Spike your interest with volleyball flicks that serve up equal parts action and heart.
From beach showdowns to tear-jerking victories, these picks aren’t just spiking the ball, they’re facing life’s lessons.
Ready to set your sights on the top volleyball movies, shows, and documentaries that bump the competition?
Best Volleyball Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Side Out (1990)
- Air Bud: Spikes Back (2003)
- Impact Point (2008)
- All You’ve Got (2006)
- The Miracle Season (2018)
- Beach Kings (2008)
- Iron Ladies (2000) – Thai film
Table of Contents
#1 Side Out (1990)
- 🎬 Directed by: Peter Israelson
- 🌟 Starring: C. Thomas Howell, Peter Horton, Courtney Thorne-Smith
Side Out is a classic volleyball film centered around the sport of beach volleyball. It tells the story of a young law student who, during a summer in California, becomes engrossed in the beach volleyball scene and teams up with a former player to compete in a professional tournament.
The film popularized the term “side out” and is a favorite among volleyball enthusiasts.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#2 Air Bud: Spikes Back (2003)
- 🎬 Directed by: Mike Southon
In this installment of the Air Bud series, the lovable and athletic Golden Retriever, Buddy, takes on a new sport — volleyball.
Set during a summer vacation, Buddy joins in to help his friend’s volleyball team to victory. The film is a family-friendly comedy that demonstrates the themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play
#3 Impact Point (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: Hayley Cloake
- 🌟 Starring: Brian Austin Green, Melissa Keller
Impact Point is a thriller that revolves around the world of professional beach volleyball.
Following a pro volleyball player as she deals with a stalker, this film combines the intensity of the sport with a suspenseful storyline. As the protagonist pursues the championship, personal safety becomes her primary concern.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#4 All You’ve Got (2006)
- 🎬 Directed by: Neema Barnette
- 🌟 Starring: Adrienne Bailon, Sarah Wright, Ciara
All You’ve Got is a sports drama that focuses on high school girls’ volleyball teams coming together from different social and economic backgrounds after a tragedy.
As they strive to win the state championship, they learn about overcoming prejudices, the importance of unity, and the spirit of the game.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#5 The Miracle Season (2018)
- 🎬 Directed by: Sean McNamara
- 🌟 Starring: Erin Moriarty, Helen Hunt, William Hurt
The Miracle Season is a sports drama based on the true story of a high school girls’ volleyball team overcoming the sudden death of their star player.
Under the guidance of their coach and fueled by a desire to honor their teammate’s memory, the team bands together in an inspiring quest to win the state championship.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#6 Beach Kings (2008)
- 🎬 Directed by: Craig Shapiro
- 🌟 Starring: David Charvet, Torrey DeVitto, Kristin Cavallari
Beach Kings, also known as “Green Flash,” is about an ex-basketball star attempting to fulfill his dream of playing professional beach volleyball.
Despite facing challenges and the cutthroat nature of the sport, the protagonist is determined to succeed and make a name for himself in the competitive realm of beach volleyball.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 Iron Ladies (2000) – Thai film
- 🎬 Directed by: Yongyoot Thongkongtoon
- 🌟 Starring: Jesdaporn Pholdee, Sahaphap Tor, Ekachai Buranapanit
Iron Ladies is a Thai comedy film based on the true story of a predominantly gay volleyball team that competes in the national championships in Thailand.
Highlighting issues of gender and sexuality in sport, this heartwarming and humorous film showcases the team’s journey toward acceptance and success, against all odds and prejudices.
Where to watch: Apple TV
For those who enjoy volleyball on screen, find more ways to celebrate the sport by discovering the best volleyball books that capture its essence.
What is the best volleyball movie of all time?
“The Miracle Season” (2018) is considered the best volleyball movie of all time, telling a heartwarming true story of a high school team overcoming tragedy.
What are some good volleyball movies?
“Side Out” (1990), “Cloud 9” (2014), and “All You’ve Got” (2006) are good volleyball movies that capture the spirit of the sport and its community.
What volleyball movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best volleyball movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Haikyuu!!” (an anime series), “The Miracle Season,” and the documentary “Girls Got Game.”
