As the World Cup Final approaches, it's time to get in the mood with some essential football films. While England may have stumbled at the last hurdle, the big game between Argentina and Spain is almost upon us. And even though the prospect of a Jude Bellingham-free final still smarts a little, we've rounded up a hat-trick of essential football movies to get you in the mood. These films capture the spirit of the beautiful game, from the indomitability of the human spirit to the glory and tragedy of football legends. So, grab your queso-flavoured crisps and Quilmes, and get ready to triple-bill these three essential football movies.
Escape To Victory (1981)
This 1981 classic is a loosely true story inspired by John Huston's masterpiece. It pits a squad of allied POWs in WWII against the dirtiest German XI imaginable with freedom on the line. The insane ensemble cast includes the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Max von Sydow, Pelé, Bobby Moore, and Osvaldo Ardiles. But look past the star players and what remains is a rousing testament to the indomitability of the human spirit that exemplifies the very best that football represents. It's still a mad shout to have had Sly between the sticks, mind, but that's football for you!
Diego Maradona (2019)
This acclaimed documentary by Asif Kapadia charts Maradona's rise from the slums of Villa Fiorito to World Cup-winning glory at Mexico '86 and a borderline messianic spell at Italian outfit Napoli. Pieced together from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, Kapadia's doc captures Maradona's story of gangsters, glory, goal-scoring, and addiction. It's a tale of on-pitch heroism and off-pitch hubris that's equal parts inspirational and cautionary, brilliant and tragic. If you love football, this is unmissable. And if you don't? Honestly, still pretty unmissable, actually.
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This coming-of-age comedy-drama by Gurinder Chadha follows the story of a young Indian-British girl who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. It's a heartwarming tale of family, culture, and the power of following your dreams. In my opinion, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves football, as it showcases the beauty of the game and the importance of diversity and inclusion in sports. It's a reminder that football is a global language that brings people together, and it's a pleasure to watch a film that celebrates this spirit.
In conclusion, these three films are essential viewing for any football fan. They capture the spirit of the beautiful game, from the indomitability of the human spirit to the glory and tragedy of football legends. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride as you prepare for the World Cup Final.
