Movies for NFL Lovers

Movies with a sporting theme have often proved to be a hit at the box office. In the case of NFL, the producers have picked a hot topic, with so many millions of fans in the USA and beyond.

There have been some notable NFL-themed epics over the years, but which are the best, and why have they been so successful?

The Wider Appeal

It may be seen as a distinctive American sport. After all, it’s called American football, but there is an appeal that goes beyond a single country. The game is played north of the border in Canada, while official NFL games have been played in Mexico, Germany, France and the UK.

The result is that millions of people tune in to catch the big games via the live broadcasters. The league is also big business among the sportsbooks, and a vast community can access sport betting markets from across the online industry.

This all creates a perfect storm for film makers, and here are some of the best NFL movies of all time.

Invincible

An impressive cast led by Mark Wahlberg recounts the tale of Vince Papale; a humble bartender who realized his dream to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a classic tale of the underdog rising through the ranks to achieve an unlikely success, and this is an emotional film that was a box office hit when it was released in 2006.

While based on a true story, Papale was a solid semi pro footballer, and his stay in the NFL was a brief one between 1976 and 1978. However, Invincible touches on the theory that all of us can achieve our dreams, and that’s why it was a clear success.

Big Fan

If you’re looking for something different, Big Fan should hit the mark. In this 2009 release, a huge New York Giants fan struggles to deal with the aftermath of being attacked by his favorite player.

In this fictional tale, Paul Aufiero, played by Patton Oswalt, follows Giants linebacker Quantrell Bishop to a club. He approaches his hero, but the meeting goes badly wrong. While the plot may sound grim, Big Fan is actually a comedy and there are many hilarious moments that lighten the theme.

The Blind Side

Another battle against all the odds is recounted in The Blind Side. This is a biopic, and it tells the story of Michael Oher, a defensive linesman who won the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.

Oher was a sporting superstar, but his route to the top wasn’t a conventional one. Raised in foster homes due to his mother’s addictions, he was recommended to football coaches as he looked to gain a foothold in the professional game. This is another inspirational story of how one man overcame adversity and many feel that The Blind Side is the best NFL movie ever made.

Brian’s Song

Those who are seeking a true tear-jerker and an emotional rollercoaster should seek out Brian’s Song. Once again, this movie is based on a true story, and it focuses on a friendship between two stars of the NFL.

Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers are teammates at the Chicago Bears, and they become great friends. The two men are from different races and backgrounds, and they become the first interracial roommates in NFL history.

It’s an inspiring and groundbreaking story, but it’s not always a happy one. Piccolo was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died in 1970 at the age of 26. Gale continues to play on in his memory.

Remember the Titans

The world was a different place in the 1970s and this is another story of NFL players who had to overcome racial prejudices of the time. It’s another true tale and Remember the Titans is based on the experiences of the T.C. Williams College football side and their coach, Herman Boone.

Denzel Washington takes the lead role in this 2000 release which offers another inspirational tale of triumph over adversity.

Semi-Tough 

One of the best examples of an all-star cast assembles in this 1977 comedy film. Semi-Tough sees Burt Reynolds join forces with Kris Kristofferson and Jill Clayburgh in an amusing story of a love triangle involving professional football players.

It’s not a complex plot and there is no true story behind it, but Semi-Tough is an NFL film that is hard to beat in terms of light-hearted fun.

The fact that each of these releases is up there with the greatest NFL movies of all time, means that they are easily accessible. If they are not currently available via NetFlix or other services, it’s almost certain that there will be a DVD release for sale via the usual outlets.

For lovers of sport in general and the NFL in particular, all of these movies come highly recommended.