Updated October 24, 2023 1.7K votes 449 voters 37.3K views
Voting Rules
Vote up the films and series you know other fans of 'Friday Night Lights' will love.
Friday Night Lights is a sports drama based on the book and film of the same name that garnered the love and affection of hordes of fans, but if you’ve finished watching the series, there’s no need for despair. There are plenty of movies and TV shows to watch if you like Friday Night Lights, and we’ve compiled the best ones right here for you, in this list!
TV shows similar to Friday Night Lights often cover drama, and if you’re looking for more small-town intrigue, Riverdale is sure to fill the void. This show is based on the Archie comics and centers around a small town with a secret hiding in the background. And if you think there aren’t also some good movies like Friday Night Lights, then think again, because we’ve found quite a few that are sure to tickle the fancies of even the most finicky of fans. Take Heathers, for instance. This movie also takes place in a small-town high school but features a bit more murder, suicide, and terrorism, and is a great choice for Friday Night Lights fans.
But you don’t have to take our word for it - some of Friday Night Lights’s biggest fans have chimed in and cast their votes for the best movies and TV shows like Friday Night Lights, and once you’ve watched, you can cast your votes too!
So, what are your favorite Friday Night Lights-esque movies and TV shows? Vote the best projects up to the top of this list.
With more than 40 million people visiting Ranker every month, we are able to offer you data-driven recommendations based on voting across thousands of film & TV polls.
The award-winning series was based on this 2004 movie directed by Peter Berg.
In the heart of Texas, football reigns supreme. Friday Night Lights, a sports drama directed by Peter Berg, captures this fervor. Based on H.G. Bissinger's non-fiction book, the movie follows the 1988 Permian High School Panthers and their dramatic season. Coach Gary Gaines (Billy Bob Thornton) leads an ensemble cast that includes star player Boobie Miles (Derek Luke) and quarterback Mike Winchell (Lucas Black). The film explores themes of community pressure, racial tension, and personal sacrifice in a small town where football is everything but a game.
For fans of teen sports dramas, All American tackles similar themes as Friday Night Lights.
All American gracefully tackles the complexities of adolescence and social issues while diving into the world of high school football. Inspired by the life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger, this compelling drama follows Spencer James (Daniel Ezra), a rising football star from South Los Angeles, as he navigates the challenges of balancing life, relationships, and sports in Beverly Hills. With its authentic portrayal of diverse characters, All American has garnered critical acclaim and multiple nominations, including Teen Choice Awards and NAACP Image Awards. The show's engaging storytelling and strong performances deliver an emotionally resonant experience that resonates with viewers, making it a standout in the television landscape.
Fans of Friday Night Lights should absolutely watch Parenthood, both were created by Jason Katims and share many cast members and storylines.
Parenthood, a heartwarming family drama, unfolds the intricate dynamics of the Braverman clan as they navigate life's triumphs and challenges. The show's stellar ensemble cast, led by Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, delivers authentic and nuanced performances, earning it multiple Emmy nominations throughout its six-season run. With storylines that touch on relatable themes such as parenthood, relationships, and personal growth, viewers find themselves emotionally invested in each character's journey. This critically acclaimed series masterfully blends humor and sentimentality, offering a poignant portrayal of the complexities and joys of family life.
For fans of the teen angst in Friday Night Lights will adore the high drama of The OC.
Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Orange County, California, The O.C. presents a compelling drama that expertly weaves together the lives of its diverse characters. The series follows the journey of Ryan Atwood (Ben McKenzie), a troubled teen from a broken home who is taken in by the affluent Cohen family. As he navigates his newfound surroundings, Ryan's presence unravels hidden secrets and tensions among the residents of this seemingly idyllic community. The O.C. skillfully blends humor, heartache, and redemption, keeping viewers emotionally invested in the complex relationships and captivating storylines.
This teen movie from the '80s is perfect for Friday Night Lights fans who enjoy the high drama featuring young adults.
In the heartland of 1960s Oklahoma, The Outsiders tells the story of a group of underprivileged teenagers known as the Greasers. Ponyboy Curtis (C. Thomas Howell), an introspective youth, and his friends Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio) and Dallas Winston (Matt Dillon) navigate their way through social inequalities and personal struggles. This coming-of-age drama, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is built on themes of friendship, societal pressure, and the harsh realities of socio-economic divisions. The film has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of teen angst amidst class conflicts.
