The 10 Best Football Movies for Before the Super Bowl

There’s something about football movies that just hits harder in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Whether they’re about underdogs, broken teams, impossible comebacks, or the weight of expectation, these films tap into the emotion behind the sport in ways real games sometimes can’t. Some are inspirational, some are messy, and some are more Hollywood than football, but all of them understand why the game matters. With kickoff approaching, these are the football movies worth revisiting, ranked by how well they capture the heart, drama, and spirit of the sport.

10. Leatherheads (2008)

A fun, stylish look at football’s early days, but more focused on charm and romance than the intensity of the game. Enjoyable, just not essential.

9. Draft Day (2014)

Wildly unrealistic but undeniably entertaining. It’s football from the boardroom, not the field, perfect for fans who love the chaos behind the scenes.

8. Invincible (2006)

A classic underdog story with strong crowd-pleasing energy. It lacks depth compared to higher entries, but it nails the dream of making the NFL.

7. We Are Marshall (2006)

Emotionally heavy and respectful, this is more about healing than football. It earns its spot for heart, not highlight reels.

6. The Blind Side (2009)

A Super Bowl-week staple that works as feel-good inspiration, even if its football accuracy and real-life framing are debatable.

5. Friday Night Lights (2004)

No movie captures the pressure and obsession surrounding football quite like this one. Gritty, intense, and painfully real.

4. North Dallas Forty (1979)

One of the most honest football movies ever made. It strips away the myth and shows the physical and emotional cost of the game.

3. Any Given Sunday (1999)

Loud, messy, and unforgettable. It perfectly captures the ego, violence, and spectacle of pro football at its most extreme.

2. Rudy (1993)

Pure heart and relentless belief. It may be sentimental, but few football movies inspire the way this one does.

1. Remember the Titans (2000)

The ultimate football movie. Leadership, unity, and the love of the game all collide here, making it unbeatable before the Super Bowl.