Sports Documentary Series to Watch on Netflix

Netflix has a great lineup of sports documentaries that offer more than just game highlights. These series go beyond the scoreboard, diving deep into the lives of athletes, the strategies of coaches, and the thrill of competition. By creating new fans and reigniting interest in the sports they showcase, these documentaries prove that the stories behind the games are just as compelling as the action itself. We’ve picked out some of the best sports doc series on Netflix for you to check out.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive

The series that brought the drama of Formula 1 racing to a whole new audience, Drive to Survive has been going beyond the track, capturing the behind-the-scenes intensity, rivalries, and pressure for over six years. It’s not just about the races - it's about the politics, the team dynamics, and the relentless quest for victory. With each season, the stakes feel higher, revealing the human side of high-speed competition.

Last Chance U (and it's sibling, Last Chance U: Basketball)

Last Chance U provides a raw look at college athletes who are chasing a shot at redemption. Whether it's on the football field or the basketball court, the series shows the pressures these players face, both on and off the field, as they fight for a chance to make it big. Last Chance U: Basketball adds a fresh angle, swapping helmets for hoops, but keeps the same mix of gritty determination and personal challenges, making each story as unpredictable as the game itself.

Tour de France: Unchained

This series takes you into the heart of one of the most demanding sporting events in the world: the Tour de France. Unchained doesn't just follow the cyclists—it's about the brutal training, the fierce competition, and the intense team dynamics that define the race. With exclusive access to teams and riders, the documentary highlights the sacrifices and dedication required to survive the grueling stages.

Break Point

From the producers of Drive to Survive, Break Point brings the same all-access storytelling to the world of professional tennis. Each episode follows a different tennis star, capturing their highs and lows on the court. Some of the key players featured include Nick Kyrgios, with his unpredictable style and off-court controversies, Iga Świątek, as she rises to the top of the women’s game, and Taylor Fritz, who battles to prove himself as a major contender. The series showcases the global nature of the sport, covering tournaments from the US Open to Roland-Garros, and explores what it takes to handle the mental and physical demands of a solo sport.

The Last Dance

A must-watch for any basketball fan, The Last Dance dives into the career of Michael Jordan, with a particular focus on the Chicago Bulls' 1997-1998 season. The documentary is a blend of archived footage and candid interviews, revealing the tension, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes drama of one of the greatest teams in NBA history. Even if you know how the story ends, the storytelling makes it feel like you’re seeing it for the first time.