soccer · sports · family movies
Best Soccer Movies for Kids
Alice Iradukunda ·
Our list of the best soccer movies for kids highlights inspiring stories of teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of the game.
The best soccer movies for kids use the world's most popular sport to tell exciting stories about teamwork, friendship, and overcoming challenges. Our list includes everything from goofy comedies about underdog teams to inspiring true stories about legendary players. These films are packed with positive messages and thrilling on-field action for the whole family.
Use this guide to find the perfect movie for your family's next film night. Each entry includes a detailed parent summary and a clear age recommendation to help you choose with confidence.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick Picks
- The Big Green — A classic underdog comedy for the whole family.
- Pelé: Birth of a Legend — An inspiring true story about a soccer legend.
- Bend It Like Beckham — A funny coming-of-age story for older teens.
- Alex & Me — A modern fantasy about meeting your sports hero.
Movie Knight guide
The Full List
No. 1
The Big Green
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Classic '90s comedy
The Big Green
The Big Green is a 1995 family comedy about a British teacher who introduces soccer to her students in a small Texas town. Parents should know the story uses gentle humor and teamwork to help kids build self-esteem, with only very mild conflicts that are resolved by the end. This sweet, uplifting movie works best for kids 6 and up.
Families who enjoy classic underdog sports stories will love this film. It's a great starting point for talking about how cooperation can help everyone succeed.
No. 2
Air Bud: World Pup
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For little players
Air Bud: World Pup
Air Bud: World Pup is a 2001 movie where the famous golden retriever, Buddy, shows off his soccer skills. This heartwarming sequel is about balancing sports with new family responsibilities, featuring very mild slapstick humor. The film is fine for all ages.
This is a perfect low-intensity pick for younger children and animal lovers. The story reinforces ideas about teamwork and being responsible for family and pets.
No. 3
Kicking & Screaming
Kicking & Screaming is a 2005 comedy where a mild-mannered dad becomes the overly competitive coach of his son's soccer team. Parents should know the humor is driven by adults behaving badly, including shouting and some rude behavior, all played for laughs. Because of the competitive themes and tone, this film works best for kids 10 and up. This movie will appeal to families who enjoy slapstick comedies about sports rivalries. It provides a funny, exaggerated look at how not to behave as a parent on the sidelines.
No. 4
The Game of Their Lives
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Inspiring true story
The Game of Their Lives
The Game of Their Lives tells the true underdog story of the 1950 U.S. soccer team, a group of amateurs who competed in the World Cup. This historical drama focuses on perseverance and national pride, with some mild tension related to the high-stakes games. This inspirational film works best for kids 8 and up.
Patient older kids who are interested in sports history will appreciate this movie. It celebrates the power of self-belief and teamwork against incredible odds.
No. 5
Pelé: Birth of a Legend
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A legend's journey
Pelé: Birth of a Legend
Pelé: Birth of a Legend is a 2016 biographical film that follows the soccer icon's rise from poverty in Brazil to World Cup champion at age 17. Parents should know the movie contains some mild dramatic tension during matches and brief depictions of family hardship, but the overall message is one of inspiration. The film works best for kids 8 and up.
This is an excellent movie for kids who dream big. It powerfully illustrates themes of dedication, national pride, and overcoming adversity.
No. 6
Alex & Me
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Modern sports fantasy
Alex & Me
Alex & Me is a 2018 family film about a young soccer player who gets magical mentorship from her hero, real-life soccer star Alex Morgan. The movie has a clear fantasy element but focuses on realistic messages about hard work and believing in yourself. With its positive role models and focus on family support, this film works best for kids 6 and up.
Young soccer fans, especially those who look up to today's players, will be delighted by this movie. It’s a great conversation starter about setting goals and finding the determination to achieve them.
No. 7
Back of the Net
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Soccer academy story
Back of the Net
Back of the Net is a 2019 movie about a science-loving girl who accidentally ends up at a soccer academy and must learn to fit in. Parents should know that the film highlights positive themes of friendship and personal growth amidst some friendly sports rivalries. This uplifting story works best for kids 7 and up.
This movie is ideal for viewers who like school-based stories about finding your place. The plot nicely blends themes of female empowerment, science, and the importance of teamwork.
No. 8
Angel GuildThe Miracle Season
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A non-soccer pick
The Miracle Season
The Miracle Season tells the true story of a high school volleyball team that must find the strength to compete after the sudden death of their star player. Parents should know this inspiring drama deals directly with themes of grief and loss, which may be emotional for some viewers. Because of the mature subject matter, this film works best for kids 10 and up.
While the sport is volleyball, not soccer, this is a powerful film for any young athlete about resilience and community support. It's a moving choice for families looking to discuss how teams can come together in the face of tragedy.
Watch The Miracle Season on Angel →No. 9
Bend It Like Beckham
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Best for older kids
Bend It Like Beckham
Bend It Like Beckham is a celebrated 2002 film about an Indian girl in London who defies her traditional parents to pursue her dream of playing soccer. Parents should know the story includes some mild language, a teen romance, and conflict related to cultural prejudice. This funny and empowering film works best for kids 12 and up.
This is a fantastic pick for teens and tweens, especially those navigating their own dreams and family expectations. The movie is a vibrant celebration of friendship, identity, and female empowerment in sports.
No. 10
McFarland, USA
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A non-soccer pick
McFarland, USA
McFarland, USA is an inspiring 2015 drama based on the true story of a coach who creates a championship cross-country team in a disadvantaged farming community. Parents should know the film sensitively addresses themes of poverty and cultural differences, with a few moments of family tension. The story's uplifting message about teamwork and perseverance works best for kids 8 and up.
Though it's about running, this film's themes of overcoming adversity will resonate with any young sports fan. It is a powerful story about how a coach and a team can change an entire community.
No. 11
Queen of Katwe
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A non-soccer pick
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is the remarkable true story of a young girl from the slums of Uganda who becomes an international chess champion. While not about soccer, it's an inspiring story of competition and determination against all odds. Parents should know it includes realistic depictions of poverty and a brief scene of illness, but the overall tone is hopeful and works best for kids 8 and up.
This film is perfect for families looking for a powerful story about resilience and intellect. It showcases the importance of family support, education, and finding your own path to success.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Soccer movies are a fantastic way to introduce kids to the importance of being part of a team. These films often show that winning isn't everything, and that hard work, supporting your teammates, and learning from losses are the most valuable parts of the game. Watching these stories together can be a great way to inspire your own young athlete or to start a conversation about good sportsmanship, both on and off the field.
Questions parents ask
Parent FAQ
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