PEAKLIFE

By Muskan

For all the football lovers out there, we have curated a list of movies and shows that celebrate the sport’s drama, emotion, and iconic stories. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the beautiful game, the list has something on screen for everyone, from heartwarming tales to gripping shows and documentaries!

1. Bend it Like Beckham (2002)

Gurinder Chadha directed the sports comedy drama movie. The story of a British Indian girl Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) who is eminently passionate about football despite her Sikh family’s disapproval about the same (believing it is inappropriate for a girl) portrays a wonderful exploration of cultural identity related conflicts, gender roles, and the pursuit of dreams, all through the lens of football (soccer).

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV

2. Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)

Directed by Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist, it is a biopic of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, one of the greatest football players of all time. The movie offers an inspiring story of a poor boy in Brazil who became a global football icon despite numerous challenges; lacking proper equipment & facilities, playing barefoot and using makeshift balls. The key themes in the movie are perseverance and determination, alongside cultural pride and identity depicting triumph against the odds. The performances of actors Kevin de Paula, Seu Jorge, Mariana Nunes & Milton Gonçalves make it worth watching!

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

3. She’s the Man (2006)

Starring Amanda Bynes, Channing Tatum, Laura Ramsey, and Vinnie Jones, She’s the Man is a romantic comedy film directed by Andy Fickman. The film is centered on Viola Hastings (Amanda Bynes), who decides to impersonate her brother Sebastian (James Kirk) and take his place, allowing herself to play on the Illyria boys’ soccer team. When she falls for her roommate and fellow soccer player, Duke Orsino (Channing Tatum), a web of romantic interests leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. The movie depicts broader themes of empowerment, teamwork, gender roles in the backdrop of soccer.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix

4. Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)

The sports drama directed by Danny Cannon follows the journey of a young footballer Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker) from humble beginnings as someone who works multiple jobs to support his family making space for his passion, football, only in local leagues to obtaining professional stardom after an encounter with Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane). This is a story of perseverance and determination, overcoming not just personal adversities but professional and on pitch ones too. However, this is the first one of the Goal movie trilogy, with the other ones being “Goal II: Living the Dream” (2007) and “Goal III: Taking on the World” (2009) depicting the expanded story of Santiago.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

5. The Keeper (2018)

The Keeper is a 2018 biographical drama film directed by Marcus H. Rosenmüller. Portraying the remarkable true story, the film narrates how Bert Trautmann, a German soldier and prisoner of war, became a legendary goalkeeper for Manchester City in the years following World War II. The film also depicts his personal life with Margaret (Freya Mavor) and his heroic play that helped Manchester City secure victory despite suffering a serious neck injury during the match in the 1956 FA Cup Final.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

6. Ted Lasso (2020)

Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly, and Brendan Hunt, this is a sports comedy drama series. The series follows Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), though unexpectedly recruited as the coach of a struggling English Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond hired by Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) to sabotage the team. The show depicts the personal and professional challenges of Ted and of his players and staff, with a lighthearted exploration of themes such as teamwork, mental health, and personal growth. This series is a must watch light-hearted but emotional comedy centring on soccer!

Where to Watch: Apple TV

7. All or Nothing (2015)

Produced by Amazon Prime Video, All or Nothing is a sports documentary series, wherein the viewers are provided with behind-the-scenes footage and an inside look at the team’s operations, challenges, and triumphs. Each season follows a different sports team’s exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including locker room talks, training sessions, and personal moments with players and coaches. The football feast served in different seasons is of Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Arsenal, Juventus and others. The documentary series is a must watch for a bit of non-fictional touch to the screen experience.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

8. Take Us Home: Leeds United (2019)

Take Us Home: Leeds United is an Amazon Prime Video produced documentary which chronicles the journey of the Leeds United Football Club. It features exclusive interviews with coaches and players with behind-the-scenes footage focusing on the club, their journey, challenges and triumphs. Narrated by Actor Russell Crowe, the series covers Leeds United’s aspirations of promotion to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa to a successful campaign which makes it possible after a 16-year absence! The series provides an interesting look into the dynamics of professional football.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

9. Sunderland ‘Till I Die (2018)

This documentary series follows the challenging journey from the Championship to League One of Sunderland A.F.C. and its passionate fanbase. Viewers gain access to unforeseen footage of the team and their discussions combined with emotional highs and lows of football, showcasing the unwavering support of Sunderland’s loyal fans. Spread across 3 seasons, the series depicts authentic and heartwarming portrayal of the game.

Where to Watch: Netflix

10. This is Football (2019)

The last on our watchlist is a series which culminates all football emotions into one, This is Football. The 6 episode documentary series navigates complex football emotions which transcend borders and pitches with its impact on the world. The transformative powers of the game, the deep connection between football as a sport and religion, the love for the game, connections forged by passion with national pride and individual identity are some of the key themes explored in the series. Whether you are new to the game or a diehard football lover, this series is an overwhelming expression of the universal appeal of the game! Happy Watching!

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video