The Top 10 Soccer Movies to Stream for 2022 FIFA World Cup
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, soccer fans have a lot to look forward to this holiday season. In case you’re in need of a little extra excitement, there are plenty of soccer—or football, as many of these movies would say—films to stream ahead of the the game action. If you’re looking for a hint of nostalgia and comfort, there are classic teen movies like Bend It Like Beckham or She’s The Man, which are bound to bring back memories of the classic high-school-age professional soccer dreams. Or there are more informative documentaries to remind you of some of the greatest stars in the game, like Diego Maradona’s narrative film or the story of legendary player Pelé.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, here are some of the best soccer movies to watch—before the World Cup takes over your television, computer and phone screens for the foreseeable future.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The One and Only
Ronaldo named as part of Portugal's World Cup squad on Thursday, Nov. 10, making his fifth World Cup roster to tie the record held by four former players. Ronaldo also holds a European record as the male player with the most international caps, with 191 for Portugal. This documentary follows his journey to stardom.
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Kicking & Screaming
Will Ferrell is a partial owner of LAFC, which won its first MLS championship at the start of November.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
This 2005 sports comedy stars Will Ferrell, who takes on the role of youth soccer coach in order to compete against a team coached by his overly-competitive father. Described as an “entertaining family movie,” it’s a classic option to remind fans of the fun and lightheartedness that can be found in soccer.
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The Game of Their Lives
Based on a true story, this movie follows the U.S. soccer team at the 1950 FIFA World Cup. It’s a classic underdog story, adapted from a 1996 book by Geoffrey Douglas.
Watch on Tubi.
She’s the Man
This movie came in the early 2000s peak of romantic comedies, but it was geared more toward teens than other films at the time. Starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, it is supposed to be a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Watch on YouTube.
Loving Maradona
Told in Diego Maradona’s own words, this 2005 documentary gives soccer fans an inside look into the star’s journey from poverty in Buenos Aires to the Argentina national team. He played in four World Cups (1982, ‘86, ‘90, ‘94) and is one of just two players to win the Golden Ball at both the FIFA U-20 World Cup and FIFA World Cup (along with Lionel Messi).
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The Goal! Trilogy
This series of films was released from 2005 to ‘09 and follow Santiago Muñez as he journeys to playing in the UEFA Champions League, the Champions League final and eventually, the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Fever Pitch
The movie poster for Fever Pitch.
Courtesy of fuboTV
Not to be confused with the 2005 remake featuring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon (centered around the Boston Red Sox instead of Arsenal), this movie stars Colin Firth as a soccer-obsessed man who tries to balance his fandom and his new relationship. It’s based loosely off a memoir, giving soccer fans a relatable story as they spend nearly a month immersed in World Cup games.
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Pelé: Birth of a Legend
This film highlights the life of Brazilian soccer player Pelé and his path to winning the 1958 FIFA World Cup. It gives fans a solid glimpse into the life of a soccer legend, though critics noted its cliche nature.
Watch on Pluto TV.
Bend It Like Beckham
A classic early-2000’s film, Bend It Like Beckham follows two young girls as they pursue soccer careers—despite their parents’ wishes against it. The movie, which is likely one of the most recognizable soccer films in the United States, also includes a cameo from David Beckham.
Watch on HBO Max.
Mean Machine
Similar to Adam Sandler’s The Longest Yard remake, this movie features Vinnie Jones (who actually played professionally from 1984 to ’99) as a prisoner who leads a soccer team to play against the guards. It was released four years before Sandler’s remake of the ‘74 film, in 2001.
Watch on YouTube.
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