Listen, when tournament season hits, soccer literally takes over the world. From your TikTok FYP to every group chat you’re in, you can’t escape the fever. But if you’re secretly dreading the moment your crush (or your boss) asks for your take on the latest match, don’t panic. You don’t need to memorize offside rules or complex formations to get in on the hype. Instead, you just need to cue up the best soccer movies and TV shows. Seriously, pop culture has gifted us the perfect cheat sheet.
Whether you are here for early 2000s Amanda Bynes perfection, heartwarming underdog stories, or British hotties running around in shorts, this lineup will give you everything you need to vibe with the beautiful game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best soccer movies and TV shows to add to your streaming queue ASAP.
The Ultimate Guide To The Best Soccer Movies And TV Shows
When it comes to the best soccer movies and TV shows, there is truly something for every aesthetic. Whether you want to cry, laugh, or swoon over an enemies-to-lovers romance, these 13 picks are required viewing.
Nostalgic Rom-Coms That Define The Best Soccer Movies And TV Shows
The early 2000s delivered some of the most iconic pop-culture moments, and their sports movies were no exception.
1. She’s the Man (2006) What it’s about:
When Viola’s (Amanda Bynes) high school cuts the girls’ soccer team, she does what any rational teen would do: disguises herself as her twin brother and sneaks into his elite boarding school to play for the boys’ team. Chaos ensues—especially when she catches feelings for her brooding, soccer-star roommate (played by a peak-2006 Channing Tatum). Why we love it: It’s a modern Shakespeare retelling packed with quotable one-liners and an awkward romance that hits every single time.
2. Bend It Like Beckham (2002) What it’s about:
Jess Bhamra just wants to play professional soccer, but her strict parents are totally against it. Enter Jules (Keira Knightley), who secretly invites Jess to join the local women’s team behind her parents’ backs. Why we love it: This movie is the blueprint. It has female empowerment, coming-of-age angst, an irresistible crush, and a major lesson in never taking “no” for an answer.
3. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) What it’s about:
Four besties spend their first summer apart, staying connected through a magical pair of thrifted jeans. While it’s not strictly a sports movie, Bridget’s (Blake Lively) storyline takes her to a highly competitive soccer camp in Mexico, where things get incredibly heated with her gorgeous coach. Why we love it: It’s the ultimate comfort movie about female friendship, summer romance, and finding yourself.
4. Switching Goals (1999) What it’s about:
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen play twin sisters who couldn’t be more opposite. Sam is an athletic superstar, while Emma is strictly there for the vibes. They secretly swap places on rival teams, causing major drama on and off the field. Why we love it: Twin-switch shenanigans and major ’90s nostalgia. It’s a wholesome throwback that deserves its spot.
5. Fever Pitch (1997) What it’s about:
A die-hard fan’s absolute obsession with his favorite team starts to ruin his new romance. He’s forced to figure out if he can balance his love for his girlfriend with his relentless devotion to the game. Why we love it: Colin Firth starring in a witty, awkward British rom-com. Need we say more?
Heartbreaking Dramas That Rank As The Best Soccer Movies And TV Shows
If you want something a little more serious to sink your teeth into, these gripping picks are perfect for history buffs and documentary lovers.
6. Call Her Alex (2025) What it’s about:
Podcasting queen Alex Cooper gets candid in this raw documentary. Ahead of her live tour, she reflects on her journey from being a college athlete to a media mogul, opening up about the alleged abuse she faced from her former coach. Why we love it: It’s an unfiltered, emotional look at ambition, trauma, and taking back your power.
7. The Keeper (2018) What it’s about:
Set in postwar England, this historical drama follows a young British woman who falls for a German prisoner of war. Together, they face intense public backlash as he overcomes extreme prejudice to become a legendary goalkeeper. Why we love it: It’s an inspiring, tear-jerking true story about resilience and redemption.
8. United (2011) What it’s about:
This heartbreaking biopic chronicles Manchester United’s legendary “Busby Babes”—the youngest squad ever to win the Football League—and the tragic 1958 Munich air disaster that claimed eight players’ lives. Why we love it: Starring David Tennant, it’s a beautifully acted, emotionally devastating tribute to one of sports history’s most tragic moments.
9. The Beautiful Game (2024) What it’s about:
An English coach (Bill Nighy) leads a homeless soccer squad to Rome to compete in the Homeless World Cup. To win, their star striker has to conquer his personal demons and learn to trust his team. Why we love it: Pure found-family magic. It’s an emotional second-chance story that will definitely make you cry.
10. The English Game (2020) What it’s about:
Travel back to Victorian England, where working-class players and wealthy aristocrats clash in the early days of the sport. It’s essentially Bridgerton meets the Premier League. Why we love it: Period drama aesthetics mixed with intense class rivalries make for a totally binge-worthy miniseries.
Comedies & Thrillers To Round Out The Best Soccer Movies And TV Shows
Need a good laugh or maybe a psychological thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat? These are the ultimate wildcards.
11. Ted Lasso (2020–Present) What it’s about:
An optimistic American college football coach (Jason Sudeikis) gets hired to manage a struggling English Premier League club. He knows literally nothing about the sport, but his aggressively wholesome attitude slowly wins over his cynical team and his boss (Hannah Waddingham). Why we love it: It is the human equivalent of a warm hug. The British banter, the unlikely friendships, and the sheer positivity make it a television masterpiece.
12. Yellowjackets (2021–Present) What it’s about:
A wildly talented high school girls’ soccer team survives a plane crash deep in the Canadian wilderness in the ’90s. The show bounces between their feral fight for survival in the woods and their traumatized adult lives 25 years later. Why we love it: It’s dark, twisty, and completely addictive. If you love cult vibes, unreliable narrators, and female rage, start binging immediately.
13. Kicking & Screaming (2005) What it’s about:
A chill family man (Will Ferrell) starts coaching his son’s terrible youth team and accidentally morphs into the terrifying, overly competitive sports dad he swore he’d never be. Why we love it: It’s chaotic, unhinged Will Ferrell at his best, proving that kids are usually way more mature than the adults in charge.
