because of its enigmatic story which shows a fictional version of coach Brian Clough’s limited time as the Leeds United head coach in 1974. Sheen was outstanding in his role of portraying the emotional ups and downs of Brian Clough.

8. Pele

This movie shows the journey of the Brazilian soccer legend Pele from rags to riches in the sport where he has emerged as a global icon from a young prodigy. The film, released in 2021, features interviews with Pele’s families, friends and other important figures from the sporting and political communities and gives an insight into the unspoken life of Pele. The hidden story and skills of the player has been beautifully portrayed in one of the greatest soccer movies.

7. Mean Machine

Set inside the notorious prison wall in England, Mean Machine is a testament to grit, perseverance and a strong mentality. Actor Vinnie Jones played the role Danny Meehan, who trained the inmates of the prison to play against the jail guards in an intense soccer match. The dark and intense character of The Monk, accurately justified by the great actor Jason Statham, has made the movie memorable. There is a perfect blend of satire, action, and soccer in this.

6. Green Street Hooligans

Remember Elijah Wood, who travelled across middle Earth in quest of the most powerful ring in the world in the movie called “The Lord of the Rings”? Well, he starred in one of the most epic soccer movies, Green Street Hooligans in 2005 to play the role of a student. 

Set at the backdrop of pre and post-school period, this movie is a story of revenge, betrayal and new-found courage and determination. A young Charlie Hunnam was also a crucial part of this legendary soccer movie.

5. Shaolin Soccer

It’s fair to say that almost every ’90s-born soccer fan has watched this comic beauty, Shaolin Soccer. Hailed as one of the best soccer movies ever, Shaolin Soccer takes the watchers through a vivid journey of a former Shaolin monk and his cousins who take up the roles of footballers to honor the memory of their dead master. In the movie, the heroes of the story gain supernatural power through meditation and defeat a well-trained soccer team in some funny ways, which will seem otherworldly to the naked eye. Fun, drama, suspense, magic, and soccer – absolutely classic.

4. Escape to Victory

This movie and its star cast are enough to blow your mind away. Starring soccer legend Pele and Sylvester Stallone AKA Rambo, Escape to Victory shows a captivating fictional story about a soccer match between the Nazis and their captives of the Second World War. In 1981, this movie broke several records after release, thanks to an engaging storyline. Soccer and film shook hands to make this a memorable watch for the fans.

3. Goal! The Dream Begins

If you are searching for the best soccer movies in history, then Goal! The Dream Begins must be the one you should watch first. Released in 2005, this film has shown that soccer has no barrier and it allows rich and poor players alike to come into its fold if there is dedication and talent. It depicts the unbelievable rise of a Mexican immigrant to fame through an eventful journey of success and failure. Starting a career at Newcastle United in England, Santiago Munez, played by Kuno Becker, went on to become a galactico at Real Madrid. Well, if you want fun on weekends and want to see some sports celebrity cameos, then this movie is for you.

2. Bend It Like Beckham

“Bend It Like Beckham”, is a perfect example of how to break the societal barriers of women through soccer. Set in England, the movie talks about the story of two girls – Jesminder Jess Bhamra and Jules Paxton, who fought their way through the patriarchal mentality in soccer to prove themselves. A mix of culture, friendship, women empowerment, and determination has been explored through widely praised screenplay and dialogues. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, Bend it Like Beckham captivated audiences across the globe, resonating with diverse cultures. Even the makers of the film associated real-world soccer players to give a vibrant touch to the movie, which not only became one of the best soccer movies ever but also the highest-grossing movie in this genre of its time.

1. Offside

In 2006, director Jafar Panahi created one of the best soccer movies of all time ever “Offside” to send a message to the world that films can also be used to send social messages for women across the world. During a qualifying game of the Soccer World Cup in Iran, a group of girls entered the stadium disguised as boys to support their team. Offside won a prestigious award at the Berlin International Film Festival for underlining gender differences.

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