Must-Watch Films and Series Similar to Good Rivals

Description: A charming coming-of-age story that includes football as a backdrop, focusing on young love and personal growth, much like the lighter, more personal aspects of sports narratives.

Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget and became a surprise hit, launching the careers of its young cast.

Description: A classic sports film that combines football with a wartime escape plot, highlighting the unifying and rebellious spirit of the game, similar to the dramatic and heroic elements in sports stories.

Fact: The film features real footballers like Pelé and Bobby Moore, adding authenticity to the football scenes.

Description: This film explores cultural and gender barriers in football, focusing on a young girl's passion for the sport, much like the themes of breaking boundaries and pursuing dreams in sports narratives.

Fact: The movie was a breakthrough for Keira Knightley, who went on to become a major Hollywood star.

Description: A dramatic portrayal of a football manager's turbulent tenure, exploring the pressures and rivalries in the sport, akin to the intense competition and personal stakes in football narratives.

Fact: The film is based on a novel that fictionalizes real events, blending fact and fiction to tell its story.

Description: A unique blend of comedy and drama, this film uses football as a metaphor for personal redemption and community, much like the unifying power of sports in other stories.

Fact: Eric Cantona, the former Manchester United star, plays a fictionalized version of himself in the film.

Description: This documentary highlights the underdog spirit in football, focusing on a team's journey to redemption, mirroring the themes of perseverance and triumph in sports.

Fact: The film follows the American Samoa team, known for their 31-0 loss in 2001, as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup.

Description: This documentary delves into the life of a football legend, capturing the highs and lows of his career, much like the intense rivalries and personal struggles seen in sports narratives.

Fact: The film uses never-before-seen footage from Maradona's personal archive, providing an intimate look at his life.

Description: A behind-the-scenes look at a top football club, showcasing the drama, teamwork, and challenges that come with competing at the highest level, similar to the intense competition in sports stories.

Fact: The series was initially intended to follow a different Premier League club before Manchester City agreed to participate.

Description: A satirical take on the pressures and absurdities of football management, offering a humorous yet insightful look at the sport, similar to the lighter, more comedic aspects of football stories.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life struggles of England managers during the 1970s and 1980s.