Report: These All-American Football Movies Inspired CEOs and Management Consultants The Most

Football has a unique ability to captivate audiences on the field and on the silver screen. From heartwarming tales of underdogs defying the odds to gritty portrayals of the sport’s intense nature, football movies have entertained and inspired generations of fans. 

In this comprehensive list, we explore a diverse array of football films, each with a compelling storyline and memorable cast. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the game or simply enjoy a good sports drama, these movies offer a front-row seat to the excitement, challenges, and triumphs of football. Let us delve into the world of touchdowns, tackles, and touchdowns through the lens of cinema.

We asked 120,000 top CEOs and management consultants about the football films that helped shape their lives and careers. Here’s what they had to say.

These All-American Football Movies Inspired CEOs and Management Consultants The Most

1. Black Sunday (1977)
   Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Robert Shaw, Bruce Dern, Marthe Keller
   – Storyline: “Black Sunday” takes you on a suspenseful journey as two counter-terrorism experts race against time to thwart a terrorist plot targeting a packed stadium during the Super Bowl. With a gripping storyline, it’s a thrilling football movie.
2. The Express (2008)
   Rating: 7.3/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Darrin Dewitt Henson
   Storyline: Based on the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner, “The Express” explores the challenges he faced on and off the field. This inspirational film celebrates his determination and triumphs, making it a standout in the genre.
3. Concussion (2015)
   Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
   Storyline: “Concussion” delves into the real-life story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who fought against the NFL’s denial of a link between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This thought-provoking film sheds light on the health issues in football, contributing to its status as one of the best football movies.
4. 80 for Brady (2023)
   Rating: 5.8/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno
   Storyline: “80 for Brady” is a hilarious comedy that follows four spirited older women, New England Patriots fans, on their journey to meet Tom Brady. With humor and heart, this film offers a fresh perspective on the love for football and friendship.
5. Heaven Can Wait (1978)
   Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, James Mason
   Storyline: In this comedy-fantasy film, a Los Angeles Rams quarterback gets a second chance at life when he’s mistakenly taken to heaven and then returns to Earth in the body of a millionaire. With its unique storyline, it’s a classic in the football movie genre.
6. North Dallas Forty (1979)
   Rating: 7.0/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Nick Nolte, Mac Davis, Charles Durning
   Storyline: “North Dallas Forty” is a satirical take on the excesses of professional football in the 1970s. The film follows a wide receiver who grapples with the pressures and temptations of the game. Its witty commentary sets it apart.
7. Jerry Maguire (1996)
   Rating: 7.3/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., Renée Zellweger
   Storyline: “Jerry Maguire” combines elements of sports, romance, and personal growth as a sports agent, played by Tom Cruise, navigates a moral crisis and strives to rebuild his career. With memorable quotes and heartwarming moments, it’s a beloved football movie.
8. Woodlawn (2015)
   Rating: 6.5/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Sean Astin, Jon Voight, Caleb Castille
   Storyline: “Woodlawn” is an inspiring story set in the backdrop of a high school football team in Birmingham, Alabama, during the era of desegregation. The film showcases the power of faith and unity, making it a standout in the football movie genre.
9. Greater (2016)
   Rating: 7.2/10 (IMDb)
   Star Cast: Christopher Severio, Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook
   Storyline: “Greater” tells the dedication-driven journey of Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on college football player who defied the odds to become an NFL draft pick before a tragic accident. The film’s message of perseverance resonates with football fans.
10. Rudy (1993)
    Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty
    Storyline: “Rudy” is a heartwarming tale of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, whose dream of playing football for Notre Dame seems impossible due to his size and grades. With determination and grit, he overcomes obstacles, becoming a symbol of inspiration.
11. The Freshman (1925)
    Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Harold Lloyd, Jobyna Ralston, Brooks Benedict
    Storyline: A classic comedy, “The Freshman” follows Harold Lamb, a college student who will do anything to fit in and win the heart of his crush, including becoming the football team’s tackling dummy. Its timeless humor makes it a football movie gem.
12. Horse Feathers (1932)
    Rating: 7.5/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
    Storyline: In this uproarious screwball comedy, Groucho Marx stars as the president of Huxley College, aiming to win a big football game by hiring bumbling bootleggers as players. With witty humor and satire, it remains a comedic masterpiece.
13. Friday Night Lights (2004)
    Rating: 7.2/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Garrett Hedlund
    Storyline: Based on a true story, “Friday Night Lights” captures the challenges and hopes of the 1988 Permian High School Panthers football team in Odessa, Texas. It portrays the town’s deep connection to the team and the pressure on young athletes.
14. Remember the Titans (2000)
    Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
    Storyline: Set against the backdrop of racial integration in 1971 Virginia, “Remember the Titans” tells the story of a Black head coach and a white defensive coordinator who lead a high school football team to overcome racial divisions. It’s a powerful tale of unity.
15. The Blind Side (2009)
     Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw
    Storyline: “The Blind Side” is a heartwarming film based on the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager taken in by a loving family who helps him excel in football and life. It’s a story of compassion and transformation.
16. Everybody’s All-American (1988)
    Rating: 6.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Dennis Quaid, Jessica Lange, Timothy Hutton
    Storyline: “Everybody’s All-American” follows the journey of a small-town college football hero whose NFL dreams face challenges. This film explores the sacrifices and hardships of athletes in pursuit of success.
17. We Are Marshall (2006)
    Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, David Strathairn
    Storyline: “We Are Marshall” is a poignant portrayal of the 1970 Marshall University football team tragedy. Surviving players and a new coach work together to rebuild the team, making it a moving story of resilience.
18. Lucas (1986)
    Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Corey Haim, Kerri Green, Charlie Sheen
    Storyline: “Lucas” is a coming-of-age film that centers on a shy and awkward 14-year-old who joins the football team to win the heart of a girl. It explores themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of love.
19. The Longest Yard (1974)
    Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Burt Reynolds, Eddie Albert, Ed Lauter
    Storyline: In the original “The Longest Yard,” a former football star is tasked with assembling a team of inmates to play against the prison guards. It combines humor and camaraderie, making it a classic in the football movie genre.
20. School Ties (1992)
    Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell
    Storyline: “School Ties” tells the compelling story of a talented Jewish teen who earns a scholarship to a prestigious prep school due to his football skills. This movie explores themes of identity, class, and friendship, making it one of the best football films that delves into more than just the game on the field.
21. Gridiron Gang (2006)
    Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Xzibit, L. Scott Caldwell
    Storyline: Inspired by a true story, “Gridiron Gang” follows a counselor who forms a football team with troubled youth at a detention center. The film highlights the transformative power of teamwork and discipline, making it a standout in the football movie genre.
22. Any Given Sunday (1999)
    Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid
    Storyline: Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday” takes a gritty look at professional football, with Al Pacino playing a coach facing power struggles and the pressures of the game. Known for its intense portrayal of the sport and the challenges faced by the players and coaching staff, it’s considered one of the most realistic football films.
23. Draft Day (2014)
    Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary
    Storyline: In “Draft Day,” Kevin Costner plays the general manager of the Cleveland Browns, making high-stakes decisions on NFL Draft day. This movie showcases the behind-the-scenes drama of professional football, providing an intriguing perspective on the sport.
24. The Program (1993)
    Rating: 6.4/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: James Caan, Halle Berry, Omar Epps
    Storyline: “The Program” follows the lives of college football players, addressing issues like academic pressures, family challenges, and the temptation of substance abuse. It’s known for its portrayal of the struggles faced by student-athletes, making it a standout in the genre.
25. The Last Boy Scout (1991)
    Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Bruce Willis, Damon Wayans, Chelsea Field
    Storyline: A private investigator and an ex-quarterback uncover corruption involving a pro-football team in “The Last Boy Scout.” This action-packed film combines the worlds of football and crime, creating an exciting and unique football movie experience.
26. Radio (2003)
    Rating: 6.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, Debra Winger
    Storyline: “Radio” is a heartwarming semi-biographical film that tells the story of James “Radio” Kennedy, a young man with intellectual disabilities who finds acceptance and friendship within a high school football team. The movie’s touching message of inclusion and community makes it a standout in the genre.
27. Varsity Blues (1999)
    Rating: 6.4/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker
    Storyline: “Varsity Blues” portrays the intense pressure faced by high school football players in a small Texas town. It explores themes of expectations, ambition, and the toll of success on young athletes, making it a relatable and powerful football film.
28. The Replacements (2000)
    Rating: 6.5/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Orlando Jones
    Storyline: Inspired by the 1987 NFL strike, “The Replacements” offers a hilarious take on substitute football players brought in to finish a professional season. This comedy film delivers laughs and showcases the underdogs’ journey to victory.
29. Semi-Tough (1977)
    Rating: 6.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Burt Reynolds, Kris Kristofferson, Jill Clayburgh
    Storyline: “Semi-Tough” is a satirical film that incorporates elements of the self-help movement and explores a love triangle between football players and their coach’s daughter. Its unique blend of comedy and commentary on self-improvement makes it a standout in the genre.
30. Facing the Giants (2006)
    Rating: 6.6/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Alex Kendrick, Shannen Fields, Jason McLeod
    Storyline: This inspirational film tells the story of a Christian high school football coach and his team’s quest to overcome challenges and achieve success both on and off the field. “Facing the Giants” is known for its uplifting message of faith and determination.
31. The Game Plan (2007)
    Rating: 6.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick, Madison Pettis
    Storyline: “The Game Plan” stars Dwayne Johnson as a hotshot quarterback who discovers he has an 8-year-old daughter. This heartwarming comedy explores the challenges of fatherhood and the bond that develops between father and daughter.
32. All the Right Moves (1983)
    Rating: 5.9/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Tom Cruise, Lea Thompson, Craig T. Nelson
    Storyline: High school football player Stefen Djordjevic, portrayed by Tom Cruise, dreams of escaping his Pennsylvania steel town through a college football scholarship. This coming-of-age football drama touches on themes of ambition and adversity.
33. The Longest Yard (2005)
    Rating: 6.4/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Burt Reynolds
    Storyline: In this remake of a 1974 classic, Adam Sandler plays a disgraced former NFL quarterback who forms a team of inmates to play against the prison guards. The film is known for its humor and the camaraderie that develops among the inmates.
34. The Longshots (2008)
    Rating: 5.2/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Ice Cube, Keke Palmer, Tasha Smith
    Storyline: Based on a true story, “The Longshots” follows an 11-year-old girl who becomes the first female quarterback in the Pop Warner football league. The film celebrates her determination to break barriers and succeed in a male-dominated sport.
35. Everybody’s All-American (1988)
    Rating: 6.1/10 (IMDb)
    Star Cast: Dennis Quaid, Jessica Lange, Timothy Hutton
    Storyline: “Everybody’s All-American” tells the story of a small-town college football hero whose NFL dreams are challenged by the harsh realities of the sport. The film explores the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of athletic success.

Football movies, with their gripping narratives and memorable characters, provide a window into the essence of the sport itself. These films touch on themes of perseverance, unity, and the pursuit of dreams, making them timeless classics in their own right.

Whether it’s the exhilarating touchdowns or the heartfelt stories of the players and coaches, football movies leave an enduring impact. So, the next time you seek inspiration and excitement, look no further than the world of football on screen.

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