Sports documentaries offer a unique glimpse into the stories behind some of the greatest moments and athletes in sports history. Whether it’s a tale of perseverance, rivalry, or triumph, these films go beyond the scoreboard to capture the emotions and challenges faced by athletes and teams. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top sports documentaries that are a must-watch for any sports fan, providing inspiration and insight into the world of athletic excellence.
Great sports documentary filmmakers do more than simply tell a tale; they educate viewers about the subject matter. Providing context by revealing the “how” and “why” elevates the sporting event and adds depth to the experience for viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the tale. In addition, these critically renowned documentaries have a way of transporting viewers on an emotional roller coaster, taking the storyline from the mundane to the profound, all while using sports. Among all time, these sports documentaries rank among the very best.
1. Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo, an Oscar winner from 2018, chronicles American climber Alex Honnold’s incredible quest to reach the summit of Yosemite Valley’s El Capitan. Even the most extreme adrenaline seekers will find it difficult to fathom Honnold’s passion for free soloing, the practice of climbing sheer rock faces without the aid of anchors. The ever-present, very real risk that the hero or the film crew would fall to their deaths from an infinite height is what makes Free Solo so gripping. It gets even more dramatic when Honnold has a girlfriend halfway through the film; her reasonable angst adds an added emotional layer to the narrative.
2. Senna (2010)
Ten years ago, with the release of his biography of Ayrton Senna, Asif Kapadia genuinely raised the standard for sports films. The film brings the audience closer to Senna, allowing them to experience both the public and intimate moments of the Brazilian racing driver, through the use of historical footage and the avoidance of talking heads. The film by Kapadia is riveting from beginning to end, and it does justice to the incredible but terrible life of a beloved son of Formula One.
3. The Last Dance (2020)
In honor of the great Michael Jordan, well known for his famous jersey number 23, Netflix has released a time-traveling movie that chronicles his last season with the Chicago Bulls and, more generally, his whole career. As he attempts to win an unprecedented sixth NBA championship in just eight years, The Last Dance deftly captures the indomitable spirit, extraordinary talent, and cultural impact of the greatest basketball player of all time. The video primarily follows Michael Jordan’s story, but it also explores the lives of his teammates and Bulls staff, which adds interesting details to the story. One interesting character is Dennis Rodman, a famous defensive player with a reputation for defiance who might easily have his own documentary. Finally, The Last Dance is an incredibly moving piece of art that clearly depicts the story of a humble second-year student from Wilmington, North Carolina, who broke all the rules of his sport and became the most rich athlete in history.
4. Hillsborough (2016)
Examining the horrific Hillsborough tragedy of 1989—96 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death during their team’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest—this Bafta-winning film delves deeply. This terrible mishandling by police in charge of crowd control at the Sheffield stadium resulted in several inquests in what is generally regarded as the worst day in British sports, finally leading to convictions for those judged responsible. Difficult to see at times, the video explores the accident and the terrible institutional cover-up that followed and provides a forum for some of those present that day to remember their experience. Not simple viewing, but essential nevertheless.
The world of sports is filled with unforgettable stories, and these documentaries bring those moments to life in a way that resonates with viewers of all kinds. From legendary athletes to historic victories, each film offers a captivating look at the passion, dedication, and heart that drive sports. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply enjoy a good story, these top sports documentaries are sure to entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.