With the College Football National Title Game around the corner, I thought I would put together a quick list of some of the best college football movies! Just in case anyone wants to knock out a mini movie marathon before the game.
(This list will include affiliate links that I may [hopefully] receive compensation for)
The Program
The Eastern State University (ESU) Timberwolves deal with the pressure to make a bowl game, alcohol abuse, anabolic steroid abuse, receipt of improper benefits, and overall college life over the course of the season.
This movie was most famous for the scene where a number of the players, including their star quarterback, decided to prove their bravery by lying down on the center doted line of a busy road at night.
The scene was removed between theatrical release and home release after 2 separate incidents where high schools kids tried to replicate the scene, which resulted in 1 fatality and multiple injuries.
However the Hong Kong release still contained the 3 minute scene.
Necessary Roughness
After a scandal barred all but one of the previous season’s players, the fictional Texas State Armadillos must field a team with a diverse collection of walk-ons, including a 40-something year old quarterback that happened to have a year of eligibility left and a female kicker.
I thought Larry Miller as Dean Elias was hilarious in this movie.
At the time the film was made, there was no Texas State University, but in 2003, Southwest Texas State University changed its name to Texas State University. However he real TSU are the Bobcats as opposed to the Fighting Armadillos.
Rudy
Based on the inspirational true story of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, Rudy was the first film the university of Notre Dame allowed to film on their campus since 1940’s Knute Rockne: All American. It is consistently ranked as one of the best sports bio-pics of all time and one of the most inspirational movies of all time.
Rudy had an amazing cast, with Sean Astin as the title role, and featuring the film debuts of Jon Favereau and Vince Vaughn.
The Waterboy
Remember when we used to think Adam Sandler was funny? Ahh….those were simpler times.
The Waterboy follows the stuttering and probably somewhat mentally impaired Robert “Bobby” Boucher Jr. as fulfills his life’s mission by attempting to keep the University of Louisiana football team hydrated.
There is of course more to the story than just that, but this is an Adam Sandler movie, so not much more…
The U
The only documentary on this list, The U was an ESPN 30 For 30 movie that tells the story of how the University of Miami (FL) won four national titles between 1983 and 1991 and changed their campus culture after recruiting heavily in the lower income “ghetto” areas of Miami.
Any fan of documentaries should be familiar with the 30 For 30 series from ESPN. They have really produced some incredible films.
We Are Marshall
We Are Marshall depicts the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people: 37 players of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team, five coaches, two athletic trainers, the athletic director, 25 boosters, and the airplane crew of five.
Prior to the 1971 season, the NCAA used to ban freshman from playing on the varsity football teams. Marshall lobbied them to suspend this rule so they could field a full team in 1971. The NCAA lifted the rule permanently in 1972.
Revenge Of The Nerds
Revenge of the Nerds may be more of an unconventional choice for this list, but anytime it comes on TV, I end up watching it till the end.
The movie tells the story of a bunch of highly intelligent but socially inept college students from Adams college retaliating against their bullies. Solid performances from the entire cast, including a young John Goodman and future Al Bundy neighbor Ted McGinley.
Although the scene where Lewis deceives Betty into having sex with him REALLY has not aged well!
What are some other good College Football movies? Let me know in the comments!
As always, any Shares, Likes or comments are appreciated!
Geeky Daddy 
Probably go with “Rudy” as my favorite for sure. Like you mention, from the cast to the setting of Notre Dame, to the music, it’s a classic.
Taking it down a level to high school allows you “Remember the Titans,” “Friday Night Lights,” and a young Tom Cruise in “All the Right Moves.”
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I plan on doing a pro football list before Superbowl. I was thinking about doing a high school one as well. All the movies you just mentioned and Varsity Blues.
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