From ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ to ‘Ted Lasso’, these soccer-themed streams will keep you entertained while waiting for the next game.
Got Football Fever? Keep It Going With These 6 Epic Films and TV Shows
From ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ to ‘Ted Lasso’, these soccer-themed streams will keep you entertained while waiting for the next game.
With the Fifa Women’s World Cup being screened on millions of televisions worldwide, there’s never been a better time to watch some of our favourite football classics.
We’ve rounded up six of our favourite soccer movies and TV shows to keep you hyped while waiting for the next match.
1. Bend it Like Beckham
Where can I watch it? On Disney+
Bend it Like Beckham is one of the most iconic rom-coms of the naughties, and football is just the cherry on top. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, this heartwarming flick follows Jesminder (Parminder Nagra), the soccer-obsessed teen whose British Indian parents are far more interested in her getting married than following her sporting dreams. Jess is playing in the park with the boys in her community when she’s spotted by Jules (Keira Knightly), a member of the local women’s amateur football team, who invites her to join.
All she wants to do is play soccer, but between her disapproving parents, the judgement of her community and her growing crush on the dashing football coach Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), things get a little more complicated. Bend it Like Beckham skillfully navigates themes of class, culture, sexuality and sport in this warm and generous story about friendship, family and football.
2. She’s the Man
Where can I watch it? On Netflix
To prove you can rarely go wrong with an early 2000s romcom – especially if it’s starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum – She’s the Man is also getting our tick of approval. Inspired by William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night, the film centres on teenager Viola Hastings (played by Bynes), who takes her brother’s place at an all-boys boarding school after finding out her women’s soccer team has been dissolved. Viola disguises herself as her twin brother so she can play in the men's soccer tournament, all while navigating life as a new kid at an all-boys boarding school.
3. Ted Lasso
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV
Whether you are a die-hard football fan or are still confused by the off-side rule, you’ll love this hilarious and warm series. Ted Lasso follows a kind-hearted American football manager as he attempts to run a down-on-its-luck Richmond club. This fish-out-of-water tale quickly morphs into something far more compelling, as Ted (Jason Sudeikis) brings his trademark positivity and teamwork to a British side rife with in-fighting and ego. There’s enough soccer-related plot to continue the World Cup energy, but you’ll also be swept away with the comedy, romance and hope-punk vibes this series has to offer.
4. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
Where can I watch it? On Apple TV
If you’ve recently been consumed by both Soccer and Barbie fever, The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants needs to go on your must-watch (or re-watch) list, sat. Starring America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn, the films centres around four best friends who purchase a mysterious pair of pants that perfectly fit each one of them.
The storyline we’re most into this week? It’s obviously Bridget (Lively), the sporty friend who attends a soccer camp and develops a secret crush on her heartthrob coach Eric Richman.
5. Kicking & Screaming
Where can I watch it? On Netlix
Phil Weston (played by Will Ferrell) is the ultimate family man. He’s been a victim of his father’s competitive nature for his whole life, and decides to take on the coaching role of a kids’ soccer team to prove to himself, and his father, he is up for a challenge. Phil must adjust to life in this new competitive position, while also appeasing his team’s and father’s needs – who also happens to be the coach of the team Phil is up against in the soccer grand final.
6. Matildas The World at our Feet
Where can I watch it? On Disney+
If, like us, you’re low-key obsessed with the Matildas at the moment, there’s no better way to dive deep than to watch this glorious documentary series. Taking you behind the scenes of the team that has captured the mood of the Australia, this 6-part show gives us a peek into the challenges and triumphs of the Matildas in the lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
