The Top Five Must-Watch Soccer Movies

+ Necessary viewing for football fans around the world

Now that the World Cup is coming to an end, us true fanatics are going to have to find a way to pass the time in between our 5-a-side pickup games. We can't all sit around refreshing goal.com every five minutes to get updated on the latest news on the transfer market. Movies about soccer are always a good way to help us get or fix during the offseason, so for your benefit, here's a list I compiled of the most entertaining and/or educational films ever made about the Beautiful Game.

• 5. Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)
  Following the fictional story of a California-based Mexican-American attacking midfielder named Santiago Munez, who rises through the ranks to get scouted and work his way up to earn a starting spot for Newcastle United. Why anyone would want to play for Newcastle is beyond me, but let that not take away from your enjoyment of this movie. Also don't be discouraged by the mediocre acting and the predictable plot... this movie isn't about any of that. What it is is an insight into the world of club football, and a Rocky-like story of an underdog making it big. Also, Santiago's Northern English girlfriend makes for great eye candy. An equally watchable sequel was made, cleverly titled Goal! 2. It follows Santi's transfer to Real Madrid, and his subsequent inevitable decline into douchebaggery, as is expected for anyone who puts on the white shirt of Real Madrid. Watch as he ditches his friends and mentors, cheats on his girlfriend and squander away his riches in this decent, yet different sequel.
• 4. Victory (1981)
  A good film about POWs in a German prison camp during World War II. The Nazi officers plan a game against the prisoners, led by a German Major who was ex-professional striker before the war, played by none other than Nazi-interpreter extraordinaire Max Von Sydow. Yet, unknown tot he Nazis, the POWs plan to use the match as a means to escape. They build a team consisting of the great Pele, Academy Award-winning actor Michael Caine, and none other than... Sylvester Stallone? The cast alone makes this one a must-watch.
• 3. Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait
  This is a documentary style film about the greatest player of his generation, Zinedine Zidane. This creative film has various cameras follow the legendary playmaker around for the entirety of a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Villareal, with music and words being spoken over the footage.
  This movie has strengths and weaknesses. It provides valuable insights into how one of the most cultured players ever to step onto a pitch works throughout a game of soccer. Yet it also shows some fascinating footage of the French midfielder readjusting his socks, tying his boots and scratching that annoying itch on his left cheek. This often boring, yet sometimes fascinating film makes this list purely because of its educational value. However, if you want real entertainment value, you really should be watching the ultimate headbutt video:
  or this 300 video

• 2. Shaolin Soccer (2001)
  
  Soccer-crazy Monks need to use their Kung-Fu might to win a match against none other than Team Evil! Years after their master's death, six masters of the martial arts use their powers on a soccer pitch to bring honor to their sensei's memory and get revenge on the manager of Team Evil for betraying one of their best players many years ago. A strange, yet pleasing mix of comedy, action and soccer, this film i as entertaining as it gets. From the same people who brought us the impressive Kung Fu Hustle, this one is an instant classic.
• 1. Mean Machine (2001)

Just like America remade the English film Fever Pitch and interpreted it into a movie about baseball, the English also took something from us. Mean Machine is a remake of the American sports-movie classic, The Longest Yard, only about a very different type of Football. From the same producer as the outstanding British crime comedies Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (a personal favorite), this film is witty in ways only the British can be. It also has an allstar cast, with former English centerback-turned-actor Vinny Jones (of "I'm the Juggernaut Bitch!" fame) portraying an ex-star striker whose career is going down the drain after missing a penalty for England in the World Cup (Who hasn't?). After a bout of alcoholism he finds himself in jail with no friends or protection. His only means of not getting shivved in the joint is to help the warden prepare a soccer match of prisoners vs guards. He slowly wins over the support of his fellow convicts to form a team played by numerous stars of English films, including none other than Jason Statham, who proves the theory that all keepers have to be crazy by portraying the psychotic, violent and probably a serial killer goalie by the name of The Mad Monk. A laugh a minute, this film is the best soccer movie every made.

Honorable Mentions:

Bend it Like Beckham (2002): A decent movie about a female Indian soccer player and her struggles to get her very traditional family to support her footballing career. A touching movie, but kinda gay. It misses out on the top 5, as women playing soccer just doesn't seem right on a site called men versus.

Once in a Lifetime (2006): An interesting account of the ever-difficult uphill battle of soccer winning popularity in the United States. An interesting watch for American fans, as it gives valuable insight into the relationship and history between our culture and the Beautiful Game.