48 Best Sport Movies & Documentaries (Updated 2022) — Hollywood & Bollywood Combined
Today we rank the best sport movies & documentaries.
Welcome to the “All of the Above” best sport movies & documentaries ranking list. We consider it all — Sports drama films, biopics, documentaries, streaming platform content, Hollywood, Bollywood, American football, soccer, cricket, boxing, and more.
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.
- American Football: Rudy (1993), Invincible (2006), Draft Day (2014), Concussion (2015), Safety (2020), Man in the Arena (2021), American Underdog (2021), Hard Knocks (2022)
- Baseball: 42 (2013)
- Basketball: White Men Can’t Jump (1992), Hoop Dreams (1994), Coach Carter (2005), The Way Back (2020), Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), They Call Me Magic (2022), Hustle (2022)
- Boxing: Rocky Series, Ali (2001), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Irudu Suutru/Saala Khadoos (2016), Mukkabaaz (2017)
- Cricket: Chakda ‘Xpress (TBD), Ben Stokes: Phoenix from the Ashes (TBD), Kai Po Che, Ferrari Ki Sawari
- Field Hockey: Soorma (2018)
- Miscellaneous: ESPN 30 for 30 (ex: OJ: Made in America), 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), Ford v Ferrari (2019), Schumacher (2021)
- Rugby: Invictus (2009)
- Soccer/Association Football: Goal Trilogy (2005), 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.
48. 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.
47. 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.
46. 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.
45. 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.
44. 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.
43. 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.
42. 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.
41. Azhar (2016)
- Sport: Cricket
- Genre: Sports Drama, Biography
- Language: Hindi
The movie explores the larger than life character of Indian captain Mohammad Azharrudin, and his interpretation of the 2000 match fixing scandal.
40. 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.
39. 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.
38. 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.
37. 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.
36. 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.
35. 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.
34. 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?
33. 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.
32. 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?
31. 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.
30. 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.
29. 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.
28. 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?
27. 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.
26. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
- Sports: Track & Field
- Genre: Sports Drama
- Language: Hindi
Story of two competing colleges in a sport tournament — A classic.
25. Jersey (2022)/Jersey (2018)
- Sport: Cricket
- Genre: Sports Drama
- Language: Telugu (original 2018)/ Hindi (2022 — official remake
Where to Watch: Netflix
Fictional yet emotional movie based on a father’s drive to fight societal & physical for the sake of his son.
Read Complete Review Here: Jersey Movie Review Hindi: A Cricket Movie about Inspirational Comebacks, Mental Health Struggles, and Societal Pressure
24. 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
23. 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.
22. 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.
21. 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?
20. Rise (2022)
- Sports: Basketball
- Genre: Biographical Drama
- 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.
19. 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
18. 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.
17. Mary Kom (2014)
- Sport: Boxing
- Genre: Biography
- Language: Hindi
Priyanka Chopra nails her role in the true story of Olympic medal winner, Mary Kom.
16. 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.
15. 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.
14. Rocky Series (1976-)
- Sport: Wrestling
- Genre: Sports Drama
- Language: Hindi
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)
13. They Call Me Magic (2022)
- Sport: Basketball
- Genre: Documentary
- Language: English
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.
12. 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.
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11. 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.
10. 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).
9. 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.
8. 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.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgA0hlEQTgs
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”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ4YSXv6Xkg
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWJs2Gof538
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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.
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