The very best soccer motion pictures seize the grit, the drama, the glory, and even the absurd comedic potential of the game. To that tight finish, we’ve huddled collectively the 30 Important Soccer Films, as advantageous a lineup of critics’ and fashionable fan decisions as you’ll ever see.

Filling the roster are classics synonymous with soccer flicks (Bear in mind the Titans, Rudy), comedies to deal with the humorous bone (The Waterboy, The Replacements), business insiders (Jerry Maguire, Draft Day), and the inspirational tearjerkers (Brian’s Music). And it’s an-all ages membership, from elementary (Little Giants), to highschool (Varsity Blues), to varsity (We Are Marshall), and, in fact, the winding highway to the professionals (Invincible). Whether or not they’re set on subject, within the locker room, or within the halls, these motion pictures seize the spirit of soccer in its complicated glory. These motion pictures are usually not ranked by Tomatometer scores, however by their stature and influence inside the world of sports activities cinema. So even when some critics gave these motion pictures a tough time, the truth that they’ve been accepted by audiences and followers as movie ambassadors to the soccer life was the true weighing issue.

So welcome to Rotten Tomatoes’ 30 Important Soccer Films. No have to assessment the play on this one: We assure you’re seeing a giant dogpile of the gridiron film greats. —Alex Vo

#1

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Adjusted Rating: 81044%

Critics Consensus: Although undeniably sentimental and predictable, Rudy succeeds with an uplifting spirit and dedication.

Synopsis: Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) needs to play soccer on the College of Notre Dame, however has neither the cash for… [More]

#2

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Adjusted Rating: 76511%

Critics Consensus: An inspirational crowd-pleaser with a wholesome dose of social commentary, Bear in mind the Titans could also be predictable, nevertheless it’s additionally well-crafted and options terrific performances.

Synopsis: In Virginia, highschool soccer is a lifestyle, an establishment revered, every recreation celebrated extra lavishly than Christmas,… [More]

#3

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Adjusted Rating: 87771%

Critics Consensus: An acute survey of the football-obsessed heartland that succeeds as each a stirring drama and a rousing sports activities film.

Synopsis: A small, turbulent city in Texas obsesses over their highschool soccer staff to an unhealthy diploma. When the star… [More]

#4

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Adjusted Rating: 92405%

Critics Consensus: Buoyed by standout performances from James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, Brian’s Music is a touching story of friendship whose central relationship transcends its normal sports activities film moments.

Synopsis: Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) are teammates on the mid-Sixties Chicago Bears. At a time… [More]

#6

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Adjusted Rating: 53094%

Critics Consensus: Matthew McConaughey nearly runs We Are Marshall to the top zone, however cannot cease it from taking the straightforward, feel-good route in memorializing this historic occasion in American sports activities.

Synopsis: In 1970, Marshall College and the small city of Huntington, W.Va., reel when a aircraft crash claims the lives of… [More]

#7

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Adjusted Rating: 56925%

Critics Consensus: Typically entertaining, however general Any Given Sunday is a disappointment coming from Oliver Stone.

Synopsis: 4 years in the past, DAmato’s (Al Pacino) Miami Sharks have been on the prime. Now, his staff is fighting three consecutive… [More]

#8

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Adjusted Rating: 44613%

Critics Consensus: It is a predictable soccer film that lacks depth.

Synopsis: In West Canaan, Texas, highschool soccer reigns supreme. When beginning quarterback Lance Harbor (Paul Walker) turns up injured, the… [More]

#9

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Adjusted Rating: 79560%

Critics Consensus: Equal components powerful and humorous, and led by a superbly solid Burt Reynolds, The Longest Yard has an attention-grabbing political subtext and a very good climax — even when it takes too lengthy to get there.

Synopsis: An ex-football star doing time is compelled by the warden to prepare a staff of inmates to play towards his… [More]

#10

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Adjusted Rating: 99023%

Critics Consensus: It covers acquainted sports activities documentary territory, however Undefeated proves there are nonetheless highly effective tales to be instructed on the highschool gridiron.

Synopsis: Since its founding in 1899, Manassas Excessive College in North Memphis has by no means had a soccer staff win a playoff… [More]

#11

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Adjusted Rating: 45083%

Critics Consensus: The position of probation officer Sean Porter suits Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson like a glove; nonetheless, the execution is so cliched, the youths’ tales (primarily based on actual occasions), fail to encourage.

Synopsis: A counselor (The Rock) at a juvenile detention facility decides to show the younger inmates in his cost right into a… [More]

#12

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Adjusted Rating: 66022%

Critics Consensus: The Specific crosses the aim line as an inspirational sports activities drama, though followers of the style will acknowledge many — if not most — of its clichés.

Synopsis: Born into poverty, Ernie Davis (Rob Brown) overcomes many obstacles to get into Syracuse College’s soccer program. Underneath the steerage… [More]

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#13

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Adjusted Rating: 76499%

Critics Consensus: As easy and genuine because the gritty South Philly invirons during which it is set in, Invincible sends a uplifting and heartfelt message filled with an athletic enthusiasm that should not be missed.

Synopsis: Lifelong soccer fan Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) sees his wildest goals come true when he turns into a member of the… [More]

#14

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Adjusted Rating: 73529%

Critics Consensus: It would strike some viewers as a bit of too pat, however The Blind Aspect has the good thing about sturdy supply materials and a robust efficiency from Sandra Bullock.

Synopsis: Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron), a homeless black teen, has drifted out and in of the varsity system for years. Then… [More]

#15

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Adjusted Rating: 65822%

Critics Consensus: It is completely nice for sports activities buffs and Costner followers, however general, Draft Day lives all the way down to its title by relying too closely on the type of by-the-numbers storytelling that solely a statistician may love.

Synopsis: Sonny Weaver Jr. is the overall supervisor of the Cleveland Browns. One in every of professional soccer’s most necessary days, NFL draft… [More]

#16

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Adjusted Rating: 77271%

Critics Consensus: American Underdog sticks to the usual inspirational sports activities drama playbook — and proves as soon as once more that it may be very efficient in the proper palms.

Synopsis: American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery… [More]

#17

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Adjusted Rating: 85349%

Critics Consensus: Muddled general, however perceptive and brutally real looking, North Dallas Forty additionally advantages from sturdy performances by Nick Nolte and Charles Durning. Soccer followers will probably discover it fascinating.

Synopsis: A brutal satire of American skilled soccer during which a veteran pass-catcher’s individuality and refusal to turn out to be a part of the… [More]

#18

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Adjusted Rating: 36264%

Critics Consensus: That is an insult to its style with low humor and low-cost gags.

Synopsis: Raised by his overprotective mom, Helen (Kathy Bates), Bobby Boucher Jr. (Adam Sandler) is the water boy for a profitable… [More]

#19

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Adjusted Rating: 96145%

Critics Consensus: No consensus but.

Synopsis: In hopes of constructing some mates, Harold Lamb (Harold Lloyd) attends faculty at Tate College. However when the scholars discover… [More]

#20

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Adjusted Rating: 90916%

Critics Consensus: A throwback to the high-gloss screwball comedies of the Nineteen Forties, Heaven Can Wait beguiles with seamless manufacturing values and nice comedian reduction from Charles Grodin and Dianne Cannon.

Synopsis: Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty), quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is killed in an auto accident. Within the afterlife, Joe… [More]

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#21

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Adjusted Rating: 62470%

Critics Consensus: Led by an A+ solid, the highway to College Ties is paved with good intentions which are considerably marred by the honorable but heavy-handed message towards intolerance.

Synopsis: When David Greene (Brendan Fraser) receives a soccer scholarship to a prestigious prep college within the Fifties, he feels strain… [More]

#22

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Adjusted Rating: 46379%

Critics Consensus: The Final Boy Scout is as explosive, foolish, and enjoyable because it does characterize the decline of the buddy-cop style.

Synopsis: As soon as a first-rate Secret Service agent, Joe Hallenbeck (Bruce Willis) is now a gruff personal investigator whose newest gig is… [More]

#23

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Adjusted Rating: 36988%

Critics Consensus: This Yard has some laughs however lacking from this remake is the edginess of the unique.

Synopsis: Disgraced professional soccer quarterback Paul Crewe (Adam Sandler) lands in jail, the place manipulative Warden Hazen (James Cromwell) recruits him to… [More]

#24

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Adjusted Rating: 44345%

Critics Consensus: The cliched characters and apparent consequence make all of the enjoyable and pleasure quantity to nothing.

Synopsis: It is late within the season; the playoffs are quick approaching; and the Washington Sentinels have simply gone on strike. Scrambling… [More]

#25

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Adjusted Rating: 27148%

Critics Consensus: No consensus but.

Synopsis: Ever since childhood, nerdy Danny O’Shea (Rick Moranis) has felt inferior to his brother, Kevin (Ed O’Neill), a former faculty… [More]

#26

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Adjusted Rating: 42946%

Critics Consensus: The Longshots means properly, nevertheless it’s a largely formulaic affair, not often deviating from the inspirational sports activities film playbook.

Synopsis: Curtis Plummer (Ice Dice), a down-on-his-luck former soccer participant, turns into the brand new coach of the Minden, Illinois, Pop Warner soccer… [More]

#27

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Adjusted Rating: 92570%

Critics Consensus: Harvard Beats Yale 29-29 is compelling viewing despite the fact that it spoils the rating of the titular faculty soccer matchup – and even should you aren’t a fan of the game.

Synopsis: In November 1968, undefeated Ivy League soccer groups from Harvard and Yale sq. off in a historic recreation during which… [More]

Starring:

#28

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Adjusted Rating: 87665%

Critics Consensus: Go Tigers! is an absorbing and evenhanded documentary that takes a perceptive take a look at the world of highschool sports activities and its influence on a group.

Synopsis: “Go Tigers!” is a uncommon behind-the-scenes chronicling of a outstanding season for the Massillon Tiger’s highschool soccer staff, performed… [More]

Starring:

#29

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Adjusted Rating: 74106%

Critics Consensus: No consensus but.

Synopsis: Lucas (Corey Haim) is an unusually vivid teenager whose nerdy appears and meek demeanor make him a favourite goal for… [More]

#30

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Adjusted Rating: 15953%

Critics Consensus: The tropes of each soccer and evangelical motion pictures are gracelessly on parade on this banal, insipid drama.

Synopsis: Grant Taylor, a Christian high-school soccer coach (Alex Kendrick), will get some very unhealthy information. Moreover his and his spouse’s (Shannen… [More]

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