The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is now officially underway - to celebrate, we’re rounding up some of our favourite films inspired by ‘The Beautiful Game’…

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Based on the novel of the same name, Gurinder Chadha’s film follows Jess, a young girl who is caught between her ambition to play football, and her traditional family’s expectations of her. Described as ““More uplifting than winning on penalties in extra time”, few football films capture the highs and lows of the game so accurately…

We’re thrilled to be partnering with Ashton Gate Stadium for a special screening of Bend It Like Beckham in August. Find Out More.

The Damned United (2009)

Michael Sheen plays Brian Clough during his ill-fated tenure as manager of Leeds United in 1974. Critical of Leeds’ poor reputation on the pitch, Clough sought to overhaul discipline within the team. Clough’s time at the club was famously short-lived, and this story successfully combines historical fact with fictionalised conflict, as an old rivalry causes Clough to take unnecessary risks.

Escape To Victory (1981)

A team of Allied Prisoners of War agree to take on a German football team John Huston’s 1981 film Escape To Victory. The film had a star studded cast, with Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Max Von Sydow starring alongside footballers including Pelé and Bobby Moore. Keep an eye out for Russell Osman too, whose career has seen him undertake managerial stints at Bristol City and Bristol Rovers!

There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000)

Few films successfully capture football rivalry as well as There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble. Following the story of an aspiring footballer, whose luck on the pitch begins to change when he finds a pair of old football boots, said to belong to Manchester City legend Robbie Brewer.

Fever Pitch (1997)

Fever Pitch, based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name, follows Paul Ashworth (played by Colin Firth), an English teacher and a passionate supporter of Arsenal Football Club. His obsession with football has affected his relationships, and as the seasons progress, Paul must confront the challenges of balancing his love for the game with his personal life. Hornby’s own love of football (and Arsenal in particular) was the inspiration behind the novel, and this film retains the same quick-witted self deprecation.

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