10 Great Football Movies

Widely regarded as one of the absolute top football movies of all time, 1981's Escape to Victory, follows a football match between Nazi players and their Allied captives in a German Prisoner of War Camp. Starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Bobby Moore and Pelé, it's a rare gem that showcases the talents of both acting and sport legends.

2009's The Damned United follows football coach Brian Clough's ill-fated 42 days stint as manager for Leeds United in 1974. Starring Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney, the film received wide acclaim, particularly for Sheen's realistic portrayal of Clough.

An adapted Nick Hornby novel, 1997's Fever Pitch stars Colin Firth and Ruth Gummell and explores how Arsenal's First Division championship-winning season in 1988–89 effects their characters romantic relationship. Funny and light-hearted, it was remade with an American baseball spin in 2005 starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon.

A family favourite and a blockbuster hit, 2002's Bend it Like Beckham follows the story of a British Indian girl who is forbidden from playing football - only to join a women's team in secret - that makes its way to the top of its league.

2009's Indie hit Looking for Eric stars football legend Eric Cantona and Steve Evets. Exploring the escapism from the humdrum of everyday life that football provides for so many of its fans, Cantona serves as a mentor to Evets character who goes through major family, romantic and work-related issues.

A coming-of-age romantic comedy, Gregory's Girl (1981) is often regarded as one of the top British film's of all time. It follows awkward schoolboy Gregory's crush on his football teammate Dorothy, who becomes one of the team's top players.

Will Ferrell stars in this 2005 family comedy. It focuses on the adventures of an American school boys' soccer team and their new coach (Ferrell). With his son in the team, Ferrell is then pitted against his own father (Robert Duvall) when he takes up coach at a rival team.

2006 American sports drama Goal! tells the story of Mexican-American Santiago who travels to Newcastle for the chance to try for their team. Made with full co-operation with FIFA, it features many football legends cameos, including: Alan Shearer, Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry.

Starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam, this 2005 independent drama examines football hooliganism. When Harvard Student (Wood) is wrongfully expelled from Harvard, he moves to London where he gets caught up in West Ham hooligan culture, soon becoming a member of Green Street Elite (GSE). Leading to two sequels, this film is worth a watch if only to see Hunnam's attempt at a Cockney accent.

Made for British television in 2011 and generally well received, United stars David Tennant (plays Jimmy Murphy) and Jack O'Connell (plays Bobby Charlton). Based on the true story of Manchester United's "Busby Babes" and the Munich air disaster, it primarily focuses on the relationship between assistant manager Murphy and football player Charlton.