Fewsportshave facilitated as many high-quality movies as American football. FromThe Longest Yard(1974) andRudy(1993) toRemember the Titans(2000) andThe Blind Side(2009), dozens of successful Hollywood features have revolved around the sport at hand. But frankly, even more films of this ilk have flown under the radar, if they weren’t unnecessarily panned by critics, as well.
Several movies featured on this list were made by talented directors, and even more of them feature star-studded casts. While a few of these titles may ring a bell, most of them deserve far more love today as high-quality sports films. All that said, these are 20 underrated football movies that every sports fan needs to see at least once.
20Little Giants (1994)
Pundits of the industry were rather harsh in their reviews ofLittle Giants(1994). On critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, it currently holds a meager approval rating of 36%. But really, this feature by Duwayne Dunham follows a charming cast of characters within a rather relatable story.
A Charming and Relatable Plot
Comedystars like Rick Moranisprovide fans with hilarious moments inLittle Giants,as it chronicles his protagonist, a gas station owner who competes against his older brother by assembling a misfit football team. Any gym-class rejects out there can relate. And although it came up short at the worldwide box office,Little Giantsis held in much higher regard by audiences today than it was by critics upon release. Justifiably so.Rent on AppleTV
19Gridiron Gang (2006)
Gridiron Gang
At the worldwide box office,Gridiron Gang(2006) accrued just $41 million against a $30 million budget. Not the worst numbers. But this inventive football stint came up completely short in the eyes of critics, and for the most part, it’s hardly held in any higher regard today. That’s in spite of an engaging plot seen into fruition by the direction of Phil Joanou.
Inspired by True Events
Dwayne Johnson shines as coach Sean Porter, who forms a football team comprised of juvenile delinquents. This parlays into poignant moments on-screen, punctuated by humor around every corner of its plot. And the featured football games are something of a spectacle inGridiron Gang, adding a great deal of action to an already versatile sports film.Stream on Netflix
18Lucas (1986)
In an effort to impress a girl named Maggie, the titular, nerdy character inLucas(1986) joins the high school football team. The former is played by Kerri Green, while Corey Haim appears as Lucas. There’s also Winona Ryder as Rina, who crushes on Lucas, along with Charlie Sheen as Cappie, the boyfriend of Maggie whoprotects the protagonist from bullies.
Unique Character Dynamics
The genius behindLucasis writer-director David Seltzer, who crafted compelling character dynamics within an engrossing story. Alas, despite decent recognition from pundits of the industry, his efforts came up short at the worldwide box office. And in terms of contemporary name value,Lucascan still be recognized as underrated today.Stream on DIRECTV
17The Replacements (2000)
Here inThe Replacements(2000) by Howard Deutch, Keanu Reeves stars as a quarterback named Shane Falco. Meanwhile, Gene Hackman appears as his coach, Jimmy McGinty — there are also actors like Orlando Jones, Rhys Ifans, and Jon Favreau. Quite a talented crew. But somehow, they hardly convinced fans to visit a local movie theater.
From Various Perspectives, The Replacements Is Underrated
On top of bombing at the box office,The Replacementsalso holds one of the worst scores on Rotten Tomatoes out of any film on the list. Its 41% is completely unwarranted, as its compelling plot about a rag-tag team replacing the striking Washington Sentinels should compel sports fans and film buffs alike.Rent on AppleTV
1623 Blast (2013)
In23 Blast(2013), the inciting incident will connect audiences to protagonist Travis Freeman like few figures from any football film ever. He’s the star player ofhis high school team, and he’s a respectful individual off the field. But overnight, he’s rendered blind after contracting an eye infection that attacks his optic nerve. Even still, that doesn’t stop Travis from saving the season.
Heart Wins Football Games
With the help of his friends, family, coaches, and teammates, Travis overcomes all definitions of adversity and plays center position on the team. It’s a touching tale, but despite the implementation of empathetic characters,23 Blastcame up short across the board of success. For football fans seeking an under-the-radar release, this project should resonate for reasons aplenty.
15Semi-Tough (1977)
Based on Dan Jenkins' novel of the same name,Semi-Tough(1977) saw direction by Michael Ritchie. It stars Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, and Jill Clayburgh — but there’s also Robert Preston, Lotte Lenya, and Bert Convy, with everyone receiving praise from critics for their indelible efforts in this underrated sports comedy.
Love Triangles and Football
Adapted by several creatives,Semi-Toughfollows a pair of professional football players, Billy Clyde Puckett and Marvin “Shake” Tiller. Played by Reynolds and Kristofferson, respectively, they room with Clayburgh’s character, named Barbara Jane Bookman.A love triangle developsbetween the three, and the plot that plays out deserves far more love today with regard to the realm of sports movies.Rent on AppleTV
14Wildcats (1986)
A sports comedy,Wildcats(1986) stars Goldie Hawn as Molly McGrath. She kicks off the plot by resigning as head coach for a high school track team, then fulfilling her dreams as the boys' football coach for an inner-city school. A decent plot, with the most notable facet ofWildcatsbeing its impressive array of talented actors that comprise its primary cast.
It Deserves More Love For Its Performances Alone
On top of Hawn, there’s also Nipsey Russell, Bruce McGill, and M. Emmet Walsh. ButWildcatsis also notable for marking the on-screen debut of two future superstars: Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. Although their roles are minor, they perfectly punctuate the plot of an underrated football film.Rent on AppleTV
13Invincible (2006)
At the worldwide box office,Invincible(2006) accrued $58.5 million against a $30 million budget. And on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 72% approval rating. Pretty decent numbers. But frankly, this football film is rarely discussed by fans today, and even then, it arguably deserved more acclaim upon release.
Once a Bartender, Now a Quarterback
Itstars Mark Wahlbergas Vince Papale, a real-life figure who tries out for the Philadelphia Eagles while splitting shifts between substitute teaching and bartending. He makes the team, along with NFL history in the process. It’s a compelling plot, and in spite of some melodramatic moments,Invincibleshould hit home for sports fans looking for impressive production value on the football field.Stream on Disney+
1280 for Brady (2023)
Among the funniest football films ever made is80 for Brady(2023), which stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field. An impressive list of names. Each of those actresses had been honing their comedic chops for decades up to the release of80 for Brady, which features some of the most uproarious performances of their respective careers.
An Inventive Sports Comedy
A group of older women win a trip to the Super Bowl, and they travel with enthusiasm at the chance to watch their all-time favorite player: Tom Brady. It’s an inventive premise, with the leads establishing a hilarious, back-and-forth rapport in the film’s opening scene. Well-timed moments of comedy sustain the pace of the plot until its final frame.Stream on Prime Video or Paramount+
11The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008)
While some audiences have long seen light in its quality, critics weren’t exactly writing home aboutThe Express: The Ernie Davis Story(2008). It holds a meager 62% approval rating on critical consensus website Rotten Tomatoes, and while film fans have since come around in a contemporary setting,The Expressalsobombed at the box office.
The Star-Studded Cast of The Express
Rob Brown plays the eponymous halfback, while Dennis Quaid appears as Ben Schwartzwalder, the head coach of the Syracuse University football team. Other names among the star-studded supporting cast ofThe Expressinclude Charles S. Dutton, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Clancy Brown, and Nicole Beharie. There’s even Chadwick Boseman in his feature film debut. But no matter the name involved, everyone sees a compelling story into underrated fruition.Rent on AppleTV
