Slam into the rink of roller derby, where elbow pads meet eye candy, and fast-paced jams dominate the track.
From high-octane races to gritty personal stories, this scene goes way beyond the skates.
Strapped in and ready to roll through the top roller derby flicks and facts that promise a wheel-spinning good time?
Explore the evolution of this sport by diving into roller derby history.
Best Roller Derby Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Whip It (2009)
- Kansas City Bomber (1972)
- Rollerball (1975)
- Roll Bounce (2005)
- Unholy Rollers (1972)
- Derby (1971) – Documentary
- Hell on Wheels (2007) – Documentary
- Blood on the Flat Track (2007) – Documentary
- Roller Derby Girl (1949) – Short Film
- Jam (2006) – Documentary
Table of Contents
#1 Whip It (2009)
- 🎬 Directed by: Drew Barrymore
- 🌟 Starring: Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis
Whip It marks the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore and tells the story of Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page), who finds solace in the world of roller derby while trying to break free from her small-town life and mother’s expectations.
The film celebrates female empowerment, friendship, and the importance of finding one’s own path.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Kansas City Bomber (1972)
- 🎬 Directed by: Jerrold Freedman
- 🌟 Starring: Raquel Welch, Kevin McCarthy, Helena Kallianiotes
In Kansas City Bomber, Raquel Welch stars as a single mother and roller derby star navigating the physical and emotional roller coaster of the sport.
The film offers a gritty portrayal of the 1970s derby scene and the personal drama that often accompanies competitive sports.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#3 Rollerball (1975)
- 🎬 Directed by: Norman Jewison
- 🌟 Starring: James Caan, John Houseman, Maud Adams
Although not directly about roller derby, Rollerball is set in a dystopian future where a violent sport, which is a hybrid of roller derby and motorcycling, serves as an opiate for the masses.
James Caan stars as Jonathan E., the sport’s top player, who becomes a threat to the corporate sponsors when he questions the game’s purpose and the society behind it.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#4 Roll Bounce (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
- 🌟 Starring: Bow Wow, Chi McBride, Nick Cannon, Meagan Good
Set in the 1970s, Roll Bounce pays homage to the roller skating craze of the era. The story follows a group of teenagers led by Bow Wow’s character Xavier “X” Smith as they take on a local skate competition and deal with life’s ups and downs.
While not centered on roller derby, the film encapsulates the essence of roller skating culture.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#5 Unholy Rollers (1972)
- 🎬 Directed by: Vernon Zimmerman
- 🌟 Starring: Claudia Jennings, Louis Quinn, Betty Anne Rees
Unholy Rollers features Claudia Jennings as a factory worker who joins a roller derby team and becomes a star despite the rough competition and fierce rivalries within the team.
The film showcases the raw and aggressive side of the sport, mirroring the era’s drive for women’s liberation.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 Derby (1971) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Robert Kaylor
Derby is a candid documentary offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of roller derby competitors in the early ’70s.
It captures the essence of the sport through personal stories, the pursuit of fame and glory, and the sacrifices made by the athletes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 Hell on Wheels (2007) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Bob Ray
Hell on Wheels chronicles the creation of the all-female roller derby league, the Texas Rollergirls, and highlights the revival of the sport in the early 2000s.
This documentary delves into the struggles and successes of building a grass-roots organization and the passionate individuals who brought roller derby back into the spotlight.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#8 Blood on the Flat Track (2007) – Documentary
- 🎬 Directed by: Lainy Bagwell, Lacey Leavitt
Blood on the Flat Track explores the rise of the Rat City Rollergirls, Seattle’s all-female roller derby league.
The film offers insight into the players’ lives and the sense of community and empowerment fostered by the sport, complete with on-track action and behind-the-scenes drama.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Roller Derby Girl (1949) – Short Film
- 🎬 Directed by: Justin Herman
Roller Derby Girl is a classic short film that offers an early look at roller derby, introducing viewers to the sport through the perspective of a fictional protagonist, a female roller derby athlete.
It provides a snapshot of the sport’s culture during the post-World War II era.
Where to watch: IMDb
FAQ
What is the best Roller Derby movie of all time?
“Whip It” (2009) is the best Roller Derby movie of all time, directed by Drew Barrymore and starring Ellen Page, showcasing the empowerment and camaraderie of the sport.
What are some good Roller Derby movies?
“Rollerball” (1975), “Kansas City Bomber” (1972), and “Unholy Rollers” (1972) are good Roller Derby movies, illustrating the excitement and drama both on and off the track.
What Roller Derby movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Roller Derby movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are limited as the platform’s catalog changes often, prompting viewers to check Netflix’s current listings for availability.
