11 Greatest Gymnast Movies of All Time

Everyone loves a good sports movie. There’s the classic boxing flick about the underdog overcoming the odds. Then there’s the true story of Olympic hopefuls accomplishing the impossible. It doesn’t matter if it’s baseball, basketball, or football; sports films are uplifting and inspiring. Gymnast movies are quickly becoming all the rage, with gymnasts incredibly athletic, skillful, and charismatic athletes with remarkable stories to tell.

Like any athlete, they overcome the odds while putting on unforgettable performances in competitions across the globe. They spend their lives training for that one moment under that spotlight where they try and clinch a World Championship or Olympic gold medal.

Luckily Hollywood is always nearby to tell these real-life stories or create fictional versions of gymnasts accomplishing their dreams. There are also many gymnastics documentaries that reveal the ugly side of the sport and the courage of the athletes to overcome adversity. Here are some of our favorite gymnast movies we think you will enjoy watching. 

11 Greatest Gymnast Movies of All Time

Netflix

1. Athlete A (2020)

The critically acclaimed documentary Athlete A dives deep into the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal. The film follows reporters of the Indianapolis Star as they investigate USAG doctor Larry Nassar for sexually assaulting young female gymnasts. In 2015, Maggie Nichols made credible allegations of sexual abuse by Nassar. The reporters called her “Athlete A” to protect her identity, hence the name of the documentary.

The story revealed Nassar’s crimes and a cover-up involving USA Gymnastics and then-CEO Steve Penny. The story exploded, becoming national news as more athletes revealed Nassar sexually assaulted them, including Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and Gabby Douglas.

Eventually, authorities arrested Nassar and others involved in the cover-up. After a public trial, Nassar received two concurrent life sentences of 175 years and 145 years. The documentary received widespread praise for exposing the scandal and giving the victims a place to tell their stories. 

2. The Simone Biles Story: Courage To Soar (2018)

Few athletes compare with gymnast Simone Biles. Many experts and commentators consider Biles one of the greatest gymnasts ever. She is among the most decorated gymnasts winning World Championships and gold medals. As an elite athlete and member of the U.S. Olympic team, Biles dominated the 2016 Olympics, winning gold in all-around, floor, and vault.

Her life story is the plot for the television movie The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar. The film follows Biles’ childhood as a foster kid, her early career, and her rise to becoming a world-renowned athlete. In 2022, Biles received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to the sport.  

3. Peaceful Warrior (2006)

The semi-autobiographical movie Peaceful Warrior follows gymnastic and trampoline champion Dan Millman. Based on Millman’s novel, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, the movie focuses on Millman, a star gymnast at U.C. Berkeley who befriends a spiritual guide, Socrates (portrayed by Nick Nolte.)

While riding his motorcycle recklessly, Millman is involved in a horrible accident that shatters his leg. With his gymnastic career apparently over, Millman turns to Socrates for guidance to restore his faith in this inspirational and uplifting tale. Diving deep into his mind, Millman finds the strength to return to the sport he loves and become a champion.

4. The Gabby Douglas Story (2014)

Gabby Douglas is one of America’s most famous gymnasts with an inspirational story. Lifetime’s The Gabby Douglas Story follows the young gymnast as she trains, overcomes obstacles, and wins the gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.

Douglas made history as the first African American to win the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. She has won numerous World Championships and Olympic medals since then. Actress Imani Hakim portrays Douglas in the Lifetime biopic with Regina King and Brian Tee co-starring. 

5. Nadia (1984)

The 1984 made-for-tv movie biopic Nadia tells the true story of legendary Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci. When Nadia turned 14, she entered the record books after scoring a perfect 10.0 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. The movie details her career and battles with depression that almost derailed her career. Nadia beat her demons and made a comeback, dominating the 1980 Olympics and winning two more gold medals.

She’s considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, with four World Championships and five Olympic gold medals. Despite receiving positive reviews, Comăneci never watched Nadia, as she had no involvement with the film. 

6. At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (2019)

The HBO documentary, At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USO Gymnastics Scandal, takes a closer look at the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal and the cover-up involved. Like Athlete A, the documentary includes interviews with survivors of Nassar’s abuse. It also includes an in-depth look at the trial and victim impact statements. 

7. Full Out:  The Ariana Berlin Story (2015)

The true story of gymnast Ariana Berlin is emotional and uplifting, making for the perfect movie. Full Out: The Ariana Berlin Story takes viewers on an inspirational journey into Berlin’s life. As a teenager, Berlin was on the verge of making it to the Olympics when a car accident derailed her dreams.

After suffering severe injuries, it appeared Berlin would never compete again. However, she worked on physical therapy leading to her joining a dance troupe at SeaWorld. Suddenly Berlin found herself at UCLA competing in gymnastics again.

Berlin went on to become the school’s most decorated gymnast. The sweet and touching movie will have mothers cheering, fathers crying, and kids attempting a backflip into a full mount. 

8. American Anthem (1986)

No decade understood the raw emotion and inspiration of gymnastic sports movies like the 1980s. While it bombed at the box office, American Anthem became a favorite of anyone who lived through the 80s.

Starring Mitch Gaylord and Janet Jones, American Anthem follows a skilled gymnast, Steve Tevere, who chooses to work at his father’s bike shop. He soon finds himself inspired to compete again due to the new girl in town, Julie. As they fall in love, Steve and Julie train for the Olympic trials in a bid to join the U.S. National Team. American Anthem is one of the most underrated gymnastic movies and a tearjerker to boot. 

9. A 2nd Chance (2011)

Like many sports flicks, gymnastics movies are often heartwarming, uplifting, and inspiring. All those elements are present in the charming film A Second Chance. The movie revolves around a budding gymnast, Maddy Cornell, who is determined to qualify for Australia’s National Gymnastics Team.

To do this she must overcome her insecurities to surpass her rival, Chelsea. Luckily Maddy has a new coach, Kate, and a supportive team to push her to the top. It’s a feel-good movie that the whole family will love and might even inspire a few future gymnasts. 

10. Full Out 2: You Got This! (2020)

Full Out 2: You Got This tells the real-life story of gymnast Brenna Dowell and the Oklahoma Sooners gymnastics team. The team was on its way to winning the National Championship when Dowell dropped a bombshell. She chose not to finish her sophomore year to try out for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.

With the team’s star gone, the Oklahoma Sooners must find the courage and confidence to prove they can make it without Dowell. The team comes together to create innovative routines taking them all the way to the top. 

11. Stick It (2006)

Written and directed by Jessica Bendinger, Stick It revolves around troubled teen and former gymnast Haley Graham (portrayed by Missy Peregrym). After getting into trouble again, the judge sentences Haley to return to gymnastics competition. Under the guidance of famed coach Burt Vickerman (Portrayed by Jeff Bridges), Haley faces her fears and past problems to return to become the champion everyone believed she would be.