As we begin the Football Season, it’s also fun to watch Hollywood’s version of the gridiron. Whether you are a football fan, a movie fan, or both, the following films give you an interesting look at the popular sport.
The Freshman (1925)-Harold Lloyd plays a college student who, in order to impress a girl, joins the football team. One of Lloyd’s most successful and acclaimed films.
Horse Feathers (1932)-in this Marx Brothers classic Groucho is the president of Huxley College who hired a pair of bootleggers (Harpo and Chico) to recruit professional players to play in the big game. Full of the Brothers’ most famous gags.
Gus (1976)-Don Knotts is coach for the California Atoms. After hearing of a soccer ball kicking mule, Knotts sets out to recruit him to play football.
Two-Minute Warning (1976)-The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is the backdrop for this disaster movie. An armed gunman is discovered at a championship game and the police, led by Charlton Heston and John Cassavetes, must stop him.
North Dallas Forty (1979)-Nick Nolte and Mac Davis play star players in this raw, yet comedic, look at professional sports and the toll it takes on it’s players. Based on the best-selling novel.
Rudy (1993)-This now iconic movie wasn’t a big hit when first released. It depicts the struggles of an under-sized student who dreams of playing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A modern classic.
Any Given Sunday (1999)-Another inside look at the inner workings of professional sports. Al Pacino plays an aging coach at odds with the new owner (Cameron Diaz). As with most Oliver Stone films, it is not for the squeamish.
Varsity Blues (1999)-James Van Der Beek plays a high school player at odds with his tyrannical coach (Jon Voight). Paul Walker plays the team’s injured quarterback.
Friday Night Lights (2004)-Based on the book by H.G. Bissinger and later a TV series about a Texas high school team. A fascinating look at what football means to a small Texas town.
Leatherheads (2008)-A comedic look at the early years of professional football. Team captain George Clooney recruits college star/war hero John Krasinski to improve the team’s record. They both end up romancing spunky reporter Renee Zellweger.
Of course there are many more movies about football and other sports available for check out.
Do you have a favorite football movie?
