Brian's Song (1970) - This movie was so good that people don't remember it was just a made-for-TV movie and never in the theaters. Based on the true story of Chicago Bears players Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) and Brian Piccolo (James Caan), the film tells a tale of courage and friendship, rather than football. One black and one white - both vying for the same position -- the two become teammates, roommates and friends. And ultimately, they have to deal with Piccolo's cancer and death.

Rudy (1993) - Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettiger (Sean Astin) grew up in steel town and had a dream - to play football at Notre Dame. He didn't have the grades, the skills or the size, but he didn't let that stop him. This feel good story about determination culminates when Rudy final takes the field for The Fighting Irish.

North Dallas Forty (1979) - This movie, and Peter Gent's novel before it, are loosely based on the 1970s Dallas Cowboys. Phillip Elliott (Nick Nolte) is an injury-ridden wide receiver nearing the end of his football career. Drugs, sex, violence and football action highlight this incredible film.

The Longest Yard (1974) - Don't see the remake, but the original film is a must see for football fans. The story is about inmates playing football against the guards in prison. Burt Reynolds plays prisoner and quarterback Paul "Wrecking" Crewe. The warden is portrayed by Eddie Albert.

Remember the Titans (2000) - Based on the true story of Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), this movie focuses on overcoming racial issues. Boone became head coach of a Virginia high school football team shortly after the school has been desegregated. The white players want him replaced but through a season of turmoil, Boone and the team persevere.

More Great Football Movies

Any Given Sunday (1999) - Oliver Stone's film about the fictional Miami Sharks are their coach's dilemma of choosing between an over-the-hill quarterback and egotistical rookie (Jamie Foxx). Al Pacino is terrific as the fiery head coach.

Horse Feathers (1932) - A Marx Brothers classic musical comedy, Horse Feathers is a fun movie. Groucho plays the coach trying to fix the horrible Huxley College football program.

Friday Night Lights (2004) - Though it's not as great as the book, the movie is worth watching. The story depicts high school football in west Texas and a town that loves its team.

Jerry Maguire (1996) - Though this film involves football, it is not necessarily a football movie per se. However, it is very entertaining nonetheless. Tom Cruise is a sports agent with a heart in the title role.

The Program (1993) - A movie about college football and everything that comes along with it - alcohol, drugs and steroids, as well as players failing classes and boosters paying athletes. James Caan is great as coach Sam Winters.

We Are Marshall (2006) – This film depicts story of how Marshall University - its students, faculty and community - fought back from the tragic plane crash that took the lives of nearly their whole football team and many of its supporters in 1970.

Get a copy of Brian's Song or any of these other great football movies.

Read Friday Night Lights and find more football books and movies.