There’s a lot of stuff to stream nowadays. In hopes of helping you watch more good movies and TV, we compile some of the most exciting titles streaming across all platforms in our weekly column, What To Watch. This edition will focus on the best soccer movies you can find streaming, commemorating the FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the summer.
Bend it Like Beckham (Disney+)
There's no soccer movie list without "Bend it Like Beckham," one of the great classics for Millennials. The sweet and ahead-of-its-time film follows Jess, a British-Indian girl who's desperate to play soccer professionally despite her family's desires for her to pursue something else with her life.
Offside (The Roku Channel)
An eerily resonant story for out times, "Offside" is an Iranian film from 2006, following a group of girls who want to watch a World Cup qualifying game even though they're not allowed to do so because of their gender. The movie is directed by Jafar Panahi, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his film "It Was Just An Accident."
The Damned United (The Roku Channel)
"The Damned United" stars Michael Sheen in a fictional story inspired by the real life of Brian Clough, a highly successful English manager who was hired to manage Leeds United. To everyone's surprise, Clough was fired within 44 days due to his terrible performance.
Goal (Prime Video)
I can't say "Goal" is a good movie, but it's certainly a good time. Starring Kuno Becker as the young and handsome underdog whose undeniable soccer skills are captured by an English scout, the film also features cameos from the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, and more.
Fever Pitch (Tubi and Prime Video)
Before Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon adapted the story for American audiences with a baseball twist, the original 1997 British film follows a similar premise, swapping soccer as the main sport and a young Colin Firth as the lead star.
Green Street Hooligans (For rent)
Starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam, "Green Street Hooligans" follows an American Harvard student who gets expelled from the school, moves to London, and quickly gets involved in the crime-ridden world of hooligans.
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (Mubi)
Lastly, if you're in the mood for a documentary or an avant-garde exploration of one of the world's biggest icons, there's "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait." The film follows Zidane for an entire game, with 17 synchronized cameras exploring his play style in a dramatic match between Real Madrid and Villarreal.