Sports is a unique film genre because it helps the viewer connect with the characters emotionally with its compelling stories. Even if you are not a big fan of watching sports live or on television, you would still enjoy the electrifying thrill and the unending adventure of a sports movie.
If you are just starting to explore this new genre of film, then you might need our help as there are hundreds of options out there. The must-watch Netflix title list is full of entertaining options. To make things easy for you, we have mentioned below some of the best sports movies on Netflix that you can binge-watch. So, keep scrolling!
1. Skater Girl
Director: Manjari Makijany
Writer: Vinati Makijany, Manjari Makijany
Cast: Amy Maghera, Waheeda Rehman, Jonathan Readwin, Rachel Saanchita Gupta
IMDb: 6.7
Skater girl is an incredible story of a 16-year-old girl named Prerna who lives in a rural district of Rajasthan, India. Her life goes upside down when she finds her passion for skateboarding.
She lives in poverty, so it seems almost impossible for Prerna to follow her dreams. Things take a turn for her when a person from London arrives at her village. It would be interesting to watch Prerna pursue her dream of skateboarding, Isn’t it?
2. Moneyball
Director: Bennet Miller
Writer: Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright
IMDb: 7.6
Moneyball makes it to the list of best sports movies on Netflix as it has been nominated for six Oscars. The story revolves around Oakland A’s manager Billy Beane. He suddenly perceived that the old conventional baseball methods needed to change.
Billy has a low budget compared to his counterparts, so he must work smartly against the richer ball clubs.
3. First Match
Director: Olivia Newman
Writer: Olivia Newman
Cast: Elvire Emanuelle, Colman Domingo, Jharrel Jerome, Kim Ramirez
IMDb: 6.4
Living away from your parents is difficult, especially when you are a child. The same happens with a teenage girl named Monique, living in foster care for years.
She is struggling to understand the true nature of life, and in the midst of it, she decides to join a wrestling team. Many hardships and life lessons await Monique as she embarks on a journey to make a name in the All-boys wrestling team.
Add this movie to your watchlist of best sports movies on Netflix to enjoy the intense and brilliant journey of Monique.
4. Athlete A
Director: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk
Writer: N/A
Cast: Maggie Nichols, Gina Nichols, John Nichols, Steve Berta
IMDb: 7.6
Athlete A is not like your ordinary sports movie, as it revolves around the destructive culture of sexual abuse hidden from the public.
The Indianapolis Star reporters take on a mission to reveal the hideous face of Doctor Larry Nassar, who has been a part of USA gymnastics for years.
A young gymnast Maggie Nichols comes out to help expose the physical and mental abuse caused by the people part of the USA gymnastics.
5. Rush
Director: Ron Howard
Writer: Peter Morgan
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
IMDb: 8.1
Do you like Formula 1 racing? If you do, then this movie is for you, so go ahead and add it to your list of best sports movies on Netflix. It is an intense and thrilling story of a competition between two of the best rivals of Formula 1 racing.
James Hunt and Niki Lauda risk their lives to win the game, whereas their loved ones watch them with the hope that they will come out alive.
6. Rising Phoenix
Director: Ian Bonhote, Peter Ettedgui
Writer: N/A
Cast: Jean-Baptiste Alaize, Ryley Batt, Ellie Cole, Philip Craven
IMDb: 8.1
Rising Phoenix is a must-watch as it revolves around people with disabilities but exceptionally high courage and determination. The movie depicts the understanding of the world towards the third largest sporting event.
The paralympic games are always fun to watch live, so why not understand the true nature behind the whole event from the eyes of elite athletes and members.
7. Icarus
Director: Bryan Fogel
Writer: Bryan Fogel, Mark Monroe
Cast: Bryan Fogel, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin, Grigory Rodchenkov
IMDb: 7.9
Icarus is a documentary film and is one of the best sports movies on Netflix. The movie depicts the story of an athlete who is about to participate in a cycling event. He happens to get involved in a doping scandal, due to which his sports career can end very tragically.
The only person who can help him is Grigory Rodchenkov, a Russian scientist. Will Fogel be able to save his job? Well, To know, you will have to watch the movie.
8. Dangal
Director: Nitesh Tiwari
Writer: Piyush Gupta, Shreyas Jain
Cast: Amir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Sakshi Tanwar
IMDb: 8.4
Dangal is a breathtaking story of how a father helps her daughters win the Commonwealth Games gold medal. Mahavir Phogat, who used to be an athlete, always dreamt of bringing pride to his country by winning a gold medal.
He trains his daughters to fulfill his dream, but it is not easy. He lives in a society where girls playing sports is unacceptable, so will he overcome societal pressure? It would be an exciting tale to watch, especially when you know the movie is based on a true story.
9. Bennett’s War
Director: Alex Ranarivelo
Writer: Alex Ranarivelo
Cast: Michael Roark, Ali Afshar, Allison Paige, Brando Eaton
IMDb: 6.0
It is a story of a soldier named Marshall Bennett whose life turns upside down when he accidentally gets injured by an explosive device. He cannot work there anymore, so he is overseas.
At home, he learns that his family is in debt, and Bennett will have to find a way to save his family farm. During this period, he comes across competitive motocross racing and decides to pursue it to pay off the debt.
10. Sisters on Track
Director: Tone Grottjord-Glenne, Corinne van der Borch
Writer: Sean Gullette
Cast: Rainn Sheppard, Tai Sheppard, Brooke Sheppard
IMDb: 5.8
As the name indicates, it is an incredible story of the hope and determination of three sisters. Rainn, Tai, and Brooke live with their single mother in a poverty-stricken area of New York City.
Despite all the challenges and hardships, the trio is determined to excel on the tracks. Sisters on Track is a must-watch movie if you are looking for some motivation in life.
11. 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible
Director: Torquil Jones
Writer: Gabriel Clarke, Torquil Jones
Cast: Nirmal Purja, Suchi Purja, Reinhold Messner, James Barber
IMDb: 7.9
This movie is heaven for mountain lovers and if you are one, then definitely jot it down on your list of best sports movies of all time.
Nimsdai Purja, a Nepali mountaineer, challenges the mission to summit the 14 highest peaks worldwide.
I know it sounds like an impossible quest because mother nature won’t go easy on him, but it will be an exciting and thrilling watch.
12. 100 Meters
Director: Marcel Barrena
Writer: Marcel Barrena
Cast: Dani Rovira, Karra Eeljalde, Alexandra Jimenez, David Verdaguer
IMDb: 7.5
This movie revolves around a patient suffering from a brain, and spinal cord degenerative disorder called multiple sclerosis. Despite his disabling condition, he is determined to participate and finish an Iron-Man competition.
He is challenged physically and mentally, making it more difficult to complete the task. People around him constantly tell him that he won’t even reach 100 meters.
So, what do you think? You need to add this to your list of best sports movies of all time because the ending is unexpected and mind-blowing.
13. Take the Ball Pass the Ball: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World
Director: Duncan McMath
Writer: Graham Hunter
Cast: Eric Abidal, Dani Alves, Albert Benaiges, Sergio Busquets
IMDb: 8.0
We all love watching football, don’t we? What’s better than watching the efforts put into the assembly of one of the greatest football teams of all time. For years, Pep Guardiola’s Barça has produced fantastic football players who are a treat to watch.
14. Greater
Director: David L. Hunt
Writer: Brian Reindl, David L. Hunt
Cast: Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Christopher Severio, Michael Parks
IMDb: 7.4
During his college life, Brandon Burlsworth was constantly mocked that he was not good enough for the game of football.
Brandon proved everyone wrong by his sheer determination, courage, and struggle. His story is incredible because he became one of the most famous and respectable players of all time.
15. Screwball
Director: Billy Corben
Writer: Billy Corben, David Cypkin
Cast: Frankie Diaz, Brian Blanco, Ian Mackles, Samuel Kai Taylor
IMDb: 7.1
Screwball’s story revolves around a doping scandal that made headlines on national television. It is based on actual events in which Billy Corben exposes the baseball players and the wicked clinician involved in supplying steroids.
16. The Game Changers
Director: Louie Psihoyos
Writer: Shannon Kornelsen, Mark Monroe
Cast: James Wilks, Arnold Shwarzenegger, Patrik Baboumian, Dotsie Bausch
IMDb: 7.9
The Game Changers makes it to the best sports movies on Netflix due to its unique plot and story. James Wilks embarks on a journey to reveal the true potential of meat and protein.
He wants to turn the world upside down by changing the dietary habits of athletes, soldiers, and ordinary people. Will he be able to change people’s thinking about protein? Well, I do not want to spoil it for you, so go ahead and watch it yourself.
17. Metegol
Director: Juan Jose Campanella
Writer: Eduardo Sacheri, Gaston Gorali
Cast: Gabriel Almiron, Federico Cecere, Ezequiel Cipols, Luciana Falcon
IMDb: 6.5
Have you heard about foosball? If you haven’t, you will know about it after watching Metegol. Amadeo, a young man, embarks on an unexpected journey to help his team win the famous table football game. He is shy and a quiet person but his love and passion for the game will amaze everyone.
18. Bruised
Director: Halle Berry
Writer: Michelle Rosenfarb
Cast: Heidi Moneymaker, Halle Berry, Jacob Crespo, Lela Loren
IMDb: 6.2
Bruised is a story of a former MMA fighter, Jackie Justice. She used to be a renowned player until she started losing fights one day. There was no coming back from this disgrace.
Things change for her when her son comes back out of nowhere. She is embarrassed and constantly fighting her demons as she was the one to dump her son in the first place.
19. Ronnie Coleman: The King
Director: Vlad Yudin
Writer: Vlad Yudin
Cast: Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Rich Gaspari
IMDb: 7.0
It is a sports documentary about Ronnie Coleman, who has won eight times Mr. Olympia championship. Ronnie underwent six surgeries after the peak of his career, and now he cannot walk properly.
Despite the physical limitation, he is still passionate about sports and is determined to train other youngsters.
20. Back of the Net
Director: Louise Alston
Writer: Casie Tabanou, Alison Spuck
Cast: Sofia Wylie, Christopher Kirby, Melissa Bonne, Trae Robin
IMDb: 5.3
Cory Bailey, a young soccer student, gets admitted to a famous soccer academy. He is determined to become a successful soccer player in the future.
But, right now, he is focused on winning the National tournament. The rival team contains many competitive players, so it will be challenging for Cory to bring home the medal.
21. Amateur
Director: Ryan Koo
Writer: Ryan Koo
Cast: Michael Rainey Jr., Tekola Cornetet, Hanna Longo, Walter Annaruk
IMDb: 5.9
A young basketball player is trying to make a place in the team, but he is faced with several odds from his personal life. He will have to overcome these problems to become a successful football player.
22. Soorma
Director: Shaad Ali
Writer: Shaad Ali, Siva Ananth
Cast: Diljit Dosanjh, Taapsee Pannu, Angad Bedi, Vijay Raaz
IMDb: 7.4
It is a biographical film revolving around the inspirational story of the famous Indian hockey player Sandeep Singh. After a near-death experience that left Sandeep bound to the wheelchair, the player wants to make a comeback.
His sheer determination, resilience, and unending passion for hockey are definitely worth the watch. So, how can we miss this story on the list of best sports movies of all time?
23. Ride Like a Girl
Director: Rachel Griffiths
Writer: Andrew Knight, Elise McCredie
Cast: Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, Brook Satchwell, Zara Zoe
IMDb: 7.0
Ride Like a Girl needs to be on your watch list of best sports movies on Netflix. It is an encouraging and moving story of a girl named Michelle Payne. Despite tremendous hurdles on her pathway, she wins the Melbourne Cup.
It was a historical moment as she was the first-ever female jockey to make a mark in the tournament. Her efforts opened a lot of doors of opportunities for females.
24. Go Karts
Director: Owen Trevor
Writer: Steve Worland
Cast: William Lodder, Frances O’ Conner, Anastasia Bampos, Cooper Van Grootel
IMDb: 5.9
The film’s story revolves around a reckless boy facing some serious issues in life. He had a dream of winning the National Go-Kart Championship.
It won’t be possible until he finds a way to overcome his problems and his adventurous and daredevil attitude.
Changing one’s living is not easy, so watching him conquer his mind and the Go-Kart Championship will be fun.
25. Jada
Director: Kumaran
Writer: N/A
Cast: Kathir, Roshini, Yogi Babu, Kishore Kumar G.
IMDb: 5.6
A football tournament takes place at a local village where several teams participate. A group of hardworking and passionate players wants to take part and win the competition, but it’s not as easy as it seems to them. Some people do not want them to win, due to which the team will be facing many hurdles and difficulties.
26. Kai Po Che
Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Writer: Chetan Bhagat, Abhishek Kapoor
Cast: Sushant Sing Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, Amit Sadh, Amrita Puri
IMDb: 7.8
It is an Indian sports movie with 11 wins and 32 nominations, making it one of the best sports movies. Three friends set out on a strenuous journey to produce some of the match-winning cricketing stars for the country.
To fulfill this dream, they open a cricketing academy where they are determined to train the youngsters for the epic game of cricket.
27. Baggio: The Divine Ponytail
Director: Letizia Lamartire
Writer: Ludovica Rampoldi, Stefano Sardo
Cast: Andrea Arcangeli, Valentina Belle, Thomas Trabacchi, Andrea Pennacchi
IMDb: 6.1
The movie revolves around the inspirational journey of the renowned Italian football player Roberto Baggio. It is a biography of the footballer to see his life from the very beginning to the top.
Fans loved Baggio because of his unique and exciting finishing of the match. I assure you the movie is as thrilling to watch as his game in the stadium.
28. Soul Surfer
Director: Sean McNamara
Writer: Sean McNamara, Deborah Schwartz
Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood
IMDb: 7.0
Bethany Hamilton loses her arm in an unfortunate shark attack while surfing the sea. Surfing was her only true passion, but this traumatic incident impacted her physical and mental health.
It would be interesting to watch Bethany overcome her inner fears and return to the water. The courage of this teenage girl will amaze you, so; I would recommend you add this film to your watch list of best sports movies on Netflix.
29. Handsome Devil
Director: John Butler
Writer: John Butler
Cast: Fionn O’Shea, Ardal O’ Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Dick O’Leary
IMDb: 7.1
This sports film about rugby makes it to the list of best sports movies on Netflix with its high IMDb rating. Two boys, Ned and Conor, meet in a boarding school.
Despite not liking each other in their first interaction, they are forced to live in the same room. While living together, the loner and the star athlete become friends.
30. Goon: Last of the Enforcers
Director: Jay Baruchel
Writer: Jay Baruchel, Jesse Chabot
Cast: Seann William Scott, Alison Pill, Liev Schreiber, Wyatt Russell
IMDb: 5.8
Some new additions have been made to the team of Halifax Highlanders. Doug, the most famous player, is heading towards retirement after years of winning matches for the team.
He is finding a new job as an insurance salesman until he knows that the team’s new captain is challenging his position as the league’s top enforcer. Will Doug make a comeback? If he does, it won’t be an easy task.
31. Sparring
Director: Samuel Jouy
Writer: Samuel Jouy, Clément Roussier, Jérémie Guez
Cast: Mathieu Kassovitz, Billie Blain, Souleymane M’baye, Lyes Salem
IMDb: 6.4
Counted as one of the best sports movies on Netflix, Sparring is the sports movie you have been searching for. The film revolves around an aging boxer who, to stay relevant and keep making money, agrees to become a sparring partner of a fighter.
Though he has more losses than he has won, he joins the emerging champion just so that he could try one more time to stay relevant.
32. Pelé
Director: David Tryhorn, Ben Nicholas
Writer: N/A
Cast: Pelé
IMDb: 7
Pelé is a newly released documentary that has already won the hearts of many. Pelé is the heart-touching sports story of a man who alone won three Cup titles.
He personified soccer and recognized it as a beautiful game. The story further takes you into how he changed the game’s history.
This documentary is intriguing enough, even if you aren’t a soccer fan. And the storytelling from Pele’s life journey, becoming a three-time world champion, and playing in the club is just flawless!
33. The Zoya Factor
Director: Abhishek Sharma
Writer: Neha Rakesh Sharma, Neha Sharma, Pradhuman Singh
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Sonam Kapoor, Diksha Juneja, Angad Bedi
IMDb: 4.2
The Zoya Factor is an Indian movie about Zoya, an advertising agent. Zoya turns out to be a lucky charm for a cricket team and is in love with the team’s captain, Nikhil Khodal.
However, Zoya gets into the worst possible dilemma. She is asked to choose between Nikhil or her career as a mascot.
This rom-com gives an equal taste of comedy and sports. Go then grab your hot coffee and watch it right away!
34. The Battered Bastards of Baseball
Director: Chapman Way, Maclain Way
Writer: Chapman Way, Maclain Way
Cast: Bing Russell, Kurt Russell, Todd Field, Jim Bouton
IMDb: 8
The Battered Bastards of Baseball is an incredible story showing the wonderful and charming life of actor Bing Russell.
He loved baseball, so he formed an independent team of players no one wanted because of its misfits. However, who would have imagined that it would turn out for them into an unpredictable and unlikely overnight success?
35. I’m No Longer Here
Director: Fernando Frías, Fernando Frías de la Parra
Writer: Fernando Frías, Fernando Frías de la Parra
Cast: Juan Daniel Garcia Treviño, Xueming Angelina Chen, Bianca Coral Puente Valenzuela
IMDb: 7.3
It is pretty clear with the name what this story’s plot will be, and sure enough, you guessed it! Yes, it is about leaving a place behind where you have lived for half your life. A young street gang in Monterrey, Mexico, spends their time dancing.
But due to a misunderstanding with a local cartel, the gang leader is forced to leave behind his place. And now he has to move to the United States. Just after a short period, he longs for his home. But can he ever make a way back?
36. Here Comes the Boom
Director: Frank Coraci
Writer: Kevin James, Rock Reuben, Allan Loebbut
Cast: Kevin James, Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler, Frank Coraci
IMDb: 6.4
Here Comes the Boom is a work of fiction written by Kevin James and Allan Loebbut. It is a funny yet stunning movie that will allow you to have the sports feeling and lots of humor at the same time.
Scott is a biology teacher threatened by the budget cutbacks affecting his music program. Therefore in the wish to raise money, he becomes an MMA fighter.
You might not be sure about considering watching this movie, but you will love it once you watch it!
37. A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story
Director: Francisco Macri
Writer: Fernando Alonso, Alain Prost, Jackie Stewart, Mika Häkkinen
Cast: Juan Manuel Fangio, Alain Prost, Toto Wolff, Nico Rosberg
IMDb: 6.9
As the name depicts, this documentary film is about Juan Manuel Fangio in the plot of the early 1950s. This crowd-pleasing movie shows how Juan wins five world championships for different carmakers.
When the fighters used no safety or protective gear, winning the tournament made Juan set an example for all his fans.
38. Brothers
Director: Karan Malhotra
Writer: Gavin O’Connor, Cliff Dorfman
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jackie Shroff
IMDb: 6.5
When two brothers found out that they were not, blood-related problems appeared in the family. The father was an alcoholic who used to beat their mother regularly. One day he beat their mother to death.
The elder brother blames the younger one for their mother’s death. Years later, they participate in a mixed martial arts tournament to win over each other.
39. Budhia Singh – Born to Run
Director: Soumendra Padhi
Writer: Soumendra Padhi
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Mayur Mahendra Patole, Tillotama Shome, Shruti Marathe
IMDb: 7.7
One of the best sports movies, Budhia Singh – Born to Run, is a heart-warming biopic of a young guy of 5 years named Budhia. The story revolves around a judo trainer who adopts Budhia from slums and trains him into the world’s youngest marathon runner.
Budhia starts gaining the attention and glory of the world. However, this doesn’t come alone; his coach must face the backlash.
40. The Short Game
Director: Josh Greenbaum
Writer: Josh Greenbaum
Cast: Amari Avery, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Sky Sudberry
IMDb: 7.3
The Short Game is a documentary that follows nine passionate and determined golfers ages 7 and 8 years. Their life story is featured in the United States as they navigate their school and personal lives.
They soon compete in the World Championship of Junior Golf and travel to Pinehurst. This is an excellent film with a great dynamic between parent and child. Even if you don’t like golf, these little kids are going to make you fall in love with it!
Wrapping Up!
Though you can watch anything and everything on Netflix, including comedy, thriller, horror shows, Halloween movies, suspense, horror movies, classic, cartoon, action, romance, cooking shows, sci-fi, reality, kid movies, emotional drama, Marvel shows, and documentaries – it is time to enjoy the best sports movies on Netflix.
Sports movies give us a life lesson of determination, courage, and hope. Without these three factors, we can not triumph in any event of our life. So if you are looking for a good dose of motivation with some entertainment, go ahead and binge-watch sports films.
To save your time, we have gathered a list of some of the best sports movies on Netflix. Happy streaming!