7 Netflix Movies and Shows to Watch Before the NFL Season

Cory Gunther

Sat, July 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM UTC

Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek

If you're looking for the perfect football movie or series to hold you over until the NFL and NCAAF seasons arrive, I have you covered with this Netflix round-up. I've watched them all, giving each one a thumbs-up, and I'm confident they'll get you pumped as football returns.

Whether you're looking for untold stories, feel-good underdog movies, or hard-hitting action, these movies and shows have you covered.

Quarterback

Quarterback is a Netflix docuseries about the game's most important position. Imagine Hard Knocks , only it follows three NFL quarterbacks throughout an entire season. It's honestly one of my favorite shows on Netflix right now, especially now that season two is out after a two-year delay.

In the first season of Quarterback , which debuted in 2023, cameras followed the daily life, practice, game day, and struggles of Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins, and Marcus Mariota during the 2022-2023 season. Cousins is just as casually electric off the field as he is on it. Season two, released in July 2025, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the 2024-2025 season with Joe Burrow, Jared Goff, and Kirk Cousins.

If you're a true NFL fan, you know that Burrow had an incredible year filled with highs and lows. This series is a must-watch for any football fanatic.

Rudy

If you're looking for what many consider the quintessential football movie of all time, then you need to watch Rudy . Even if you've seen it several times over the last 30 years, it's still an all-time classic that always gets me in the football mood.

Rudy follows the true story of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger's (Sean Astin) life, in which the underdog player is a walk-on for the Fighting Irish at the University of Notre Dame. This is a hard-hitting feel-good movie that shows dedication, perseverance, and effort can help you overcome anything. It's one of those movies that never gets old, so give it another watch.

Untold

Untold is a series of documentary episodes covering a wide range of sports stories, from football and hockey to track and field and yacht racing, and they're all excellent. Specifically, I want to mention Untold: Johnny Football , which follows the rise and fall of one of the best college quarterbacks of all time. Netflix also nailed it with Untold: Swamp Kings , which shares a deeper look behind the 2000s Florida Gators and all their success and controversy.

Other great Untold stories to mention include The Fall of Favre , which delves into the career and darker side of the famed quarterback's life, and Sign Stealer , which chronicles the sign-stealing scandal that took over Michigan University for a short time.

Friday Night Lights

Not to be confused with the Friday Night Lights TV series, Friday Night Lights is a must-see football movie streaming now on Netflix. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, this story is about a small Texas town that bleeds football through and through. It follows the Permian High School football coach, players, and more, and is loosely a true story about how football is put above all else in Odessa, Texas.

It's one of those classic football movies that every fan can appreciate.

Receiver

Like Quarterback , Receiver is a Netflix docuseries about the game's most electric position: WR. It follows five of the NFL's best receivers and delves into the subjects of rehab, recovery, and how the pros prepare for gameday. It's a behind-the-scenes look unlike anything you've ever seen.

The first season of Receiver came out in 2024, and filming took place throughout the 2023-24 season. The show follows the ups and downs faced by Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. And while I didn't love it as much as Quarterback , it's still an excellent watch that'll be more enjoyable than some of the pre-season games in August.

Aaron Rodgers: Enigma

Is there anyone more polarizing in the NFL right now than Aaron Rodgers? He's certainly a mysterious guy with a unique NFL career, from replacing Favre to being let go in favor of Jordan Love. As a long-time Packers fan, I have a love/hate relationship with the guy. Many consider Rodgers one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, despite only having one Super Bowl ring. Love him or hate him, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma is worth watching.

Enigma explores all things Aaron Rodgers, how his Achilles injury ruined his Jets debut in 2023, his wild Ayahuasca retreats, and much more. Get to know a different side of A-Rod, which might change your opinion ahead of this season when he suits up for the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 21st season in the NFL.

America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The Netflix docuseries America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is currently airing its second season and was just nominated for an Emmy award. It's part documentary, part reality TV show, where rookie candidates and seasoned veterans audition and train for one of the most recognized cheer teams on the planet.

The show offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intense training, tough competition, and daily sacrifices involved in being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. These athletes give it their all on gameday, at special events, and more. While it covers many broad issues, like pay gaps and body issues, many find it incredibly enjoyable, insightful, and uplifting.

Whether you're a diehard NFL fan, more of a college gameday person, or enjoy some hometown high school football, this list has something for everyone. I just gave you a ton of excellent content to watch, and you probably can't binge it all before the first game airs on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, when the Hall of Fame game kicks off the 2025-26 season.

If you can't watch it all in time, remember to add it to your Netflix watchlist so you can return to it when your team is on its bye week.

Check out Yahoo's latest streaming advice, based on hands-on testing.

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