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List of American football films

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The following is a list of American football films.

Title Year Genre Notes
Two Minutes to Go 1921 Comedy A star of the college football team (Charles Ray) was forced to work as a milkman when his father's business begins to fail.
The Freshman 1925 Comedy Silent film with Harold Lloyd as a water boy who gets to play in team's big game.
Brown of Harvard 1926 Drama Silent film about Harvard football player, based on a Broadway play.
The Quarterback 1926 Comedy A college athlete spends 27 years trying to defeat the school's arch-rival.
The Drop Kick 1927 Drama A man's suicide damages a football player's reputation.
The College Widow 1927 Comedy A coach's daughter helps Atwater College land a star player.
West Point 1927 Drama Cadet fights coach, insults the academy, risks losing girl (Joan Crawford).
The College Hero 1927 Drama A jealous teammate trips Carver College's football star and injures him.
Salute 1929 Drama Brothers become opponents for Army-Navy game.
So This Is College 1929 Comedy College teammates Biff and Eddie compete for the love of lovely Babs Baxter
The Forward Pass 1929 Comedy A co-ed (Loretta Young) persuades a reluctant star to return to the gridiron.
College Hounds 1930 Comedy Short film of "All Barkie Dogville Comedies" series in which trained dogs play football players.
Maybe It's Love 1930 Musical College president's daughter (Joan Bennett) brings in-ringers to win the big game.
Maker of Men 1931 Drama A football player finds it hard to please his coach, who's his father.
The Galloping Ghost 1931 Serial A 12-chapter serial with Red Grange confronting a scandal at "Clay College."
Touchdown 1931 Drama Coach (Richard Arlen) weighs an injured player's health against his need to win.
Freddy the Freshman 1932 Animated short Freddy the Freshman, "the freshest kid in town" and a canine "big man on campus", crashes a college pep rally and becomes star of the campus football game.
Horse Feathers 1932 Comedy Marx Brothers farce about college football.
That's My Boy 1932 Drama A college hero demands $50,000 to keep playing, which his stockbroker loses
The All American 1932 Drama After a football player ruins his life, he keeps his brother from making the same mistake.
70,000 Witnesses 1932 Mystery His teammate murdered during a game, Buck Buchanan suspects his own brother.
The Sport Parade 1932 Drama Dartmouth football teammates get involved in pro wrestling.
Huddle 1932 Romance A poor, young Yale player falls in love with an heiress.
Rackety Rax 1932 Comedy Ex-cons become players and nightclub dancers cheerleaders to make college team popular.
College Coach 1933 Drama Stars get money, academic favoritism under new coach (Pat O'Brien).
Saturday's Millions 1933 Drama Western U's top player (Robert Young) sees football strictly as a business.
College Humor 1933 Musical A professor (Bing Crosby) and a football star fall for the same co-ed.
College Rhythm 1934 Musical Big man on campus Finnegan (Jack Oakie) gets a store to sponsor a winner-take-all game.
Three Little Pigskins 1934 Comedy A comical college tale involving The Three Stooges and Lucille Ball.
Gridiron Flash 1934 Drama Belford College is so desperate, it recruits a new player who's been in prison.
Hold 'Em Yale 1935 Comedy Colorful crooks and a love-crazy girl distract Yale football player (Buster Crabbe).
Pigskin Parade 1936 Comedy A "hillbilly" (Stuart Erwin) becomes a Texas college football hero.
The Big Game 1936 Comedy A gambler kidnaps Atlantic's quarterback before the big game vs. Erie.
Fighting Youth 1936 Drama Campus radicals try to persuade students to protest the football team.
Rose Bowl 1936 Romance "Cheers" Reynolds must decide which Rose Bowl team's star she likes best.
Over the Goal 1937 Drama Football star (William Hopper) risks permanent injury if he keeps playing.
Saturday's Heroes 1937 Drama Val Webster (Van Heflin) opposes colleges getting rich while athletes like him stay poor.
That Navy Spirit 1937 Romance A new quarterback (Lew Ayres) and his rival play football for the academy.
Navy Blue and Gold 1937 Drama Midshipman (James Stewart) clears father's name in time to play in Army-Navy game.
Touchdown, Army 1938 Drama A cocky cadet (Robert Cummings) shapes up in time to play in Army-Navy game.
Up the River 1938 Comedy A couple of con men end up involved in a prison football game.
Hold That Co-ed 1938 Comedy Football fortunes change for State thanks to a politician (John Barrymore) and a female kicker.
The Gladiator 1938 Comedy Joe E. Brown joins college team after experimental serum gives him super strength.
$1,000 a Touchdown 1939 Comedy Joe E. Brown inherits a college, offers money to any player who can score a touchdown.
The Cowboy Quarterback 1939 Comedy A pro scout from the "Chicago Packers" discovers a new star in rural Montana.
Knute Rockne, All American 1940 Biographical Story of Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne (Pat O'Brien), with Ronald Reagan as the Gipper.
Too Many Girls 1940 Comedy Bodyguards hired to watch rich girl (Lucille Ball) in college end up on the football team.
The Quarterback 1941 Comedy A brother pretends to be his twin and becomes the school's football star.
Harmon of MIchigan 1941 Drama Tom Harmon as himself, a college hero who weds sweetheart, becomes a coach.
The Spirit of Stanford 1942 Drama Frankie Albert as himself, a high school quarterback who then attends Stanford.
The Iron Major 1943 Biographical Story of coach Frank Cavanaugh (Pat O'Brien), a war hero.
Never Been Licked 1943 Drama World War II propaganda about Corps of Cadets and football at Texas A&M.
Good News 1947 Musical Tait College can win the big game, but only if its star (Peter Lawford) passes an exam.
Triple Threat 1948 Drama After a Rose Bowl game, two rivals end up playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
Father Was a Fullback 1949 Comedy Daughter of coach (Fred MacMurray) has boyfriend who chooses her over Notre Dame.
Easy Living 1949 Drama Pro quarterback Pete Wilson (Victor Mature) discovers he has a heart condition.
That's My Boy 1951 Comedy Martin and Lewis college football comedy (unrelated to the 1932 film That's My Boy, which is also about college football).
Saturday's Hero 1951 Drama A Virginia university's halfback (John Derek) deals with injuries, money issues.
Jim Thorpe – All-American 1951 Biographical The life and football career of Jim Thorpe, portrayed by Burt Lancaster
The Guy Who Came Back 1951 Drama Injured, aging athlete (Paul Douglas) refuses to accept that his playing days are over.
The Rose Bowl Story 1952 Romance A college gridiron star and a Rose Bowl princess fall in love.
Hold That Line 1952 Comedy The Bowery Boys discover a miracle "vitamin" and join the school's team.
Bonzo Goes to College 1952 Comedy A coach (Edmund Gwenn) is so desperate, he lets a chimp be his new quarterback.
Trouble Along the Way 1953 Comedy A Catholic college in New York hires a new football coach (John Wayne).
Crazylegs 1953 Biographical Based on college career of Elroy Hirsch, playing himself.
All American 1953 Drama A quarterback (Tony Curtis) deals with hazing and hardship at a Chicago college.
John Goldfarb, Please Come Home 1965 Comedy The CIA tries to get Notre Dame's team to lose a game on purpose.
They Call It Pro Football 1967 Documentary First full-length production from NFL Films.
Paper Lion 1968 Biographical Adaptation of writer George Plimpton's tryout with Detroit Lions, starring Alan Alda.
Number One 1969 Drama An aging New Orleans Saints pro quarterback (Charlton Heston) falls into drinking and adultery.
Brian's Song 1971 Biographical TV film on bond between Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) of the Chicago Bears, and Piccolo's cancer battle.
The Longest Yard 1974 Comedy Burt Reynolds as a convict who plays on his prison football team.
Two-Minute Warning 1976 Thriller Fictional story of stadium sniper, starring Charlton Heston.
Gus 1976 Comedy Disney tale of a mule that is able to take a slumping pro football team to the Super Bowl by winning with the ability to kick field-length field goals.
Black Sunday 1977 Thriller Fictional story of a terrorist attack on the Super Bowl by use of the Goodyear Blimp.
Something for Joey 1977 Biographical TV film on John Cappelletti, who won the Heisman Trophy, lost a brother to leukemia.
Semi-Tough 1977 Comedy Based on Dan Jenkins pro football novel, starring Burt Reynolds.
Heaven Can Wait 1978 Comedy A remake of Here Comes Mr. Jordan, but with football as backdrop instead of boxing. Warren Beatty as owner-quarterback of the Rams.
Superdome 1978 Drama Super Bowl quarterbacks (Tom Selleck, Ken Howard) are distracted by off-the-field worries. Made for TV
North Dallas Forty 1979 Drama Based on former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Peter Gent's novel of the same title, starring Nick Nolte as the character based on Gent's career.
Coach of the Year 1980 Drama A former pro player, paralyzed in Vietnam, agrees to coach at a correctional facility.
Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story 1980 Biographical About Rocky Bleier and obstacles he overcame after return from Vietnam.
Grambling's White Tiger 1980 Biographical Fact-based TV film on Grambling University's first white quarterback, played by Caitlyn Jenner (credited as Bruce Jenner).[a]
All the Right Moves 1983 Drama A high school football player (Tom Cruise)'s contentious relationship with his coach (Craig T. Nelson) may derail his plans to get a college football scholarship.
Quarterback Princess 1983 Biographical Oregon schoolgirl seeks a chance to quarterback the boys' team.
The Bear 1984 Biographical Made for TV biopic on life and coaching career of Alabama's Bear Bryant (played by Gary Busey).
Against All Odds 1984 Drama Pro receiver (Jeff Bridges) develops fatal attraction to daughter of team's corrupt owner
Lucas 1986 Comedy Not primarily about the sport; has football-related subplot.
The Best of Times 1986 Comedy Childhood friends replay their biggest game, starring Robin Williams and Kurt Russell.
Wildcats 1986 Comedy Goldie Hawn as a high school football coach.
Johnny Be Good 1988 Comedy A star high school quarterback (Anthony Michael Hall) must choose among a number of colleges vying to recruit him.
Everybody's All-American 1988 Drama Dennis Quaid in adaptation of Frank Deford football novel.
Necessary Roughness 1991 Comedy Story of a Texas college team filled with misfits.
The Last Boy Scout 1991 Action Crime action film; football marginal to plot.
A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story 1991 Drama A film of the relationship of between Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ricky Bell and Ryan Blankenship.
School Ties 1992 Drama High school bigotry story with Brendan Fraser and Matt Damon
The Program 1993 Drama James Caan as a college team's coach.
Rudy 1993 Biographical True story of quest by Rudy Ruettiger to enroll and play at Notre Dame.
Little Giants 1994 Comedy Fiction about men who coach children's teams.
Rise and Walk: The Dennis Byrd Story 1994 Biographical Television film on life and career-ending injury of New York Jets' Dennis Byrd.
Jerry Maguire 1996 Rom-Com Tom Cruise as a pro athlete's agent. An Oscar for Cuba Gooding Jr.
Angels in the Endzone 1997 Comedy Direct-to-video sequel to 1994 version of Angels in the Outfield.
The Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon 1998 Comedy Made for TV tale with Tony Danza.
The Waterboy 1998 Comedy Adam Sandler as a backward boy who helps Louisiana school's team
Air Bud: Golden Receiver 1998 Comedy In this sequel to Air Bud, the title dog learns to play football.
Varsity Blues 1999 Drama A Texas high school star quarterback (James Van Der Beek) struggles with pressure from his coach and father.
Any Given Sunday 1999 Drama A Miami coach (Al Pacino) tries to rein in a quarterback (Jamie Foxx) who is rising in both talent and popularity.
The Fanatics 1999 Comedy A television film with Ed Asner.
Marshall University: Ashes to Glory 2000 Documentary Made for TV. A history of Marshall University football in the late 20th century, starting with the 1970 plane crash and ending with the school's successes in the 1990s.
Remember the Titans 2000 Drama Based on a true story about a Virginia high school coach, starring Denzel Washington.
The Replacements 2000 Comedy Keanu Reeves in a fictional story about strike-breakers on a pro team
Brian's Song 2001 Drama A remake of 1971 story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo.
Full Ride 2002 Comedy Bad-attitude teen is picked to play in a state all-star game.
Monday Night Mayhem 2002 Biographical The creation of Monday Night Football, with John Turturro as sportscaster Howard Cosell.
The Slaughter Rule 2002 Drama Ryan Gosling as a Montana six-man football player.
Junction Boys 2002 Biographical Made for TV; based on a true story about a grueling football training camp at Texas A&M under coach Bear Bryant.
Hometown Legend 2002 Drama A drifting teenager meets a demanding high school coach.
Second String 2002 Comedy television film on a guy who gets to quarterback Buffalo Bills.
Playmakers 2003 Drama This ESPN-aired drama depicts the lives of the Cougars, a fictional professional football team in an unidentified city.
Radio 2003 Drama True story, with Cuba Gooding Jr. as a mentally challenged young man who aids a football coach.
Friday Night Lights 2004 Drama Based on a true story about Texas high school football.
The Longest Yard 2005 Comedy Remake of the 1974 film of the same title, with Adam Sandler.
Two for the Money 2005 Drama Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey, gambling big on football.
Code Breakers 2005 Drama ESPN film on 1951 West Point cheating scandal, starring Scott Glenn.
Invincible 2006 Drama Biopic of bartender Vince Papale (played by Mark Wahlberg), who gets to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
We Are Marshall 2006 Drama Matthew McConaughey in true story of college team's 1970 plane crash and aftermath.
Facing the Giants 2006 Drama Christian-themed story of a high school coach.
Gridiron Gang 2006 Drama Dwayne Johnson as a man who creates team at juvenile detention center.
The Comebacks 2007 Comedy Spoof of sports movies, featuring football coach "Lambeau Fields."
The Game Plan 2007 Comedy Pro quarterback (Dwayne Johnson) discovers that he has a daughter.
Leatherheads 2007 Comedy George Clooney in fictional story of 1920s pro football.
Harvard Beats Yale 29-29 2008 Documentary Alumni (including Tommy Lee Jones) recall a memorable 1968 Ivy League game.
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story 2008 Biographical Factual account on life of Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis.
The Longshots 2008 Comedy Based on a true story of the first girl to play in Pop Warner league.
The Band that Wouldn't Die 2009 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the history of the Baltimore Colts, the team's controversial move to Indianapolis, and the NFL's return to Baltimore, through the common thread of the Colts marching band.
The Blind Side 2009 Biographical High school career and recruitment of Michael Oher. An Oscar for Sandra Bullock.
The Legend of Jimmy the Greek 2009 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A look at Jimmy "the Greek" Snyder, from start as bookie through firing from The NFL Today.
Small Potatoes: Who Killed the USFL? 2009 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Follows rise and demise of 1980s United States Football League, including team owner Donald Trump.
The U 2009 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Chronicles dominance of University of Miami program in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Best That Never Was 2010 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Examines 1981 Mississippi high school star Marcus Dupree, his injury-prone career, and how he affected recruiting process.
Run Ricky Run 2010 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. On life of Ricky Williams, focusing on his 2004 departure from NFL.
Straight Outta L.A. 2010 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Relationship between Raiders and minority fan base during 1982–1994 stint in L.A.
4th & Goal 2010 Documentary Six players followed over six years as they try to make it to NFL. Unique look at journey from high school to professional football.
The 5th Quarter 2011 Drama Based on story of Jon Abbate and surprising 2006 season of Wake Forest University.
Herschel 2011 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series about Herschel Walker
The Marinovich Project 2011 Documentary Made for TV as a follow-up to ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Rise and fall of USC and NFL quarterback Todd Marinovich, focusing on complex relationship with his father.
Pony Excess 2011 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A history of football at Southern Methodist University, including 1987 scandal that shut down the program for two years.
Roll Tide/War Eagle 2011 Documentary Made for TV as a follow-up to ESPN's 30 for 30 series. On intense rivalry between Alabama and Auburn, and how devastating tornado and act of vandalism placed rivalry in perspective.
Undefeated 2011 Documentary Chronicles 2009 season of Manassas High School, a doormat of Memphis football seeking first playoff win. Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
Touchback 2012 Drama Ohio farmer relives a high school football game that changed his life.
Ghosts of Ole Miss 2012 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A 50-year retrospective on 1962 at University of Mississippi, marked by an undefeated football season against backdrop of violence over the school's integration.
Season of a Lifetime 2012 Documentary Story of football coach, Jeremy Williams, who, terminally ill with ALS, refuses to retire, deciding instead to coach for one last season.
You Don't Know Bo 2012 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series about baseball and football star Bo Jackson.
23 Blast 2013 Drama True story about Travis Freeman, a Kentucky teen who loses his sight.
Against the Tide 2013 Documentary Made for TV. A look back at 1970 USCAlabama game, in which an integrated USC team easily defeats all-white Alabama and help to hasten integration of sport in the South.
The Book of Manning 2013 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series examining football's famous Manning family, father Archie and his sons Peyton and Eli
Elway to Marino 2013 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. On six quarterbacks selected in first round of 1983 NFL Draft, focusing on John Elway, the first of six picked, and Dan Marino, the last.
Youngstown Boys 2013 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Examines relationship at Ohio State between coach Jim Tressel and player Maurice Clarett.
League of Denial 2013 Documentary An investigation of concussions and the health crisis threatening NFL players and the long-term fortunes of football.
Brian and The Boz 2014 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the rise, fall, and post-football life of Brian Bosworth.
Draft Day 2014 Drama A sports/drama film starring Kevin Costner as the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns.
Keepers of the Streak 2014 Documentary Focuses on four photographers who worked at every Super Bowl from the first game in 1967 through the 2014 game.
Rand University 2014 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Examines former NFL star Randy Moss and his origins in Rand, West Virginia.
The U Part 2 2014 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Sequel to The U, following Miami football's rise from scandal to renewed dominance, only to face new controversy with the Nevin Shapiro scandal.
We Could Be King 2014 Documentary A high school team faced with a merger with its rival.
When the Game Stands Tall 2014 Drama True story of a California school's record-setting winning streak.
Happy Valley 2014 Documentary About the sex abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky and its impact on Pennsylvania State University and its football program.
Balls Out 2014 Comedy A sports-movie spoof about students who form an intramural team.
'51 Dons 2014 Documentary In 1951, the undefeated San Francisco Dons decline invitation to play in Orange Bowl after being told they must play without two African-American stars.
Concussion 2015 Drama Forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) links brain trauma to football players' suicides.
Carter High 2015 Drama Robberies and a grades scandal cost a Dallas school its 1988 state championship.
Four Falls of Buffalo 2015 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. The story of the Buffalo Bills of the early 1990s, the only team ever to reach four consecutive Super Bowls—but loser of all four.
The Gospel According to Mac 2015 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the tenure of Bill McCartney as Colorado Buffaloes coach, which combined great success (including a national title) and controversy in some quarters over his overt evangelicalism.
My All American 2015 Biographical Dramatization of Texas Longhorns player Freddie Steinmark's fight with cancer.
Trojan War 2015 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Examines the return to prominence of the USC Trojans under Pete Carroll and the pay-for-play scandal that tarnished Carroll's success.
Woodlawn 2015 Drama Racial tensions and Christian revival affect Alabama athletes and coach (Jon Voight) in 1973.
The '85 Bears 2016 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A 30-year retrospective on the 1985 Chicago Bears, one of the most dominant and colorful teams in NFL history.
Catholics vs. Convicts 2016 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Examines the cultural impact of the notorious 1988 Notre Dame–Miami game.
Greater 2016 Biographical The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.
Gleason 2016 Documentary NFL defensive back Steve Gleason bravely copes with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
O.J.: Made in America 2016 Documentary Multi-part documentary series (three in theaters, five on TV) for ESPN Films and the 30 for 30 series focusing on the life, football career, acting career, and criminal cases of O. J. Simpson. Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
This Was the XFL 2017 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. The story of the short-lived XFL and the friendship between its co-founders Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol.
What Carter Lost 2017 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Looks at the team that ended the 1988 Permian High playoff run immortalized in Friday Night Lights, Carter High from Dallas—with more than 20 players receiving major-college scholarship offers, but soon afterward seeing six players involved in an armed robbery.
Year of the Scab 2017 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. A 30-year retrospective on the replacement players who led the 1987 Washington Redskins to a 3–0 start during that year's players' strike, paving the way for the team's Super Bowl victory that season—but at the time still stigmatized as "scabs" by fans and especially by the Redskins' front office.
The Two Bills 2018 Documentary Made for TV as a part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Explores the relationship between NFL coaching legends Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.
Paterno 2018 Biographical HBO film focusing on Joe Paterno and the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.
Seau 2018 Documentary Made as part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series and initially released on the company's ESPN+ streaming service. Examines the life of NFL legend Junior Seau, from his Samoan immigrant origins to NFL superstardom, mental decline, and eventual suicide linked to CTE.
Vick 2020 Documentary Made as part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. Two-part look at the rise, fall, and controversial NFL return of Michael Vick.
Al Davis vs. the NFL 2021 Documentary Made as part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series. The story of the rivalry between Al Davis, owner of the team now known as the Las Vegas Raiders, and NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, as told partially by deepfake versions of the long-deceased pair.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Jenner changed her name due to gender transition in 2015.[1]

References

  1. ^ Leibovitz, Annie (June 1, 2015). "Introducing Caitlyn Jenner". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 1, 2015.