Missing sports? Stream these biopics instead

The world of sports is filled with countless interesting stories and anecdotes that catch fans’ curiosity. These interesting stories make great plots for movies so it’s no wonder that biopics of sports personalities have gained more popularity in recent times.

These films delve deep into the personal experiences of these sportspersons and most often, their inspiring tales of determination and struggle, are more exciting than the sports they play.

Here are some of the best sports biopics you can watch online:

Ronaldo

This documentary maps the life of star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. It offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at his life, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest football players. Exploring his life not only as a footballer but as a father and a son, Ronaldo the film is intimate and motivating. A perfect showcase of the footballer’s astonishing journey filled with passion, determination and hard work, this movie is perfect for those following him and even those who don’t.

Bleed for This

Bleed for This is an inspirational story of world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza, who, despite fracturing his neck in a car accident, earns his place back in the ring. One of the greatest comebacks in sports, Bleed for This will leave you awestruck at the determination and courage of this boxing champion.

Ali

The biopic focuses on a decade of the life of great boxer Muhammad Ali, played by Will Smith. Encompassing the period when he won the heavyweight championship and got embroiled with Malcolm X and converted to Islam, the film does a great job at celebrating the boxer’s innate strength. The highlight of Ali is that it doesn’t romanticise the life of the heavyweight champion.

Diego Maradona

The documentary film centres around the career of one of the most celebrated and controversial Argentine footballers, Diego Maradona. The film by Academy Award-winning director Asif Kapadia gives a glimpse of Maradona’s life and career in the 1980s with never-seen-before footage of the footballer’s life. Maradona’s visuals from 500 hours of archival footage show him weaving magic on the field, making it a delight for football fans all around. The highlight of Diego Maradona the film is that it doesn’t romanticize Maradona’s mistakes but rather presents his fall from grace in the most realistic way possible.

The Last Dance

The docuseries chronicles the rise of Michael Jordan-led 1990’s Chicago Bulls, focusing on Jordan’s final season with the Bulls. Offering never-seen-before archival footages of the Bulls and Jordan, The Last Dance is a masterclass. Showcasing the beauty of basketball with thrilling details, The Last Dance is a highly-recommended watch. The chance to watch Michael Jordan, the sporting genius, narrate his own life, is not something you would want to miss in this lifetime.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

This list would be incomplete without mentioning the spectacular film, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, exploring the life of India’s most successful cricket captain M.S. Dhoni. The indistinguishable portrayal of the legend by the late Sushant Singh Rajput, this film showcases the journey of a star rising from his childhood in Ranchi to becoming a legend in the world of cricket. For every die-hard Dhoni or cricket fan, this movie is a must-watch.

Sachin: A Billion Dreams

The docudrama, Sachin: A Billion Dreams, narrates the story of the cricketing legend, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Tendulkar takes on the role of the narrator, becoming the voice of this documentary. Giving a peek into his childhood and his personal moments with his family, along with the chronicles of his vast career, Sachin: A Billion Dreams will fill you with inspiration. This documentary is sure to pump up the adrenaline of every cricket fan.

Mary Kom

Mary Kom is the heart-warming story of a rice farmer’s daughter punching her way to become a five-time world boxing champion.The film sees Mary Kom full of grit, passion and determination. It is a sincere attempt to give audiences a role model not just in the form of Mary Kom but also her supportive husband, who encouraged her to get back to boxing while he took care of their children.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag chronicles the life and journey of ‘The Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh from being an orphaned child during partition to becoming one of India’s greatest athletes. Trailing Milkha from his military days to world championships, the movie infuses realism in the story.

Milkha’s tragic life and struggles, also portrayed in the film, are sure to touch all your emotional chords. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is a movie that stays with you even after you are done with it.

Captain

Captain charts the life of former Indian football captain VP Sathyan from his humble beginnings in Kerala’s Kannur to his rise in the football realm, plunging into a depression to his tragic death. Being a soccer player who never got his due, Sathyan’s life and struggles are portrayed with delicate detailing through actor Jayasurya. In a country where cricket is a religion, this movie on a star footballer deserves your attention right away.

Soorma

Soorma narrates the story of one of India’s best hockey players, Sandeep Singh, and his inspiring journey of overcoming paralysis to play the sport he loves. It beautifully expresses the relationship between Sandeep and his elder brother.

The movie will give you goosebumps while tugging at your heartstrings at the same time.