Arsenal Football Club is one of the most historic and successful clubs in English football. Founded in 1886, the club has enjoyed immense success and has built a passionate global fanbase. Over the years, Arsenal has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, either as the main focus or as part of the story. From documentaries to fictional dramas, these productions showcase the club’s influence both on and off the pitch. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 movies and TV shows about Arsenal Football Club and explore how they capture the magic of one of England’s biggest football institutions.
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- Fever Pitch (1997)
Based on Nick Hornby’s bestselling autobiographical book, “Fever Pitch” is a British romantic comedy that intertwines football obsession with personal relationships. Paul Ashworth (Colin Firth) is a dedicated Arsenal fan whose passion for the club affects his relationship with his girlfriend Sarah Hughes (Ruth Gemmell). The film is set during Arsenal’s dramatic 1988–89 title-winning season. It is culminating in the unforgettable last-minute goal by Michael Thomas against Liverpool. The film brilliantly captures the emotions and commitment of a devoted football supporter.
- Fever Pitch (2005 – American Version)
This American adaptation of “Fever Pitch” stars Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore, but instead of Arsenal, it revolves around baseball and the Boston Red Sox. However, the original novel was inspired by Hornby’s love for Arsenal, making the 1997 version more relevant to Gunners fans.
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery (1939)
One of the oldest football-related films, “The Arsenal Stadium Mystery” is a British crime thriller that involves Arsenal Football Club. During a friendly match between Arsenal and a fictional team called the Trojans, one of the Trojans’ players collapses and dies under suspicious circumstances. A detective investigates the case while real-life Arsenal players, including manager George Allison, make appearances. This classic is a unique mix of football and murder mystery.
- All or Nothing: Arsenal (2022)
One of the most in-depth and well-received sports docuseries, “All or Nothing: Arsenal” is a must-watch for Gunners fans. This Amazon Prime series provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Arsenal’s 2021–22 season. The series covers Arsenal’s highs and lows. It includes crucial moments such as manager Mikel Arteta’s passionate leadership, and emotional player interactions. Narrated by Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, a devoted Arsenal fan, this documentary offers an intimate look at the club.
- 89 (2017)
This gripping documentary focuses on Arsenal’s 1988–89 First Division title-winning season, which concluded with one of the most dramatic finishes in football history. The film details the build-up to Arsenal’s famous final match against Liverpool at Anfield. There Michael Thomas scored the last-minute goal that secured the league title for the Gunners. For any Arsenal fan, “89” is a must-watch, capturing the intense emotions of that historic moment.
- Arsène Wenger: Invincible (2021)
This documentary pays tribute to the legendary Arsène Wenger, Arsenal’s most successful manager. He led the club to numerous trophies and an unbeaten Premier League season in 2003–04. The film explores Wenger’s footballing philosophy, his struggles, his relationship with fans, and his ultimate impact on the club.
- Arsenal: The Invincibles (2004)
This documentary celebrates Arsenal’s historic “Invincibles” season, in which the team went unbeaten throughout the 2003–04 Premier League campaign l. Through interviews and match footage, the documentary explores how Wenger built a team that included stars like Thierry Henry, achieving one of football’s most legendary feats.
- The IT Crowd – “Calamity Jen” (2006, TV Episode)
While not a football-based show, “The IT Crowd” includes an episode where one of the main characters, Roy, wears an Arsenal jersey throughout. Roy, a tech support worker, supports Arsenal, and his love for football is humorously portrayed in the show. Though the club isn’t a central theme, it’s a fun nod to Arsenal fans.
- Dream Team (1997–2007, TV Series)
“Dream Team” is a British football drama about a fictional club, Harchester United. Though the series focuses on a made-up team, real-life clubs like Arsenal appear in storylines. The series follows Harchester United’s dramatic struggles on and off the pitch. It also incorporates real football teams and footage, sometimes featuring Arsenal.
- Goal! The Dream Begins (2005)
While “Goal!” primarily follows fictional player Santiago Muñez (Kuno Becker), Arsenal is referenced in the film, and some of its players appear in the series’ sequels. Though Arsenal isn’t the main focus, the film captures the excitement of football dreams coming true.
Arsenal players who have appeared in movies
While it’s uncommon for footballers to transition into acting, some Arsenal players have made appearances on screen. One Arsenal legend stands out, having ventured into acting:
- Ian Wright
Arsenal’s iconic striker Ian Wright has appeared in various TV shows and movies, often in guest roles or playing himself.
These instances highlight the crossover between football and popular culture, showcasing the broad influence of Arsenal and its players beyond the pitch.
Final thoughts
Arsenal Football Club has a rich history that has been captured in various films and series. Whether through documentaries or comedies, Arsenal’s presence in entertainment continues to inspire fans. From legendary moments to behind-the-scenes drama, these movies and series are perfect for any Arsenal supporter! Whether you’re reliving past glories or getting an inside look at the club’s recent seasons, there’s something here for every Gunners fan.
Up the Gunners!