21 Christian football movies (Best inspiring films)
Discover 21 Christian football movies that share the uplifting messages of faith, redemption, and perseverance. Featuring stories of football coaches, individual players, and entire teams, these are the best football films that will inspire your faith and encourage you to seek God's guidance through triumphs or adversity.
My husband and I often flip to a Christian football movie on Friday nights, especially as our boys were growing up.
We’re a football-watching family, and have found that this specific genre of film is the perfect blend of action and uplifting messages of faith, redemption, and perseverance.
I’ve curated the 21 best Christian football movies, which highlight (both subtly and directly) themes of overcoming adversity with faith.
Not sure where to start?
Our family loves “American Underdog,” as it shares an underdog story from our home state of Iowa — a man who kept going when everyone said he should stop.
Top 21 Christian football movies: Inspiring faith-based films
Table of Contents ▼
1. The Blind Side (2009)
Rating: PG-13
Homeless teen Michael Oher is adopted by devout Christian family the Tuohys, who nurture his football talent and faith amid challenges.
As Michael integrates into their affluent world, he faces academic struggles and racial prejudices but finds stability through their support.
Based on a true story: Michael Oher rose from foster homes and poverty in Memphis to become an NFL offensive tackle after the Tuohys' intervention.
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Kathy Bates, Lily Collins, Jae Head, Ray McKinnon
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD
Based on a book: Yes, “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game” by Michael Lewis.
2. Remember the Titans (2000)
Rating: PG
Newly integrated high school football team battles racism through a football season. High school football coach Herman Boone draws on unity and subtle faith in community.
Tensions flare as Black and white players clash during training camp, but shared hardships forge unbreakable bonds. Boone's tough leadership and the team's undefeated season inspire the divided town of Alexandria, Virginia.
Based on a true story: The 1971 T.C. Williams High School Titans, who won the state championship amid school desegregation.
Cast: Denzel Washington, Donald Adeosun Faison, Ryan Hurst, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, DVD
3. Rudy (1993)
Rating: PG
Undersized Daniel Ruettiger pursues his dream of playing football at Notre Dame.
Despite rejections, dyslexia, and physical limitations, he puts in the work and walks on to the team after years of persistence and hard work.
Rudy’s relentless spirit culminates in a legendary moment on the field.
Based on a true story: Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger sacked the quarterback in his only college play during Notre Dame's final 1975 game.
Cast: Greta Lind, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Scott Benjaminson, Sean Astin
Why Watch: Testament to grit, prayer, and divine purpose in pursuing impossible goals.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock, DVD
4. American Underdog (2021)
Rating: PG
Kurt Warner rises from stockboy to NFL MVP with wife Brenda's unwavering Christian faith guiding their journey.
After undrafted stints in the Arena League and working in a grocery store as a young man, Warner seized a Rams opportunity amid personal hardships.
Their blended family endures setbacks, but prayer sustains them through triumphs.
Based on a true story: Kurt Warner's journey from the University of Northern Iowa to Super Bowl champion and two-time NFL MVP.
Cast: Anna Paquin, Dennis Quaid, Zachary Levi
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime, DVD
Based on the book: “All Things Possible” by Kurt Warner.
Small group resources: Download the free discussion guide.
5. When the Game Stands Tall (2014)
Rating: PG
After a 151-game winning streak ends, personal tragedies test the Spartans' resolve.
De La Salle coach Bob Ladouceur leads his team through a loss streak, emphasizing faith, brotherhood, and servant leadership.
His "Commitment to Excellence" philosophy rebuilds the team both spiritually and competitively.
Based on a true story: De La Salle High School Spartans' record-breaking streak from 1992-2003.
Cast: Laura Dern, Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Michael Chiklis, Clancy Brown
Where to Watch: Peacock, Tubi, Amazon Video, DVD
Based on the book: “When the Game Stands Tall” by Neil Hayes.
Small group resources: Download the free discussion guide.
6. The Game Plan (2007)
Rating: PG
Selfish NFL quarterback Joe Kingman discovers daughter, learning family values and subtle faith lessons.
Peyton's arrival upends Joe's bachelor life, forcing him to balance games and parenting.
Through ballet recitals and team pressures, he grows into a devoted father, shifting his priorities away from the football field.
This family-friendly movie has subtle Christian themes, but focuses more on responsibility and family.
Cast: Dwayne "The Rock” Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick, Morris Chestnut, Roselyn Sanchez
Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Video, DVD
7. The Longshots (2008)
Rating: PG
In struggling Harvey, Illinois, an unemployed uncle coaches his niece Jasmine, the first female Pop Warner quarterback.
Jasmine defies gender norms on the field, inspiring the town through her perseverance and growth.
Based on a true story: Jasmine Plummer's 2003 season as the first girl to play quarterback in Pop Warner history.
Cast: Ice Cube, Keke Palmer, Tasha Smith
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Tubi, DVD
8. Facing the Giants (2006)
Rating: PG
Struggling football coach Grant Taylor recommits to God, leading the underdog team to victory via faith over fear.
Facing job loss and infertility, an unexpected visitor helps him trust God for the seemingly impossible, and he challenges his team to play for divine glory.
Shiloh Eagles players start praying together and sharing their faith, functioning as a youth group, and revival sweeps the school, turning defeats into miracles.
Alex Kendrick directed, co-wrote, and stars in this incredible story that explores miraculous plays and personal healings, affirming God's faithfulness.
Cast: Alex Kendrick, Bailey Cave, James Blackwell, Shannen Fields
Discussion guide: Download this free small group discussion guide.
9. Woodlawn (2015)
Rating: PG
Story: A 1970s desegregated football team in Birmingham, Alabama, is united through Christian conversions and revival, despite racial tensions that threaten to fracture the team.
This is a powerful depiction of faith in Christ healing division, breaking down barriers, and inspiring purpose.
Based on a true story: Woodlawn High School's 1973-74 season in Birmingham, Alabama, where a Jesus Movement revival unifies an integrated team.
Cast: Francesca Battistelli, Jet Jurgensmeyer, Kirk B.R. Woller, Marcus Henderson, Richard Kohnke
Based on the book: “Woodlawn” by Todd Gerelds.
Small group resources: “One: The Woodlawn Study Journal” by Dave Stone and Dr. Tony Evans.
10. Greater (2016)
Rating: PG
Story: Overweight and overlooked in middle and high school, Brandon Burlsworth committed to the game of football through discipline, work ethnic, and a relentless faith.
Burlsworth’s success inspired his Arkansas Razorbacks teammates — I was cheering for him as he overcame the odds — but tragedy struck post-draft. It's a tear-jerker.
With an emphasis on character and discipline, this is a true underdog story, with an inspiring main character you can’t help but cheer for as he perseveres despite the incredible odds against him.
Based on a true story: Brandon Burlsworth's life as an Arkansas walk-on who became All-SEC before dying in a car crash in 1999.
Cast: Leslie Easterbrook, Neal McDonough
Based on the book: “Eyes of a Champion” by Jeff Kinley.
11. Run the Race (2018)
Rating: PG
In this faith-based film, brothers cope with their mother's death on the football field and find healing through Christian mentorship and a father figure.
The film explores the challenges of broken homes, absent fathers, and strained sibling bonds.
As the playoffs loom, faith mends their fractured family as they find deeper purpose.
Cast: Evan Hofer, Kelsey Reinhardt, Kristoffer Polaha, Mario Van Peebles, Tanner Stine
Small group resources: “Run the Race Bible Study Book” by Trey Brunson.
12. 23 Blast (2014)
Rating: PG
After a rare infection robs him of his sight, Travis Freeman must decide whether to return to football despite his blindness.
Sustained by an unshakeable faith and friends, and through determination and prayer, his teammates rally to help him adapt and return to the game he loves.
Based on a true story: Travis Freeman's battle with corneal infection, and his return as Corbin High's quarterback while blind.
Cast: Alexa PenaVega, Bram Hoover, Mark Hapka, Max Adler, Stephen Lang
Where to Watch: Angel Studios, Netflix, Amazon Video, or DVD
13. The 5th Quarter (2010)
Rating: PG-13
This Christian movie shares how a tight-knit family overcomes adversity after a devastating drunk driving crash.
After his brother Luke's death, Jon Abbate leads the Wake Forest team in tribute, leaning on family faith.
The Demon Deacons rally, and Jon channels his grief as he puts his all on the field and honors Luke at every game.
Based on a true story: The 2006 tragedy of 15-year-old Luke Abbate, inspiring his brother Jon Abbate’s ACC championship.
Cast: Aidan Quinn, Andie MacDowell, Andrea Powell, Anessa Ramsey, Ryan Merriman
Why Watch: Honors legacy through grief, unity, and spiritual strength.
14. Hometown Legend (2002)
Rating: PG
A football team in a small town in Alabama is facing closure, and a retired coach returns to help them finish their last season — and meets a troubled teen.
The story follows the community as it rallies around its football team during one last push to the championship.
“Hometown Legend” shares the power of redemption and prayer.
Cast: Terry O'Quinn, Nick Cornish, Lacey Chabert
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, or DVD
Based on the book: “Hometown Legend” by Jerry B. Jenkins.
15. Season of a Lifetime (2011)
Rating: Not Rated
Despite being diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease, football coach Jeremy Williams refuses to retire. This inspirational movie tells the story of his final season, which is fueled by faith.
The town rallies around Williams and the team as they head for the Georgia state championship.
Based on a true story: Jeremy Williams' 2006 season coaching Evans High School to a 13-0 record while battling ALS.
Cast: Jeremy Williams
Why Watch: Teaches living fully for God despiteJeremy Williams terminal illness.
Where to Watch: Amazon Video, Tubi, or DVD
16. Catching Faith (2015)
Rating: PG
What seems perfect on the outside is far from it on the inside. The movie follows Alexa, the mother of a star football player and a straight-A daughter.
When Alexa’s father dies, however, she begins to question her image and begins a journey of self-discovery as she discovers her identity in Christ.
Cast: Alexandra Boylan, Bill Engvall, Garrett Westton, Lizz Carter, Lorena Segura York
17. Reggie's Prayer (1996)
Rating: PG-13
Retired pro football player Reggie Knox begins coaching in Portland, Oregon, where he mentors a troubled teen.
Knox is frustrated by his perceived lack of success, as he’s never won a championship.
But he begins to see a greater purpose as he helps the student amid gang threats. It’s an inspiring movie of a mentor’s impact.
18. Game Time: Tackling the Past (2011)
Rating: Not Rated
After “making it” as an NFL player, Ran McPartlin engages in faith and steps away from the game to go back to his small town after his father has a heart attack.
Back home, he must grapple with old wounds. The film emphasizes the healing power of grace.
Cast: Ryan McPartlin, Josh Braaten, Katie Carr
Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel, or DVD.
19. Tim Tebow: On a Mission (2012)
Rating: Not Rated
Story: A documentary on Tim Tebow's rise, this movie blends football success with Tim’s famous evangelistic Christian faith.
From Heisman wins to NFL trials, Tebow shares his mission-driven life on and off the field.
Why Watch: For a deeper look into Tim Tebow’s testimony and mission-focused life.
Based on a true story: Tim Tebow's career and faith journey, from Florida Gators star to NFL player.
Cast: Tim Tebow
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV, or DVD.
20. The Minister of Defense (2023)
Rating: PG
An ESPN “30 by 30” documentary on Reggie White, who was nicknamed “Minister of Defense.”
Whites’s of NFL dominance is intertwined with his pastoral calling and faith struggles.
It’s a poignant story of balancing Christian conviction and ministry while navigating the ups and downs of football fame.
Based on a true story: Reggie White's legacy as NFL sack leader and ordained minister.
Cast: Bill Belichick, Mark Bowden, Norman Braman
Where to Watch: ESPN+, Hulu, or DVD
Based on the book: “Reggie White” by Reggie White and Terry Hill
21. The King's Heart (2015)
Rating: Not Rated
A family must grapple with their father's death before their son's football championship.
Joey is the smallest offensive lineman on his high school team, and faces overwhelming challenges just three days before the state championship.
Why Watch: Passing on faith to the next generation is a theme of this movie, as is resilience through grief.
Based on a true story: The brother of the film’s writers and directors.
Cast: Catherine Nastasi, Jason Dworak, Sean M. Grady
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, DVD
Discover more Christian movies
➡️ 47 Christian movies based on true stories
Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story” and the editor of the Faith Storytellers website, which publishes Christian testimonies and curated lists of Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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