Ahhh, how many more days until the MLS season starts!? The EPL can sustain for only so long. So what does the average American soccer fan do to pass the time until March 10? How do you get your fix? Well, I find solace in the wonderful world of cinema, specifically soccer movies. While they may not be as heart-stopping as a Geoff Cameron tackle or a strike from Edson Buddle, they will help these next 20 or so days go by more quickly.
Now, there is a big difference between the “best” movies and one’s “favorite” movies. That being said, here are my top 10 “favorite” soccer-themed movies.
1. The Damned United
If I had to make a “best” soccer movie list, this would probably be number one as well. The movie is based around Brian Clough, who is nicknamed “the greatest coach England never had”.
Depending on who you are you may leave this movie thinking he is either extremely confident or completely unsure of himself. Great acting, story, characters, production, and soccer. What else can you ask for?
2. Goal!: The Dream Begins
Aside from Ladybugs and The Big Green, this is the first soccer movie I ever watched. We follow a young Santiago Munez’s journey from a humble life in Southern California to the fast past world of the EPL.
While the trilogy seems to go downhill after the first movie, Goal! is fantastic. It’s a great underdog story and all the Oasis songs make for an enjoyable soundtrack as well.
3. The Game Of Their Lives
In 1950, the United States beat England 1-0 in the World Cup. What? You want more reasons to watch this movie? Aside from a great plot, you get very solid performances from Gerard Butler and the entire cast.
Unfortunately, I can’t help but have Glycerine playing in my head every time Gavin Rossdale appears on the screen. Oh well, it’s just a small price to pay for a great movie.
4. Once In a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos
A look at what was the first golden age of soccer in America or a cautionary tale to MLS? Either way, it’s very interesting.
Many say that at that point the NASL was in the golden age of soccer in America. What will it take for MLS to reach that point, does MLS even want to reach that point, or is MLS already there? Look what happened to the NASL.
5. Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story
If you are a US Soccer fan, Jay DeMerit fan, or just love inspirational tales, then go watch this movie. And if you love all three, then you probably have this in your top 10 as well.
Unless you hate the Whitecaps, DeMerit is one of those players you can’t help but love. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way about this movie.
6. Fever Pitch
Nick Hornby is my favorite author. After reading (and loving) the book, I was skeptical of the movie. But, Hornby’s adaptation and Colin Firth’s performance do the story more than justice.
If you have ever been accused of obsessing over soccer too much, this is the movie for you.
7. Green Street Hooligans
This movie is based around the culture of violence surrounding English soccer. Elijah Wood plays the naive American thrown into the hooligan world, and he must decide where his loyalties lie.
This movie is great when you’re looking for a bit more violence in your soccer movie.
8. Victory
Michael Caine, Sylvester Stallone, and other WW II POW’s play a game against the German National Team during the war. That sentence is enough of a reason to watch.
9. Kicking It
The movie follows different people on their way to play in the Homeless World Cup. It’s another movie showcasing the love of the game surpassing all obstacles.
This documentary is compelling enough that I can even look past Colin Farrell narrating it.
10. Pelada
If you have ever played the beautiful game and dreamed of playing professionally, then you will enjoy this movie. The documentary follows a young couple traveling across the globe to see how people still enjoy playing just for the love of the game. At the same time, the two of them come to terms with the end of their own careers.
-Kipp Lawton
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