Football films of the 2000s explored a wide range of narratives, from the gritty realism of life-changing challenges to the exhilarating heights of football fandom and the complexities of management. This list showcases a spectrum of stories that resonate not just with sports enthusiasts but with a broader audience, offering insights into the human spirit, the power of dreams, and the unifying force of this global sport. Each film tells tales that go beyond the football field, bringing to the fore the emotional, humorous, and dramatic aspects of the game and its impact on individuals and communities. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best football films of all the 2000s.
10. Goal! – Danny Cannon (2005)
“Goal!” tells the inspiring journey of Santiago Munez, a young, exceptionally talented footballer living in the city of Los Angeles who has dreams of playing professionally on the international stage. His life takes a sudden turn when a scout from Newcastle United spots his potential during an amateur match played on a local field. Santiago’s transition from the local football scene to the prestigious, highly competitive English Premier League forms the basis of the narrative, causing a dramatic shift in both his career and personal life. His journey is defined by ongoing struggles with adaptation to a new country and culture, the complexities of maintaining personal relationships amidst his rising fame, and the overwhelming pressure of professional sports.
Danny Cannon’s direction brings to life the fast-paced world of professional football, capturing both its undeniable glamour and the formidable challenges it presents. The film resonates with viewers through its thoughtful exploration of themes such as ambition, the spirit of perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. “Goal!” also offers a rare, intimate insight into the behind-the-scenes world of football clubs, depicting the emotional rollercoaster experienced by players experiencing high-stakes competition and media scrutiny. The cinematography and gripping storytelling make it a standout film, appealing not only to sports enthusiasts but to anyone who appreciates a story of determination and triumph.
9. Mean Machine – Barry Skolnick (2001)
“Mean Machine” is a captivating blend of sports drama and comedy, set in the harsh and unforgiving environment of a British prison. The story revolves around the life of Danny Meehan, a former England football captain, played by Vinnie Jones, who finds himself facing the harsh realities of incarceration following a controversial match-fixing scandal. Within the confines of prison walls, Danny is coerced into the task of assembling a football team of inmates, each grappling with their own personal demons, to challenge the well-trained guards’ team. The film unfolds as a tale of redemption and unity, with football emerging as a crucial medium for bridging deep divides and facilitating the rebuilding of broken lives.
Barry Skolnick’s direction gives the film a sense of raw, unfiltered energy and humor, while simultaneously highlighting the transformative power of sport in the most unlikely of environments. The characters, a diverse mix of rough but surprisingly endearing inmates, each bring their own distinctive stories and personalities to the team, enhancing the narrative and adding depth to the movie. The film’s portrayal of football as a tool for change, personal growth, and rehabilitation is both uplifting and thought-provoking, making it one of the best football films of the 2000s. Skolnick’s ability to balance the underlying tension of the prison setting with the excitement of football makes “Mean Machine” an entertaining and memorable watch.
8. Be Sure to Share – Sion Sono (2009)
“Be Sure to Share” presents a deeply touching story based around football culture in Japan. It focuses on the life of a young, introspective man named Shiro, whose father, once a passionate football player, is now battling a serious, life-altering illness. The film thoughtfully captures Shiro’s heartfelt struggle to reconnect and rebuild his strained relationship with his father through their shared, deep-seated love of football, bringing together past and present narratives in a display of memories and emotions. This journey is filled with profound emotional challenges and thoughtful reflections on the bonds of family, as football emerges as a powerful metaphor symbolizing the evolving dynamics of their relationship.
Directed by Sion Sono, this film stands out for its subtle yet powerful storytelling and its remarkable emotional depth. Sono skillfully uses the universally relatable theme of football as a lens to explore complex themes of family dynamics, the enduring power of memory, and the inevitable passage of time in human lives. The performances within the film are deeply moving and authentic, conveying the complexity and profound depth of familial relationships. The film’s unique and innovative approach to storytelling, where football serves as both a tangible and emotional link bridging the gap between the characters, offers a refreshing and insightful perspective on sports-themed cinema.
7. Green Street Hooligans – Lexi Alexander (2005)
“Green Street Hooligans” explores into the intense world of sports fandom, highlighting the more controversial aspects of football hooliganism with a critical eye. The narrative follows the life of Matt Buckner, a young American unjustly expelled from Harvard University under circumstances that challenge his sense of justice and self. Upon his unexpected arrival in London to visit his sister, Matt finds himself deeply immersed into the tightly-knit world of a football firm passionately associated with West Ham United. Matt’s eye-opening journey into this subculture, characterized by fierce loyalty, heated rivalry, and often brutal violence, reveals the complex dynamics of football fanaticism and its impact on individual identity.
Under Lexi Alexander’s direction, the film is filled with a raw and gritty realism, capturing the passionate and sometimes dangerous world of football supporters. The narrative explores themes of identity, the human need for a sense of belonging, and the allure of camaraderie and brotherhood within the firm. The film’s portrayal of the firm’s activities, characterized by their intense commitment and sometimes morally ambiguous actions, is both engaging and deeply unsettling, providing a rare look into a seldom-discussed aspect of football culture. Alexander’s ability to blend intense action with a deeper, more introspective exploration of character motives makes “Green Street Hooligans” one of the best football films of the 2000s.
6. Mike Bassett: England Manager – Steve Barron (2001)
In “Mike Bassett: England Manager”, the film humorously depicts the journey of Mike Bassett, an unexpectedly chosen, underqualified football manager who is suddenly thrust into the high-pressure role of leading the England national team. Bassett, armed with his unorthodox methods, lack of top-level management experience, and a somewhat naive approach, finds himself having to navigate the complex, often chaotic world of international football, which includes intense media scrutiny and the expectations of fans and pundits alike. The film combines elements of comedy and drama as it showcases Bassett’s struggles and mishaps in his earnest but often bumbling attempts to bring success to the national team.
Directed by Steve Barron, this film stands out for its satirical portrayal of football management and the sometimes-absurd nature of the sport’s politics, media circus, and the fickle world of football fandom. The character of Mike Bassett becomes an iconic everyman figure, symbolizing the often-underappreciated challenges and intense pressures routinely faced by football managers. The movie’s clever blend of humor, relatable situations, and heartfelt, genuine moments makes it a thoroughly entertaining portrayal of the sport. “Mike Bassett: England Manager” is a refreshing take on football films, offering both laughs and a genuine look at the sport’s less-glamorous behind-the-scenes dynamics.
5. Linha de Passe – Walter Salles, Daniela Thomas (2008)
“Linha de Passe” is an emotional story set in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil. It focuses on the lives of four brothers from a family grappling with financial struggles and social challenges, who are each attempting to find their unique place in the world, with football serving as a central, unifying theme. The film portrays their individual stories, showcasing their personal journeys and ambitions. One of the brothers, Dario, has a strong aspiration to become a professional football player. As Dario strives towards his dream against the odds, the film explores themes of resilience, unyielding ambition, and the often-stark realities of life in urban Brazil.
Directed by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas, “Linha de Passe” is a compelling and insightful exploration of youth, the power of dreams, and the often-harsh realities of life in contemporary Brazil. The film’s narrative is firmly grounded in a sense of realism, offering a close-up look into the lives of its characters, where football emerges as a powerful symbol of hope and aspiration. The directors’ approach to storytelling is characterized by its empathetic, sensitive portrayal of the characters’ struggles set against the pulsating backdrop of Brazilian culture. “Linha de Passe” stands as a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience, ensuring its place as one of the best football films of the 2000s.
4. Looking for Eric – Ken Loach (2009)
“Looking for Eric”, directed by Ken Loach, is a story that masterfully combines the worlds of football and personal redemption. It centers around Eric Bishop, a postman in Manchester, who finds himself in the midst of a midlife crisis, grappling with the chaos of his family life and the shadows of past mistakes that continually haunt him. In his search for solace and guidance, Eric unexpectedly finds comfort in imaginary conversations with his football idol, Eric Cantona. These imaginative dialogues ignite a journey of self-discovery and reflection for Eric. The film combines his deep love for football with his personal struggles, showcasing how the sport transcends the pitch and becomes a significant influence and source of inspiration in individuals’ lives.
Ken Loach’s direction in “Looking for Eric” brings a remarkable blend of realism and fantasy to this emotionally powerful narrative. The film utilizes football as a powerful and relatable metaphor for life’s many challenges and the enduring human pursuit of second chances and personal redemption. The character of Eric Bishop is portrayed with authenticity and depth, making his journey both deeply touching and genuinely inspiring to viewers. The inclusion of the iconic Eric Cantona in the film adds a charming and almost surreal aspect, elevating the narrative from being just another sports story to a profound tale about life, the complexities of love, and the limitless power of imagination and human resilience.
3. Offside – Jafar Panahi (2006)
“Offside”, directed by Jafar Panahi, follows the daring story of a group of young women who have an immense love and undying passion for football. They disguise themselves as men in order to sneak into a World Cup qualifying match, boldly defying the strict, long-standing ban on women attending football games in their country. Their love for the game compels them to take this significant risk, but despite their efforts, they are eventually caught and held in a makeshift pen near the stadium, where they are only able to catch fragmented glimpses of the match they so desperately wanted to witness firsthand. The film explores the universally shared passion for football, highlighting the intense struggles these women must face in their pursuit of enjoying the game in their society.
Directed by Jafar Panahi, “Offside” is particularly notable for its insightful social commentary and the use of non-professional actors, which adds a layer of raw authenticity and realism to the film. Panahi’s storytelling approach is both subtle and powerful, shining a light on critical social issues through the relatable lens of a widely beloved sport. The characters in the film offer an inspiring and thought-provoking challenge to the societal norms that restrict them. The film’s blend of humor, drama, and real-life social issues make it one of the best football films of the 2000s, standing out for its unique perspective and meaningful content.
2. Shaolin Soccer – Stephen Chow (2001)
“Shaolin Soccer”, a film that blends the excitement of martial arts with the world of football, is directed by and stars the versatile Stephen Chow. The film follows the journey of Sing, a Shaolin kung fu enthusiast, who, along with his former Shaolin brothers, comes together to form an unconventional football team. By utilizing their extraordinary martial arts skills, they set their sights on winning a major football tournament. The narrative is filled with a blend of humor and spectacular action sequences, showcasing the team’s ability to confront and triumph over various challenges both on and off the football field.
Directed by Stephen Chow, the film brings an innovative, refreshing, and undeniably comedic approach to the sports film genre. “Shaolin Soccer” is widely recognized for its over-the-top style, which integrates the art of kung fu into the world of football, resulting in awe-inspiring and humorously exaggerated sequences. The characters embark on an extraordinary journey, evolving from underdogs to champions in a manner that is highly entertaining and deeply inspiring to watch. “Shaolin Soccer” not only celebrates the spirit of teamwork and the determination of its characters but also showcases a unique fusion of different cultural elements.
1. The Damned United – Tom Hooper (2009)
“The Damned United”, directed by Tom Hooper, portrays the infamous 44-day tenure of Brian Clough as the manager of Leeds United in 1974. Clough, renowned for his previous success with Derby County, finds his time at Leeds United riddled with significant conflict, both with the team’s players and the club’s board, primarily stemming from his radically different, often controversial approach to management and his well-documented previous criticisms of the team. The narrative explores complexities of football management, club politics, and Clough’s intense personal rivalries and aspirations, offering a detailed insight into the life of one of football’s most controversial and charismatic figures.
Directed by Tom Hooper, the film stands out for its intense focus on character development, particularly that of Brian Clough, and the intricacies of football management. It brilliantly captures the unique atmosphere of the era, combining historical accuracy with emotionally charged drama. The performance of Michael Sheen, portraying the complex character of Brian Clough, captures the very essence and spirit of the legendary manager with remarkable precision. “The Damned United” transcends the typical boundaries of a sports film, emerging as a powerful, captivating drama that explores the themes of ambition, intense rivalry, and the significant pressures of high-level football management, solidifying its place as one of the best football films of the 2000s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best football films of the 2000s:
- Goal! – Danny Cannon (2005)
- Mean Machine – Barry Skolnick (2001)
- Be Sure to Share – Sion Sono (2009)
- Green Street Hooligans – Lexi Alexander (2005)
- Mike Bassett: England Manager – Steve Barron (2001)
- Linha de Passe – Walter Salles, Daniela Thomas (2008)
- Looking for Eric – Ken Loach (2009)
- Offside – Jafar Panahi (2006)
- Shaolin Soccer – Stephen Chow (2001)
- The Damned United – Tom Hooper (2009)
