Slap the puck and dive into ice hockey’s cinematic rink, where each pass and plot twist is a breakaway to excitement.
From locker room camaraderie to the raw emotion on the ice, these selections capture the heart and hustle of hockey.
Eager to lace up and witness the top ice hockey tales ever told in film and television?
Best Ice Hockey Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Miracle (2004)
- Slap Shot (1977)
- The Mighty Ducks (1992)
- Goon (2011)
- Mystery, Alaska (1999)
- D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
- D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996)
- Youngblood (1986)
- The Rocket (2005)
- Sudden Death (1995)
- Ice Guardians (2016) – Documentary
Table of Contents
#1 Miracle (2004)
- 🎬 Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
- 🌟 Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
Miracle is a sports drama based on the true story of the 1980 United States men’s Olympic ice hockey team, led by coach Herb Brooks, that defeated the Soviet Union in what is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Kurt Russell delivers a compelling performance as coach Brooks, whose unorthodox methods and relentless drive led the team to victory in the face of overwhelming odds. This film captures the spirit of what came to be known as the “Miracle on Ice” and serves as an inspiring tale of teamwork and the triumph of the human spirit.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Slap Shot (1977)
- 🎬 Directed by: George Roy Hill
- 🌟 Starring: Paul Newman, Michael Ontkean, Strother Martin
Slap Shot is a classic sports comedy that follows the misadventures of a struggling minor league hockey team, the Charlestown Chiefs. Paul Newman stars as the team’s player-coach Reggie Dunlop, who discovers that a ruthless style of play is the key to winning games and drawing crowds.
Filled with irreverent humor and iconic scenes, it’s a beloved film that captures the rough-and-tumble world of ice hockey. The film is as much about the game as it is about the gritty reality of the players’ lives, making it one of the most memorable hockey movies ever made.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#3 The Mighty Ducks (1992)
- 🎬 Directed by: Stephen Herek
- 🌟 Starring: Emilio Estevez, Joss Ackland, Lane Smith, Joshua Jackson
The Mighty Ducks is a feel-good family film about a self-centered lawyer, Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), who is sentenced to coach a ragtag youth hockey team as community service. Through the process, he learns valuable life lessons and transforms the team into a winning squad.
This film not only entertained audiences but also spawned a real NHL team, the Anaheim Ducks. It’s a story of redemption, teamwork, and the joy of the underdogs coming out on top.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#4 Goon (2011)
- 🎬 Directed by: Michael Dowse
- 🌟Starring: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Liev Schreiber
Goon is a comedy that tells the story of Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott), a bouncer turned enforcer for a minor league hockey team. Despite his lack of skill at playing hockey, Doug’s fighting prowess makes him a star ‘goon’.
The film delves into hockey’s physical side and explores themes of belonging and personal growth. With a heart as big as his fists, Doug becomes the team’s protector and an unexpected hero on the ice.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#5 Mystery, Alaska (1999)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jay Roach
- 🌟 Starring: Russell Crowe, John Biebe, Burt Reynolds
Mystery, Alaska is a comedy-drama that revolves around a small-town amateur hockey team that gets the chance to play against the New York Rangers in an exhibition match.
The film examines the impact of this big event on the ensemble of quirky characters in Mystery and explores the close-knit nature of small-town life. Filled with humor and heart, it’s a snapshot of how hockey can unify a community and the joys and struggles of small-town fame.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994)
- 🎬 Directed by: Sam Weisman
- 🌟 Starring: Emilio Estevez, Michael Tucker, Jan Rubes
In this sequel to The Mighty Ducks, coach Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) reunites with his team of underdogs as they represent the United States in the Junior Goodwill Games.
Faced with tough international competition, the team must overcome their differences and play like never before to win. D2 builds on the charm and humor of the original while introducing new characters and higher stakes within an international framework.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#7 D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996)
- 🎬 Directed by: Robert Leiberman
- 🌟 Starring: Emilio Estevez, Joshua Jackson, Elden Henson
D3: The Mighty Ducks is the third installment in the Mighty Ducks franchise. This time, the team receives scholarships to a prestigious prep school and must adjust to the more disciplined hockey program.
Facing challenges both on and off the ice, the Ducks’ unity and the team spirit are put to the test as they strive to continue their legacy of success. The film continues to entertain with its combination of sports action and teen drama.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#8 Youngblood (1986)
- 🎬 Directed by: Rob Lowe
- 🌟 Starring: Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Gibb
Youngblood is a drama about a talented young hockey player named Dean Youngblood who dreams of playing professional hockey. However, he must prove himself not just skillfully but physically as he confronts the rough nature of the sport.
The film focuses on Youngblood’s journey of self-discovery and the harsh realities of pursuing a professional sporting career.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 The Rocket (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Charles Binamé
- 🌟 Starring: Roy Dupuis, Julie le Breton, Maxime Veilleux
The Rocket is a biographical drama that tells the story of Maurice “The Rocket” Richard, a legendary figure in hockey known for his skill, scoring ability, and his role in the infamous Richard Riot in Montreal.
The film explores Richard’s career and his impact on the sport as well as on Canadian culture. It highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by one of hockey’s greatest players.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#10 Sudden Death (1995)
- 🎬 Directed by: Peter Hyams
- 🌟 Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry
Sudden Death is an action film that isn’t about hockey per se but is set during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Jean-Claude Van Damme plays Darren McCord, a firefighter who must save his children and stop terrorists that have taken the Vice President and several VIP guests hostage in the arena.
While hockey plays as a backdrop, the stakes are high both on the ice and in the stands in this nail-biting thriller.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#11 Ice Guardians (2016) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Brett Harvey
Ice Guardians is a documentary that delves deep into the controversial role of ‘enforcers’ in ice hockey. These are the players whose primary role is to protect their teammates and deter opposing players through physical force.
Through interviews with former players, coaches, and experts, the film explores the personal and professional lives of these men, as well as the physical and mental toll of fighting on ice. Offering an insight into the most misunderstood position in professional sports, Ice Guardians raises important questions about violence in hockey and the culture that surrounds it.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes
Expand your ice hockey library with our recommendations for the best ice hockey books.
FAQ
What is the best Ice Hockey movie of all time?
“Miracle” (2004) is the best Ice Hockey movie of all time, capturing the miraculous 1980 US Olympic victory against the Soviet Union
What are some good Ice Hockey movies?
“The Mighty Ducks” (1992), “Slap Shot” (1977), and “Goon” (2011) are good Ice Hockey movies that depict the sport’s rough charm and heart.
What Ice Hockey movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Ice Hockey movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Ice Guardians” (2016), “Untold: Crime & Penalties” (2021), and “Mighty Ducks: Game Changers” (2021).
