Netflix has become the go-to place for sports documentaries that deliver so much more than last scores or championship names. These are not tales of games—these are tales of people, passion, and persistence. Whether you’re the kind who never misses a game, someone who tunes in when it comes to the dramatic finale, or simply a fan of uplifting real-life stories, there’s a documentary here that will catch your attention, pump some adrenaline into your system, and perhaps even wrench at your heartstrings.
13. Untold: Jake Pa, the Problem Child
Jake Paul’s crazy rollercoaster from online troublemaker to publicity-stunting boxer is nothing if not wild. This documentary, part of Netflix’s Untold series, has a no-holds-barred exploration of his journey, providing an inside look at the controversies, motivations, and media circus trailing in behind him to every bout.
12. Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team
Join the U.S. women’s national soccer team as they pursue a third consecutive World Cup championship. With new faces, a new coach, and the world’s expectations riding on them, this series sees the tension, determination, and heart that make one of the greatest teams in sports.
11. SPRINT
Think of this one as the track-and-field equivalent of Drive to Survive. SPRINT documents top sprinters such as Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, and Shericka Jackson as they decimate the track from the 2023 World Championships to the 2024 Paris Olympics. In addition to the breakneck speed, the series also carves out room for personal tales and legends such as Usain Bolt and Michael Johnson.
10. Simone Biles Rising
Having taken a step back from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles comes back in elegance, bravery, and determination. The four-part series presents a touching experience of her return, her mental health journey, and preparation for the 2024 Paris Games. It’s powerful, intimate, and profoundly inspiring.
9. Receiver
If you enjoyed Quarterback, you’ll want to get a glimpse at Receiver. This series turns its attention to the NFL’s most dynamic and expressive position, tracking players such as Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, and George Kittle. It’s high-speed, high-style, and high-character.
8. Naomi Osaka
From Oscar-nominated filmmaker Garrett Bradley and executive producer LeBron James, this three-part documentary series chronicles Naomi Osaka’s highs and lows of international stardom. With Osaka balancing tennis, mental wellness, and activism, the tennis star opens up for the first time with fans.
7. The Last Dance
When the world came to a standstill in 2020, this show became appointment viewing. The Last Dance explores the great Michael Jordan and the ’90s Chicago Bulls, interweaving previously unseen footage with uncomfortably candid interviews. It’s every bit as iconic as the team.
6. Full Swing
You don’t necessarily have to be a golf enthusiast to appreciate this one. Full Swing provides an inside look at pro golfers having to deal with the highs and lows of life on the PGA Tour. The pressure is intense, the stakes are high, and sometimes careers can ride on one swing.
5. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
This is the series. That made Americans F1 crazy. With behind-the-scenes access to teams and drivers, and all the soap opera intrigue, Drive to Survive transformed motorsport viewing. It’s fast, sexy, and addictive—no matter if you’ve ever watched a race.
4. Court of Gold
With the Paris 2024 Olympics looming, Court of Gold follows some of the game’s brightest stars—LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and global superstars such as Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama. It’s legacy, pride, and hard-earned road to Olympic gold.
3. Carlos Alcaraz: My Way
Carlos Alcaraz is shaking up tennis—and this doc series gets you all-access to his 2024 season. From training camps to quiet moments, you’ll see what life is really like for the youngest men’s No. 1 in the world. It’s fresh, raw, and charming.
2. Beckham
You think you know David Beckham, but this show reveals the person behind the headlines. From family life to fame pressure, Beckham provides rare access to one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. It’s personal, surprising, and well worth watching.
1. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Highest on the list is a show that’s far more than pom-poms and glitter. America’s Sweethearts takes the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders behind the scenes, showing the talent, grit, and heart required to wear that legendary jersey. Emmy-winning director Greg Whiteley (of Cheer and Last Chance U) makes it all happen with compassion and refinement.
From end zones to balance beams, race tracks to tennis courts, these documentaries shout one thing loudly and clearly: sport is about people. Their dreams. Their struggles. Their stories. Whether you’re looking for underdog grit or all-star glamor, Netflix’s lineup has something that’ll stay with you long after the credits have rolled.