If you believe the action is over when the game is, Netflix is here to disabuse you. The streamer has become a hub for must-see sports docs—narratives that transcend scores and highlight reels, delving into the grit, the emotion, and the personalities that frame competition. Whether it’s high-speed cars, footy fields, or center court tension, these documentaries have got both the drama and the heart. From troubled celebrities to one-in-a-lifetime returns, these are the 14 binge-worthiest sports documentaries on Netflix today, ranked from best to the best.
14. Untold: Jake Paul, the Problem Child
Whether you adore him or abhor him, Jake Paul has transformed the sport of boxing in his crazy manner. This documentary follows him from YouTube troublemaker to legitimate (if odious) fighter, not holding back in recounting his version of events.
13. Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team
The U.S. women’s national team heads into the 2023 World Cup with history at stake and a changing roster in the limelight. This series follows the tension, leadership changes, and emotional ups and downs of a team attempting to three-peat.
12. SPRINT
This is for speed freaks. Ride alongside world-class sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles as they pursue glory from the 2023 World Championships to the 2024 Olympics. It’s not about getting to the finish line, but what it takes to arrive there.
11. Simone Biles Rising
After walking away from the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles confronts a new type of challenge: coming back to elite gymnastics on her terms. This four-part series follows her path to recovery, strength, and determination as she targets Paris 2024.
10. Receiver
The receivers don’t usually get the glory, but this series does. Join some of the NFL’s most charismatic personalities—such as Justin Jefferson and George Kittle—as they fight for catches and add personality to each play.
9. The Last Dance
Michael Jordan’s 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season is given the royal treatment in this Emmy-winning documentary series. With rare footage and unflinching interviews, The Last Dance is not just a trip down memory lane—it’s a masterclass on competitive spirit and legacy.
8. Last Chance U
This unpolished, emotional series takes college football back to its gritty roots—junior colleges, where players have one last chance to succeed. With real stakes and even real emotions, it’s one of the most gripping sports series available on Netflix.
7. Full Swing
Golf might appear serene on the surface, but Full Swing reveals the tension simmering just below the surface. From major rounds to swing-for-the-ages moments that defined the players’ careers, this series highlights the peaks and troughs of the PGA Tour with surprising emotional resonance.
6. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
What began as a back-of-the-house F1 series became an international sensation. Drive to Survive pulls back the curtain on the speed, rivalries, and egos behind the world’s most glamorous—and high-stakes—racing circuit. It’s a binge-watching thrill ride even for non-racing enthusiasts.
5. Court of Gold
As the 2024 Paris Olympics are on the horizon, this series follows NBA legends and global stars as they pursue gold. With the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Nikola Jokić playing together, Court of Gold is a backstage pass to Olympic-level intensity and friendship.
4. The Clubhouse: A Year with the Red Sox
Get behind the dugout with the 2024 Boston Red Sox as they ride out a .500 season full of unexpected twists. It’s a grounded, emotional look at one of baseball’s most iconic teams trying to rediscover their rhythm and identity.
3. Carlos Alcaraz: My Way
At the age of 21, Carlos Alcaraz is already changing the face of tennis. This series provides a glimpse into the life of the new golden boy of the game, from his intense training to quiet moments off-stage. Alcaraz’s humility and ambition shine through every shot.
2. Beckham
David Beckham has been a global superstar for decades, but this four-part documentary allows fans to look beyond the glory. From home life to locker room intrigue, this refreshingly honest portrait shows the man behind the myth.
1. America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Number 1 goes to Greg Whiteley’s revelation docuseries on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Past the chiseled teeth and sugared moves is a world of hard work, athleticism, and stress. It’s a genuine tribute to the women who make up America’s most recognizable sideline crew.
Whether you’re in the mood for comeback tales, behind-the-scenes access, or just the excitement of competition, these sports docs on Netflix have it all. So get your snacks ready, choose your side, and get comfortable—there’s no off-season when it comes to great storytelling.