Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- uplifting
- sincere
- energetic
- sports night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the formulaic sports story familiar and clichéd, while praising its energetic football sequences and Kuno Becker's appealing lead performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Santiago moves from his family's modest life in Los Angeles to a trial with Newcastle and the possibility of Premier League football.
Santiago is a Mexican American raised after his father's border crossing who seeks a future beyond the family gardening business in British football.
Former football professional Glen Foy identifies Santiago's ability and helps create a path toward an English club, while teammates and coaches shape his development.
Santiago's asthma and inexperience contrast with his natural ability, while Gavin Harris's undisciplined celebrity lifestyle creates a parallel struggle.
Films like Goal!, and why
The Karate Kid
underdog sports drama centered on an outsider pursuing professional success through talent, discipline, and perseverance
Cool Runnings
feel-good sports film combining immigrant identity, family tension, mentorship, and a familiar breakthrough narrative
Bend It Like Beckham
association football drama with professional sport ambition, rivalry, teamwork, and inspirational competition
Jerry Maguire
conventional but emotionally accessible sports story about a gifted outsider overcoming personal and institutional obstacles
Movie Details
- Director
- Danny Cannon
- Release Date
- 2005-09-29
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (1250)
Cast
- Kuno Becker
- Tony Plana
- Stephen Dillane
- Alessandro Nivola
- Anna Friel
- Marcel Iureș
- Gary Lewis
- Miriam Colon
- Alfredo Rodríguez
- Kieran O'Brien
Where to watch in United States
- Buy
- Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Goal! about?
- A gifted Mexican American teenager battles family expectations, asthma, and professional football's brutal demands to chase a Premier League dream.
- What is Goal! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Goal! as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Goal! violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Goal! as mild.
- What did critics think of Goal!?
- Critics generally found the formulaic sports story familiar and clichéd, while praising its energetic football sequences and Kuno Becker's appealing lead performance.
- Which films are like Goal!?
- Films with a similar feel include The Karate Kid, Cool Runnings, Bend It Like Beckham, and Jerry Maguire.
- How long is Goal!?
- Goal! runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Goal!?
- In United States, Goal! is available to rent or buy from Fandango At Home.
