10 Shows and Movies Like 1st & Ten (1984)

Description: Like '1st & Ten', 'Any Given Sunday' delves into the gritty, behind-the-scenes world of professional football, focusing on the drama both on and off the field. Both explore themes of team dynamics, leadership, and the personal struggles of players and coaches. Oliver Stone's intense direction and the film's raw portrayal of the sport mirror the unfiltered look at football in '1st & Ten'.

Fact: Al Pacino's iconic 'Inches' speech was largely improvised. The film features real-life NFL players like Lawrence Taylor and Jim Brown. Oliver Stone used multiple cameras to capture the chaotic energy of football games.

Description: This remake of the 1974 classic shares '1st & Ten's' blend of football action and comedic undertones. Both highlight the underdog spirit and the camaraderie among teammates, albeit in very different settings (prison vs. professional football). The film's focus on a ragtag team coming together echoes the team dynamics central to '1st & Ten'.

Fact: Adam Sandler performed many of his own football stunts. Burt Reynolds, star of the original, appears as a coach in this version. The football scenes were choreographed by former NFL players.

Description: While 'Friday Night Lights' focuses on high school football, its intense portrayal of the sport's pressures and the personal lives of players and coaches aligns with '1st & Ten's' exploration of football's human side. Both emphasize the emotional highs and lows of the game, with a documentary-style realism that brings authenticity to the football action.

Fact: The film was shot in a quasi-documentary style to enhance realism. Many actors underwent rigorous football training to prepare. It's based on the true story of the 1988 Permian Panthers.

Description: While 'Eastbound & Down' is a dark comedy about a washed-up baseball player, its satirical take on sports culture and athlete egos shares thematic DNA with '1st & Ten's' more grounded portrayal of football life. Both feature flawed, larger-than-life protagonists navigating the pitfalls of professional sports, though with very different tones.

Fact: Danny McBride and Jody Hill based the character on real-life athletes they knew. The show was filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Kenny Powers' catchphrases became popular in sports culture.

Description: This raunchy comedy series shares '1st & Ten's' focus on the off-field antics of football players, though with a much more exaggerated, comedic tone. Both highlight the wild, often irresponsible behavior of athletes, but 'Blue Mountain State' amps up the humor and absurdity, making it a more outrageous cousin to '1st & Ten'.

Fact: The show's creators were inspired by their own college experiences. Alan Ritchson, who plays Thad Castle, had no prior football experience. The series gained a cult following after its cancellation.

Description: This TV series, like '1st & Ten', blends football with personal drama, focusing on a therapist working with a professional football team. Both shows explore the psychological and emotional challenges faced by players, though 'Necessary Roughness' adds a unique twist with its protagonist's profession. The mix of sports action and character-driven storytelling is a common thread.

Fact: The show is loosely based on the life of real-life sports therapist Donna Dannenfelser. Callie Thorne, the lead actress, had no prior knowledge of football before the role. It was originally developed for ABC before moving to USA Network.

Description: Like '1st & Ten', 'Ballers' provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of football players, though it focuses more on the business and financial aspects of the sport. Both series explore the personal and professional challenges faced by athletes, blending drama with humor. The show's Miami setting and flashy style contrast with '1st & Ten's' grittier approach, but the core themes remain similar.

Fact: Dwayne Johnson's character is loosely based on real-life NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus. Many former NFL players make cameo appearances. The show was initially pitched as 'Entourage' meets the NFL.

Description: Inspired by the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger, 'All American' shares '1st & Ten's' focus on the intersection of football and personal struggle. Both explore themes of race, class, and ambition through the lens of the sport, though 'All American' has a more youthful, coming-of-age perspective. The dramatic portrayal of football as a vehicle for personal growth is a key connection.

Fact: The show's creator was a writer on 'The O.C.' and 'Gossip Girl'. Real-life NFL players often consult on football scenes. It's one of The CW's most-watched series.

Description: This long-running sitcom, like '1st & Ten', revolves around the world of professional football, though with a much lighter, comedic approach. Both focus on the eccentricities of coaches and players, but 'Coach' emphasizes family-friendly humor over the edgier content of '1st & Ten'. The shared setting of a football team's inner workings creates a natural similarity.

Fact: Craig T. Nelson won an Emmy for his role as Coach Hayden Fox. The show was originally conceived as a drama before becoming a comedy. It was one of ABC's highest-rated shows during its run.

Description: A spin-off of 'Girlfriends', 'The Game' shares '1st & Ten's' focus on the personal lives of professional football players and their significant others. Both series blend sports drama with relationship dynamics, though 'The Game' leans more into soap opera elements and comedic situations. The behind-the-scenes look at the NFL world is a key similarity.

Fact: The show was initially canceled by The CW before being revived by BET. Several real-life NFL wives and girlfriends inspired storylines. It was one of BET's highest-rated scripted series.