10 Movies & Shows Similar to McFarland, USA (2015)

Description: Like McFarland, USA, Remember the Titans is a sports drama based on a true story that emphasizes teamwork, overcoming racial tensions, and the transformative power of sports. Both films highlight the importance of a dedicated coach in uniting a diverse group of young athletes to achieve greatness against societal odds.

Fact: Denzel Washington's portrayal of Coach Herman Boone is considered one of his most iconic roles. The film is set in 1971, during the early days of racial integration in Virginia schools. Many of the football scenes were filmed at actual high school stadiums in Georgia.

Description: The Rookie shares with McFarland, USA the theme of pursuing dreams against all odds. Both are based on true stories of individuals who defied expectations through sports, with baseball serving as the vehicle for personal and community transformation in small-town settings.

Fact: Dennis Quaid learned to throw a 96 mph fastball for his role as Jim Morris. The real Jim Morris made a brief appearance in the film as an umpire. The film's baseball scenes were shot at actual minor league stadiums.

Description: Glory Road parallels McFarland, USA in its depiction of a groundbreaking sports team overcoming racial prejudice. Both films are based on true stories of coaches who challenged societal norms through their teams' successes, with basketball serving as the unifying force in Glory Road.

Fact: The film commemorates the 1966 Texas Western basketball team, the first to start five African-American players in an NCAA championship game. Josh Lucas trained with basketball coaches to prepare for his role. Several original team members served as consultants on the film.

Description: Coach Carter mirrors McFarland, USA in its portrayal of a tough but caring coach who uses sports to teach life lessons to disadvantaged students. Both films emphasize the importance of education and discipline alongside athletic achievement, set against the backdrop of underprivileged communities.

Fact: Samuel L. Jackson trained with real basketball coaches to prepare for his role. The film is based on the true story of Ken Carter, who famously benched his undefeated team for poor academic performance. Many of the basketball scenes were filmed with actual high school players.

Description: Invincible shares with McFarland, USA the theme of an underdog sports story based on true events. Both films feature protagonists from working-class backgrounds who achieve their dreams through perseverance, with football serving as their path to a better life.

Fact: Mark Wahlberg performed many of his own football stunts in the film. The real Vince Papale served as a consultant and has a cameo in the movie. The film's soundtrack features classic 1970s rock music to match its period setting.

Description: 42 shares with McFarland, USA the theme of sports as a vehicle for social progress. Both films are based on true stories of individuals who broke barriers in their respective sports, with baseball serving as Jackie Robinson's platform to challenge racial segregation in America.

Fact: Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of Jackie Robinson was widely praised. Harrison Ford underwent a physical transformation to play Branch Rickey. The film's title refers to Robinson's jersey number, which was retired across all MLB teams in

Description: The Express, like McFarland, USA, tells the true story of a groundbreaking athlete overcoming racial barriers through sports. Both films highlight how individual achievement in sports can challenge societal prejudices, with football serving as the platform for change.

Fact: The film chronicles the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Rob Brown trained extensively to portray Davis's football skills. The film's title refers to Davis's nickname, 'The Elmira Express'.

Description: We Are Marshall shares with McFarland, USA the theme of sports as a means of healing and community rebuilding. Both films are based on true stories where athletic achievement serves a greater purpose beyond the game itself, with football as the central element.

Fact: The film depicts the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed most of Marshall University's football team. Matthew McConaughey's passionate locker room speech was largely improvised. The real 'We Are Marshall' chant is still used by the university's teams today.

Description: The Blind Side shares with McFarland, USA the theme of underprivileged youth finding success through sports and mentorship. Both stories are based on true events and showcase how compassion, family, and determination can change lives, with a strong focus on American football as the vehicle for transformation.

Fact: Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The real-life Michael Oher, whose story the film is based on, went on to play in the NFL. The film's title refers to the position of left tackle in football, which protects the quarterback's 'blind side'.

Description: Like McFarland, USA, Million Dollar Arm is a sports drama based on true events that explores cultural differences and the universal language of sports. Both films feature protagonists discovering unexpected talent in unlikely places, with baseball serving as the bridge between different worlds.

Fact: The real-life Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel became the first Indian athletes to sign professional baseball contracts. Jon Hamm took baseball lessons to prepare for his role as sports agent J.B. Bernstein. Parts of the film were shot in India to capture authentic locations.