10 Must-Watch Films & Series Like Varsity Punks

Description: A gritty look at the pressures of college football, including performance-enhancing drugs, academic scandals, and the personal toll on players.

Fact: The film's infamous scene of players lying in the middle of a busy road was removed after real-life copycat incidents occurred. It features cameos from several real college football coaches.

Description: A coming-of-age story set in a football-obsessed Texas town, exploring the dark side of high school sports culture and the pressure on young athletes.

Fact: The film's iconic whipped cream bikini scene was improvised by Ali Larter. James Van Der Beek learned to throw a football left-handed for his role.

Description: A powerful story about racial integration in a high school football team, focusing on teamwork, leadership, and overcoming prejudice.

Fact: The film is based on the true story of the 1971 T.C. Williams High School football team. The real-life Herman Boone (portrayed by Denzel Washington) served as a consultant on the movie.

Description: While primarily a teen drama, it features basketball as a central element, showcasing the highs and lows of young athletes balancing sports and personal lives.

Fact: The show's iconic 'River Court' basketball scenes were filmed at an actual outdoor court in Wilmington, North Carolina. It ran for nine seasons despite initial low ratings.

Description: A story about a tough-love basketball coach who prioritizes academics and discipline, emphasizing the importance of education over sports glory.

Fact: Based on the true story of Ken Carter, who made national headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic performance. The film's basketball scenes were choreographed by former NBA player Mark Ellis.

Description: A inspirational story about juvenile detention inmates forming a football team, showing how sports can provide discipline and purpose to troubled youth.

Fact: Based on a 1993 documentary of the same name. The real-life Sean Porter, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, worked as a consultant on the film and appears in a cameo.

Description: Focuses on the intense pressures and personal struggles of high school football players, blending sports drama with deep character development.

Fact: The TV series was inspired by both the 1990 book and the 2004 film of the same name. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of small-town Texas football culture.

Description: An underdog story about a young girl who becomes the quarterback of her uncle's struggling football team, challenging gender stereotypes in sports.

Fact: Based on the true story of Jasmine Plummer, who at age 11 became the first female to play in the Pop Warner football tournament. Ice Cube, who stars in the film, also served as a producer.

Description: A raunchy comedy about college football players, focusing on the wild off-field antics and the less glamorous side of being a student-athlete.

Fact: The show was originally conceived as a more serious drama before being reworked as a comedy. It gained a cult following after its cancellation, leading to a 2016 crowdfunded movie.

Description: Explores the challenges of a talented high school football player navigating two different worlds, highlighting themes of ambition, identity, and teamwork.

Fact: The show is loosely based on the life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. It addresses social issues like race and class disparities.