Yahoo Movies The best football films and TV shows to watch ahead of the Women's World Cup final
From Bend it Like Beckham to The Damned United, here's what to watch before Sunday
The Women's World Cup final is almost upon us and it's looking like football is coming home, England are set to take on Spain on Sunday, 20 August.
But, before kick off starts on Sunday fans might be looking for ways to prepare for the big day, and the telly is all you need to get you in the mood.
There have been a number of great football movies and TV shows to be made over the years, and they would make great film/binge night material in anticipation for the final.
Here are the best footy stories to binge while you wait for Sunday.
The best football films and TV shows to watch ahead of the Women's World Cup final
7. Mean Machine
Starring footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones alongside an array of British talent like Jason Statham and Danny Dyer, the film follows an imprisoned footballer as he leads a team of his fellow inmates in a match against the guards.
The sports comedy would certainly be a fun start to any football-themed movie night, and with a former pro at the helm it seems like a good way to go.
Where you can watch it: Available to buy or rent on digital.
6. Sunderland 'Til I Die
For something a bit different, documentary series Sunderland 'Til I Die gives football fans a deeper look at Sunderland A.F.C and what the team went through during their 2017-2018 season after being relegated from the Premier League the previous season.
The passion of the players and the fans is awe-inspiring, and it was the show to inspire Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob McElhenney to invest in a football club of his own.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
5. Ted Lasso
It's the football show that fans couldn't stop talking about. Apple TV+ struck gold with its sports comedy about an American college football coach who is hired to manage a British football team.
Inexperienced but willing to give it a go, Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is nothing if not persistent in the face of adversity, and the show's charming characters and compelling story made it an instant hit.
Where you can watch it: Apple TV+
4. Welcome to Wrexham
In 2020, actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds made headlines when it was revealed they had bought the Welsh football team Wrexham A.F.C.
The duo decided to make a documentary about the experience, similar to Sunderland 'Til I Die, and it charts the lives of the players and fans at Wrexham during McElhenney and Reynolds' first season as owners. It gives a moving portrait of the town and the meaning that football brings to their lives.
Where you can watch it: Disney+
3. The Damned United
Michael Sheen stars as Brian Clough in this dramatisation of the football manager's brief stint leading Leeds United FC in 1974.
The football drama gained huge critical acclaim when it was released, especially for Sheen's compelling performance as Clough. Though the manager's real-life widow Barbara Clough did not approve of the film.
Where you can watch it: Available to rent or buy on digital.
2. Escape to Victory
One of the all-time great football films, Escape to Victory stars heavy-hitters like Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Brazilian football legend Pelé.
Read more: World Cup Final fanzones: Where to watch England v Spain
Set during World War II, the film charts the exhibition football match played between Allied prisoners of war and the German National Team in Paris.
Where you can watch it: Available to buy or rent on digital.
1. Bend it Like Beckham
It is the Women's World Cup after all, so the perfect movie to watch ahead of Sunday has to be Bend it Like Beckham, the only time women's football has been significantly highlighted on the silver screen.
Starring Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, the film follows the journey of two young women as they try and pursue a career in football despite their parent's protest.
Where you can watch it: Channel 4, Disney+, Mubi and Lionsgate+.
The Women's World Cup final will air on ITV1 from 10.15am on ITV1.
Vue will be hosting 4K screenings of the World Cup final in full surround sound at 11 cinemas across the UK, with tickets available from £4.99.
Watch: Sarina Wiegman is "so proud" as England reach World Cup final
