Top Sports Movies to Stream on Netflix for Every Sports Fan

Sports movies make some of the best cinema because they tap into what makes sports so beautiful and inspiring. From trials and tribulations, teamwork, and the inevitable defeats that make a good athlete great. There is so much that goes into being an athlete, and the best-of-the-best have an almost terrifying state of mind to be the best in the world at what they do, and these certain sports movies on Netflix capture it perfectly. For sports fans alike, or even anyone looking for an inspiring film, these are the top movies about sports on Netflix, with a special focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Netflix, widely recognized for its extensive library of television shows and movies, has been expanding into live sports streaming. A milestone event includes broadcasting high-profile events such as fights, soccer matches, and more from Latin America and the Caribbean. This expansion into live sports shows Netflix’s ambition to diversify its offerings and cater to a broader global audience, with a special focus on Latin American sports culture. This is a great opportunity for fans to explore how to bet on sports online and follow the passionate sports communities across Latin America.

King Richard

This movie about Richard Williams, the coach of his daughters Venus and Serena Williams, is possibly the greatest tennis movie of all time. Although not set in Latin America or the Caribbean, the story of Richard Williams and his daughters has inspired many athletes worldwide, including in the region. Tennis has a rich history in Latin America, with players like Guillermo Vilas (Argentina) and Maria José Martínez (Spain) making an impact on the sport.

This true story is a look into the determination and mindset the best athletes in the world have, and how they get to where they are. Will Smith, who plays Richard, won a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for best actor. This is a great movie to watch for any young athlete to remind them of the dedication the top athletes have and how to balance work and life.

Hustle

Adam Sandler has been going on quite the run of Netflix movies over recent years. One of his more recent installments, Hustle, came out in 2022. This story follows a struggling NBA scout, Stanley Sugerman, who scouts for the Philadelphia 76ers. Sugerman travels abroad and finds a uniquely talented player, Bo Cruz (Juancho Hernangomez), during a pickup game in Spain. While the movie focuses on Spain, the film touches on the connections between basketball culture in Spain and Latin American countries like Argentina and Brazil, where basketball is growing in popularity.

This movie is unique because it is a rare showing of Sandler in a non-comedy role. Most people are used to light-hearted films with Adam Sandler, but this flick is deeply emotional and inspiring. This is personally one of my favorite Adam Sandler movies, as he is an excellent “serious” actor.

Nyad

One of the more inspiring movies on Netflix, Nyad, follows the true story of Diana Nyad, a 60-year-old woman who attempts to swim 110 miles from Florida to Cuba. This movie resonates deeply with Caribbean sports culture, highlighting the shared passion for sports and endurance between the U.S. and Cuba. Cuba has long been a powerhouse in sports like baseball, boxing, and athletics, and Nyad celebrates the spirit of perseverance that runs through the region’s athletes.

Annette Bening, who plays Diana Nyad, and Jodie Foster, who plays her trainer Bonnie Stoll, were both nominated for Academy Awards. Nyad is not a traditional sports movie, but the true story is an enthralling adventure into the world of top swimmers around the world, including the Caribbean.

Moneyball

Moneyball is one of the more interesting baseball movies. Most movies follow action on the field, but Moneyball takes a deep dive into the analytics that changed the game completely. Latin America has a strong baseball culture, with countries like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Venezuela producing some of the best baseball players in the world. This film is especially relevant for fans of Latin American baseball leagues, which have influenced the sport’s development.

Following the story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics, Moneyball is a based-on-a-true-story flick that explains how Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) and Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) changed how baseball teams analyze players and development. This all-star cast of actors and writers was nominated for six Oscars. Moneyball is personally my favorite baseball movie, as it explains how the modern game works behind the scenes, and it resonates with the growing influence of analytics in Latin American baseball as well.

The Redeem Team

For basketball fans, The Redeem Team is for you. One of the greatest redemption stories of all time, this film brings you into the world of the 2008 Olympic basketball team, highlighted by LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade. While the story is set in the United States, the influence of basketball in Latin America is undeniable. Countries like Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Brazil have produced top-tier basketball players who’ve competed at the highest levels globally.

This is the only documentary on the list and is a great watch to relive an epic comeback story after the United States had an awful showing in the 2004 Olympics. This documentary shows how even the best athletes in the world can overcome their egos to show out for their country. It’s a perfect watch for fans of Latin American basketball, especially given the region’s rising basketball stars.

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