Released on Christmas Day, 2021, American Underdog tells the incredible tale of NFL Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner. The decorated quarterback went from stocking shelves at a grocery store to becoming the first undrafted player to be named both NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP.
The football film – starring Zachary Levi and Dennis Quaid – was a hit at the box office, grossing over $5.8 million in its opening weekend alone. Needless to say, it’s left a lasting mark on viewers everywhere.
The film’s theme is echoed in Warner’s Hall of Fame induction speech: “Even when life doesn’t give you what you want, you never stop believing.”
With that, here are five movies like American Underdog.
Table of Contents
- The Rookie (2002)
- Invincible (2006)
- Greater (2016)
- The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008)
- Rudy (1993)
The Rookie (2002)
Also starring Dennis Quaid, The Rookie tells the true story of a Texas high school science teacher’s improbable journey to Major League Baseball. After losing a bet with his players, Jim “The Rookie” Morris gets another chance at his dream at 35 years of age.
If you’re itching for another underdog sports story, this one is perfect for you.
Similar Themes: True story, underdog tale, against all odds
Where to Watch: Disney+
Invincible (2006)
Another movie that features an underdog backed by Coach Dick Vermeil, Invincible tells the story of Vince Papale – a 30-year-old bartender who walks onto the Philadelphia Eagles. With zero college football experience under his belt, Papale shows what it means to be “Philly tough”.
Similar to Kurt Warner, the standout receiver defied overwhelming odds to crack an NFL roster. To this day, Vince Papale remains the oldest rookie in NFL history to have never played a down of college football.
Similar Themes: Football, true story, rags to riches
Where to Watch: Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV
RELATED: 7 Shows Like ‘All American’ to Start Watching Now
Greater (2016)
Released in 2016, Greater depicts the rise of one of the greatest walk-ons in the history of college football: Brandon Burlsworth. Plump in appearance but powerful in spirit, Burlsworth conquers all obstacles, developing into an All-American lineman and legitimate NFL prospect.
I can tell you from personal experience, this film will give you goosebumps. And get the tissues ready – tears will undoubtedly be shed.
Similar Themes: Emotional storytelling, true story, football
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Express: The Ernie Davis Story (2008)
This 2008 film details the true story of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to ever win the Heisman Trophy. But it isn’t easy – Davis battles racial prejudice in everything from biased officiating to death threats in his everyday life.
It should go without saying at this point that Dennis Quaid stars in this one too. The man has a knack for picking good sports movies!
Similar Themes: Against all odds, true story, football
Where to Watch: Apple TV, YouTube
Rudy (1993)
What kind of underdog movie list would this be without Rudy? The 1993 film chronicling the legendary rise of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is the perfect flick for the younger generation who might’ve been born too late to see this classic.
American Underdog – and any good sports drama, for that matter – takes a page out of Rudy‘s playbook to tell an emotionally-charged story that audiences love. Even if you’ve seen it a million times (like me), go back and re-watch to observe this formula executed to perfection.
Similar Themes: True story, emotional drama, football
Where to Watch: Hulu, Starz
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