The best sports movies on Netflix UK
James R | On 08, Aug 2020
Whether you’re looking for an excuse to put off exercise, need inspiration for your latest get-fit target, or just want a fix of feel-good underdog competition when there’s no football on the telly, we round up (in no particular order) the best sports movies on Netflix UK:
This list will be updated regularly to reflect new releases and removals.
Fighting with My Family
Excellent fight scenes, a funny script and a stellar cast mean this fact-based comedy will resonate with audiences far beyond wrestling fans.
Wimbledon
Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst have chemistry to spare in this enjoyably cheesy rom-com set at the prestigious sporting tournament.
I, Tonya
Margot Robbie is never less than magnetic in this hugely entertaining, darkly funny sport biopic of America’s skating wild child.
Chalet Girl
The fantastic Felicity Jones gets a chance to take the lead in this hugely enjoyable film about a snowboarder-turned-chalet-girl for a wealthy family. But don’t be fooled: this is more sports movie than rom-com, which makes it a welcome piece of character-driven fun. Think Bridget Jones on ice.
Icarus
This sports doping documentary is an eye-opening, endlessly surprising expose of corruption.
Mercenary
Sacha Wolff’s powerfully simple sports drama is a impressive debut for both the director and his blisteringly intense star.
Goon
A heart-warming blend of blood, ice and puny brains, Goon is a thugging good sports flick.
Goon: Last of the Enforcers
What this enjoyable sports sequel lacks in laughs it makes up for with heart.
Eddie the Eagle
Dexter Fletcher’s film about the real life British skier who became an unlikely sporting legend is irresistibly feel-good stuff.
I Am Ali
Clare Lewins’ documentary about the boxing legend’s life and career is an enjoyable, informative and moving portrait.
Warrior
Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton dial the intensity up to 11 in this MMA drama about two brothers who find redemption in the ring – even when it means going up against each other. Nick Nolte brings emotional weight as their recovering alcoholic father, while director Gavin O’Connor gives enough painful realism to the gritty, brutal fight sequences that the movie ducks heavy-handed cliches and swings straight for a powerful punch to the gut.
The Battered Bastards of Baseball
Did you know Kurt Russell’s dad was the head of a baseball team? Neither did we. Following the titular troupe made up of rejects, tearaways and part-timers, Netflix’s documentary is full of the underdog charm that has tempted sports fans away from VOD all summer.
Team Foxcatcher
Netflix’s knack for spotting quality documentaries and the true story of the Foxcatcher wrestling team combine for this surprising, insightful film. If you were shocked by the Oscar-nominated drama about Olympic champion Mark Schultz, who (along with his brother, Mark) became associated with millionaire philanthropist John du Pont, this documentary is a must-watch.
Moneyball
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill are on excellent form in this drama about unsuccessful baseball prodigy Billy Beane (Pitt), who becomes the manager of the Oakland A’s – and comes up with a radical way to build a better team using maths.
Coach Carter
Controversial basketball coach Ken Carter puts school before sports and benches his undefeated high school team for poor academic performance.
Rush
Ron Howard’s streamlined story of Formula 1 rivalry delivers a thrilling rush of adrenaline, whether you’re a fan of the sport or not.
The Short Game
They are fiercely competitive athletes, determined to become champions on one of the world’s toughest golf courses. And they’re still in grade school. Netflix’s first original documentary remains charming stuff.
Creed II
This brilliantly acted sequel is too rooted in the franchise’s past, but still packs a moving punch.
Athlete A
This powerful, shocking documentary focuses on the gymnasts who survived USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse and the reporters who exposed USAG’s toxic culture.
High Flying Bird
Steven Soderbergh’s basketball drama throws us into the middle of a trade dispute in America’s NBA. Led by a sensational Andre Holland as slippery agent Ray, this slick sports drama tackles capitalism and commodification with confidence and purpose.
The Fighter
A knock-out cast, including Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, give this boxing movie’s conventional script a wallop of compassion.
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