02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC iPlayer adds iconic sports comedy film with beloved Welsh star completely for free
BBC iPlayer adds iconic sports comedy film with beloved Welsh star completely for free
One of the most beloved sports films of the century is now available totally free on BBC iPlayer
'Mesmerising' sports comedy film currently streaming for free
(Image: BBC )
BBC iPlayer has just added a critically acclaimed sports comedy film you won't want to miss out on this week.
Football fans and cinephiles alike should definitely check out this compelling modern classic based on a uniquely British true story.
It stars one of the UK's most beloved screen stars as a revered sporting figure from the 1970s during one of the most tumultuous periods of his career.
Starring Michael Sheen as Brian Clough, The Damned United follows the former Derby County manager's notorious 44-day stint with Leeds United in 1974 as well as his rivalry with fellow manager Don Revie (played by Colm Meaney).
Helmed by The King's Speech director Tom Hooper and written by The Crown showrunner Peter Morgan, this masterpiece of the sports genre is not to be missed by anyone looking to get lost in a gripping slice of British history.
Michael Sheen portrays legendary football manager Brian Clough
(Image: COLUMBIA PICTURES )
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The film received rave reviews upon its release in 2009 and currently holds a staggering 92 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences lapped up the drama, too, awarding it an impressive 85 percent score. It's currently available to stream for free after being aired on BBC Two last night.
One rave five-star review on Google reads: 'Right up there as one of the finest sports mini biography film.
'Based on the controversial and yet mesmerising & brilliant Brian Clough - the best football manager the english national team never had or ever could have had.
'The movie is about the making of a superb football manager starting from the dungeons of lower english football leagues to becoming champions of England.'
Someone else gushed: 'Brilliant portrayal of Brian Clough and his bitter relationship with Don Revie and how his tenure at Leeds United was destined to fail [from] the start.
The Damned United lays bare one of the most notorious rivalries in football history
(Image: COLUMBIA PICTURES )
'A film with the heartache and happiness of being a football manager but also a family man and his personality at its best and I have seen now on 8 occasions, football fans will love it.'
Someone else added: 'I'm not even a soccer fan but this movie was brilliant, great cast and Michael Sheen at his best. Great story and great acting, loved it!'
And a final fan declared: 'I'm enchanted. One the best movies I've ever watched.
'It's a must for every football lover and a beginner's course for those who wanted to be football managers.'
Fans all agree The Damned United is an essential watch, so make sure you find time for this essential British film on your schedule this week.
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The Damned United is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.