Best Sports Documentaries

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Sports documentaries can be educational, emotional, and, above all, inspiring viewing experiences for the whole family. The best ones can introduce you to new sports and athletes. We've picked out some of our favorite documentaries about everything from snowboarding and hockey to boxing and more. These real-life stories demonstrate incredible examples of perseverance, courage, and teamwork. For more sports-themed recommendations, be sure to check out our football, soccer, basketball, and baseball movies lists, as well as Sports Legends in the Movies.

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The Short Game Poster Image

MOVIE

The Short Game

age 7+

Fabulous, kid-friendly docu about world's youngest golfers.

September 20, 2013 2013 PG (90 minutes)

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Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story Poster Image

MOVIE

Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story

age 8+

Inspirational sports docu about basketball legend.

June 1, 2020 2020 NR (79 minutes)

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Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams Poster Image

MOVIE

Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams

age 8+

Compelling docu about Japan's biggest baseball tournament.

March 2, 2021 2021 NR (94 minutes)

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The Year of the Yao Poster Image

MOVIE

The Year of the Yao

age 8+

Yao Ming's journey from Shanghai to Houston.

April 15, 2005 2005 PG (88 minutes)

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Red Army Poster Image

MOVIE

Red Army

age 9+

Fascinating documentary about legendary Soviet hockey team.

January 23, 2015 2015 PG (85 minutes)

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All In: Miracle At St. Bernard's Movie Poster

MOVIE

All In: Miracle At St. Bernard's

age 10+

Community fights to save beloved school in inspiring docu.

December 13, 2022 2022 NR (96 minutes)

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Bye Bye Barry movie poster: Football player runs with the ball

MOVIE

Bye Bye Barry

age 10+

Inspirational sports docu about football legend; language.

November 21, 2023 2023 NR (92 minutes)

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Citizen Ashe Poster Image

MOVIE

Citizen Ashe

age 10+

Inspiring documentary about Black tennis player/activist.

December 3, 2021 2021 NR (94 minutes)

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Fight for Glory TV show poster: baseball players Freddie Freeman and Aaron Judge face off

TV

Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series

age 10+

Mild swears in baseball docu; focuses on players' stories.

Apple TV Educational (2025)

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Hope on the Street TV show poster: J-Hope in hip hop style clothing with light blue painted urban background

TV

Hope on the Street

age 10+

Inspiring BTS star dance series has a little drinking.

Prime Video Educational (2024)

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I Am Bolt Poster Image

MOVIE

I Am Bolt

age 10+

Winning docu celebrates world's fastest man; mild cursing.

December 6, 2016 2016 PG (107 minutes)

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Standout: The Ben Kjar Story movie poster: Ben Kjar is shown, with a smaller image of Ben and his wife

MOVIE

Standout: The Ben Kjar Story

age 10+

Inspiring documentary about wrestler with Crouzon syndrome.

January 23, 2026 2026 PG (99 minutes)

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F(l)ag Football Poster Image

MOVIE

F(l)ag Football

age 11+

Heartfelt documentary about gay football league.

June 16, 2017 2017 NR (94 minutes)

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Runner Poster Image

MOVIE

Runner

age 11+

Stirring, inspiring sports docu about overcoming adversity.

June 19, 2020 2020 NR (88 minutes)

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Swim Team Poster Image

MOVIE

Swim Team

age 11+

Inspiring documentary about young athletes with autism.

July 7, 2017 2017 NR (100 minutes)

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The Endless Summer Poster Image

MOVIE

The Endless Summer

age 11+

Dated but fascinating surfing documentary still charms.

June 15, 1966 1966 PG (95 minutes)

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The League Movie Poster: A baseball jersey and gear are pictured, with the words "The League" in black

MOVIE

The League

age 11+

Insightful, informative Black baseball docu; violent images.

July 7, 2023 2023 PG (103 minutes)

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Venus and Serena documentary poster

MOVIE

Venus and Serena

age 11+

Intimate tennis docu has language, references to racism.

May 10, 2013 2013 PG-13 (99 minutes)

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Willie Poster Image

MOVIE

Willie

age 11+

Hockey docu portrays Willie O'Ree as deserving role model.

February 17, 2020 2020 NR (89 minutes)

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Chris & Martina: The Final Set movie poster: Two women today and on the court in earlier years.

MOVIE

Chris & Martina: The Final Act

age 12+

Tennis greats talk careers, sacrifices; swearing, illness.

June 26, 2026 2026 NR (97 minutes)

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