These ten sports documentaries offer something for every type of sports lover. You’ll find traditional competitive sports to newer extreme sports that have become favorites of younger generations. Here are the 10 best.
10. Simone Biles Rising (2024)
This documentary follows the Gymnastics Superstar Simone Biles and delves deep into what happened after she pulled out of the 2020 Tokoyo Olympics, and what it took to get ready for the 2024 Olympic Stage. This documentary is an inspiration to all of those who struggle with their mental health and returning to a state of normalcy, and while we know how her return to the Olympics in Paris ended, it’s still an iconic watch.
9. Diego Maradona (2019)
This film looks at the rise and fall of one of the greatest soccer players of all time. In Naples, locals hang pictures of Diego next to Jesus. He is soon undone by his fame. Through his fall and growing addiction to cocaine, Diego is shown as a rebel, cheat, hero, god, and ultimately, a disgrace.
8. Pumping Iron (1977)
Although Arnold Schwarzenegger was already a legend in the world of bodybuilding, this film made him a star to a wider audience. The film focuses on the competition between Schwarzenegger, going for his seventh consecutive Mr. Universe, and a Mr. Universe title against future crossover Lou Ferrigno (the Incredible Hulk TV star). Schwarzenegger engages in some psychological warfare against Ferrigno.
7. Murderball (2005)
This film focuses on physically disabled (mostly paraplegic) athletes in the sport of wheelchair rugby. Although shot on a low budget, it was nominated for Best Documentary Feature. In addition to the sport, the film examines the lives of the athletes and issues of family, intimacy, sex, and rivalries. Nonetheless, there is an undeniable sweetness overall.
6. Baseball (1994)
Ken Burns was ridiculed for the sheer length of this documentary series when it debuted. However, it simultaneously pioneered the long-form documentary sports series. More than simply looking at the game itself, it also looks at how the game shaped America. The center of the series is undoubtedly Jackie Robinson, but it also looks at former Negro Leaguer Buck O’Neil.
5. Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)
Narrated by Sean Penn, this film won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary. It begins with the history of skateboarding in Southern California and its influence drawn from surf culture. Skateboard legends Tony Hawk and Tony Alva appear. This film shows how these young SoCal men influenced a worldwide movement.
4. When We Were Kings (1996)
Of all of the documentaries about Mohammed Ali, none captured him better than this. It concentrates on a single bout: “The Rumble in the Jungle,” his 1975 heavyweight fight against George Foreman in Zaire. It’s filled with drama as Ali, past his prime, goes against the reigning champ, Foreman. Ali’s now-infamous “rope-a-dope” earned him one of his most famous victories.
3. The Endless Summer (1966)
Filmed over six years by Bruce Brown, it follows surfers Robert August and Mike Hynson. The pair travel the world looking for the perfect wave, visiting Australia, Tahiti, Hawaii, Nigeria, South Africa, and more. Not only is the beauty and terror of the sport captured, but the viewer gains insight into what makes surfers tick.
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2. On Any Sunday (1971)
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1972, the film focuses on motorcycle sport. It looks at the unique talent required for each type of motorcycle sport, such as desert and trials. Motocross was only beginning to reach the mainstream. Steve McQueen and legendary rider/motorcycle businessman Malcolm Smith are featured.
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1. Hoop Dreams (1994)
The story follows two African-American high school students and their dream of becoming professional basketball players. It captures the rich culture of street basketball. It’s a master class journalistic immersion. There was a massive public outcry after this film wasn’t nominated for a Best Documentary Academy Award, despite winning numerous other awards.
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