Noted film producer Libby Geist once said, “People seem to think they know the stories, but a filmmaker can take a step back and provide reasons for the whys and hows that the day-to-day narrative of sports often lacks.” around the world would wholeheartedly agree.
The biggest streaming platforms have released several amazing documentaries over the past few years, and sports documentaries are no exception. Here are the top ten documentaries about sport and the culture surrounding it, ranked.
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10 Reggie (2023)
Prime Video released this documentary about baseball megastar Reggie Jackson, a black athlete struggling for dignity, respect and a seat at the table in the ’70s. The hardship and struggles the Yankee star faced resulted in a documentary showing a depressing butt where Jackson was unable to enjoy the perks of fame accorded to his white peers.
Jackson’s relationship with the media was often highlighted when he admitted to being extremely aggressive in interviews. The dispute about Reggie not in the film’s content, but in its failure to credit his coaches and the OG players that made up a large part of his career.
9 Cheers (2020)
This two-season Netflix series follows the heartwarming story of cheer coach Monica Aldama, who works hard and demands perfection from her student cheerleaders on the Navarro College cheer team. The documentary deflects the perception of cheerleading as a “dumb blonde sport” and highlights the skill and determination required for the sport.
To cheer not only focuses on Aldama’s story, but also each cheerleader’s struggles. The docu-series explores the dilemmas of competing in an increasingly dangerous sport where certain stunts are banned due to difficulty and broken bones are pushed to the limit – challenging Coach Aldama’s morale.
8th Free Solo (2018)
This Disney+ documentary tells the inspirational story of Alex Honnold, who became the first person to solo climb El Capitan, which stands 3200 feet tall and is made of pure granite. The achievement was considered the greatest sporting achievement of any kind, climbing a vertical slope without safety ropes.
Honnold’s wondrous opportunity was an emotional journey in which he had to face the very real threat of death. The sporting triumph is documented with close-up footage of Honnold through drone footage, capturing the harrowing moments of the near-slip. Free Solo is a heartwarming look at the relationship between Honnold and his girlfriend Sanni McCandless, although it’s chilling to see his loved ones and friends watching the rise despite knowing that so much is at stake – the terrifying reality of the free solo climbing.
7 Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker (2023)
The Apple TV+ documentary unravels the story of Boris Becker, the German tennis player who shaped the sport as a teenager by winning the Wimbledon championship at the age of 17. Boom! Boom! The world against Boris Becker focuses on everything from his scandalous interracial marriage to hiding assets while declaring bankruptcy in court to a two-year prison sentence – just two of the many aspects of Becker’s life the documentary uncovers.
The documentary becomes more intriguing when director Alex Gibney enters through a voiceover; An overly dramatic narrative has been avoided, lending a degree of authenticity to the 20th-century tennis legend.
6 Full Swing (2023)
This Netflix series takes a look at the 2022 PGA Tour, covered in just eight episodes during pro golf’s most unprecedented year. Today’s biggest players face high stakes due to the relentless competitive shows where even a small mistake can have disastrous consequences and golfers can walk away with millions of dollars…or absolutely nothing.
The tragedy deepens during the PGA’s decisions to make LIV the future of golf, and takes a controversial turn for better or worse (depending on who you ask). The pro golfers face off in the power struggle of golf, and each episode focuses on a different athlete’s career, experience and drama throughout the season’s four major golf tournaments.
5 The Swimmers (2022)
a Netflix documentary, the swimmers follows two sisters who went from fleeing the endless war in Syria to attending the 2016 Rio Olympics as refugees. After losing their hometown, the Mardini sisters take an unprecedented journey in a boat to Germany in search of a better life.
The hardship of Yusra and Sarah, who had to test their swimming skills at sea to survive, was an inspiring journey, but those struggles didn’t stop Yusra Mardini from succeeding as a fugitive – her resilience allowed her to qualify for the Summer Olympics Age 17 and chasing her dreams.
4 Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019)
Another Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to survive reveals the unprecedented speed and access of Formula 1. Known as the most anticipated sports documentary series, the series has attracted a new generation of F1 fans to the sport in recent years. Drive to Survive goes behind the scenes of each Grand Prix and shows the ongoing drama of which driver will hold the next F1 Championship.
The series highlights the injustices Daniel Riccado faced from the start, like the GOAT Lewis Hamilton losing his record eight-breaking title and youngster Max Verstappen making a name for himself and loved by many fans for his attitude is hated. The renewal of contracts, the rise of rivals within the same team, the boarding of young players, unexpected mistakes in the race cars and the killer commentary ensure that the audience grows each season.
3 Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give Up (2021)
This Prime Video documentary isn’t about an athlete, it’s about the greatest football manager in history. It is Sir Alex Ferguson of one of football’s biggest clubs, Manchester United, who suffered a traumatic brain hemorrhage. From the early days of his humble beginnings to his 26-year tenure as manager of Manchester United, Never give up is a tearful journey through the inspiring power of memory.
Directed by Ferguson’s son Jason, the documentary captures the authenticity and every aspect of his father’s career and struggle with his health in 2018. The comeback of the great Manchester United manager is one of charisma, determination and intelligence.
2 Shane (2022)
This Prime Video documentary takes a look at Australia’s greatest cricketer, Shane Warne, who hit an iconic bowling leg spin. Shane was released weeks before the cricket legend died of a heart condition, making the film more sentimental for his fans. Warne was a master of his craft of spin bowling, but with success and prestige came many scandals. Rumors of bets, drugs and infidelity have haunted him over the years. This put pressure on his personal life, including his marriage and his cricket career.
The late Warne is open about his actions and how they may have affected not only his ex-wife but his children as well. Despite the scandals, his family and peers in the sport still had good things to say about the unique cricketer.
1 The Last Dance (2020)
The last Dance reveals the cultural phenomenon that happened to basketball with Michael Jordan and his legendary time with the Chicago Bulls. The ten-part Netflix documentary series follows the Jordan dynasty as they won six championships in eight years with teammates Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and coach Phil Jackson. The Bulls dynasty’s journey has not been smooth, especially given the managerial decisions of Jerry Krause, who replaced the head coach, the pressure to win the second championship by three peats, and the tension between teammates, including overwhelming expectations from Michael Jordan.
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