With the World Cup right around the corner, a number of sports fans will be paying close attention to all the games and the coverage. Everyone will be waiting to see who wins the cup and which teams will disappoint. However, as audiences await the big event, fans can sit down and watch entertaining soccer movies. The following are some of the best soccer movies that have been produced in the past.

1. "Bend it Like Beckham" - Back in 2003, Fox Searchlight released a British film about an orthodox Sikh girl who rebels against her parents' traditionalism by running off to Germany with a soccer team. When the film was released, it became an instant success and grossed over $32 million. The film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and later played at Sundance where it scored rave reviews. Critics raved about its inspiring and compassionate tone as well as the social commentary in it. "Bend it Like Beckham" also saw the breakout of Hollywood starlet Keira Knightley as well as Bollywood star Shaheen Khan. The movie's success story led it to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Comedy as well as a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film.

2. "The Damn United" - Tom Hooper is one of the most respected directors in the industry at the moment and one that is in constant demand, especially after winning the Oscar for his work on the "The King's Speech." However, few know that he directed the 2009 soccer film about Brian Clough's 44-day reign as the coach of Leeds United. The movie's fascinating story and gripping performance by Michael Sheen made for a compelling feature that went under the radar. The film features interesting camera angles that Hooper would later use for his next two films, and also contains an incredible soundtrack. While it completely bombed when Sony Pictures released it, it is a must-see for all those interested in soccer and that industry.

3. "The Big Green" - While this is definitely not one of the essential soccer films that has to be seen, it is one that kids will enjoy. The 1995 Disney flick was a big hit with children when it was released and, while reviews were terrible, it was one that resonated. The film tells the story an underdog sports team of misfit kids who learn to play a new sport and become champions, while building self-esteem, making friends and solving a variety of problems. With the resurgence of sports films, it is likely Disney will soon make a new soccer movie for the family. For now this is the best bet.

4. "Goal! The Dream Begins" - In 2005, Touchstone and Buena Vista released the movie about Santiago Munez, a soccer player who gets scouted and transferred to Newcastle United. The film was not a very big success in the U.S. as it only made $4 million. However, it did succeed in Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Mexico, and in England. The reason for the overseas success was likely due to Mexican actor Kuno Becker's popularity in Latin America and because it had an English setting. Critically, "Goal!" was also a failure because it was criticized for its predictable storyline and cliches. However, it was praised for its sports action sequences.

5. "Rudo y Cursi" - In 2009 Carlos Cuaron made his directorial debut with this Sundance Film Festival selection. The comedy reunited Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna after their work in "Y Tu Mama Tambien," in a comedy about two brothers who rival each other inside the world of professional soccer. The movie was a joint collaboration between Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron and it became a huge hit in Mexico where it made an outstanding $1 million. In the U.S., the film also had a rather successful run, making $1.2 million in limited release. Reviews were also solid as critics raved about the performances by the actors and the stylistic approaches by Cuaron.    

6. "Looking for Eric" - In 2009, Ken Loach delved into soccer with his outstanding Cannes selection. The film, which tells the story of Eric, a soccer fanatic who receives some life coaching from the famously philosophical Eric Cantona, competed for the Palme d'Or and later went on to become a huge festival hit. The movie was also a critical hit and received an 85 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics stated that Loach's film was an uplifting, entertaining and amusing socio-drama. While it was not a big hit in the U.S., it is a must-see and a very memorable one.