Based on a true story, “Home Team” revolves around Sean Payton (Kevin James), the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He led his team to Super Bowl XLIV but was suspended from the NFL three years later due to his alleged involvement in the Bountygate scandal. Payton then returns to his hometown of Argyle, Texas, and becomes the coach of his son’s college football team. If you’ve ever watched “Home Team” and loved it, here’s a list of recommendations. You can watch most of these movies similar to “Home Team” on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
7. The Waterboy (1998)
Bobby Boucher Jr. (Adam Sandler) is an intellectually disabled and socially inept 31-year-old man who works as a water boy for the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs. One day, tired of the bullying he’s faced throughout his life, Bobby takes on the Mud Dogs quarterback. Realizing that Bobby has potential, the Mud Dogs coach makes him their new linebacker. Over time, the protagonist gains a fierce reputation. Like “Home Team,” “The Waterboy” is an original comedy with a strong emotional core
6. Leather Heads (2008)
Like “Home Team”, the storyline of “Leatherheads” contains elements of truth. Directed by and starring George Clooney, “Leatherheads” tells the story of football in the 1920s. Jimmy “Dodge” Connelly (Clooney) yearns to make professional football legitimate and succeed with his team. To accomplish both of his goals, he brought in war hero and star player Carter “the Bullet” Rutherford to play for his team: the Duluth Bulldogs. However, a conflict begins to develop between the two men when they begin to compete for the attention of the same woman.
5. Cool Races (1993)
After failing to qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics, 4 Jamaican sprinters decide they will find another way to reach the Olympics. They convince Irving Blitzer, a disgraced former medalist, to teach them the sport of bobsledding. Initially reluctant, Blitzer finally agrees to do so, thus beginning his extraordinary adventure with the team. “Home Team” and “Cool Runnings” both deal with a trainer’s relationship with his new students. Additionally, Blitzer and Payton are grayscale characters, having been personally embroiled in controversies.
4. The Bad News Bears (1976)
“The Bad News Beares” is a classic baseball sports movie. Morris Buttermaker, a pool cleaner who spends most of his time drinking, is hired to coach the expansion youth baseball team called the Bears because of his experience pitching baseball in the minor leagues. Like Peyton, Moris discovers that the team he has to teach is a bunch of misfits. To compensate, he brings in Amanda Wurlitzer and Kelly Leak, who lead their team to several victories.
3. Remember the Titans (2000)
“Remember the Titans” is another film inspired by real events. In 1971, Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) was named head coach of TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. To deal with racial tension in his team, Boone makes some groundbreaking decisions that earn him a permanent place in the annals of football history. Like Sean Payton, Boone finds himself leading an unusual team as a coach.
2. The Game Plan (2007)
Joe Kingman (Dwayne Johnson), quarterback for the fictional Boston Rebels, has everything he ever wanted. He is the star footballer of the franchise and millions of people adore him. However, he gets the shock of his life when a young girl shows up on his doorstep claiming to be his daughter. Just like in “Home Team”, fatherhood plays an important role in the storyline of “The Game Plan”. Although unprepared for it, Kingman is happily embracing this new part of his life. Football gives Kingman and Payton a way to reunite with their children.
1. Inotvincible (2006)
“Invincible” is an American story par excellence. Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) is a factory worker in Philadelphia in the 1970s. His wife leaves him after claiming he will never be anything. Vince attends open tryouts hosted by the Philadelphia Eagles and catches the eye of head coach, Dick Vermeil. “Invincible” is a serious story that beautifully demonstrates that the American dream is still very much alive. There is an interesting parallel between Vince and Payton. If Payton is forced to leave the glamorous world of NFL football to teach college kids, Vince takes pick-up games to the highest level imaginable in his sport.
Read more: Is the home team based on a true story?
