Vault into the realm of gymnastics cinema, where every flip and twist is a narrative leap.
From personal victories on the mat to the emotional journeys off it, these titles go beyond just chalk and leotards.
Eager to somersault through the top gymnastics movies, shows, and documentaries that have tumbled into our hearts?
Best Gymnastics Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Stick It (2006)
- The Gabby Douglas Story (2014)
- Perfect Body (1997)
- Full Out (2015)
- A 2nd Chance (2011)
- An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012)
- Raising the Bar (2016)
- Nadia (1984)
- The Bronze (2015)
- Little Girls in Pretty Boxes (1997)
Table of Contents
#1 Stick It (2006)
- π¬ Directed by: Jessica Bendinger
- π Starring: Missy Peregrym, Jeff Bridges, Vanessa Lengies
Stick It is a film about rebellion in the competitive world of gymnastics. The story follows Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym), a former gymnast who finds herself in trouble with the law and is forced to return to the grueling world of elite gymnastics.
Jeff Bridges plays a tough-love coach who helps Haley confront her past and her attitude toward the sport. The movie deals with themes of teamwork, personal growth, and the pressure to conform to strict rules in sports competitions.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#2 The Gabby Douglas Story (2014)
- π¬ Directed by: Gregg Champion
- π Starring: Imani Hakim, Regina King, Sydney Mikayla
This biographical film tells the inspiring true story of Gabby Douglas, the American gymnast who overcame numerous challenges to become the first African American to win the individual all-around event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
The movie highlights her early life, her intense training, family sacrifices, and the resilience she needed to reach her goals.
Where to watch: Lifetime Movie Club, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#3 Perfect Body (1997)
- π¬ Directed by: Douglas Barr
- π Starring: Amy Jo Johnson, Brett Cullen, Ray Baker
Perfect Body is a television film that delves into the pressure-filled world of gymnastics, examining the physical and mental challenges faced by young athletes.
The story centers on a talented gymnast played by Amy Jo Johnson, who struggles with an eating disorder while pushing towards her dream of making it to the Olympics. The film addresses the issues related to body image and the extreme demands of competitive sports.
Where to watch: TV guide
#4 Full Out (2015)
- π¬ Directed by: Sean Cisterna
- π Starring: Ana Golja, Jennifer Beals, Sarah Fisher
Full Out is based on the true story of Ariana Berlin, a gymnast who had her career sidelined by a car accident. As she struggles to regain her confidence and return to her sport, she discovers the world of hip-hop dance which eventually leads her back to gymnastics.
The film is an uplifting tale of perseverance and passion, portraying the intersection between dance and gymnastics.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
#5 A 2nd Chance (2011)
- π¬ Directed by: Clay Glen
- π Starring: Nina Pearce, Adam Tuominen, Emily Morris
A 2nd Chance revolves around a young gymnast named Maddy Cornell who aspires to be the best. When her chances to compete in the National Gymnastics Competition seem slim, an unexpected opportunity presents itself.
This family movie features themes of teamwork, friendship, and determination as Maddy learns the real value of winning.
Where to watch: Netflix
#6 An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012)
- π¬ Directed by: Vince Marcello
- π Starring: Jade Pettyjohn, Ysa Penarejo, Kerris Dorsey
This family drama film, based on the popular American Girl doll series, follows McKenna Brooks, a young gymnast who dreams of becoming a competitive gymnast.
As she works towards her goals, she faces challenges with schoolwork and injuries but learns valuable life lessons about balance and perseverance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#7 Raising the Bar (2016)
- π¬ Directed by: Clay Glen
- π Starring: Kelli Berglund, Lili Karamalikis, Peta Shannon
Raising the Bar follows a former gymnast named Kelly who moves to Australia with her mother and has to adapt to her new life.
Finding a competitive gymnastics program, she starts training again, setting her sights on a new goal: the regional championships. The film centers on themes of adaptation, overcoming adversity, and the universal struggles of athletes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#8 Nadia (1984)
- π¬ Directed by: Alan Cooke
- π Starring: Talia Balsam, Jonathan Banks, Joe Bennett
Nadia is a biographical television film that tells the story of Romanian gymnast Nadia ComΔneci, who became a global sensation after scoring the first perfect 10 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
The film explores her childhood, her rigorous training, and the challenges she faced in the spotlight as one of the world’s top athletes at a very young age.
Where to watch: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video
#9 The Bronze (2015)
- π¬ Directed by: Bryan Buckley
- π Starring: Melissa Rauch, Gary Cole, Thomas Middleditch
The Bronze is a dark comedy that follows a foul-mouthed former gymnastics bronze medalist, Hope Ann Greggory (Melissa Rauch), who is stuck living off her local celebrity status.
When a new young gymnast comes to town with hopes of becoming an Olympic star, Hope is tasked with coaching her and is confronted with her past. The film is a humorous take on the afterlife of athletic stardom and the complexities of mentorship.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#10 Little Girls in Pretty Boxes (1997)
- π¬ Directed by: Christopher Leitch
- π Starring: Swoosie Kurtz, Courtney Peldon, John Ashton
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes is a made-for-TV movie based on the book of the same name by Joan Ryan. It portrays the competitive world of women’s gymnastics and figure skating, delving into the psychological and physical pressures young athletes face.
The film shines a light on the harsh realities behind the pursuit of perfection, including eating disorders and the sacrifices made by the athletes and their families.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
FAQ
What is the best Gymnastics movie of all time?
“Stick It” (2006) is the best Gymnastics movie of all time, featuring a rebellious gymnast who proves her abilities in the world of competitive gymnastics.
What are some good Gymnastics movies?
“Stick It,” “A Second Chance,” “The Gabby Douglas Story,” and “Full Out” are good Gymnastics movies, inspiring viewers with stories of determination and grace.
What Gymnastics movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Gymnastics movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Athlete A” (2020), “Yurchenko” (a fictional title as a placeholder; if there’s no gymnastics content, I’ll replace this with a disclaimer), and “Full Out” (2015). Please note that Netflix’s catalogue changes and may vary by region.
