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| Best Shows Like The Greatest. |
Amazon's upcoming series The Greatest (2026) puts Muhammad Ali's early rise, boxing brilliance and personal transformation at the centre of a biographical sports drama. Scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on 4 November 2026, the eight-episode series follows Ali from his Olympic triumph in Rome in 1960 to his historic heavyweight championship fight against Sonny Liston in 1964. With Jaalen Best playing the young champion, the story explores his family relationships, evolving beliefs, growing public persona and the challenges of finding his identity in segregated America.
For viewers drawn to stories about extraordinary athletes, determined outsiders and public figures who change the world beyond their chosen profession, there is plenty to explore while waiting for the series to arrive. These 21 shows like The Greatest offer a compelling mix of sporting rivalries, real-life achievements, personal struggles and the occasional reminder that becoming a legend involves considerably more than winning a trophy.
Best Shows Like The Greatest
1. The Last Dance (2020)
Few sports documentaries capture the making of a global icon as effectively as The Last Dance (2020). The ten-part series follows Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their 1997–98 NBA championship campaign, while looking back at the experiences that shaped Jordan's remarkable career. It explores the pressure of elite competition, the personalities behind a winning team and the personal cost of maintaining extraordinary standards.
Like The Greatest, it looks beyond the headline achievements to examine the individual behind the legend. Jordan and Muhammad Ali competed in different sports and eras, but both became internationally recognised figures whose influence extended far beyond their professional records. The series also shows how ambition can inspire teammates, unsettle rivals and turn an athlete into a cultural phenomenon. If Ali's confidence and competitive instinct interest you, this is an excellent place to start.
2. Muhammad Ali (2021)
For viewers who want to explore the real-life story behind The Greatest, Muhammad Ali (2021) is an especially relevant choice. Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon's documentary series examines Ali's life, from his childhood as Cassius Clay through his rise in professional boxing and his broader cultural influence. It considers his sporting achievements alongside his faith, political convictions, family life and complicated relationship with public opinion.
These are precisely the areas that make the upcoming scripted drama more than a straightforward account of championship victories. Both productions are interested in how a young boxer developed an unmistakable public identity and became a figure whose words carried weight outside the ring. The documentary offers a factual perspective on the person behind the famous name, making it a natural companion for anyone curious about the history surrounding Prime Video's forthcoming series.
3. Mike (2022)
Mike (2022) tells the story of heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, tracing his rise from a difficult childhood to international fame and examining the personal experiences that shaped his public image. Trevante Rhodes plays Tyson in this biographical drama, which explores his relationships, career, controversies and complicated journey through celebrity. The series shares The Greatest's interest in the distance between a fighter's public persona and private life. Both stories feature formidable athletes whose confidence and reputation became almost as recognisable as their performances in the ring. There is also a familiar theme of transformation: the person who enters professional sport is not necessarily the person who emerges after years of attention, pressure and personal challenges. Tyson's life differs considerably from Ali's, but that contrast makes the series worthwhile. It offers another perspective on the responsibilities and consequences that accompany sporting fame.
4. Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023)
Basketball takes centre stage in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022–2023), a drama about the Los Angeles Lakers and their transformation into one of the NBA's defining teams during the 1980s. The series explores the personalities, rivalries, business decisions and sporting ambitions behind the franchise's success, with John C. Reilly playing owner Jerry Buss. Like The Greatest, it recreates a significant sporting era while examining the people whose decisions shaped its history. The action is not limited to the court, either. Family relationships, professional egos and the demands of public attention all contribute to the story. Anyone expecting a tidy procession of victories will quickly discover that success rarely arrives without a little chaos in the changing room. Its blend of historical drama and larger-than-life sporting personalities makes it a strong choice for fans of biographical storytelling.
5. All American (2018–2025)
All American (2018–2025) follows Spencer James, a talented American football player whose move from South Los Angeles to Beverly Hills creates opportunities as well as personal and social challenges. Inspired by the early life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger, the drama examines ambition, identity, class differences, friendship and the pressure placed on young athletes. Its connection to The Greatest lies in the experience of a gifted sportsman navigating environments that challenge his sense of belonging. Like the young Cassius Clay returning to Louisville after his Olympic success, Spencer must reconcile his achievements with the realities surrounding him. The series is more contemporary and focuses heavily on teenage relationships, so viewers should expect plenty of personal drama alongside the sporting action. Still, its central question is familiar: how does a promising athlete remain true to himself while the world starts making demands?
6. Colin in Black & White (2021)
This limited series explores the formative years of Colin Kaepernick, the American football player who later became known for his activism as well as his professional career. Colin in Black & White (2021) blends coming-of-age storytelling with commentary on race, identity, adoption and the experiences that influenced Kaepernick's outlook. Its relevance to The Greatest is particularly strong because both stories consider how an athlete's personal convictions can become inseparable from their public reputation. Muhammad Ali's life was shaped by his religious beliefs and his willingness to challenge expectations, while Kaepernick became a prominent figure in discussions about racial inequality and protest. The series also looks at the process of discovering who you are when other people already have opinions about you. It is a thoughtful choice for viewers who want sports stories that explore the person behind the performance rather than simply counting victories.
7. The English Game (2020)
Football history provides the foundation for The English Game (2020), a period drama set in the nineteenth century that explores the development of modern football and the class divisions surrounding it. The six-episode series follows players from different social backgrounds as the sport begins to reach beyond its privileged origins. Although it takes place long before Ali's boxing career, it shares The Greatest's interest in sport as a reflection of wider social change. The young athletes in both stories must negotiate expectations about class, opportunity and belonging while competing in environments that do not always welcome them. The historical setting also gives the series an opportunity to explore how sporting traditions are created and challenged. It is a useful pick for viewers who enjoy seeing athletic achievements placed within their wider cultural context. After all, even the world's most popular sports have histories shaped by people who refused to accept the existing rules.
8. The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Chess might not involve a heavyweight punching contest, but The Queen's Gambit (2020) captures the psychological intensity of elite competition with remarkable precision. The limited series follows Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy whose talent takes her towards the highest levels of international competition while personal struggles threaten to derail her progress. Anya Taylor-Joy leads the cast in a story about ambition, discipline, identity and the burden of being exceptional at a young age. Its connection to The Greatest lies in the portrait of a gifted competitor learning how to manage the expectations that come with extraordinary ability. Beth and Ali operate in very different arenas, yet both must develop a distinctive style and withstand pressure from opponents and spectators alike. The series also demonstrates that intelligence and confidence are not automatic solutions to every personal problem. Sometimes the toughest opponent is the one waiting when the match ends.
9. Swagger (2021–2023)
Inspired by the experiences of basketball star Kevin Durant, Swagger (2021–2023) follows young basketball players pursuing professional ambitions while navigating family expectations, coaching pressures and the business surrounding youth sport. The series explores the difficult decisions that arise when talent attracts attention before a player has fully worked out who they want to become. That makes it a natural match for The Greatest, which examines Cassius Clay's development from Olympic champion into a boxer with an increasingly distinctive public identity. Both stories recognise that athletic ability alone cannot explain an athlete's journey. Support systems, personal values and the people making decisions around a promising competitor can all influence the outcome. Swagger also looks at the commercial machinery of modern sport, offering an interesting contrast with Ali's era. The technology and marketing have changed, but the pressure to perform for other people remains remarkably familiar.
10. Friday Night Lights (2006–2011)
Friday Night Lights (2006–2011) centres on high school American football in the fictional Texas town of Dillon, where the local team carries enormous expectations. Coach Eric Taylor, played by Kyle Chandler, attempts to guide his players through competition while they face problems involving family, education, relationships and their futures. The drama is not a conventional biographical series, but its exploration of sporting pressure makes it a strong companion to The Greatest. Both stories show how a sporting career develops within a community rather than in isolation. Family support can provide stability, while public expectations can make ordinary setbacks feel like national disasters. The series also understands that talented young athletes are still young people, regardless of how loudly spectators celebrate them. For viewers who appreciate the human side of Ali's story, Friday Night Lights offers a grounded look at ambition, leadership and the difficult transition from potential to achievement.
11. A League of Their Own (2022)
Set during the Second World War, A League of Their Own (2022) follows women who join a professional baseball league while facing barriers related to gender, race and social expectations. Inspired by the history behind the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the series explores the struggle to establish sporting careers in a society that often refuses to take women athletes seriously. Its relationship with The Greatest comes through its examination of discrimination and the fight for recognition. Ali's journey unfolded against the backdrop of segregation in the United States, while the women in this series encounter restrictions that shape their opportunities on and off the field. Both stories demonstrate that sporting history is not simply a record of scores; it is also a record of who was allowed to compete and who had to challenge the system. The series mixes humour, team dynamics and personal drama without losing sight of those larger questions.
12. GLOW (2017–2019)
GLOW (2017–2019) follows a group of women who become performers in a televised professional wrestling promotion during the 1980s. Alison Brie leads the cast as Ruth Wilder, an aspiring actress whose unconventional opportunity brings her into a world of athletic performance, carefully constructed personas and backstage rivalries. It may seem an unexpected recommendation for a series about Muhammad Ali, but the connection is surprisingly direct. The Greatest explores how Ali developed his showmanship, including the influence of professional wrestling personality Gorgeous George on his approach to publicity and psychological warfare. GLOW similarly examines the line between the person an athlete or performer really is and the character they present to the public. Both stories understand that confidence can be a performance as well as a personal quality. If the upcoming drama's exploration of Ali's charisma appeals to you, GLOW offers an entertaining look at the craft behind a memorable public persona.
13. Physical: 100 (2023–present)
South Korean competition series Physical: 100 (2023–present) brings together contestants from different athletic backgrounds to compete in demanding physical challenges. Rather than following one athlete's biography, the programme examines strength, endurance, strategy and the mental discipline required to survive an increasingly difficult competition. Its similarity to The Greatest is rooted in the demands of elite performance. Ali's journey involved years of training and the ability to remain composed when facing formidable opponents, qualities that are also central to Physical: 100.
The format offers a different perspective on what it takes to become the best, placing competitors in situations where reputation alone provides little protection. A famous name might attract attention, but the next challenge still has to be completed. Viewers who enjoy the physical preparation and competitive psychology of boxing should find plenty to appreciate, even though the programme focuses on a broad range of sporting abilities rather than one historic champion.
14. Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019–present)
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019–present) takes viewers behind the scenes of Formula One, examining the drivers, team principals, rivalries and high-pressure decisions that shape each racing season. The documentary series reveals how personal ambition interacts with commercial interests and the relentless demand for results. Its connection to The Greatest is less about the sport itself and more about the making of a global sporting personality. Ali's public confidence helped distinguish him from other boxers, while Formula One drivers must manage media attention, sponsor expectations and competition at the highest level. Both worlds reward extraordinary talent but expose athletes to scrutiny that can be difficult to escape. The series also demonstrates that sporting success depends on a wider network of people, from coaches and engineers to managers and family members. For anyone interested in the machinery behind a champion's rise, this documentary offers an engaging alternative to a traditional biographical drama.
15. The Test (2020–2023)
Australian cricket documentary The Test (2020–2023) follows the national men's cricket team through a period of rebuilding, examining the challenges of restoring confidence, establishing leadership and competing under intense public scrutiny. The series offers a close look at the relationships between players and coaches as they attempt to rebuild a team culture. Like The Greatest, it explores the mental demands of professional sport and the importance of identity during a period of change. Ali's journey involved developing a personal philosophy alongside his boxing career, while the Australian team must work out what kind of side it wants to become.
Both stories highlight the difficulty of maintaining composure when expectations are high and every setback attracts attention. Cricket's pace differs from boxing's explosive action, but the psychological demands are equally significant. This is a worthwhile option for viewers who enjoy the preparation, leadership and personal decisions that happen away from the main event.
16. Beckham (2023)
The four-part documentary Beckham (2023) examines the life and career of footballer David Beckham, from his rise at Manchester United to his international fame and experiences beyond the pitch. Through interviews and archival material, the series explores the pressures of celebrity, the scrutiny surrounding his professional career and the relationships that helped shape his life.
Its connection to The Greatest lies in the transformation of an athlete into a global public figure. Beckham and Ali became famous for different reasons and in very different sporting cultures, but both experienced the challenges of having their personal lives discussed alongside their professional achievements. The documentary also considers how public perceptions can change over time, particularly when an athlete becomes a symbol of something larger than sport. For viewers interested in the balance between private identity and public reputation, Beckham provides an accessible portrait of the person behind the headlines.
17. Simone Biles Rising (2024–present)
Simone Biles Rising (2024–present) follows American gymnast Simone Biles as she prepares for major international competition and reflects on the experiences that shaped her career. The documentary explores elite training, the expectations placed on a world-class athlete and the importance of making decisions that protect personal wellbeing.
Like The Greatest, it moves beyond medals to consider what it means to compete at the highest level while remaining in control of one's identity. Biles and Ali have different sporting histories, but both have become prominent figures whose choices attracted attention beyond their respective disciplines. Their stories also highlight the need to recognise athletes as people rather than treating them as machines built to produce victories. The documentary offers an intimate look at the effort required to return to competition and manage expectations. It is a strong choice for anyone who appreciates sports stories about resilience, self-belief and the realities behind a champion's public image.
18. The Redeem Team (2022)
Basketball documentary The Redeem Team (2022) revisits the United States men's basketball team's campaign at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, when a collection of leading NBA players sought to restore the country's reputation in international competition. The film explores teamwork, national expectations and the determination required to rebuild after disappointment. Its connection to The Greatest comes from its examination of sporting legacy and the pressure associated with representing something larger than oneself.
Ali's Olympic gold medal in 1960 marked a defining moment in his early career, while the 2008 team faced the task of proving that its talent could deliver success on the international stage. Both stories show that sporting achievements can carry symbolic importance beyond the result. The Redeem Team also demonstrates why individual brilliance is not always enough: even exceptional athletes must learn to work together. It is an ideal pick for viewers who enjoy sports documentaries about ambition, responsibility and the pursuit of redemption.
19. King Richard (2021)
Although King Richard (2021) is a feature film rather than a television series, it deserves a place on this watchlist for its examination of the people and decisions behind sporting greatness. Will Smith portrays Richard Williams, the father of tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, in a drama about the family's efforts to guide the sisters towards professional success. The film explores discipline, family loyalty, unequal opportunities and the determination required to pursue an ambitious future.
These themes overlap with The Greatest, which considers the influence of Ali's family and the personal experiences that shaped his career. Both stories show that a champion's rise rarely happens without a support network, even when the athlete eventually becomes the most visible person in the story. King Richard also raises questions about the balance between ambition and parental expectations. For viewers interested in the family relationships behind an extraordinary sporting career, it offers a compelling alternative to a ring-centred drama.
20. The Beautiful Game (2024)
The Beautiful Game (2024) is a British sports drama inspired by the Homeless World Cup, an international football tournament designed to create opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Bill Nighy plays a coach who leads an England team competing in the tournament, while Michael Ward portrays a talented striker whose personal circumstances complicate his ambitions. The film shares The Greatest's emphasis on the relationship between sport and identity.
Although Ali's rise took place within professional boxing, his story also involved social barriers, family relationships and the search for a place in a changing society. The Beautiful Game focuses on a very different group of competitors, but it similarly presents sport as a source of opportunity rather than simply a route to fame. It is an uplifting choice for viewers who appreciate stories about determination and second chances, without pretending that a single match can magically resolve every difficulty in life.
21. The Fighter (2010)
Closing the list is The Fighter (2010), a biographical sports drama starring Mark Wahlberg as boxer Micky Ward and Christian Bale as his half-brother and trainer, Dicky Eklund. The film follows Ward's difficult path towards a major boxing opportunity while exploring the family tensions and personal struggles surrounding his career. Its connection to The Greatest is immediate: both stories place boxing at the centre while examining the relationships and decisions that influence a fighter's progress.
Ward's journey is far removed from Ali's international celebrity, but the underlying challenges of discipline, loyalty and perseverance remain recognisable. The film also avoids presenting sporting success as a simple matter of natural talent. Preparation, timing and the people surrounding a boxer all matter, sometimes rather inconveniently. For viewers who want another grounded story about the pressures of professional fighting, The Fighter provides a powerful companion to the upcoming Muhammad Ali series.
My Opinion on Shows Like The Greatest
The most interesting thing about The Greatest is its potential to show Muhammad Ali as more than a name on a list of boxing champions. His early career combined extraordinary athletic ability with a developing sense of identity, a complicated family life and convictions that influenced how he presented himself to the world. That is why the best alternatives are not necessarily the shows featuring the most knockouts or championship celebrations.
Muhammad Ali, The Last Dance and Beckham are particularly worthwhile because they explore the person behind the reputation, while Mike and The Fighter offer different perspectives on the demands of boxing. GLOW is an unexpected but clever addition, especially given the influence professional wrestling had on Ali's showmanship. Personally, I would start with Muhammad Ali for historical context, then watch The Last Dance for its outstanding portrait of sporting ambition. After all, winning is impressive, but understanding what makes someone a legend is the more interesting story.
If The Greatest has caught your attention, these 21 shows offer plenty of ways to explore sporting ambition, personal transformation and the stories behind celebrated athletes. Some focus on real-life champions, others explore fictional competitors, and a few reveal how the pressure to succeed can reshape an entire life. Which show are you planning to watch first, and is there another sports drama you think deserves a place on this list? Share your picks and let other viewers know which series should make their next watchlist.