Sports documentaries offer a unique look into the world of athletes, highlighting not only their triumphs but the challenges, losses and relentless dedication that define their journey. Netflix, with its ever-growing catalog of documentaries, has capitalized on this narrative by delivering in-depth, behind-the-scenes shows that go far beyond the traditional talking head format. For fans, it’s a chance to see the highs and lows that make sports more than just a game.
Whether it’s the high-stakes tension of tennis in break point, The resilience of pro football players in Receiver And quarterbackOr the inspiring comebacks featured in Last chance US, These documentaries offer unparalleled access to moments that were once off-limits to viewers. With a focus on a diverse range of sports – from Formula 1 to gymnastics – these films not only celebrate athletics, but also explore the deeper emotional connections athletes have to their sports.
10
The Last Dance
The documentary was released in 2020
The Last Dance Earns its top spot among Netflix sports documentaries with a 97% rotten tomatoes Rank and 91 on Metacritic. The series offers an in-depth look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ iconic 1997-98 season, blending archival footage with candid interviews. Critics, including CNN and The New York TimesPraise its immersive storytelling, making it more than just a sports documentary – it’s a cultural phenomenon.
The combination of its high-stakes storytelling and stunning basketball footage secures its place as one of the best sports documentaries on Netflix.
Director Jason Hehir’s masterful editing captures Jordan’s magnetism and intensity, while also exploring the drama surrounding the Bulls dynasty. Despite some concerns about Jordan’s involvement in the production, Hehir maintains editorial control, providing a balanced and engaging picture. The combination of its high-stakes storytelling and stunning basketball footage secures its place as one of the best sports documentaries on Netflix.
9
Formula 1: Drive to survive
The documentary was released in 2019
Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a gripping docuseries that takes viewers behind the scenes of the Formula 1 racing world, offering unprecedented access to the drivers, team managers and team owners over multiple seasons. It showcases the intense competition, personal sacrifices, and thrilling dynamics of the sport, revealing the physical and mental challenges faced by participants. The series highlights the rivalries and friendships that define Formula 1, making it a must-watch for both hardcore fans and newcomers to the sport.
- Figure
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Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Valtteri Botta, Marcus Ericsson, Charles Leclerc, Kevin Magnussen, Sebastian Vettel
- Release date
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March 8, 2019
- Seasons
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5
- creator(s)
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James Gay-Rees, Paul Martin
Formula 1: Drive to survive Secures its place as one of Netflix’s best sports documentaries by transforming Formula 1 into a global phenomenon. With gripping episodes like “man on fireHolding a near-perfect IMDb rating of 9.4/10, viewers witness the dramatic 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix crash, where Romain Grosjean miraculously survives a fiery wreck, making this documentary an adrenaline-pumping watch.
The emotional depth of the show shines through episodes like “Raging bulls“ and “The Comeback Kid” which explores the fierce rivalries, driver demos and the human element of racing. The combination of high-octane action and personal drama delivers Drive to survive A beach, which makes it a must-watch for both sports fans and newcomers.
8
Senna
The documentary was released in 2024
Senna is a Netflix original biographical series focusing on Brazilian Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. Young Hearts star Gabriel Leone portrays Ayrton Senna’s life in the six-episode series, with the Senna family giving their blessing to the actor.
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Gabriel Leone, Matt Mella, Johannes Heinrichs, Joe Hurst, Steven Mackintosh, Patrick Kennedy
- Seasons
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1
- Writers
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Thais Falcão, Álvaro Mamute, James Daniel Wilson
- Directors
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Vicente Amorim, Julia Rezende
Cena earns his place among the top sports documentaries with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film captures the life and legacy of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna through archive footage, bringing to life his exciting career and emotional journey.
Critics like The Guardian And Empire Healed Senna For its live-action drama approach, using real footage to immerse viewers in Sena’s world. With compelling storytelling and breathtaking race scenes, the documentary offers more than just Formula 1 history – it delivers a riveting human story.
7
Last chance US
The documentary was released in 2016
Netflix presents Last Chance U, a sports documentary series that follows different college football campus programs and the student-athletes within, emphasizing the struggles they have balancing school, training and personal life. As many of these young men find themselves at a crossroads with only one shot left to make it at the collegiate level, the show centers on the support they receive from their academic advisors as they try to cope with the increasingly insurmountable expectations of their coaches.
- Release date
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July 29, 2016
- Seasons
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8
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Greg Wheatley
Last chance US Ranked among Netflix’s best sports documentaries, with an impressive IMDb rating of 8.4 and a Metacritic score of 79. The series is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of junior college football players’ quest for redemption, as it chronicles their journey filled with academic hurdles, personal hardships and athletic ambitions. SB Nation praised it as a “Carefully crafted drama“, highlighting the strong character development that draws viewers into the lives of the athletes. The series captures the essence of second chances, making it resonate deeply with audiences who appreciate authentic storytelling.
Last chance US Not only entertaining, but also inspiring viewers to empathize with the athletes’ determination to overcome obstacles, reinforcing its status as a standout documentary in sports media.
What sets the show apart is its blend of intense football action with the grim realities of life faced by the young athletes in Last chance US. The story extends beyond the field, showing their struggles with family, self-doubt and societal expectations. This emotional depth enriches the viewing experience, transforming the series into a compelling exploration of resilience. By focusing on the underdog narrative, Last chance US Not only entertaining, but also inspiring viewers to empathize with the athletes’ determination to overcome obstacles, reinforcing its status as a standout documentary in sports media.
6
Last Chance U: Basketball
The documentary was released in 2021
The documentary series follows the East Los Angeles College Huskies basketball team as they strive for success under the guidance of a passionate coach. It explores the players’ ambitions to achieve major college recruitment, while highlighting their personal challenges and growth on and off the court.
- Figure
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John Mosley, Kenneth Hunter, Rob Robinson
- Release date
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March 10, 2021
- Seasons
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2
Last Chance U: Basketball Also earning high marks with an IMDb score of 8.3 and a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Underline its critical acclaim. The series delves into the lives of junior college basketball players facing significant challenges, going beyond the game to reveal the personal struggles that shape their identity. The emotional depth and intense focus on the underdogs resonated with audiences, making it a standout in the sports documentary genre. Critics have praised its fresh approach to storytelling, blending gripping sports action with heartfelt stories, which sets it apart from typical sports documentaries.
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The direction and pacing of Last Chance U: Basketball Contribute significantly to its success, with a powerful soundtrack that interweaves hip-hop culture with the high-stakes environment of junior college basketball. The passion shown by coaches and the resilience exhibited by players are palpable throughout the series, drawing viewers into their world. The combination of elements makes it accessible not only to sports fans but also to a wider audience. By highlighting the rise of athletes to personal growth and success, the series solidifies its place among the best sports documentaries, capturing the essence of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
5
Captain of the world
The documentary was released in 2023
Captain of the world Secures a spot on the list with an IMDb score of 8.3/10 and a strong global impact, ranking as Netflix’s 4th most watched show in its first week with 348 million hours watched. Its compelling narrative and focus on the leadership journeys of football captains offer an inspiring look at what it takes to lead on and off the pitch.
The series resonates deeply with viewers, blending sports action with personal growth, making it a must-watch for fans of leadership and sports documentaries.
With over 60 countries placing it in Netflix’s Top 10The series resonates deeply with viewers, blending sports action with personal growth, making it a must-watch for fans of leadership and sports documentaries.
4
Tour de France: Unchained 8.2
The documentary was released in 2023
Tour de France: Unchained is a 2023 documentary series that offers an inside look at the intense and grueling journey of cyclists competing in the world’s most famous bicycle race. From training sessions to the emotional highs and lows of the race, the series provides unparalleled access to the personal and professional experiences of riders, capturing the essence of endurance and spirit at the Tour de France.
- Figure
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Alec Newman
- Release date
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June 8, 2023
- Seasons
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1
Tour de France: Unchained Claims its spot on the list with an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2 and a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Released in June 2023, the series gained significant traction, amassing 36.1 million viewing hours and ranking in the top 10 in 15 countries, highlighting its widespread appeal.
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Offering an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the prestigious cycling event, Unchained Outperformed other sports documentaries, garnering a positive critical reception. As it prepares for its second season, the series shows strong momentum and potential for continued growth in viewership, reflecting the growing interest in cycling and sports documentaries on Netflix.
3
Beckham
The documentary was released in 2023
Beckham (English: Beckham) is a biographical documentary series that focuses on the famous football player David Beckham, exploring his life and career. Beckham reveals more about the football legend using never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews. From his time at Manchester United to the challenges of his personal life, Beckham is giving fans a closer look into his private world than ever before.
- Figure
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David Beckham, Victoria Beckham
- Release date
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October 4, 2023
- Seasons
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1
Beckham Secures its place in the rankings with an IMDb rating of 8.1 and an approval rating of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. Released on October 4, 2023, the series made a significant impact, and was watched for an impressive 59 million hours in the first week. The documentary offers an intimate look into the life and career of David Beckham, showing his rise to fame and the challenges he faced. Its acclaim is underscored by five Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, cementing its status as a standout production in sports documentaries.
2
The Dawn Wall 8.1
The documentary was released in 2017
- Director
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Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer
- Release date
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March 11, 2018
- Figure
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Tommy Caldwell, John Branch, Kevin Jorgeson, Beth Rodden, Becca Peach
- runtime
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101 minutes
The Dawn Wall Has a remarkable 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 18 critic reviews, and an average rating of 8.7/10. It received a score of 81 out of 100 on Metacritic, which indicates “Universally acclaimed.” The documentary was recognized with several awards, including the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival and the Best Mountaineering Film at the Trento Film Festival. The accolades reflect its quality and impact in the documentary genre.
The film chronicles climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Georgeson as they attempt to scale the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. With an IMDb rating of 8.1 and nominations for notable awards, including the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, it has been praised for its captivating perseverance in the face of adversity. Its compelling narrative and stunning visuals contribute to its ranking among the best sports documentaries available.
1
Athlete A
The documentary was released in 2020
Athlete A is a documentary that reveals the extensive sexual abuse scandal involving USA Gymnastics and doctor Larry Nassar. Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk, the film follows the investigative journalists at the Indianapolis Star who exposed the abuse, along with the testimony of the brave survivors who came forward. The documentary emphasizes the systemic failures and the fight for justice in the sport.
- Director
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Bonnie Cohen, Jon Shenk
- Release date
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June 24, 2020
- Figure
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Maggie Nichols, Gina Nichols
- runtime
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103 minutes
Athlete A Is highly regarded, with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 60 critic reviews, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The site’s consensus emphasizes its unflinching examination of systemic abuses in gymnastics. On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 85 out of 100, indicating “universal acclaim.” The documentary won the Critics’ Choice Documentary Award for Best Sports Documentary and was nominated for Best Documentary Feature and Best Director, reflecting his significance in both the sports and documentary genres.
The film documents the investigative work of reporters from The Indianapolis Star That uncovered numerous allegations of sexual assault against USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. It centers on gymnast Maggie Nichols, referred to as “Athlete A“ To protect her identity, highlighting her pivotal role in bringing these issues to light. The documentary’s thorough portrayal of the challenges of survivors and the systemic failures in the sport has contributed to its status as one of the best sports documentaries, deserving recognition for its impact on awareness and inspiring change in athletic organizations.