Best Hooligan Movies
Top 8 Football Hooligan Movies
If you are a fanatical football fan, of course you will really understand what hooligans are. And regarding hooligans themselves, apparently there is a film about it and don’t admit that you are a fanatic if you don’t know about hooligan films. What are they? Read this article until the end!
1. Green Street Hooligans
“Green Street Hooligans” is a 2005 British-American independent drama film directed by Lexi Alexander and starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam. The movie revolves around the world of English football hooliganism, focusing on the experiences of an American journalism student who is wrongfully expelled from Harvard and travels to London. He eventually becomes involved with a violent football firm associated with West Ham United, known as the Green Street Elite.
The film provides a gritty and intense portrayal of the underground subculture of football hooliganism in the UK. It delves into the psychological and social dynamics of the group, exploring themes of loyalty, camaraderie, violence, and the adrenaline-fueled tribalism that often characterizes such groups.
The main character, played by Elijah Wood, goes through a transformation as he is initiated into the world of the Green Street Elite and begins to experience the rush and dangers of their violent clashes with rival football firms. The film depicts the internal conflicts and power struggles within the group, as well as the external conflicts with rival firms, highlighting the repercussions and consequences of such a lifestyle.
“Green Street Hooligans” received mixed reviews from critics but gained a cult following for its raw depiction of the hooligan subculture. Despite some criticisms of its portrayal of violence and its simplistic portrayal of British culture, the film was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Charlie Hunnam and Elijah Wood, and its unflinching exploration of the dark side of football fandom.
2. Ultras
The 1991 Italian film “Ultras” (also known as “The Boys of the Italian Rave”) is a drama directed by Ricky Tognazzi. The movie revolves around the passionate and often violent world of football (soccer) hooliganism in Italy, particularly focusing on the ultras, the dedicated fans of football clubs known for their extreme loyalty and fervent support. The film delves into the lives of these ultras, exploring the dynamics of their subculture, their intense rivalries with other fan groups, and the impact of their actions on their personal lives.
“Ultras” delves into the gritty and often dark aspects of this subculture, portraying the violence and conflicts that arise between rival fan groups. The film also sheds light on the personal struggles and dilemmas faced by the main characters as they grapple with their identities and loyalties. Overall, the film provides a raw and intense portrayal of the world of Italian football hooliganism, offering a glimpse into the complexities and passions that drive these dedicated fans.
3. The Firm
4. The Football Factory
“The Football Factory” is a British film released in 2004, directed by Nick Love. The movie is based on the 1996 novel of the same name by John King and stars Danny Dyer, Frank Harper, Neil Maskell, and Roland Manookian. It delves into the world of football hooliganism, providing a gritty and unflinching portrayal of the violent subculture associated with British football fandom.
The film primarily revolves around the character of Tommy Johnson, played by Danny Dyer, who is a Chelsea football hooligan. It follows the exploits of Tommy and his group of friends as they engage in violent confrontations with rival football supporters. The story sheds light on the aggression, rivalry, and tribal mentality that characterize the football hooliganism culture in the UK, depicting the destructive consequences that arise from such behavior.
“The Football Factory” provides a raw and sometimes disturbing look at the lifestyles and attitudes of the individuals involved in this violent subculture, highlighting themes of masculinity, camaraderie, and the allure of group identity. The film gained attention for its realistic portrayal of the gritty world of football hooliganism and the intense violence that often accompanies it.
5. Cass
“Cass” is a 2008 British crime drama film that tells the true-life story of Cass Pennant, a former football hooligan who became a writer and respected figure in the British media. The film primarily revolves around the life of Cass Pennant, who was once the leader of the notorious West Ham United football firm, the Inter City Firm (ICF), during the 1970s and 1980s.
The film explores Pennant’s early life, his experiences growing up in Jamaican orphanages and later in the racially charged streets of East London. It depicts how he became involved in football hooliganism and the violent clashes that took place between rival football firms during that era. The story also delves into the personal struggles and conflicts faced by Cass as he tries to navigate his identity and find a sense of belonging in a society plagued by racism and violence.
As the film progresses, it portrays how Cass ultimately turns his life around, distancing himself from the world of hooliganism and using his experiences to inspire and mentor young people. The movie highlights themes of redemption, identity, and the power of personal transformation.
“Cass” is known for its gritty portrayal of the British football hooligan subculture and has received praise for its authentic depiction of the struggles faced by individuals involved in this world. The film stars Nonso Anozie as Cass Pennant and was directed by Jon S. Baird.
6. Okolofutbola
“Okolofutbola” is a Russian drama film released in 2013. The title translates to “The Fool’s Game” in English. The film, directed by Anton Bormatov, is set in the 1980s and revolves around the lives of young football hooligans in the Russian suburbs. It offers a glimpse into the subculture of football fanatics and delves into the struggles, aspirations, and relationships of these individuals.
The main character, Lyokha, is a teenager who becomes entangled in the world of football hooliganism. As the story progresses, the film portrays the challenges and conflicts faced by Lyokha and his friends as they navigate their tough and sometimes violent surroundings. The film captures the intense camaraderie and loyalty within the group, highlighting the complexities of their relationships and the dynamics of the subculture they are a part of.
“Okolofutbola” presents a gritty and realistic portrayal of the lives of these young hooligans, showcasing the adrenaline-fueled rush and the harsh realities of their world. It offers a deeper understanding of the motivations and experiences that drive individuals to become involved in such subcultures, emphasizing the bonds formed within the group and the struggles they face both internally and externally.
7. Awaydays
“Awaydays” is a British film that was released in 2009, directed by Pat Holden. It is based on a novel of the same name by Kevin Sampson, which was published in 1998. The film is set in the late 1970s and revolves around the world of football hooliganism, focusing on the experiences of a young man named Carty, who becomes involved with a group of hooligans associated with the Tranmere Rovers football club.
The story follows Carty as he becomes increasingly immersed in the violence and camaraderie of the hooligan lifestyle, experiencing the thrill and danger of the football firm culture. He forms a close bond with the charismatic and influential leader of the pack, Elvis, and becomes entangled in a web of loyalty, rivalry, and betrayal.
Throughout the film, themes of friendship, loyalty, and the search for identity are explored, depicting the intense and often violent world of football hooliganism in the 1970s. “Awaydays” offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the subculture, delving into the motivations and complexities of those involved in this often misunderstood and controversial aspect of British football culture.
8. The Rise And Fall of a White Collar Hooligan
“The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan” is a British crime thriller film released in 2012. Directed by Paul Tanter, the film tells the story of a young stockbroker, Mike Jacobs, who loses his job and, in an attempt to maintain his lifestyle, becomes involved in the world of football hooliganism.
As he delves deeper into the violent and dangerous world of hooliganism, Mike’s life begins to spiral out of control. The film depicts the challenges he faces as he tries to balance his criminal activities with his personal life and relationships. The narrative explores themes of crime, redemption, and the consequences of one’s choices.
Starring Nick Nevern as Mike Jacobs, the film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its gritty depiction of the criminal underworld and others critiquing its portrayal of violence and stereotypes. Despite the mixed reception, the film has garnered a cult following among fans of the crime thriller genre.
That was the discussion regarding the list of the best hooligan films. We do not recommend that you imitate those in the hooligan film scenes that we discussed earlier. We hope you can filter out what is good and right. Hope it is useful.