- Escape to Victory (1981)
- Shaolin Soccer (2001)
- Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
- Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006)
- Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)
- The Damned United (2009)
- Looking for Eric (2009)
- Next Goal Wins (2014)
- Diego Maradona (2019)
- Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001)
If you loved 'Soccer Shrines (2010)' and its deep dive into the world's most iconic football stadiums, you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the passion, history, and drama of football's sacred grounds. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good sports documentary, these picks will keep you entertained and inspired.

Escape to Victory (1981)
Description: A unique blend of sports and war drama featuring an epic soccer match, showcasing the universal language and unifying power of the beautiful game.
Fact: The film stars real-life soccer legends Pelé, Bobby Moore, and Osvaldo Ardiles alongside actors Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone.


Shaolin Soccer (2001)
Description: A wildly inventive martial arts-soccer hybrid that celebrates the joy and spectacle of the game through exaggerated, superhuman feats on the pitch.
Fact: The film's success helped revive the Hong Kong film industry and spawned numerous imitators blending sports with martial arts.


Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
Description: A coming-of-age story that uses soccer as a backdrop to explore themes of cultural identity, gender roles, and pursuing one's dreams against all odds.
Fact: The film's success is credited with helping popularize women's soccer in the UK and beyond.


Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos (2006)
Description: This documentary captures the rise and fall of a legendary soccer team, focusing on the cultural impact and larger-than-life personalities that defined an era in the sport.
Fact: The film features rare footage of Pelé playing for the Cosmos and explores how soccer briefly became a major sport in the U.S. during the 1970s.


Pelé: Birth of a Legend (2016)
Description: A biographical drama that chronicles the early life and rise to fame of soccer's first global superstar, emphasizing the transformative power of the sport.
Fact: The film's climax recreates Brazil's 1958 World Cup victory, when 17-year-old Pelé announced himself to the world.


The Damned United (2009)
Description: This sports drama explores the intense rivalries and pressures of soccer management through the story of a charismatic but flawed coach's brief tenure at a top club.
Fact: The film is based on Brian Clough's infamous 44-day reign as manager of Leeds United in


Looking for Eric (2009)
Description: A dramedy that uses soccer fandom as a metaphor for personal redemption, with a fictionalized version of a soccer icon serving as a spiritual guide.
Fact: Eric Cantona plays a heightened version of himself in this film that blends magical realism with working-class drama.


Next Goal Wins (2014)
Description: A heartwarming documentary about an underdog soccer team's journey to redemption, highlighting the passion and resilience that define the sport at its core.
Fact: The film follows American Samoa's national team, which once suffered the worst loss in international soccer history (31-0).


Diego Maradona (2019)
Description: This biographical documentary delves into the life of one of soccer's most iconic and controversial figures, showcasing his genius on the field and turbulent personal life.
Fact: The film uses previously unseen archival footage from Maradona's time at Napoli, where he became a god-like figure to the city's fans.


Mike Bassett: England Manager (2001)
Description: A satirical comedy that pokes fun at the absurdities of international soccer management and the intense pressure surrounding the sport at the highest levels.
Fact: The mockumentary style was inspired by real England managerial disasters, particularly Graham Taylor's troubled tenure.
