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61 Best Sport Movies, TV Shows, & Documentaries (Updated 2023) – Hollywood & Bollywood Combined

Today we rank the best sport movies & documentaries.

Welcome to the “All of the Above” best sport movies, TV shows, & documentaries ranking list. We consider everything sports – drama films, biopics, sports documentaries, streaming platform content, Hollywood, Bollywood, English, Hindi, Spanish, American football, soccer, cricket, boxing, and more. Let’s cut to the chase.

The best sport movie of all time is Remember the Titans followed closely by the Blind Side, while Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run) makes the cut as the best Bollywood sports movie.

List of Best Sports Movies and Documentaries

Disclaimer: This list is based upon the movies I have watched so far, but here are some sports films on my watchlist.

Currently Watching: Man in the Arena (2021), Becoming Champions (2018), Welcome to Wrexham (2022)

  • American Football: Rudy (1993), Draft Day (2014), Concussion (2015), American Underdog (2021), Hard Knocks (2022)
  • Baseball: 42 (2013), Eight Men Out (1988)
  • Basketball: White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Hoop Dreams (1994), The Way Back (2020), Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), Glory Road (2006)
  • Boxing: Raging Bull (1980), Ali (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Irudu Suutru/Saala Khadoos (2016), Mukkabaaz (2017), Mike (2022)
  • Cricket: Chakda ‘Xpress (TBD), Kai Po Che
  • Golf: The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)
  • Miscellaneous: ESPN 30 for 30 (ex: OJ: Made in America), Cool Runnings (1993), Kai Po Che (2013), I Tonya (2017), Free Solo (2018), Icarus (2017), Budhia Singh – Born to Run (2018), Saand ki Aankh (2019), The Way Back (2020), Saina (2021), 14 Peaks, Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Off (2022), Hawaa Hawaai (2014)
  • Racing: Rush (2013), Schumacher (2021)
  • Rugby: Invictus (2009)
  • Soccer/Association Football: Escape to Victory (1981), Goal Trilogy (2005), The Damned United (2009), All or Nothing (Arsenal 2022, Tottenham Hotspurs, etc.), Diego Maradona (2019), Bigil (2019), Jaadugar (2022)
  • Tennis: Venus & Serena (2012), Borg vs McEnroe (2017), King Richard (2021), Serena (2022)

These will be added one by one to the ranking list once I have finished watching them.

61. Apne (2007)

  • Sport: Boxing
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

In the most literal sense, it is a family-driven boxing drama marred by false doping accusation.

60. Dil Bole Hadippa! (2009)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Sports Drama/Rom-Com
  • Language: Hindi

Girl playing cricket by concealing her identity in an all-boys’ team. A bit of romance and of course, an India-Pakistan local club match as well.

59. Brothers (2015)/ Warriors (2011)

  • Sport: MMA (mixed martial arts)
  • Genre: Sports drama (fiction)
  • Language: Brothers (Hindi), Warriors (English)

Brothers is the official Bollywood remake of the 2011 American film, Warriors.

58. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: Hindi, English, Marathi

Documenting the journey of the greatest cricketer of all-time, the film explores the life behind the scenes and how he battled pressure while giving people hope. Great background music by AR Rahman as well.

57. Space Jam (1996)

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Genre: Sports fantasy, live-action & animation
  • Language: English

In the age of Marvel & Avengers, Space Jam looks like a joke in animation. Michael Jordan flying with Bugs Bunny and getting kidnapped in outer space isn’t exactly bingeworthy material, but if you are a sports fan, you have to watch it once in your life. Considered a classic.

56. Home Team (2022)

  • Sports: American Football
  • Genre: Comedy/Biography
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Netflix

Any movie with Kevin James is bound to be funny. A college football star coach who was removed from duty due to an investigation goes on to coach his son’s middle school football team. A good watch.

55. MS Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

Based on Indian captain MS Dhoni’s journey before he broke into stardom, the movie explores his family life, love angles, & early struggles. Late Sushant Singh Rajput did justice to the role, but the story & direction were a bit short. Good first half, but the story isn’t as tight in the second half. It did not help that the movie was released during the latter years of Dhoni’s career, before his retirement.

54. Sultan (2015)

  • Sport: Wrestling
  • Genre: Sports drama
  • Language: Hindi

Sultan is a fictional drama based on a couple who are both professional wrestlers and develop ego clashes along the way.

53. Azhar (2016)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Sports Drama, Biography
  • Language: Hindi

The movie explores the larger-than-life character of Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin, and his interpretation of the 2000 match fixing scandal.

52. Welcome to Wrexham (2022)

  • Sport: Soccer
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English (both American & British accents with a slight dose of Welsh)

Where to Watch: FX on Hulu

Imagine Deadpool’s actor Ryan Reynolds. Now imagine Rob McElhenney. Now imagine they randomly bought a fourth division team in Wales and try to resurrect it and promote it to the next level. Well, this is exactly what happened. Some humor, mostly reality, and a bit of soccer as well. Basically, Ted Lasso but in real-life.

*Note: I have only watched 5 episodes so far. This ranking is subject to change. 15 episodes will be released in total by the end of the season.

51. Becoming Champions (2018-)

  • Sport: Soccer/Association Football
  • Genre: Documentary Series
  • Language: Multiple Languages (Spanish, French, English, etc.)

Where to Watch: Netflix

The journeys of the 10 FIFA World Cup winners and how it all fit in the history of their respective countries. Good watch, but I have one complaint – there were a few World Cup clips, but not enough for a soccer documentary. Lots of newspaper cuttings instead.

50. Beyond the Boundary (2020)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Netflix

This hour-long film documents the 2020 T20 World Cup – a watershed moment in women’s cricket. Watch it for the inspirational journey of Thailand and the India-Australia final.

49. Toofan (2021)

  • Sport: Boxing
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Amateur fighter turned boxer gets banned for five years due to corruption and attempts to make a comeback.

48. Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007)

  • Sport: Racing
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

A carefree star NASCAR drive whose life turns upside down after a life-threatening crash.

47. Soorma (2018)

  • Sport: Field Hockey
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Based on the true story of India’s drag flicker specialist, Sandeep Singh, this is an inspirational story of a comeback of from being shot and paralyzed.

46. 99 (2009)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Crime Comedy
  • Language: Hindi

Not quite a sports movie in its entirety, 99 is a fictional behind the scenes underworld account of the match-fixing & betting scandal that married the India-South Africa series.

45. Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes (2022)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Live through Ben Stokes’ ups and downs of his iconic career, rising from the lows of mental health break and grief to the captaincy of England cricket team.

44. Bandon Me Tha Dum (2022)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Where To Watch: Voot Select

Relive India’s dramatic victory in Australia in the players’ own words – featuring Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Pat Cummins, Vihari, Pujara, and Tim Paine himself.

Also Read: India Vs Australia Series Review 2020-21: The Greatest Story of Them All? Better Than Ashes 2005?

43. Dickie V (2022)

  • Sport: College Basketball
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+ESPN

Beautiful tribute to college basketball broadcaster, a former coach, and the face/voice of ESPN—Dick Vitale.

42. Toolsidas Junior (2022)

  • Sport: Snooker
  • Genre: ‘Coming of age’ Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Vowed to avenge his father’s defeat in a local club’s snooker competition, the young son goes out of his way to learn the game and enters the contest. Nice, cute movie.

41. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007)

  • Sport: Soccer
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Set in Southall, a predominantly South Asian community in the UK, a club overcomes their differences and comes together to play a tournament and save it from being demolished.

40. Bad Sport (2021)

  • Sports: Olympic figure skating, racing, basketball, horse riding, soccer, cricket
  • Genre: Docuseries
  • Language: English

Six episodes of hour long each exploring scandal in a different sport. Firsthand interviews make this series special.

Where to Watch: Netflix

Read Complete Review Here: Netflix ‘Bad Sport’ Fallen Idol Review: Must Watch for All Cricket Fans – How Will History Judge Hansie Cronje?

39. Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012)

  • Sports: Cricket
  • Genre: Sports Drama/Comedy
  • Language: English

Sharman Joshi shines as a middle-class man trying to come up with some money so he can send his talented son for a camp at the majestic Lord’s cricket ground.

38. Chhalaang (2020)

  • Sports: Multi-sports
  • Genre: Sports Drama/Comedy
  • Language: English

A sports film from the coach’s point of view. Funny and entertaining throughout.

37. Gold (2018)

  • Sport: Field Hockey
  • Genre: Historical Drama (based on true story)
  • Language: Hindi

On the backdrop of the Partition, the movie explores one of the all-time great field hockey teams disrupted by the separation of British India into current cay India & Pakistan.

36. 83 (2021)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

Where to Watch: Netflix

Well directed movie on Kapil Dev’s unlikely 1983 World Cup movie. Ranveer Singh and co do justice to their roles.

Read Complete Review Here: 83 Movie Review – Does the Film Do Justice to India’s Unlikely Dream 1983 World Cup Journey?

35. Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

  • Sport: Soccer
  • Genre: Sports Comedy
  • Language: English

It is a story of two girls daring to play soccer against societal pressure. Very nicely done comedy sports film.

34. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)

  • Sports: Track & Field
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Story of two competing colleges in a sport tournament—A classic.

33. Jersey (2022)/Jersey (2018)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Telugu (original 2018)/ Hindi (2022 – official remake

Where to Watch: Netflix

Directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri, Jersey is a fictional yet emotional movie based on a father’s drive to fight societal & physical for the sake of his son. The Pankaj Kapur & Shahid Kapoor starrer was a 2022 Hindi remake of the 2018 Telugu film.

Read Complete Review Here: Jersey Movie Review Hindi: A Cricket Movie about Inspirational Comebacks, Mental Health Struggles, and Societal Pressure

32. The Test: New Era for Australia’s Team (2020)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Never before seen scenes of camera in Justin Langer’s new Australia dressing room as Australia try to recover from the sandpaper gate scandal.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

31. Safety (2020)

  • Sport: College Football
  • Genre: Biographical Drama
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+

As much as it is about football, this movie is about two brothers and a community coming together. Based on the true story of Ray McElrathbey and Clemson University. If you have time, this is a nice watch.

30. Coach Carter (2005)

  • Sports: Basketball (High School)
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Netflix

An inspiring true story about a coach who halted an entire school system to make sure his basketball players became all-round students and go to college.

29. Rise (2022)

  • Sports: Basketball
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+ESPN

A movie about family & sports on the true story of the Antetokounmpo brothers – Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas from Nigeria to Greece to the NBA.

28. The Skater Girl (2021)

  • Sports: Skating
  • Genre: ‘Coming of age’ Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi/English

Where to Watch: Netflix

Inspirational story that shows how one person can have an immense impact in someone else’s life if they have the support & resources. In this case, a skateboard changes a young girl’s life who now dares to dream.

27. Kaun Pravin Tambe? (2022)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

One of the most underrated inspirational stories of a man who never gave up and finally received recognition and opportunities at the age of 41.

Where to Watch: Disney+Hotstar

Read Complete Review Here: Kaun Pravin Tambe? Movie Review: Does Shreyas Talpade Revive His Iqbal Magic?

26. Invincible (2006)

  • Sports: American Football
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+ESPN

Mark Wahlberg plays the role of real-life inspiration of Vince Papale, who ends up playing for the Philadelphia Eagles at the age of 30 without having a professional background in the sport. A story of hope, realizing dreams, and friendship.

25. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changer (2021-)

  • Sport: Ice Hockey
  • Genre: Series
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+

Nothing better than a group of misfits coming together as an underdog team. Great life lessons in this one and funny as well.

24. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)

  • Sport: Track & Field (Steeplechase)
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

Interesting twist of tale of a national level sportsman turned a rebel dacoit.

23. They Call Me Magic (2022)

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Apple TV

Brilliant documentary on one of the greatest American athletes of all time, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Jr. This documentary is as much about basketball as it is about HIV/AIDS awareness, the city of Los Angeles, the Black community, and life of a businessman.

22. Shaolin Soccer (2001)

  • Sport: Soccer
  • Genre: Sports Comedy
  • Language: Cantonese/English (dubbed)

You know what’s better than Kung Fu or soccer? How about Kung Fu in a soccer match. Add an ounce of comedy as well.

21. Shabaash Mithu (2022)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

Inspirational story about women’s cricket in India. Not only is Mithali Raj’s journey well captured, but also the growth in Indian women’s cricket (and in the mindset of the general public) from the 90’s to the 2017 ODI Cricket World Cup.

Also Read: 20 Years of Mithali Raj And Jhulan Goswami: Eternal Legends for Indian & Women Cricket

20. Big Shot (2021-)

  • Sport: High School Basketball
  • Genre: Sports Drama (TV Series)
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Disney+

Fictional story of Marvyn Korn, a star college basketball coach, who loses everything due to anger management issues. The TV series is about how he finds himself learning the important things in life and building relationships while coaching high school girls.

19. Man in the Arena: Tom Brady (2021-)

  • Sport: American Football
  • Genre: Documentary (TV Series)
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: ESPN+/Hulu

Documentary on the rise of Tom Brady. Champions are not made in a day. They are made with relentless efforts over the decades.

18. The Longest Yard (2005)/(1974)

  • Sport: American football
  • Genre: Sports Comedy
  • Language: English

The remake of the 1974 film, the 2005 version is a star cast of Adam Sandler, the Great Khali, Terry Crews, and Chris Rock. This comedy movie revolves around a football match between prisoners and guards for a reduced jail sentence.

17. Hustle (2022)

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Netflix

Adam Sandler at his best (in a serious role, yes really). Scouting a 22-year-old basketball talent from Spain, he does his all to get him to the NBA draft, even if it means to fight against all odds. Inspirational. Must watch.

16. Rocky Series (1976-)

  • Sport: Wrestling
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: English

The boxing movie that started it all and took Sylvester Stallone to stardom. If you haven’t listened to this song a million times while working out, what have you been doing?

Movies In this series: Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), Rocky Balboa (2006), Creed (2015), Creed II (2018), Creed III (2023)

15. Mary Kom (2014)

  • Sport: Boxing
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

Priyanka Chopra nails her role in the true story of Olympic medal winner, Mary Kom.

14. Air (2023)

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Genre: Biographical Sports Drama
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Prime Video

The story of Nike and how they signed Michael Jordan against all odds. With a star cast of Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Jason Bateman, this is a classic.

13. Ford v Ferrari (2019)

  • Sport: Grand Prix
  • Genre: Biographical Sports Drama
  • Language: English

Where to Watch: Prime Video

Matt Damon & Christian Bale come together for an enticing sports drama based on the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans car race.

12. Dangal (2016)

  • Sport: Wrestling
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

The highest grossing Indian movie of all-time depicting the story of Mahavir Phogat and his daughters.

11. Chak De India (2007)

  • Sport: Field Hockey
  • Genre: Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Chak De has all the ingredients of a hit sports movie – Disappointment, despair, comeback, teamwork, friendship, fights, joy, and of course, good music.

10. Iqbal (2005)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi

Depicting a deaf and mute aspirational cricketer trying to balance poverty and cricket dreams, Shreyas Talpade plays his debut role to perfection.

9. The Karate Kid Series (1984, 1986, 1989, 1994, 2010)

  • Sport: Martial Arts
  • Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Sports Drama
  • Language: English

Center to any sport is the relationship between the teacher and the student. No movie does this better as Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LeRusso. The sequels and Jackie Chan’s reboot are also pretty good (and now has the Netflix series – Cobra Kai).

8. Lagaan (2001)

  • Sport: Cricket
  • Genre: Historical Sports Drama
  • Language: Hindi/English

One of the greatest movie of Indian cinema, Lagaan is a fictional cricket match between Britishers and Indian colonists (who do not know the sport) in exchange for reduced tax.

7. Forrest Gump (1994)/Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)

  • Sport: Ping Pong (table tennis)/American Football
  • Genre: Sports Comedy
  • Language: English/Hindi (official remake)

Although not officially a sports movie, there are several sporty elements to Forrest Gump, All American college football, national level ping pong champion, and even ran across America.

6. The Last Dance (2020)

  • Sport: Basketball
  • Genre: Docuseries
  • Language: English

Where To Watch: ESPN+, Netflix

Relive the ups and downs of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, and Dennis Rodman’s career in Phil Jackson’s Chicago Bull’s six-peat victory and their final breakup.

5. Ted Lasso (2020-)

  • Sport: Soccer
  • Genre: Sports Comedy
  • Language: English (American & British)

Where to Watch: Apple TV

One of the most inspirational comedy shows in recent times. Comedy, drama, team spirit, mental health issues, and a bit of relegation-promotion soccer drama – this series has it all. Here’s my favorite scene from Ted Lasso

“Be Curious, Not Judgmental”

4. Moneyball (2011)

  • Sport: Baseball
  • Genre: Sports Drama (based on a true story)
  • Language: English

Not many books and movies can say they have had as much of a dramatic effect as Moneyball did. Data and statistics have changed sports all around the world, thanks to Billy Beane’s revolution at Oakland.

3. The Blind Side (2009)

  • Sport: American football
  • Genre: ‘Coming of Age’ Biography
  • Language: English

This movie is as much a sport movie as it is a film about a mother and a son. The film depicts ‘Big Mike’ Michael Oher’s journey from poverty to the NFL via adoption into the Tuohy family. Sandra Bullock gives a performance of the generation by her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

2. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)

  • Sport: Track & Field (400 m)
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: Hindi

The movie that began Bollywood’s obsession with biopics. Farhan Akthar’s stupendous transformation into Milkha Singh’s character is breathtaking. No other Indian sports movie has been able to match the direction, story, and filming of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

1. Remember the Titans

  • Sport: American football
  • Genre: Biography
  • Language: English

And Remember the Titans is #1 on our Best Sport Movie & Documentaries list. Based on a true story, high school football becomes central in racial integration. There was conflict, tension, inspiration, and happiness. Here are some of the inspirational moments from the movie. Denzel Washington at his absolute best.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Best Sports Movies & Documentaries

What is the best sports movie of all time?

Remember the Titans has to be the best sports movie of all time, followed closely by, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the best Bollywood biopic of all time.

Who is Anil Mehta?

Anil Mehta is a cinematographer, famous for his contributions to India sports films like Lagaan and Jersey.

What are the best new 2022 sport movies and documentaries?

Hustle, Shabaash Mithu, They Call Me Magic, Bandho Ma Tha Dum, Kaun Pravin Tambe, and Welcome to Wrexham are some of the best 2022 sports movies & documentaries (across languages and genres).

What are the best cricket movies and documentaries?

Lagaan, Iqbal, Shabaash Mithu, Kaun Pravin Tambe, The Test, Jersey, 83, Ferrari Ki Sawari, Bad Sport, Bandhon Mein Tha Dum, Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes, 99, Beyond the Boundary, Azhar, MS Dhoni, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sachin Tendulkar: A Billion Dreams, and Dil Bole Hadippa are the best cricket movies and documentaries of all time.

What are the best movies to watch on Netflix in 2022?

Hustle, The Skater Girl, Coach Carter, Jersey, 83, Bad Sport, Beyond the Boundary, Becoming Champions, and Home Team are some of the best sports films to watch in Netflix in 2022 and 2023.

Where can I watch Ted Lasso?

Ted Lasso is available on Apple TV.

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