The Best Soccer Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now

As I settled into my couch last weekend, scrolling through Netflix's seemingly endless catalog, I found myself wondering what makes a great soccer movie. Having played competitively through college and followed the sport professionally for over two decades, I've developed pretty specific tastes when it comes to football cinema. The beautiful game translates surprisingly well to the silver screen when filmmakers capture its unique blend of individual brilliance and collective struggle. What struck me during my latest viewing marathon was how many of these films aren't just about soccer—they're about what happens when people come together against impossible odds, much like the Philippine Sports Commission's recent announcement about fast-tracking stadium renovations to meet WTA regulations for their January 26-February 1 competition window. There's something universally compelling about that race against time, whether it's a fictional team trying to qualify for championships or real-life administrators working against the clock to prepare facilities.

Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of Netflix's current soccer offerings—"The English Game." Created by Julian Fellowes of Downton Abbey fame, this period drama explores football's transition from upper-class pastime to working-class passion in 1870s England. I'll admit I initially approached this with some skepticism—how exciting could 19th-century football really be? But the series won me over with its meticulous attention to historical detail and genuinely moving class conflict narrative. The scene where Fergus Suter, a Scottish stonemason turned professional player, introduces the revolutionary concept of passing rather than everyone charging toward the ball simultaneously gave me chills. It's moments like these that remind us how tactical innovations can disrupt entire systems, not unlike how the PSC's accelerated facelift represents strategic adaptation to meet international standards. What surprised me most was learning that by 1888, just over a decade after the events depicted, the Football League had formed with 12 professional clubs—evidence of how quickly the sport evolved once barriers began crumbling.

Then there's "Bend It Like Beckham," which I've probably seen eight times since its original 2002 release. This film holds up remarkably well two decades later, and its themes feel even more relevant today. The story of Jess Bhamra navigating between her traditional Sikh family expectations and her football ambitions resonates deeply with anyone who's ever balanced cultural heritage with personal dreams. I particularly appreciate how the film handles the mother-daughter dynamics—the scene where Mrs. Bhamra worries that sports will make Jess "unmarriageable" still gets me emotional. From a technical perspective, the football scenes are surprisingly authentic compared to many Hollywood attempts, though keen-eyed viewers might spot that Parminder Nagra (who played Jess) underwent five months of intensive training with former Wimbledon FC coach Simon Clifford. The film's commercial success was staggering—it grossed over $76 million worldwide against a $6 million budget, proving that well-told soccer stories have massive cross-cultural appeal.

What fascinates me about Netflix's current soccer movie selection is its geographical diversity. "The Two Escobars" remains one of the most compelling sports documentaries ever made, exploring the tragic intersection of football, politics, and drug cartels in 1990s Colombia. Having visited Medellín back in 2018, I can attest to how deeply football remains woven into the city's identity, despite—or perhaps because of—this complicated history. The documentary reveals that Andrés Escobar's own goal during the 1994 World Cup, which ultimately led to his murder, occurred in the 35th minute—a detail that still haunts me whenever I watch matches from that era. Meanwhile, "Million Dollar Kick" offers a completely different perspective, following young Indian girls pursuing football dreams despite societal pressures. The documentary crew filmed across 17 different locations in Maharashtra, capturing over 300 hours of footage that they distilled into 98 minutes of powerful storytelling.

I have mixed feelings about "GOAL! The Dream Begins," which many consider a cult classic. While the underdog story of Santiago Munez rising from Los Angeles immigrant communities to Newcastle United's first team follows a familiar trajectory, the film's authenticity benefits enormously from actual Premier League partnerships. The production secured unprecedented access to real matches, including the 2005 UEFA Champions League fixture between Newcastle and Olympiacos. What often gets overlooked is that Kuno Becker (who played Munez) trained for seven months with professional coaches, and it shows in his technically convincing ball control scenes. Still, I've always felt the film plays it too safe narratively—the obstacles feel somewhat manufactured compared to the gritty realities depicted in documentaries like "The Two Escobars."

The timing of these films feels particularly relevant given current global sports developments. When I read about the Philippine Sports Commission fast-tracking facility upgrades for their January 26-February 1 competition window, it reminded me of the administrative dramas unfolding behind the scenes in many sports films. We rarely see these logistical challenges portrayed on screen, but they're just as crucial to sporting success as individual talent. The PSC's commitment to meeting WTA regulations within tight deadlines mirrors the determination we celebrate in fictional football heroes—except these are real administrators working against the clock to make international competition possible.

What makes Netflix's soccer collection particularly valuable right now is how these films complement actual match viewing. After watching "The English Game," I found myself appreciating modern football's tactical complexity much more—those passing patterns we take for granted today were revolutionary concepts 150 years ago. Similarly, "Bend It Like Beckham" enhances understanding of women's football's cultural significance beyond Western contexts, while "The Two Escobars" serves as a sobering reminder of how politics and crime can infiltrate sports. These films don't just entertain; they provide crucial context that deepens our appreciation for the games we watch.

As Netflix's library continues evolving, I hope we see more football stories from underrepresented regions—African leagues, Southeast Asian competitions, or even the growing MLS scene in the United States. The global football tapestry is richer than what currently dominates streaming platforms, and these untold stories could help audiences understand the sport's truly international language. For now, though, the existing selection offers plenty to enjoy between match days—each film providing unique insights into why this simple game continues capturing hearts worldwide. Just remember to have your notifications set for those real-world sporting events too, because nothing beats the drama of actual competition, whether it's a World Cup final or a locally hosted tournament racing to meet international standards.