Top Ten Football Movies

Why yes, Hank Williams, Jr., I am ready for some football. In fact, I’m more than ready — I’m in desperate need of some football. I’ve been reduced to watching replays of inconsequential college games from last year, and have even been watching preseason NFL.

The good news is that the long drought ends this week. Division 1 (or whatever we’re calling it now) NCAA football starts Thursday, and regular season NFL games start next week. While I’m waiting, I put together a list of my Top 10 Football Movies of All Time.

Note: you will not see Jerry Maguire on this list, not because I don’t like it, but because it’s not a football movie. It’s a romantic comedy that involves football. A little bit. Also, you will not see Rudy on this list. I can’t like a movie about Notre Dame. I just can’t. Although I am pro-hobbit. Anyway, I wanted to forewarn you people, so I don’t catch guff for it.

1) Brian’s Song
Is it getting a little dusty in here? No? Maybe it’s just me.

While this is my favorite football movie of all time, it is arguable as number one. But the recent top 10 list by Spike TV didn’t have it in there at all. Have you no heart, Spike TV?

2) Friday Night Lights
This is a pretty realistic view of high school football in Texas, with good acting and great football scenes. Bonus points because the show is also excellent.

3) We Are Marshall
I thought this was a really good look at one of the worst tragedies of American collegiate sports.

4) North Dallas Forty
I like this movie because all the characters are based on real players from the 70s-era Cowboys. And it’s really easy to figure out who is who. Apparently, those dudes really liked to party.

5) The Longest Yard
And Burt Reynolds makes another list! Now, everyone should note that I mean the original, not the remake. And if I link to the remake up above, as I did with The Bad News Bears in my baseball list, it’s just an accident.

6) Remember The Titans
It’s interesting that all the top movies in my list are based on true stories. Okay, maybe The Longest Yard isn’t based on a true story. But it should be. That’s all I’m saying.

7) Everybody’s All-American
I wish my nickname was the Grey Ghost.

8) Invincible
This is the fantasy of every man who grew up watching football. I am still keeping my eligibility, just in case The University of Texas Longhorns need a slowish receiver who’s approaching 30 to fill out the roster at some point.

9) Any Given Sunday
Sometimes this movie gets a little too Oliver Stone-y (which makes sense), but it does have some extremely awesome football scenes.

10) The Program
This is seen by many as an overblown caricature of college football. To that I say: watch the “starting defense, place at the table” car window smashing scene brought to us by the immortal Lattimer. It’s reason enough to include The Program on this list.

Honorable Mention: All The Right Moves