Misty Copeland’s rise from a young girl with dreams in Los Angeles to becoming the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre is nothing short of legendary. Her grace, discipline, and determination not only transformed the world of ballet but also inspired countless aspiring dancers worldwide. Copeland hung her boots on October 22 with a star-studded gala at New York’s Lincoln Center. However, amid her retirement, her influence continues to ripple through film and television, bringing her artistry to audiences beyond the theater.

From documentaries capturing her groundbreaking career to cinematic performances that showcase her talent, here is a guide to every Misty Copeland movie and where you can stream them.

This documentary chronicles Misty Copeland’s rise in the ballet world, her challenges, including injury, and her historic status as the first African-American woman named principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. It can be streamed on platforms such as AMC+ Amazon Channel, Sundance Now, Apple TV+, or watched for free with ads on the Roku channel. 

This is a foundational effort for understanding Copeland’s story, with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at her journey on stage. 

In this fantasy adventure film, Misty Copeland appears credited as The Ballerina alongside stars such as Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and Mackenzie Foy. The film is available to stream on Disney+ in the US and is also available for digital purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Video and Apple TV.

For viewers interested in seeing Copeland in a narrative feature rather than a documentary, this is a solid choice.

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The following Misty Copeland offering, too, is just as star-studded, if not more, than the one above.

While technically a TV special, this holiday-musical event features Misty Copeland among a star-studded cast that includes the titular singer, the mesmerising Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson. It is available globally on Apple TV+. This special gives viewers a lighter, festive moment with Copeland among her many high-profile collaborations.

This documentary, for which Misty Copeland is credited as executive producer, highlights a dance program for children impacted by homelessness, showing how ballet becomes a medium for change. It is available on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video for rent and purchase, while on Peacock for streaming with a subscription. It is a meaningful film that connects Copeland’s influence off-stage with a commitment to social impact.

Released in the United States in July 2025, Match in a Haystack premiered at the Village East by Angelika in New York City. The documentary, executive-produced by Misty Copeland, explores resilience and human connection through art and identity, keeping the Russia-Ukraine w-- at its heart. It was later screened at the Odesa International Film Festival in Ukraine on September 25. Its digital availability is expected to follow soon, too.

Clearly, even after retiring from the stage, Copeland’s influence continues to shine. Through her films, documentaries, and special appearances, she keeps inspiring audiences and showing the power of dance beyond the theater. Whether performing on screen, producing stories that uplift others, or lighting up holiday specials, Copeland’s artistry lives on. Her legacy is not just in the roles she has played but in the way she continues to move, motivate, and leave a mark wherever her passion takes her.

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Which of the Misty Copeland movies will you watch soon? Let us know in the comments.