Soccer Movies: From A to Zzzz.

List creator: underdog Created on: October 13, 2006 - 4:40 PM PDT Description: The goallllllllll of this list is to collect the soccer-themed movies out on DVD, of which there are relatively few and even less that are "great." But many are worthy films for fans of the "beautiful game." UPDATED: JUNE '10 for World Cup.

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movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
El Portero: The Goalkeeper (2000)
Set in a small village in Spain; haven't seen this one yet. Will report back when I do.
Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)
A sincere soccer drama with heart, and a lot of cliches, but still appealing and even stirring at times. Supposedly the first in a trilogy.
Once in a Lifetime (2006)
Very entertaining, stylish doc about the NY Cosmos soccer team, made up of many talents and egos. More soccer footage (and interview with Pele) would have helped, but still a must-see for soccer fans.
Offside (2006)
Manages to be both enjoyably amusing and scathing, Panahi's film is both about love of the beautiful game, and gender repression in the middle east. Terrific film.
Cup Final (1991)			Not Rated
Soccer serves as the background thread in this powerful and poetic work set in 1982, at the time of the World Cup.
Victory (1981)
Cheesy, dated, and with Stallone miscast as a... goalkeeping(!?) POW, somehow this favorite from my childhood remains entertaining in a sloppy way.
History of Soccer - The Beautiful Game (2001)
Classy, top-notch production, this Ken Burns-ian (in breadth) documentary series really does cover it all. An impressive acheivement and a must for soccer buffs.
Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Over the top, occasionally surreal soccer action highlights this demented, sweet Hong Kong action comedy. Steven Chow is certainly one of a kind. Don't expect to learn real(istic) soccer moves here, unless you have CGI in your repertoire.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Infectious romantic comedy about a young woman who can kick it with best of them (while idolizing England's best). Soccer action is a little sloppily edited here but it's nice to see gals get some props on screen and the movie is had to criticize.
Green Street Hooligans (2005)
Uneven and sometimes downright bizarre, drama about soccer hooligans is also often mesmerizing, particularly when focused on how and why someone would want to initiate themselves with this violent group. Bad third act, but still worth a look.
Mean Machine (2001)
UK remake of the American football-in-prison film The Longest Yard, reworked with soccer, is at least better than the US remake.
The Miracle Match (2005)
Also titled "The Game of Their Lives" (to give you a sense of the maudlin humdrum feeling behind this), based on one of the greatest upsets in the history of sports, is serviceable but should have been great. Good performances by Gerard Butler and Wes Bentley though.
Rudo y Cursi (2009)
Lead actors make this engaging, solid enough if slightly preposterous comedy set in Mexico
Fever Pitch (1997)
A mite better than the US baseball themed remake, not great but good fun for fans of the English League and fans of Colin Firth.
Eleven Men Out (2005)
Have to have room for a (fairly enjoyable) gay soccer film! From Iceland even.
The Damned United (2009)
One of the better soccer films in recent years, retells the story of an arrogant coach's rise and fall. Expertly acted by Michael Sheen and Tim Spall, and period detail expertly recreated.
Dare to Dream: The Story of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team (2005)
The Boys in Company C (1977)
The Great Match (2006)