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Best Football Movies To Watch On Super Bowl Sunday

Best Football Movies of All Time.

“Are you ready for some Football?”

Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8th and it promises to be an unforgettable game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
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However, if you still need your football fix, Moviefone has compiled a list of 30 of the best football movies of all time for you to watch after the game.

These football movies cover what happens both on and off the field, and best of all, every movie here is streaming right now, so you can get started watching any of them immediately.

Let’s begin!

Related Article: Tyriq Withers Talks ‘HIM’ Digital Release and Working with Marlon Wayans

30. ‘The Blind Side‘ (2009)

(L to R) Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock in ‘The Blind Side.’ Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

The story of Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman (Sandra Bullock) and her family
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29. ‘American Underdog‘ (2021)

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player – but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is.
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28. ‘Radio‘ (2003)

High school football coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) befriends Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a mentally-challenged man who becomes a student at TL Hanna High School in Anderson South Carolina. Their friendship extends over several decades where Radio transforms from a shy tormented man into an inspiration to his community.
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27. ‘Gridiron Gang‘ (2006)

Under the leadership of their counselor (Dwayne Johnson), teenagers at a juvenile detention center gain selfesteem by playing football together.
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26. ‘All the Right Moves‘ (1983)

Sensitive study of a headstrong high school football star (Tom Cruise) who dreams of getting out of his small Western Pennsylvania steel town with a football scholarship. His equally ambitious coach (Craig T. Nelson) aims at a college position resulting in a clash which could crush the players dreams.
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25. ‘The Underdoggs‘ (2024)

(L to R) Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings and Mike Epps as Kareem in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Jacob Kemp. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Jaycen ‘Two Js’ Jennings (Snoop Dogg) is a washed-up former pro football star who has hit rock bottom. When he is sentenced to do community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown, he sees it mostly as an opportunity to rebuild his public image. But in the process, he may just turn his life around and rediscover his love of the game.
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24. ‘The Longest Yard‘ (2005)

Pro quarterback Paul Crewe (Adam Sandler) and former college champion and coach Nate Scarboro (Burt Reynolds) are doing time in the same prison and are asked to put together a team of inmates to take on the guards. Crewe enlists the help of Scarboro to coach the inmates to victory in a football game fixed to turn out quite another way.
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23. ‘The Program‘ (1993)

Several players from different backgrounds try to cope with the pressures of playing football at a major university. Each deals with the pressure differently some turn to drinking others to drugs and some to studying.
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22. ‘The Best of Times‘ (1986)

A smalltown loser (Robin Williams) determines to have one more shot at the big time by winning a football game.
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21. ‘Varsity Blues‘ (1999)

In small-town Texas, high school football is a religion, 17-year-old schoolboys carry the hopes of an entire community onto the gridiron every Friday night. When star quarterback Lance Harbor (Paul Walker) suffers an injury, the Coyotes are forced to regroup under the questionable leadership of John Moxon (James Van Der Beek), a second-string quarterback with a slightly irreverent approach to the game.
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20. ‘The Longest Yard‘ (1974)

Burt Reynolds in 1974’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

A football player-turned-convict (Burt Reynolds) organizes a team of inmates to play against a team of prison guards. His dilemma is that the warden (Eddie Albert) asks him to throw the game in return for an early release but he is also concerned about the inmates lack of self-esteem.

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19. ‘The Waterboy‘ (1998)

Bobby Boucher (Adam Sandler) is a water boy for a struggling college football team. The coach (Henry Winkler) discovers Boucher’s hidden rage makes him a tackling machine whose bone-crushing power might vault his team into the playoffs.
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18. ‘Jerry Maguire‘ (1996)

Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) used to be a typical sports agent willing to do just about anything he could to get the biggest possible contracts for his clients plus a nice commission for himself. Then one day he suddenly has second thoughts about what he’s really doing. When he voices these doubts he ends up losing his job and all of his clients save Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) an egomaniacal football player.
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17. ‘Invincible‘ (2006)

Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a man with nothing to lose who ignored the staggering odds and made his dream come true. When the coach of Papale’s beloved hometown football team hosted an unprecedented open tryout, the public consensus was that it was a waste of time – no one good enough to play professional football was going to be found this way.
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16. ‘Leatherheads‘ (2008)

A light hearted comedy about the beginnings of Professional American Football. When a decorated war hero (George Clooney) and college all star (John Krasinski) is tempted into playing professional football. Everyone see the chance to make some big money, but when a reporter digs up some dirt on the war hero… everyone could lose out.
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15. ‘HIM‘ (2025)

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah (back, pointing) and Tyriq Withers is Cam (foreground) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

After suffering a potentially career-ending brain trauma, Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) receives a lifeline when his hero, legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife. But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker.
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14. ‘Necessary Roughness‘ (1991)

When the Texas Southern Armadillos football team is disqualified for cheating and poor grades, the University is forced to pick from a team that actually goes to school. Will they even win a single game?
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13. ‘North Dallas Forty‘ (1979)

A semi-fictional account of life as a professional football player. Loosely based on the Dallas Cowboys team of the early 1970s.
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12. ‘80 for Brady‘ (2023)

Inspired by the true story of four best friends (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno and Sally Field) living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl LI to see their hero Tom Brady play.
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11. ‘Draft Day‘ (2014)

At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Kevin Costner) has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.
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10. ‘The Replacements‘ (2000)

Keanu Reeves in ‘The Replacements’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Maverick old-guard coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) is hired in the wake of a players’ strike to help the Washington Sentinels advance to the playoffs. But that impossible dream hinges on whether his replacements can hunker down and do the job, including washed up Quarterback Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves). So, McGinty dusts off his secret dossier of ex-players who never got a chance (or screwed up the one they were given) and knits together a bad-dream team of guys who just may give the Sentinels their title shot.
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9. ‘Brian’s Song‘ (1971)

Based on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo (James Caan) and Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.
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8. ‘Heaven Can Wait‘ (1978)

Joe Pendleton (Warren Beatty) is a quarterback preparing to lead his team to the Super Bowl when he is almost killed in an accident. An overanxious angel plucks him to heaven only to discover that he wasn’t ready to die, and that his body has been cremated. A new body must be found, and that of a recently-murdered millionaire is chosen. His wife and accountant—the murderers—are confused by this development, as he buys the L.A. Rams in order to once again quarterback them into the Super Bowl.
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7. ‘Wildcats‘ (1986)

Molly (Goldie Hawn) is a high school track coach who knows just as much about football as anyone else on the planet. When a football coach’s position becomes vacant, she applies for the job, despite snickers from fellow staff members and her former husband.
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6. ‘We Are Marshall‘ (2006)

When a plane crash claims the lives of members of the Marshall University football team and some of its fans, the team’s new coach (Matthew McConaughey) and his surviving players try to keep the football program alive.
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5. ‘The Last Boy Scout‘ (1991)

(L to R) Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans in ‘The Last Boy Scout’. Photo: Warner Bros.

When the girl (Halle Berry) that detective Joe Hallenback (Bruce Willis) is protecting gets murdered, the boyfriend (Damon Wayans) of the murdered girl attempts to investigate and solve the case. What they discover is that there is deep seated corruption going on between a crooked politician and the owner of a pro football team.
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4. ‘Rudy‘ (1993)

Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a steel mill town where most people ended up working, but wanted to play football at Notre Dame instead. There were only a couple of problems. His grades were a little low, his athletic skills were poor, and he was only half the size of the other players. But he had the drive and the spirit of five people and has set his sights upon joining the team.
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3. ‘Friday Night Lights‘ (2004)

A small, turbulent town in Texas obsesses over their high school football team to an unhealthy degree. When the star tailback, Boobie Miles (Derek Luke), is seriously injured during the first game of the season, all hope is lost, and the town’s dormant social problems begin to flare up. It is left to the inspiring abilities of new coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) to instill in the other team members — and, by proxy, the town itself — a sense of self-respect and honor.
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2. ‘Remember the Titans‘ (2000)

After leading his football team to 15 winning seasons, coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) – tough, opinionated and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. The two men learn to overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions.
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1. ‘Any Given Sunday‘ (1999)

(L to R) Jamie Foxx, Al Pacino and Denis Quaid in ‘Any Given Sunday’. Photo: Warner Bros.

A star quarterback (Dennis Quaid) gets knocked out of the game and an unknown third stringer (Jamie Foxx) is called in to replace him. The unknown gives a stunning performance and forces the ageing coach (Al Pacino) to reevaluate his game plans and life. A new co-owner/president (Cameron Diaz) adds to the pressure of winning. The new owner must prove herself in a male dominated world.
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February 8, 2026
‘HIM’ Digital Release Interview: Tyriq Withers
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Available on digital now and debuting on DVD, Blu-ray, and Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 11th is the new horror movie ‘HIM’, which was co-written and directed by Justin Tipping (‘Kicks’) and produced by Jordan Peele (‘Get Out’), and stars Tyriq Withers (‘I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)’), Marlon Wayans (‘Requiem for a Dream’), Julia Fox (‘Uncut Gems’), Tim Heidecker (‘Us’), and Jim Jefferies (‘Killing Hasselhoff’).
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Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tyriq Withers about his work on ‘HIM’, his first reaction to the screenplay, how he related to the character, quarterback bootcamp, Cam and Isaiah’s relationship and working with Marlon Wayans, director Justin Tipping’s vision for the project, and finding out he won his role from producer Jordan Peele.

Marlon Wayans is Isaiah (back, pointing) and Tyriq Withers is Cam (foreground) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

Related Article: 30 Best Football Movies of All Time!

Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and the way it blends professional football with the horror genre?

Tyriq Withers: I think it’s a script that I couldn’t put down. Coming from sports, whether it was soccer and transitioning into college football, it was a dream come true to be able to pick up a script that paid its respects to the sport of football. I think it talked about an athlete that was in pursuit of greatness and I think it just transcends sports in a way where it talks to us all who want to pursue greatness. I think that that road to that can get a little hectic and scary in real life. I think that’s the beauty of horror, where you can really exaggerate or hyperbolize themes and the obstacles it takes to reach that level of greatness.

MF: As a former athlete yourself, could you relate to the pressure on Cam and his dedication and sacrifice to pursue greatness on the field?

TW: I think chasing greatness in the world of sports as Tyriq, it was always rooted in love and family and who I was doing it for was my mom. I think Cam’s story is rooted in that with his parents and specifically his father, that he lost. I think that grief of losing his father pushed him even further because there is no literal validation he could get after his father passed and, “This is what my dad would want.” As an athlete, that’s where I lived and as an artist now, that’s where I live, where I want to prove something to my brother that I lost. I think the world of sports and of college football, the crazy interactions with players or coaches, that is a direct reflection within this movie. Obviously, things are heightened in the film, but I think there are certain feelings. There is a beautiful scene where Marlon’s yelling in my face. He’s saying, “What are you willing to sacrifice?” One of the lines was, “Your father didn’t love you.” I think I’ve come from a world of sports where whether it’s middle school, high school or college, where coaches say things to invoke certain emotions to get a certain performance. That’s not a great way to coach. But I pulled from those experiences and in that scene where I’m saying I want to sacrifice everything; you can hear it in my voice because I’m really triggered and frustrated. I think that’s the beauty of art, the catharsis of art, if you will.

(from left) Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) and Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) in ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: Can you talk about Cam and Isaiah’s mentor/mentee relationship, and did you have a bit of that with Marlon Wayans off screen? Was he an actor that you admired growing up, and if so, what was it like working with him on this project?

TW: Yeah, Marlon is an actor who I have looked up to all my life and not only on screen, but him as a human being, and his comedy. So, there was a mentor/mentee relationship developed initially coming on the set. It didn’t get weird like Cameron and Isaiah. I think watching Cameron’s journey between the respect of his idol and pulling back the layers of who Isaiah White is, allowed him to really see Isaiah for who he truly was and really understand, your idol becomes your rival. You know, that’s the beauty and ugliness of sports, where people you look up to will become your rivals. Where Allen Iverson had to crossover Michael Jordan, and AI grew up loving Jordan, but we must do what we must do. So that was a fun thing to play with and Marlon took me under his wing as a younger brother, or an honorary Wayans, I always say. I’m grateful for that brotherhood.

MF: How did you physically prepare to play this role? Did you go to a quarterback bootcamp or have any type of football training before shooting?

TW: I just kind of went to set and showed up. No, I’m kidding. I went in the gym. I had to get physically in shape. So, I was working out six days a week, twice a day. eating 4,000 calories while going to a football camp with Jordan Palmer training with actual QBs prepping for the NFL draft. So, I got to see the training, but also the interview process, the playwriting process, the studying process, and we had Joe Milton there, who currently plays for the Cowboys. Then, Josh Allen popped through to give some words. So, it was a real authentic football experience to really bring to the character and I carried that on screen. Hopefully that resonates with everyone, because I took it serious coming from football. I played wide receiver, so it was a bit of a transition to learn the quarterback position.

(from left) Marlon Wayans, director Justin Tipping and Tyriq Withers on the set of ‘HIM’, directed by Justin Tipping. Photo: Universal Pictures.

MF: What was director Justin Tipping like to collaborate with on set?

TW: Justin was a beauty to have as a director where he allowed us the freedom to bring ourselves to the role, but also pushing us to places that we couldn’t even imagine. I think his vision, his eye for story, is immaculate and I think there’s certain themes and writing aspects of this film that he fought for that I’m grateful to have. He paid his respects to the sport of football, even though he came from soccer. I think that’s a testament to him as a director, where he’s able to find the common themes and create specific stories. I feel like the more specific a story is, the more universal and relatable it will become, and he created a piece that I think will be studied for generations. I think it will age like fine wine.

MF: Finally, how much interaction did you have with producer Jordan Peele on this project? Was he on set during production and what were some of his contributions while filming?

TW: Yeah, he was on my initial casting Zoom when they told me I got the part. They were like, “Jordan Peele is hopping on the call. Do you know who Jordan Peele is?” I’m like, “Do I know who Jordan Peele is?” He was there to share the news and we had a couple meetings and we got to hang. He came to set a few days, but wasn’t there every day because as a producer, you put the right people in the right positions to curate the art that you want to tell. I think that’s the genius of Jordan Peele, where he knows exactly who to put where. He gave me some words of affirmation and really gave me the extra added confidence to walk on set and really do my thing as Cameron Cade.

(L to R) Director Justin Tipping, Tyriq Withers (as Cam), Producer Jordan Peele, and Marlon Wayans (as Isaiah) on the set of ‘HIM’, from Universal Pictures.

What is the plot of ‘Him’?

When rising quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma, legendary championship quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) offers to train Cam at his isolated compound. But Cam’s training and Isaiah’s charisma soon begin to curdle into something darker, which may cost Cam more than he ever bargained for.

Who is in the cast of ‘Him’?
- Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White
- Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade
- Julia Fox as Elsie White
- Tim Heidecker as Tom
- Jim Jefferies as Marco
- Naomi Grossman as Marjorie
- Maurice Greene as Malek
- Akeem ‘Guapdad 4000’ Hayes as Murph
- Tierra Whack as Adrienne
- Don Benjamin as Cam Sr.
Jordan Peele attends the Academy’s 2019 Annual Governors Awards in The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Hollywood, CA. Credit/Provider: Troy Harvey / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

List of Films Directed Or Produced By Jordan Peele:
- ‘Keanu‘ (2016)
- ‘Get Out‘ (2017)
- ‘BlacKkKlansman‘ (2018)
- ‘Us‘ (2019)
- ‘Candyman‘ (2021)
- ‘Nope’ (2022)
- ‘Wendell & Wild‘ (2022)
- ‘Monkey Man’ (2024)
- ‘Him’ (2025)
Buy Tickets: ‘Him’ Movie Showtimes

Buy Jordan Peele Movies On Amazon
October 16, 2025
‘Bend it Like Beckham’ Sequel in the Works
(L to R) Parminder Nagra and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Preview:
- A ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel is in development.
- Co-writer/director Gurinder Chadha is kicking around story ideas.
- She’s hoping original stars Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley will return.
Women’s soccer (this British writer is kicking himself having to type that, with every fiber in his being screaming: “FOOTBALL!!”) is very much having a moment thanks to England’s women’s team triumphing over Spain in this weekend’s Women’s European Championship final to become winners twice in a row.

One filmmaker hoping to take advantage of the new interest is someone who helped spur it previously: Gurinder Chadha, who co-wrote and directed 2002 sports comedy drama ‘Bend it Like Beckham,’ is looking to make a sequel.
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With the original starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Chadha is hopeful that the cast might return, though while everyone has indicated interested, they’re all waiting to see the script.

Related Article: TV Review: ‘Black Doves’

What was the story of ‘Bend it Like Beckham’?

Keira Knightley in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

The original followed Jess Bhamra (Nagra), the daughter of a strict Indian couple in London, who is not permitted to play organized soccer, even though she is 18.

When Jess is playing for fun one day, her impressive skills are seen by Jules Paxton (Knightley), who then convinces Jess to play for her semi-pro team.

Jess uses elaborate excuses to hide her matches from her family while also dealing with her romantic feelings for her coach, Joe (Meyers).

What could happen in the ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel?

(L to R) Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Chadha isn’t specifying details yet, but did say this to Deadline:

“I didn’t want to do anything because I didn’t have a story. And then I came up with a great story, really super-cool story. So now I’m inspired. Literally came up with it just about a month ago. It’s my very clear wish to bring the characters back very, very soon. Women’s football is more competitive ,more exciting, and more global than ever. It is an honor for me to be a small part of it.”

Her aim is to write the script with her husband, Paul Mayeda Berges, who also worked on the original:

“I’m hoping to write it with Paul, who has come up with some very funny lines like he did last time.”

When might a ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ sequel be on screens?

While there isn’t an official release date set, Chadha reportedly wants to have the sequel ready for a 2027 release, which would be 25 years after the original movie’s release in the UK.

And, not-so-coincidentally, it’s a key year for the game, with the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament set to kick off in host nation Brazil in June that year.

(L to R) Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Parminder Nagra in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’. Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Keira Knightley Movies:
- ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace‘ (1999)
- ‘Bend It Like Beckham‘ (2003)
- ‘New Year’s Eve‘ (2011)
- ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl‘ (2003)
- ‘Love Actually‘ (2003)
- ‘King Arthur‘ (2004)
- ‘The Jacket‘ (2005)
- ‘Pride & Prejudice‘ (2005)
- ‘Domino‘ (2005)
- ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest‘ (2006)
- ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End‘ (2007)
- ‘Atonement‘ (2008)
- ‘Never Let Me Go‘ (2010)
- ‘London Boulevard‘ (2010)
- ‘A Dangerous Method‘ (2011)
- ‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World‘ (2012)
- ‘Anna Karenina‘ (2012)
- ‘Begin Again‘ (2014)
- ‘Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit‘ (2014)
- ‘The Imitation Game‘ (2014)
- ‘Everest‘ (2015)
- ‘Collateral Beauty‘ (2016)
- ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales‘ (2017)
- ‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms‘ (2018)
- ‘The Aftermath‘ (2019)
- ‘Boston Strangler‘ (2023)
Buy Keira Knightley Movies on Amazon
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July 30, 2025
‘The Underdoggs’ Interview: Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter
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Premiering on Prime Video January 26th is the new sports comedy ‘The Underdoggs’ which was directed by Charles Stone III (‘Mr. 3000’) and stars legendary rapper and performer Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter (‘Sonic the Hedgehog’).

(L to R) Tika Sumpter and Snoop Dogg talk ‘The Underdoggs.’

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter to talk about their work on ‘The Underdoggs,’ why Snoop wanted to make this movie as a producer, Sumpter’s experience working with Snoop, the relationship between their characters, and how Snoop is similar and different from his character.

You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Snoop, Sumpter, Kal Penn and director Charles Stone III.

(L to R) Tika Sumpter as Cherise, Jonigan Booth as Tre and Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Wilford Harewood. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Moviefone: To begin with, Snoop, as a producer, can you talk about having the idea for this film, developing the project, and what was it like for you to make this movie?

Snoop Dogg: Well, as a producer, the first thing I wanted to do was make sure that we had the script right. Once we had the script right, I wanted to go find the right director. Then getting the right director and then casting it. Then some of the things that I wanted to add to it was making sure that it had a real feel to it, that it had a real dynamic of what’s going on in the world today on the football field, in the communities, and just in life in general. So as a producer, I wanted to make sure I didn’t just come in here and just have a name, but have my hands involved, do some things, make some mistakes and get it right along the way.

MF: Tika, is it fun making a movie with Snoop Dogg?

Tika Sumpter: Well, I worked with Snoop Dogg at the beginning of my career, on my first show, ‘One Life to Live.’ He was a guest star. For those who don’t know, it was a soap opera in New York, and it was my first job. Snoop, he came on to do one of his songs and I got to interact with him, and I’ve known him since. So, we’ve had a friendship since then. First, I love him. He’s one of the most gracious people you would ever know. People are like, “Is he nice?” I’m like, “He’s extra nice.” His wife is kind and everybody around him is so kind. Snoop has my heart forever and ever. He always did, and I’m still a fan.

Related Article: Actors Ben Schwartz and James Marsden Talk New Movie ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’

(L to R) Tika Sumpter as Cherise and Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Wilford Harewood. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Snoop, what was it like for you to work with Tika again?

SD: This is my sis right here, man. You got to understand about me in the industry. I was raised by a woman, a Black woman. So, she taught me anytime you come across a queen is to treat her with respect. So, she’s always been my sister. She’s always been held high in regards when it comes to acting. So, when I had an opportunity to see if she could be in something with me, it was a no-brainer.

MF: Snoop, can you talk about the similarities and the differences between the real Snoop Dogg and your character Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings?

SD: 2 J’s is an a**hole. He’s an egotistical maniac. He’s selfish. He doesn’t understand. Snoop Dogg is understanding, loving, and caring. 2 J’s becomes Snoop Dogg at the end of the movie, way at the end of the movie, like the last three minutes of the movie. The whole hour whatnot, that is not me. It’s a character. Then at the end of the movie, I was able to become who I am because I grew into that. 2 J’s grew into the person that I am. That’s one thing about life. You must be willing to make that change, you got to be willing to listen. He learned so much from his coach, from his girl, from the kids, from life in general, that he took that, and he made himself a better person at the end of the movie.

Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Wilford Harewood. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MF: Tika, Cherise has a history with Jaycen because they went to high school together. How would you describe their relationship when the movie begins?

TS: Well, she knew him since high school. She knows that he could be the person who he is at the end because he was that person. But life happened to him and hit him in the face, and he became this egotistical maniac who she did not like. But yeah, he came around.

MF: Finally, Snoop, how would you describe Jaycen and Cherise’s relationship in the movie?

SD: She never gave up. No matter what, she never gave up. She stayed there and he stayed there. I think that’s the beautiful love story. I like love stories that don’t involve contact, but they involve feelings. Our characters don’t have physical contact, but the feeling, you can feel it. That’s great acting when you can feel something through watching it rather than seeing actual contact.
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What is the plot of ‘The Underdoggs’?

Former NFL player Jaycen Jennings (Snoop Dogg) agrees to coach a youth football team to avoid going to prison, as he tries to relaunch his career.

Who is in the cast of ‘The Underdoggs’?
- Snoop Dogg (‘Training Day‘) as Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings
- Tika Sumpter (‘Ride Along‘) as Cherise
- George Lopez (‘Blue Beetle‘) as Coach Feis
- Andrew Schulz (‘You People‘) as Chip Collins
- Mike Epps (‘Next Friday‘) as Kareem
- Kal Penn (‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle‘) as Ryan Kauffman
(L to R) Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “2 J’s” Jennings and Mike Epps as Kareem in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Jacob Kemp. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Other Movies Similar to ‘The Underdoggs’:
- ‘The Bad News Bears‘ (1976)
- ‘Hoosiers‘ (1986)
- ‘Necessary Roughness‘ (1991)
- ‘Rudy‘ (1993)
- ‘Any Given Sunday‘ (1999)
- ‘Remember the Titans‘ (2000)
- ‘Bad News Bears‘ (2005)
- ‘We Are Marshall‘ (2006)
- ‘Draft Day‘ (2014)
- ‘The Way Back‘ (2020)
- ‘Champions‘ (2023)
- ‘Warrior Strong‘ (2023)
- ‘Next Goal Wins‘ (2023)
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January 23, 2024
New Remake of ‘The Longest Yard’ Planned
(Center) Burt Reynolds in 2005’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Preview:
- A new movie of ‘The Longest Yard’ is in the works.
- The film finds a former star quarterback sent to prison, who builds a team there.
- Burt Reynolds and Adam Sandler starred in previous versions.
What do Burt Reynolds and Adam Sandler have in common? It’s certainly not comedy songs about Hannukah.

No, the two actors have both starred in a version of prison-set sports comedy drama ‘The Longest Yard’, with Reynolds anchoring the 1974 (and showing up for a decent role in the 2005 Sandler variant).

And now the plan is to make yet another version of the story. At this rate, there will be remakes so far in the future the sport featured will be Rollerball, not football.

What’s the story of ‘The Longest Yard’?

Burt Reynolds in 1974’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

The 1974 original was based on a story by Al Ruddy, directed by Robert Aldrich and written by Tracy Keenan Wynn. It starred Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former star quarterback who is sentenced to 18 months in Citrus State Prison, where he puts together the Mean Machine team to play the guards’ team.

It was remade in 2005 by director Peter Segal and written by Sheldon Turner. Sandler led the cast as the washed-up quarterback, who puts together a team in prison in exchange for a reduced sentence. Chris Rock, James Cromwell, Nelly and William Fichtner also starred, as did Reynolds.

Given his death in 2018, Reynolds obviously won’t be appearing in this one (though we’d be shocked if there wasn’t some small reference to him), so perhaps Sandler will be willing to take on the baton and show up for at least a cameo?

Related Article: HBO’s ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ Surprisingly Cancelled As Season 2 Ends

Who is behind the new take on ‘The Longest Yard’?

(L to R) Delante Desouza as Michael Cooper, Quentin A. Shropshire as James Worthy, Quincy Isaiah as Magic Johnson, Solomon Hughes as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Joel Allen as Kurt Rambis in HBO’s ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.’ Photograph by Warrick Page/HBO.

According to Deadline, Paramount Pictures, which produced both previous movies, is backing this one, hoping to secure a new audience.

The studio is working with production company Gunpowder & Sky, whose whose CEO Van Toffler was an executive producer on the 2005 version when he worked at Viacom.

On the writing front, Rodney Barnes, who was an executive producer and writer on recently cancelled HBO series ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’, is crafting the script.

There is no director or star attached yet –– as mentioned, the studio might try to tempt Sandler to come back for a cameo, but it’s still early days.

And given that the actors’ strike remains in full effect (there appears to have been some progress, but it’s far from over yet), casting will also have to wait. Yet Paramount will want to get this one moving, since it’s a new take on a recognizable title and features and evergreen subject matter in its sports theme.

Where can I see the previous movies?

(Right) Burt Reynolds in 1974’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Both the 1974 and 2005 versions are streaming on Paramount+ and are available for rental or purchase at other digital outlets.

Here’s the trailer for the 1974 Burt Reynolds film:

And the trailer for the 2005 Adam Sandler movie:
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The cast of 2005’s ‘The Longest Yard.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Other Movies Similar to ‘The Longest Yard:’
- ‘The Longest Yard‘ (1974)
- ‘Rudy‘ (1993)
- ‘Jerry Maguire‘ (1996)
- ‘The Waterboy‘ (1998)
- ‘Any Given Sunday‘ (1999)
- ‘Remember the Titans‘ (2000)
- ‘The Longest Yard‘ (2005)
- ‘Invincible‘ (2006)
- ‘Gridiron Gang‘ (2006)
- ‘We Are Marshall‘ (2006)
- ‘The Blind Side‘ (2009)
- ‘Draft Day‘ (2014)
- ‘American Underdog‘ (2021)
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November 9, 2023
Movie Review: ’80 for Brady’

(L to R) Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

Opening in theaters on February 3rd is the new sports comedy ’80 for Brady’ from director Kyle Marvin, which stars Academy Award winners Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and Rita Moreno, as well as Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Lily Tomlin.

The film is loosely based on the true story of a quartet of octogenarians from Massachusetts who become obsessed with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. In the film (not in real life), the ladies decide to take a road trip to Super Bowl LI to finally see Brady play in person, which results in an unforgettable weekend for the four lifelong friends.

The result is a fun but predictable movie that is basically just a commercial for the NFL and Tom Brady’s legacy. However, the weak script, familiar jokes and corny dialogue is transcended by the four fabulous lead characters and the wonderful performances from the legendary actress playing them.

Full disclosure: I’m from Massachusetts. My mother still lives there, she is over 80, and is a diehard Patriots fan. So, it goes without saying that I was already predisposed to like this movie since all four of the main characters, in one way or another, remind me of my mom. While I definitely had some issues with the script and the ridiculousness of the third act, the film is still very enjoyable, mostly because of the lead actresses.

(L to R) Jane Fonda plays Trish, Sally Field plays Betty, Lily Tomlin plays Lou, and Rita Moreno plays Maura in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

Of the four main actresses, Lily Tomlin is really the lead, playing Lou, the catalyst for the friends becoming such Brady fans. Tomlin, a legendary comedian in her own right, handles the comedy well, as you would expect, but is really impressive in her dramatic scenes, in particular one with Brady himself.

In fact, all four actress were cast extremely well and play relatable characters. Jane Fonda plays Trish, an author of Rob Gronkowski fan-fiction who is desperately trying to hold on to her youth and beauty. Sally Field plays Betty, a book smart former professor, who still loves her husband (Bob Balaban) but is looking for a little excitement in her life. Finally there is Maura, played by Rita Moreno. She is the oldest of the friends, a widow who misses her late husband, and a bit of a hustler living in a retirement home.

In a movie like this, you could easily see one or two of the actresses getting more screentime than the others, but luckily that is not the case. Each actress has more than a few moments to shine on their own, and all of their characters are fleshed out extremely well. Fonda and Tomlin have worked together before in ‘Nine to Five’ and the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie,’ and as you expect, have great chemistry together. But I was also impressed with how much chemistry they both had with Field and Moreno. You really get the feeling that these four women have been friends for a long time.

While the characters are well-defined and their backstories well fleshed out, it’s the familiar attempts at humor and ridiculous third act plot points that hurt the film in my opinion. For example, the ladies attend a Super Bowl party where they are given Gummy Bears, which of course they don’t know are laced with THC. This leads to the characters being high, and getting into silly situations that are extremely predictable, like Maura wondering into a celebrity Poker game.

(L to R) Sally Field as Betty and Lily Tomlin as Lou in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

Another predictable plot point is when the characters, of course, lose their Super Bowl tickets the day before the game. In fact, this is so predictable that you want to yell at the screen because you can actually see them losing the tickets long before the characters realize it, telegraphing for the audience what the next conflict will be.

Which brings me to my biggest issue with the film, which is that once they get to the Super Bowl, it’s all fantasy. What I mean by that is almost nothing that happens at the Super Bowl could happen in real life. No one can get into a Super Bowl without tickets, the security is just too much, so the idea that these four octogenarians could ultimately find their way in without tickets is just laughable.

But the most ridiculous, over-the-top moment of the film comes during the halftime of Super Bowl LI. Football fans will remember that the Patriots were losing to the Atlanta Falcons 21-3 at halftime, and mounted an unforgettable comeback that took them into overtime eventually winning 34-28. Without giving too much away, the movie would have you believe that it was Lou that inspired Tom Brady’s legendary comeback.

Now, while that is a nice idea for the movie, this is a film supposedly set in reality. It doesn’t take place in the Multiverse as far as I know, it takes place in our world where Tom Brady and the NFL really exists. So, the idea that four 80-year-old women could get access to the star quarterback during halftime was so far beyond any reality I could comprehend, that it took me completely out of the movie.

(L to R) Lily Tomlin plays Lou with Producer Tom Brady in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

For Brady fans wondering if he just has a cameo in the film, I’m happy to say no, his role is surprisingly larger than that. While he is definitely in a supporting role, he pops up throughout the film, both as himself, and also as himself in Lou’s imagination. Brady gives a strong performance, even if he is just playing himself, and is surprisingly good in his emotional scenes with Tomlin. But it is no surprise to me why Brady would want to make this movie, where he also serves as a producer, because the entire film is one giant ego stroke for the GOAT.

The NFL, which famously doesn’t allow its brand to appear in just any movie, ask Oliver Stone about ‘Any Given Sunday,’ clearly was on board with this production. In fact, a large part of the second act takes place at the NFL Super Bowl Experience, and at times seems more like a commercial for the NFL than a narrative movie. The NFL also (presumably) allowed the film to use footage from Super Bowl LI to recreate the game, which works surprisingly well and is still engaging, even though the audience already knows the outcome.

In addition to Patriots like Brady, Gronkowski, Danny Amendola, and Julian Edelman, the movie also features cameos and supporting performances from Guy Fieri, Billy Porter, Patton Oswalt, Glynn Turman, and Harry Hamlin, as well as Sara Gilbert as Lou’s daughter.

In the end, ’80 for Brady’ is a fun movie that NFL and Patriots fans will enjoy, and my mom and her friends will love! While the film at times loses any sense of reality and slips into pure fantasy, and has more than its share of script issues and NFL propaganda, it’s funny and works thanks to the talent of Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Sally Field and Rita Moreno.

(L to R) Rita Moreno plays Maura, Jane Fonda plays Trish, Sally Field plays Betty, and Lily Tomlin plays Lou in ’80 For Brady’ from Paramount Pictures.

’80 for Brady’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars
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February 1, 2023