For many years, Netflix has dominated the streaming market as one of the major players in the film industry. And in 2025, the streaming platform is set to release excellent documentaries as it has always done in previous years.
Netflix plans to launch new docuseries that will appeal to the interests of all sports fans, from tales that tell the in-depth histories of Olympic legends to unique behind-the-scenes glimpses at legendary teams.
Leading sports journalist Kate Richardson lists the must-watch sports movies on Netflix in this article. Continue reading to find out which releases you should see on Netflix this year.
Sports Documentaries to be Released on Netflix in 2025
The line-up of sports movies coming to Netflix in 2024 is literally star-studded. From basketball stars to F1 racers and even rugby players, there's no want of celebrities in the anticipated docuseries. Expect to get deep insights into famous careers, exclusive behind-the-scenes look of iconic comebacks and the mentality that has inspired your favorite sportspersons.
Enough said, here are some of the best productions that are expected to drop on Netflix sometime in the year, starting January.
Six Nations: Full Contact
Renewed for its second season, this limited series will premiere on January 25, 2025, and will consist of eight episodes, each lasting 50 minutes. It recounts how the Irish squad won the Guinness Six Nations title for the sixteenth time after winning the Grand Slam in 2023. Particularly, the show will spotlight the training camps of all the countries participating in the annual rugby competition, and throw some light into the background of all the field action.
Rafael Nadal Docuseries
In partnership with Skydance Sports, Netflix has plans to release a documentary focused on the final season of tennis legend Rafael Nadal later this year. The movie will feature an insight into the life and career of the 22-time grand slam winner who recently bowed out of tennis. It promises never-before-seen footage of Nadal as well as the inspiration behind his numerous accomplishments.
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Filming is currently ongoing for the second season of America's Sweethearts as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are once again excited to spur their National Football League to victory. The last season went live on Netflix in June 2024 and with a second season renewed, new episodes are expected to drop in 2025.
The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan
Since the 1950s, India and Pakistan cricket matches have always held the fans and even international audiences spellbound. Decades of sporting feud, political conflicts and socio-religious friction have contributed to make the cricket rivalry between both nations the spectacle that it is.
The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on February 7, 2025. It will follow both cricket supernations as they battle it out in the World Cup, T20s and Test ODIs. Top stars will also feature in the docuseries, including India's Virender Sehwag and Pakistan's Waqar Younis.
Full Swing
Full Swing, which is in its third season, will feature a total eight 45-minute episodes. Viewers are promised unmatched access to the top golfers in the world as they compete on the PGA tour in the series.
Tour De France: Unchained
This series returns to Netflix for the third time as the biggest event in the world of professional cycling sees the greatest cyclists compete for the much coveted yellow Jersey.
F1 Academy
According to Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hell Sunshine, "The multi-part, adrenaline-fueled series will give fans exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the all-women driving category, highlighting the drama of the races, as well as the personal stories and high stakes for the drivers, their teams, sponsors, and families involved, as they break barriers in one of the most demanding sports in the world."
United States Men's National Basketball Team Docuseries
This upcoming sports movie to be released in early 2025 will be centered on the USA Men's Basketball Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Coming off the back of 16 gold medals in the Olympics, Team USA were the bookie's favorites to win again in Paris.
All betting sites on MightyTips had flying odds for a Team USA victory. These bookmakers, known for their safety and exciting free bets received thousands of wagers tipping The Avengers to win. Inspired by Stephen Curry and LeBron James, the team added another gold to the bag, and Netflix is set to follow the magic.
Matchroom: The Greatest Showman
The release date of this Netflix production is slated for December 2025. This series would focus on the success of Britain's most successful sporting promotion, Matchroom Sports, founded by Barry Hearn and currently led by his son, Eddie.
Starting 5
This series will feature 10 episodes that Netflix sports will release in late 2025. It would give insight into the exploits of five of the NBA's elite players and inside access to the lives, training, and drama of the NBA season.
LeBron James: The Comeback King
This 10-part series will cover LeBron's amazing journey, including his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and his impact outside of basketball. The film focuses on how LeBron James assisted his teammates, the Cavaliers, in defeating the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
This documentary will feature a 10-part series about LeBron's incredible journey, including his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and his influence beyond basketball. The movie highlights how LeBron James helped his teammates (The Cavaliers) win the NBA finals against the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
LeBron is a four-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist who believes in the philosophy of "Nothing is given; Everything is earned."
Boston Red Sox: A Century of Passion
The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston. This Netflix production will chronicle the entire 2024 MLB season and the journey of the Boston Red Sox team. It would also take a nostalgic and insightful look into the history of one of baseball's most loved teams.
Olympic Dreams
The Olympic Dreams features the stories of athletes as they prepare for the Olympics. The focus would be on the athletes who participated in the 2024 Olympics, including Sprinters Noah Lyles, and Shericka Jackson.
Simon Biles: Two-time Olympic Champion
After an outstanding performance at the 2024 Olympic Games by winning her sixth gold medal, Netflix has decided to release a documentary that features the life, career, and achievements of the most decorated gymnasts of all time.
Simone has 25 World Championship medals to her name, and one of her famous quotes is, "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take." This production would give the fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at her journey, struggles, and triumphs.
Conclusion
Popular streaming platform Netflix is shaping up with monumental sports documentaries in 2025. Whatever sports you're a fan of, there's a production for you that will blow your mind. Sports documentaries are more than entertainment; they're a testament to the passion and determination of sportsmen and fans alike.