If You Enjoyed the Movie Ted Lasso, There Is Another Movie You Should Definitely Watch.
Ted Lasso arrived in mid-2020, just when we were desperate for a joyful and positive series. Ted’s sincerity, the colorful and quirky characters, and the story of how an (initially) mediocre Premier League football team, Richmond, made an incredible comeback proved to be just the inspiration we needed—the inspiration that helped us believe that “things will get better”—right in the midst of a pandemic.
Arguably the best TV series of all time, inspired by a series of commercials, “Lasso” made us fall in love not only with the cheerful and kind coach who arrived knowing absolutely nothing about sports, but also with every member of the team and the surrounding community. If ten episodes of the unexpected fourth season aren’t enough—and you’ve already watched all the similar shows we recommended —there’s one old movie that will provide all the inspiration and gripping drama you need: “Hoosiers” (1986), starring Gene Hackman.
Hoosiers has less humor but just as much heart.
Set in the 1950s and based on a true story, Hoosiers isn’t as funny as Ted Lasso , but it has the same heart and underdog spirit. Gene Hackman plays Norman Dale, who’s hired as a teacher at a local high school and coach of the Hickory Huskers. With only seven players on the team, there’s little hope for athletic success—especially since the only player with real potential, Jimmy Chitwood, has left the team.
Like Ted, Norman has a unique approach to coaching, and it takes time for the team and community to appreciate it. Unlike Ted, Norman can be caustic and impatient, but he cares deeply about the kids he coaches and the community he joins, even when he’s not baking cookies or offering endless advice steeped in folk culture. And like Ted, Norman sees potential in those around him, no matter how hidden. Take Wilbur “Shooter” Flatch, for example—Dennis Hopper won an Oscar for his portrayal of the alcoholic ex-basketball player whom Norman hires as his assistant coach, despite the rest of the community turning its back on him. This decision gives Wilbur a second chance at life and demonstrates that, despite his stern exterior, Norman is just as empathetic and kind as Ted.
Like Ted’s players in the show, the Huskers initially seem like a hopeless team, resisting Norman’s unconventional, seemingly illogical coaching methods. While Ted’s unconventional approach is partly due to his near-total ignorance of the sport he coaches, Norman actually knows a lot about basketball—and his patient, measured approach ultimately pays off. This gives Hoosiers the same underdog energy as Ted Lasso , telling a semi-true story about a small school that achieves athletic success despite overwhelming adversity. The film also shares many similarities with the show in that the local community initially treats Norman with distrust and even hostility—until he wins hearts and minds, as well as games, through his single-minded approach to life and faith in the people around him.
If you’re looking for an inspiring sports story about an underdog with a unique perspective on sports and life that will remind you of Ted Lasso , then it’s time to watch Hoosiers . You can watch it on the Roku Channel or Kanopy , or rent it on Prime Video .
More movies like Ted Lasso
If you’re missing some exciting, hopeful stories about winning sports competitions, here are some more options that Ted Lasso fans will love.
Next career win (2023)
Based on the true story of soccer coach Thomas Rongen, Next Goal Wins with Taika Waititi’s signature charm. The story follows disgraced soccer coach Rongen, who is given one last chance: to lead a dismal American Samoa team ten years after they set a world record by losing 31-0 in a FIFA qualifier. Struggling with depression and alcoholism, Rongen is initially harsh and hostile toward the inexperienced, untrained players, including Jaya, who is fa’afafine, or “third gender.” Rongen’s redemption and the team’s gradual return to competitiveness have all the charm and idiosyncratic flavor of Ted Lasso , bolstered by a compelling performance from Michael Fassbender. Watch Next Goal Wins on Prime Video .
Damned United (2009)
Based on the true story of Brian Clough, The Damned United is set in 1974, when Clough is appointed manager of Leeds United after unexpectedly leading their arch-rivals, Derby County, to success. Clough, unable to shake off his loyalty to his former team and his hatred of Leeds, embarks on an attempt to completely rebuild the team, which leads to disaster—and his sacking 44 days later. The film isn’t as upbeat and inspiring as Ted Lasso , but fans will recognize Clough’s underdog vibe and see many similarities with Ted in his commitment to playing fair, win or lose. Watch The Damned United on the Roku Channel or rent it on Prime Video .
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
One of the most acclaimed soccer films ever made tells the story of 18-year-old Jesminder Bhamra and her forbidden desire to play soccer. Against the wishes of her strict parents, she secretly joins a local all-female amateur team and soon finds herself caught in a love triangle, torn between her family and her love of the sport. The film is sweet and funny, like Ted Lasso , and offers a heartfelt look at the power of sport to help people heal and grow. Watch Bend It Like Beckham on Hulu or rent it on Prime Video .
Eddie “The Eagle” (2016)
Part of Ted’s appeal lies in his unwillingness to give up—not in games, not in his interactions with others, not in himself. The same can be said for Michael David Edwards, also known as Eddie “The Eagle.” In this film based on his life, he is played by Taron Egerton. Eddie was a self-taught athlete who dreamed of competing in the Olympics, ultimately choosing ski jumping as his sport simply because Great Britain hadn’t competed in it for over 60 years. After undergoing an unusual training program under former ski jumper Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), Eddie arrives at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary as a huge underdog, but with more courage than anyone else. Watch Eddie “The Eagle” on Prime Video .
School of Rock (2003)
This isn’t a sports story, and Jack Black’s Dewey Finn is much more Jack Black than Ted Lasso, that’s for sure. But at its core , School of Rock is perfect for Ted Lasso fans. It’s the story of an egotistical musician who tricks his way into teaching at an elite prep school and gradually discovers he can connect with the students through music. The film is much funnier than Lasso , but it has the same heart: Dewey and his students form a team as strongly as Ted and AFC Richmond. Watch School of Rock on Kanopy or YouTube , or rent it on Prime Video .