3 Top Football Movies

As football season is among us (finally!), you may be looking for a few movies to fully get you in the mood. In my opinion, there are five really good football movies that should do the trick.

Any Given Sunday
For my money, there is nothing better than the combination of Olive Stone and football. Stone gets what the game is about, and creates a very realistic (if a bit dramatic) portrayal. The film angles alone with leave you with a healthy respect for the game. LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, Dennis Quaid, and Al Pacino star, but you’ll also get a glimpse of Johnny Unitas and Dick Butkus too. Go sharks!

Brian’s Song
It’s sappy. You’ll cry. But this is a movie a true football fan will enjoy. Based on a book by Gale Sayers, Brian’s Song outlines Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Sayers’ friendship. They were friends and bunkmates in a time in the NFL when interracial friendships were not all that common. Brian finds out he’s dying, and he realizes how strong his bond with Sayers really is.

Invincible
Every guy thinks he can try out for professional football, but how many of them would even make it through training camp? In Invincible, we see the story of Vince Papale, who tried out for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976. Surprisingly enough, he not only made the team but lasted three years in the NFL. This is truly a great story, and the action on the football field is good too. Mark Wahlberg does a good job in the title role.