Are you looking for an inspiring, dramatic, or just plain entertaining sports movie to watch on Netflix? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As a blogger who loves both sports and movies, I’ve compiled my list of the 20 best sports movies currently streaming on Netflix.
From classic underdog tales to gritty documentaries, there’s something for every sports fan on this list. So grab some popcorn, put on your lucky jersey, and get ready to cheer on your favorite fictional athletes. Here are the 20 best sports movies on Netflix:
1. Hustle (2022)
Hustle is a heartwarming basketball drama starring Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman, a down-on-his-luck NBA scout who discovers Bo Cruz (played by real-life NBA player Juancho Hernangómez), a raw but talented streetball player in Spain.
Determined to prove they both belong in the NBA, Stanley brings Bo back to the US to train for the Draft. But they must overcome obstacles on and off the court as they pursue their dreams.
With authentic basketball action and strong performances from Sandler and Hernangómez, Hustle is an entertaining and inspiring sports movie that will leave you feeling good. It’s one of the best sports movies on Netflix.
2. Love & Basketball (2000)
Love & Basketball is a classic romantic drama that follows the intertwined journeys of two talented basketball players, Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps), as they pursue their athletic ambitions while falling in and out of love.
Written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film is notable for its honest and nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by female athletes. Lathan delivers a powerful performance as the determined Monica, who refuses to give up her dreams for anyone or anything.
Spanning from childhood to adulthood, Love & Basketball is an emotional and realistic look at the intersection of sports, love, and life. It’s a must-watch for any fan of sports movies on Netflix.
3. Rush (2013)
Directed by Ron Howard, Rush is a exhilarating sports drama based on the true story of the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) during the 1976 racing season.
The film captures the danger and excitement of F1 racing with thrilling race sequences, while also exploring the complex personalities and motivations of its two leads. Hemsworth is charismatic as the brash, hard-partying Hunt, while Brühl brings depth to the disciplined and driven Lauda.
With strong direction, performances, and cinematography, Rush is a gripping and stylish sports movie that will get your adrenaline pumping. It’s easily one of the best sports movies streaming on Netflix.
4. Hoop Dreams (1994)
Hoop Dreams is a groundbreaking documentary that follows two African-American high school students, William Gates and Arthur Agee, over the course of five years as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional basketball players.
Shot in a raw, intimate style, the film provides a revealing look at the realities of growing up in inner-city Chicago and the pressures faced by young athletes. It raises thought-provoking questions about race, class, education, and the American dream.
Both heartbreaking and inspiring, Hoop Dreams is a landmark work of nonfiction filmmaking and one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made. It’s essential viewing for any fan of sports movies on Netflix.
5. Rocky (1976)
Rocky is the ultimate underdog sports drama that launched Sylvester Stallone’s career and spawned a beloved franchise. Stallone stars as Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from Philadelphia who gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot at the heavyweight title.
With its iconic training montages, quotable dialogue (“Yo, Adrian!”), and rousing finale, Rocky is the quintessential sports movie. But it’s also a moving human drama about a man overcoming the odds and going the distance.
Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Rocky is a triumphant sports classic that still packs an emotional punch nearly 50 years later. It’s one of the most iconic sports movies on Netflix.
6. Moneyball (2011)
Based on Michael Lewis’ nonfiction book, Moneyball stars Brad Pitt as Billy Beane, the real-life general manager of the Oakland A’s who pioneered a data-driven approach to building a competitive baseball team on a budget.
Directed by Bennett Miller, the film is a smart and engrossing look at the changing business of professional sports. Pitt gives one of his best performances as the determined Beane, and Jonah Hill is excellent in a supporting role as his statistical wizard assistant.
While it’s more of a sports business drama than a traditional sports movie, Moneyball is a fascinating and entertaining film that will appeal to both hardcore baseball fans and general audiences. It’s one of the most acclaimed sports movies on Netflix.
7. The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot is a charming coming-of-age sports comedy about a group of young baseball-loving friends in the summer of 1962. When Scottie Smalls moves to a new town, he joins the neighborhood sandlot team and goes on a series of misadventures involving a mean dog, a lost Babe Ruth-signed ball, and the mysterious “Beast” beyond the fence.
With its nostalgic tone, memorable characters, and quotable lines (“You’re killing me, Smalls!”), The Sandlot is a beloved family sports movie that captures the joys and pains of childhood. It’s a fun, feel-good watch for all ages.
8. A League of Their Own (1992)
A League of Their Own is a fictionalized account of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was formed during World War II when many male players were overseas. Geena Davis, Madonna, and Rosie O’Donnell star as members of the Rockford Peaches, a ragtag team that becomes a sensation under the reluctant leadership of a former MLB star played by Tom Hanks.
Directed by Penny Marshall, the film is both a hilarious sports comedy and a poignant drama that tackles issues of sexism and female empowerment. With an all-star cast and an iconic line (“There’s no crying in baseball!”), A League of Their Own is a grand slam of a sports movie.
9. The Fighter (2010)
The Fighter is a gritty, inspirational boxing drama based on the true story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a struggling boxer from Lowell, Massachusetts who gets a shot at the title with the help of his troubled brother/trainer Dicky Eklund (Christian Bale).
Directed by David O. Russell, the film features powerful performances from Wahlberg, Bale (who won an Oscar), Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. It’s an unflinching look at the tough realities of boxing and the bonds of family, both in and out of the ring.
With its authentic blue-collar setting and raw emotional intensity, The Fighter is a knockout sports movie that goes toe-to-toe with classics like Rocky and Raging Bull. It’s one of the best sports dramas you can stream on Netflix.
10. Happy Gilmore (1996)
Happy Gilmore is a silly but undeniably funny sports comedy starring Adam Sandler as the title character, a failed ice hockey player who discovers he has a talent for golf – mainly because of his powerful, unorthodox swing.
When his grandmother’s house is foreclosed on, Happy joins the pro golf tour to win back her home, clashing with the uptight country club establishment and his arrogant rival Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald).
While it’s far from a realistic portrayal of pro golf, Happy Gilmore succeeds as a lowbrow comedy thanks to Sandler’s manic energy, a string of memorable gags, and an oddly sweet grandfather-grandson relationship between Happy and his mentor Chubbs (Carl Weathers). It’s a hole-in-one for fans of goofy sports comedies.
11. The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
The Battered Bastards of Baseball is a highly entertaining sports documentary about the Portland Mavericks, an independent minor league baseball team owned by actor Bing Russell (Kurt Russell’s father) in the 1970s.
Operating outside the confines of the MLB-affiliated farm system, the rag-tag Mavericks became a sensation with their irreverent style of play, shaggy facial hair, and penchant for on-field antics. But they also had a roster of overlooked players who fought to prove they belonged in the big leagues.
Featuring interviews with former players and coaches, as well as extensive archival footage, the film is a joyful celebration of the rebellious spirit of 70s baseball. It’s a must-watch for sports history buffs and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
12. Icarus (2017)
Icarus is a shocking and provocative documentary that starts as one thing and ends up as something completely different. Director Bryan Fogel initially sets out to investigate doping in sports by experimenting with performance-enhancing drugs himself as an amateur bike racer.
But his journey takes a wild turn when he meets a Russian scientist-turned-whistleblower who reveals the existence of a state-sponsored Olympic doping program. What follows is a real-life thriller involving cover-ups, threats, and geopolitical intrigue.
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Icarus is a breathtaking exposé that pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest scandals in sports history. It’s a riveting, must-see sports doc on Netflix.
13. The Longest Yard (1974)
The Longest Yard is a classic sports comedy starring Burt Reynolds as Paul “Wrecking” Crewe, a former NFL quarterback doing time in prison. When the warden asks him to put together a team of inmates to play against the guards in a football game, Crewe sees an opportunity for redemption.
Directed by Robert Aldrich, the film is a raucous, politically incorrect romp that mixes lowbrow humor with a sly anti-authoritarian streak. Reynolds is at the height of his charismatic powers, and the climactic football game is a riot of slapstick action.
While it may not be as hilarious as it was in the 70s, The Longest Yard remains an entertaining sports comedy classic. The 2005 remake with Adam Sandler is also available on Netflix if you want a double feature.
14. 42 (2013)
42 is a reverent biopic about Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), the first African-American player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Directed by Brian Helgeland, the film follows Robinson’s early days with the Dodgers as he faces racist abuse from fans, opponents, and even some of his own teammates. Harrison Ford co-stars as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers executive who signed Robinson.
While it may be a bit conventional as a biopic, 42 is a well-acted and inspiring sports drama that pays tribute to Robinson’s courage and resilience in the face of incredible adversity. Boseman’s performance is a fitting prelude to his later portrayal of Black Panther.
15. The Short Game (2013)
The Short Game is a delightful and surprisingly suspenseful documentary about the world of competitive youth golf. The film follows eight 7-and 8-year-old golfers as they train for and compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
While the kids are almost impossibly adorable, the film doesn’t shy away from showing the intense pressure they face from their parents and coaches. But it also captures the pure joy and camaraderie they experience on the course.
Funny, heartwarming, and occasionally nerve-wracking, The Short Game is a winning sports doc that will charm viewers of all ages, whether they’re golf fans or not. It’s a hole-in-one for family movie night.
16. The Waterboy (1998)
The Waterboy is another goofy but endearing sports comedy from Adam Sandler. He stars as Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward 31-year-old who serves as the waterboy for a struggling college football team in Louisiana.
When Bobby discovers he has a talent for tackling thanks to his pent-up rage, he becomes the team’s unlikely star player, much to the dismay of his overprotective mother (Kathy Bates).
While it’s far from Sandler’s best movie, The Waterboy has enough laughs and heart to make it a worthwhile watch for fans of his brand of man-child humor. The supporting cast, including Henry Winkler as the team’s coach and Jerry Reed as Bobby’s dad, adds to the fun.
17. Pele: Birth of a Legend (2016)
Pele: Birth of a Legend is a biographical drama about the early life and career of Brazilian soccer icon Pele, widely considered the greatest player of all time. The film follows Pele’s journey from a poor childhood in Sao Paulo to his triumphant performance in the 1958 World Cup at age 17.
With a mix of Brazilian and American actors, the film captures the energy and artistry of Pele’s playing style, as well as the poverty and racism he had to overcome. While it may take some liberties with the facts, it’s an inspiring underdog story.
Soccer fans will definitely want to check out this portrait of a legend, but even non-fans can appreciate the film’s vibrant depiction of Brazilian culture and the universal power of sports to change lives. It’s not a perfect biopic, but it’s an enjoyable one.
18. Nacho Libre (2006)
Nacho Libre is a silly but sweet sports comedy from the director of Napoleon Dynamite. Jack Black stars as Ignacio, a cook at a Mexican orphanage who moonlights as a Lucha Libre wrestler to raise money for the kids.
With his tag team partner Esqueleto (Héctor Jiménez), Nacho hilariously stumbles his way through the ranks of the local wrestling circuit, facing off against rivals like Ramses (a scene-stealing Cesar Gonzalez) and trying to win the heart of the beautiful Sister Encarnación (Ana de la Reguera).
While it’s not as quotable as Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre has a similar oddball charm and a big heart beneath its absurd exterior. Black’s committed performance and the colorful Lucha Libre setting make it a fun, family-friendly sports comedy.
19. The Longshots (2008)
The Longshots is a feel-good sports drama based on the true story of Jasmine Plummer, the first female quarterback to play in the Pop Warner football tournament. Keke Palmer stars as Jasmine, a shy 11-year-old who discovers her talent for football with the help of her uncle Curtis (Ice Cube), a former high school star.
Directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst (yes, really), the film follows a familiar underdog formula as Jasmine and her team defy expectations and make it to the national championships. But Palmer and Cube have a warm, believable rapport, and the film tackles issues of gender equality in sports in a kid-friendly way.
The Longshots is a solid choice for a family movie night, especially for young girls who dream of playing with the boys. It’s an uplifting reminder that anyone can be a champion if they believe in themselves.
20. Undefeated (2011)
Undefeated is a powerful and moving documentary about the Manassas Tigers, an underfunded and underprivileged high school football team in Memphis, Tennessee. The film follows the team’s coach Bill Courtney as he tries to lead the players to their first winning season in the school’s 110-year history.
But more than just a sports doc, Undefeated is a profound look at race, class, and the challenges of growing up in poverty. It’s impossible not to be moved by the struggles and triumphs of the players, many of whom see football as their only way out of a dead-end future.
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Undefeated is a raw and unflinching but ultimately hopeful film that will stick with you long after the final whistle. It’s one of the best sports documentaries on Netflix.
From classic dramas to modern documentaries, Netflix has a great selection of sports movies that will inspire you, thrill you, and make you laugh. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just love a good story, you can’t go wrong with any of the films on this list of the 20 best sports movies on Netflix. So grab some popcorn, put on your favorite jersey, and enjoy!
