Whatever the sport, there is nothing more enthralling and motivational than the tale of an underdog who overcomes all odds to become the victor and the journey of a long shot from a dark horse from the front. No matter what sport you enjoy, there is a Netflix movie for it. Our hand-picked collection of the best sports movies all speaks the same language: that of unstoppable aspiration and, most importantly, victory.
Sports movies are so enjoyable to watch because they have a special and enticing quality. The protagonist of an underdog story is frequently pushed to the limit by unfavorable circumstances. It can also be the emergence of a star from the depths.
Sometimes the story is made interesting by the character’s fall from grace, causing an unintentional tear to run down your cheek. In the end, it is a real celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. The streaming behemoth offers everything, from some really great boxing movies to moving real-life adaptations.
We have a selection of excellent sports movies on Netflix if you’re sick of looking through lengthy lists of sports movies and having trouble picking one. Kids’ sports movies and motivational sports movies are on the list.
15 of the Best Sports Movies on Netflix
15. Raging Bull
- Director: Martin Scorsese
- Writers: Jake LaMotta, Joseph Carter, Peter Savage
- Cast: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
In their third filmmaking endeavor together, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro chose to focus on the life of renowned boxer Jake LaMotta. This film has a pretty unusual strategy, thanks to Scorsese.
He chooses to focus more on the inner struggles of his main character than on his professional accomplishments. LaMotta’s personal history of violence is on display, and we can see how this aspect of him manifests in the way he handles his boxing rivals.
Why did Martin Scorsese decide to make #RagingBull black and white? Find out in this behind the scenes look 🎬 pic.twitter.com/RhpHP3EDW6
— MGM Studios (@mgmstudios) November 2, 2021
Raging Bull Review:
In contrast to other sports movies, this one is more of a character study. The movie has excellent quality in every technical element. The photography, which brilliantly conveys the ferocity of LaMotta’s fights, as well as the great editing, all contribute to the film’s overall impact.
14. Under the Arctic Sky
- Director: Chris Burkard
- Writer: Chris Burkard, Ben Weiland
- Cast: Chris Burkard, Sam Hammer, Steve Hawk
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
A stunning film with amazing cinematography and editing.
Under the Arctic Sky Plot:
This stunning marvel tells the tale of six young surfers who come to Iceland’s North Coast in search of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure while capturing Icelandic landscapes. The film features the most incredible sight of six daring surfers flying across the most perfect, unreal waves. At the same time, the sky around them is illuminated by the Northern Lights, casting the most beautiful, contrasting hues.
13. The Fighter
- Director: David O. Russell
- Writer: Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
- Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams
- IMDb Ratings: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
The Fighter Plot:
The outstanding cast of The Fighter stars Mark Wahlberg as Micky Ward, a character who needs help. Dicky, my half-brother, is a retired boxer who is engulfed in the horrors of drugs, booze, and long-lost boxing glory, and he is portrayed by Christian Bale.
However, Dicky finds a way to overcome his habits and gives formal training to his brother. Micky embarks on an unusual mission to win the world light welterweight belt with the aid of his brother. This is also a redemption story and is based on a true story.
12. High Flying Bird
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Writer: Tarell Alvin McCraney
- Cast: André Holland, Melvin Gregg, Eddie Tavares
- IMDb Ratings: 6.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
In 2019, Steven Soderbergh collaborated with Netflix to produce the outstanding sports drama High Flying Bird.
High Flying Bird Plot:
The movie’s main character is a sports agent, Ray Burke, who works for a corporation that is now locked out. The sports agent Ray searches for ways to maintain his job while simultaneously saving his company out of fear that he will soon be dismissed. His innovative scheme has the potential to completely alter the sports sector.
In addition to being a gripping story, High Flying Bird raises significant issues concerning the subculture of sports. We can see a hint of Soderbergh’s trademark inventive and well-plotted films in High Flying Bird. It is one of the best sports movies on Netflix.
11. Iverson
- Director: Zatella Beatty
- Cast: Allen Iverson, Tom Brokaw, Larry Brown
- IMDb Ratings: 7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%
Allen Iverson’s highs and lows are chronicled in the unvarnished documentary Iverson.
Iverson Plot:
Iverson had a clear desire to rise above his difficult upbringing and eventually become an 11-time NBA All-Star and be referred to as “The Answer.” But it wasn’t just his brilliant career that set him apart from other young athletes; his unorthodox playing style propelled him to fame among young people.
Let's celebrate #FilmFatales member Zatella Beatty. Her feature documentary IVERSON debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival! #FilmFatales #Iverson #ZatellaBeatty #BlackHistoryMonth2021 pic.twitter.com/A4xfngPt5B
— Film Fatales (@FilmFatalesOrg) February 24, 2021
The NBA’s then-unconventional culture featuring baggy clothing and sleeve tattoos was popularized by Allen Iverson, a contentious and divisive figure. Although Allen Iverson was undoubtedly not a saint, he did succeed in founding a sort of contemporary religion.
10. Undefeated
- Director: Daniel Lindsay, T. J. Martin
- Cast: Bill Courtney, O.C. Brown, Montrail ‘Money’ Brown
- IMDb Ratings: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Every successful sports team has a dedicated coach at its side. ‘Undefeated‘ tells the tale of three footballers from disadvantaged backgrounds who are taught by their volunteer coach and try to beat the odds both on and off the field.
Undefeated Review:
The relevance of all the lessons kids learn on the field and the enormous value that sports have on one’s life are both highlighted in the film. The picture is for all sports fans who want to see a truly touching masterpiece, not just those who love football. Because Undefeated is not simply a film but a true story, it went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary.
9. The Battered Bastards of Baseball
- Director: Chapman Way, Maclain Way
- Cast: Bing Russell, Kurt Russell, Ken Wheeler
- IMDb Ratings: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Did you know that Kurt Russell played baseball for a baseball establishment coached by his father, Bing Russell, in the minor leagues?
Many didn’t either, actually. Well, until Warner Bros. proved it through this sports movie.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball Plot:
The aforementioned video details how Bing Russell, best known for his parts in “Bonanza” and “The Magnificent Seven,” founded the Portland Mavericks baseball team with a group of players who had previously been turned down by professional baseball in The Battered Bastards of Baseball.
The independent team received harsh criticism, and professionals thought that a group of players who had been rejected would never gel. However, they showed a spotless record in baseball and were well beyond everyone’s predictions, even when other players strike.
I never knew about the story of the Portland Mavericks baseball team mainly because it was about a decade before my time. What a story! Something out of a movie. “The Battered Bastards of Baseball” documentary on Netflix is a must for any baseball fan. pic.twitter.com/42AlroMCmf
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) March 24, 2021
The film by Warner Bros tells the very inspirational tale of a man who created something incredibly special and lovely out of enthusiasm for his sport. It is a good sports movie and will give you underdog stories for the ages.
8. Ali
- Director: Michael Mann
- Writer: Gregory Allen Howard, Stephen J. Rivele, Christopher Wilkinson
- Cast: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight
- IMDb Ratings: 6.7
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
Young boxer Cassius Clay wins his first title. He goes on to achieve greater levels of renown due to his conversion to Islam, his refusal to fight in Vietnam, and other contentious decisions. A biography of Muhammad Ali emphasizes his victories and controversy between 1964 and 1974.
7. The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience
- Director: Akiva Schaffer, Mike Diva
- Cast: Amari Avery, Jed Dy, Allan Kournikova
- IMDb Ratings: 6.9
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The comedy rap trio, The Lonely Island has a Netflix special called The Lonely Island Presents: The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience. Andy Samberg portrays Jose Canseco in the program, billed as a “visual poem,” while Akiva Schaffer portrays Mark McGwire. It is directed by Mike Diva and Akiva Schaffer.
.@thelonelyisland's 'The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience' is one of the best Netflix movies of 2019!
Full list -> https://t.co/IKcunXCGmB pic.twitter.com/xGr5IAUe4W
— Collider Extras (@ColliderVideo) December 24, 2019
When Canseco and McGwire were the Bash Brothers were played for the Oakland Athletics in the 1980s, it is presented as a rap album they wrote and recorded. On May 23, 2019, it and a companion album were made available. It was intended to coincide with the A’s 1989 championship season, which turned 30 years old this weekend if you’re preparing to watch a sports movie with them.
6. First Match
- Director: Olivia Newman
- Writer: Olivia Newman
- Cast: Elvire Emanuelle, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Colman Domingo
- IMDb Ratings: 6.4
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
First Match Plot:
The narrative of a young woman named Monique is at the center of the Netflix original sports movie First Match. Monique is a strong child who is savvy about her surroundings because she spent her entire childhood in foster care without her father. Her father was a world-champion wrestler, but they are no longer in touch due to various family incidents.
The #SXSW LUNA Gamechanger Award for Narrative Feature goes to First Match directed by Olivia Newman. pic.twitter.com/kH5M1u5DQ3
— SXSW (@sxsw) March 14, 2018
Monique experienced a rough upbringing and became accustomed to violence at a young age. Monique thinks she can win her father’s love if she accomplishes something admirable in the wrestling world and becomes one of the Olympic athletes.
She is invited to train with the team when the wrestling coach at her school recognizes her potential. Despite being the only female in the group, Monique quickly distinguishes herself as the best.
Will she be able to achieve her lifelong goals?
First Match Review:
There is no other coming-of-age narrative like this one. There are not many movies revolving around this plot, but it is a great one at that.
A terrific tale and outstanding directing by Olivia Newman support Elvire Emanuelle’s outstanding performance as Monique in the sports movie. This is one of the best sports movies inspiring young women. She literally fights like Bruce Lee.
5. Warrior
- Director: Gavin O’Connor
- Writer: Gavin O’Connor, Anthony Tambakis, Cliff Dorfman
- Cast: Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton
- IMDb Ratings: 6.1
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 33%
Tommy, a former Marine, returns home and trains with his father for a mixed martial arts match.
However, since he’ll be competing against his own brother, there’s more at risk in this bout than just the cash. Nick Nolte did an amazing job. This movie surely is million-dollar baby.
4. Goon
- Director: Michael Dowse
- Writer: Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg, Adam Frattasio
- Cast: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill
- IMDb Ratings: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 81%
The character of Doug Glatt, who excels at nothing but fighting, is played by Sean William Scott, who is most recognized for his work in the American Pie series.
Goon Plot:
A minor league hockey coach approaches him and offers him a spot on his team in the hopes that he can exploit his fighting prowess to the best advantage. Doug begins out as a total slacker, but he quickly picks up skating and gains the respect of his team and others around him.
Glatt’s simple chance to serve as the team’s enforcer develops into a path of self-actualization and professional accomplishment as he guides his hockey squad to victory. Their presence changed the game forever.
3. Icarus
- Director: Bryan Fogel
- Writer: Bryan Fogel, Mark Monroe, Jon Bertain
- Cast: Bryan Fogel, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin
- IMDb Ratings: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
In sports movies and on sports channels, sports are frequently glamorized in the most stunning ways. But we never truly see what goes on behind the scenes, in shady, dark basements, behind the closed doors of gyms, within the safe havens of an athlete’s home, etc.
Icarus Review:
The documentary Icarus explores, or perhaps I should say, exposes, the less noble aspects of sports. Bryan Fogel, who won an Academy Award for directing this documentary, initially set conducted his own research to learn the truth about doping in athletics. However, subsequently met a Russian researcher.
I learned that Sacker's project has major backers: It's being "advised" by Bryan Fogel, Academy Award winning maker of Icarus and The Dissident.
Here's Fogel with Dissident producer Thor Halvorssen, a neocon operative whose Oslo Freedom Forum trains US-backed oppo activists. pic.twitter.com/b1RIxIGiio
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) January 14, 2021
His chance encounter places him at the center of a global conspiracy, shady politics, and the dirtiest sports scandals in history. This sports movie has won an Oscar for best documentary feature.
2. Rush
- Director: Ron Howard
- Writer: Peter Morgan
- Cast: Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde
- IMDb Ratings: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
You might recognize two actors from a particular cinematic universe in Ron Howard’s account of the rivalry between legendary Formula 1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt but watch it for the exhilaration of a frequently misunderstood sport rather than just to see Thor and Baron Zemo dressed differently.
FUN FACT: In the movie RUSH (2013), Chris Hemsworth wears a fun lil top hat 🙂 pic.twitter.com/jXItFDx9oj
— Joe Browne© (@THEjoebrowne) April 21, 2021
Rush Review:
Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl, who portray the brilliant and meticulous Lauda and the British Hunt, respectively, anchor the sports movie with a years-long rivalry that the script (by Peter Morgan, who also wrote The Queen and Frost/Nixon) over-inflates around the framework of their genuine friendship and respect. Many assume that they hit play to watch Thor but don’t worry, this one will be a completely different experience too.
1. Love and Basketball
- Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Writer: Gina Prince-Bythewood
- Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Glenndon Chatman
- IMDb Ratings: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Gina Prince-Bythewood, who has more recently brought you The Old Guard and The Woman King, made her directorial debut with this sports drama romance, working from her own script.
Love & Basketball Plot:
In the sports movie Love & Basketball, Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps play Monica and Quincy, two young basketball players who struggle to choose between their love for one another and their passion for the game. The primary couple had an off-the-charts connection right up to their final face-off on their home court, demonstrating that trash talk can be even sexier than pillow talk.
The story spans nearly 20 years, from their boy/girl-next-door meet-cute to heartbreaking adult decisions about their futures. The first of many Black idols that the late Chadwick Boseman would represent before his tragically early death at the height of his powers less than ten years later, Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to have a career in Major League Baseball, was cast in this 2013 biopic, was his greatest break yet.
9) love and basketball pic.twitter.com/yazNW4cLhm
— Victor Babatunde (@vhic_tore) October 17, 2022
This has all the power players. However, it’s also noteworthy for demonstrating Monica’s talent in equal measure to Quincy’s and demonstrating that a man’s goals don’t have to be the only motivating factor. Just so you know, Michael Jordan also appreciated the movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which Netflix football movie is based on a true story?
Ans: American Underdog is a 2021 American biographical sports film about National Football League (NFL) quarterback Kurt Warner. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, the film follows Warner’s journey as an undrafted player who ascended to winning Super Bowl XXXIV.
Q2: What are some funny sports movies on Netflix?
Ans: Some of the funny sports movies on Netflix are Goon: Last of the Enforcers, Baseketball, The Benchwarmers, Nacho Libre, Russell Madness, Sudani From Nigeria, and Rembat.
Q3: What are the family sports movies on Netflix?
Ans: Some of the family sports movies on Netflix are Southpaw, The Short Game, First Match, Dangal, Soorma, The Fighter, and Amateur.
