Five Iconic American Football Movies For UK Sports Fans To Watch

Good Reception

Over the years, movie lovers have read numerous reviews of movies, some of which are sports-themed productions. However, in this part of the world, we haven’t always been exposed to reviews of American football films, largely because the sport isn’t as popular on this side of the pond.

If you’re a fan of the Packers or the Jets, though, then you have some excellent movies to consider diving into before the new NFL season gets underway on September 9. In fact, most Americans will tell you there have been an abundance of classic movies associated with this beloved pastime, some of which are still watched today after fans listen to leading podcasts featuring Mina Kimes, assess any NFL Week 1 odds, and chant passionately in sports bars. However, not every football-based movie has hit the spot with viewers.

So, if you’re considering exploring the sport of American football this season, then below we take a brief look at five of the most iconic movies from this particular category…

Jerry Maguire (1996)

Fans of the beautiful game in the UK don’t always have positive words to share when asked about the impact of agents in the sport. From League Two clubs to Premier League behemoths, agents are largely seen as parasites who don’t always advise footballers in the best way possible. In the sport of American football, the same often applies. In 1996, Jerry Maguire shone a light on NFL agents and how they operate, as Maguire embarks on a fresh challenge away from agency life in an attempt to guide NFL star Rod Tidwell in the right manner. A delightful combination of comical value and business, Jerry Maguire is a truly iconic football film.

Any Given Sunday (1999)

When looking back through the archives, you’ll struggle to find a more successful football release than Any Given Sunday when assessing movies from the 90s. Coming to the fore in 1999, it features a fictional team of misfits as they attempt to come together and reign supreme on the field. However, with big characters getting in the way, egomaniacs to manage, and huge pressures to overcome, it isn’t as easy as they thought it would be.

The Longest Yard (1974)

As one of the oldest movies on the list, The Longest Yard probably isn’t for everyone, but it does have some undeniable plus points when looking at its viewing experience. A film that takes place in prison, it’s similar in many respects to British classic Mean Machine, except it obviously contains an American football aspect. Released in 1974, a former professional football player lands himself in jail, only to pursue his passion for the sport behind bars by assembling a team of players to take on the prison’s guards. It’s a great watch.

Remember the Titans (2000)

For many American football fanatics, Remember the Titans is a movie they’ll always recommend. Released in 2000, it paints a powerful picture of the football climate back in the day in the 1970s. With racism being rife and tensions building in teams all over the nation, black players, in particular, had to overcome a number of obstacles. A thought-provoking watch that highlights this issue and more, Remember the Titans is definitely worth a watch.

Draft Day (2014)

The NFL Draft is a massive part of the sport fans can’t ignore during the offseason. If you’re keen to get to grips with it and everything it entails, then Draft Day does a remarkable job of highlighting the pressures a general manager has to deal with during this season-defining player recruitment process.