Well-known film producer Libby Geist once said, “People seem to think they know the stories, but a filmmaker can step back and show reasons why and how, which the everyday narrative of sport often lacks.” Sports fans 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 sports and the culture surrounding them, ranked.
10 Reggie (2023)
Prime Video released this documentary on baseball megastar Reggie Jackson, who fought for his dignity, respect, and a seat at the table as a Black athlete in the 70s. The hardship and struggles the Yankee star faced resulted in a documentary that depicts a depressing ulterior where Jackson was unable to enjoy the perks of fame awarded to his white counterparts.
The relationship between Jackson and the media was often highlighted as he confessed to being extremely aggressive during interviews. The controversy of Reggie carries out not in the content of the movie, but rather in the failure to mention his coaches and the OG players that were a big part of his career.
9 Cheer (2020)
This two-season Netflix series follows the heartwarming story of cheer coach Monica Aldama who works hard and demands perfection from her cheerleading protegees on the Navarro College Cheer Team. The documentary steers away from the perception of cheerleading as a "dumb blonde sport" and highlights the skills and determination required for the sport.
Cheer does not just focus on Aldama's story, but also the struggles of each cheerleader. The docu-series showcases the dilemmas of competing in an increasingly dangerous sport, with certain stunts banned due to difficulty and broken bones pushed to the limit—calling the morality of Coach Aldama into question.
8 Free Solo (2018)
This Disney+ documentary tells the inspiring story of Alex Honnold, who was the first person to free solo climb El Capitan, which is 3200 ft. tall and composed of sheer granite. The achievement was known as the greatest athletic feat of any kind by climbing a vertical slope without any safety ropes.
Honnold's miraculous opportunity was an emotional journey, facing the very real threat of death. The athletic triumph is documented with close-ups of Honnold through drone shots, capturing the harrowing moments of near-slippage. Free Solo is a heartwarming take on the relationship between Honnold and his girlfriend Sanni McCandless, though it's terrifying to see those near and dear to him watch the climb knowing the stakes are so high—the terrifying reality of 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 made his mark on the sport as a teenager by winning the Wimbledon championship at the age of 17. Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker focuses on everything from his scandalous mixed-raced marriage to his hiding of assets during the declaration of bankruptcy at court and ending up facing 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 makes an appearance through a voiceover; an overdramatic narrative was avoided, bringing a level of authenticity to the 20th-century tennis legend.
6 Full Swing (2023)
This Netflix series takes a peek at the 2022 PGA Tour, covered in just eight episodes during the most unprecedented year of professional golf. Today's greatest players face high stakes due to the relentless competition shows where even a small mistake has catastrophic consequences, and golfers can walk out with millions of dollars... or absolutely nothing.
The tragedy heightens during decisions made by the PGA to make LIV the future of golf, taking a controversial turn for the better or the worse (depending on who you ask). The pro golfers face the power struggle of golf, and each episode focuses on the career, experience and drama of a different athlete during the four major golf tournaments of the season.
5 The Swimmers (2022)
A Netflix documentary, The Swimmers follows two sisters who went from escaping the never-ending war in Syria to attending the 2016 Rio Olympics as refugees. After losing the place they called home, the Mardini sisters take an unprecedented journey in a boat to Germany for a better life.
The hardship of Yusra and Sarah having to test their swimming skills at sea to survive was an inspiring journey, but those struggles did not stop Yusra Mardini from thriving as a refugee—with her resilience, she was able to qualify for the Summer Olympics at the age of 17 and chase her dreams.
4 Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019)
Another Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive uncovers the unparalleled speed and unprecedented access of Formula One. The series is known as the most highly anticipated sports docu-series, converting a new generation of F1 fans to the sport over the past few years. Drive to Survive goes behind-the-scenes of each Grand Prix, showcasing the continuous drama of which driver will hold the next F1 championship title.
The series highlights the injustices faced by Daniel Riccado from the start, to the GOAT Lewis Hamilton losing his eight-record-breaking title, to the youngster Max Verstappen making his mark and being hated by many fans for his attitude. The renewal of contracts, rivals rising within the same team, onboarding youngsters, unexpected faults in the race cars, and the killer commentary keeps the audience growing every season.
3 Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021)
This Prime Video documentary is not about an athlete, but rather about the greatest football manager of history. It is Sir Alex Ferguson from one of the biggest football clubs, Manchester United, who experienced a traumatic brain hemorrhage. From the early days of his humble beginnings to his 26-year tenure as manager of Manchester United, Never Give In is a tear-jerking journey of the inspiring power of memory.
The documentary was directed by Ferguson’s son Jason, and captures the authenticity and every aspect of his father’s career and the struggle with his health condition that occurred in 2018. The comeback of the great manager of Manchester United consists of charisma, determination, and intelligence.
2 Shane (2022)
This Prime Video documentary takes a look at Australia’s greatest cricketer, Shane Warne, who had an iconic bowled leg spin. Shane was released weeks before the cricket legend's death from a heart condition, making the movie more sentimental to his fans. Warne was the master of his craft of spin bowling, but with success and prestige came many scandals. Rumors surrounding betting, drugs, and infidelity followed him through the years. This put pressure on his personal life, including his marriage and his cricket career.
The late Warne candidly speaks on his actions and how they may have affected not only his ex-wife but also his children. Despite the scandals, his family and colleagues in the sport still had to say good things about the one-of-a-kind cricketer.
1 The Last Dance (2020)
The Last Dance unravels the cultural phenomenon that happened to the sport of basketball with Michael Jordan and his legendary time with the Chicago Bulls. The ten-part Netflix documentary series follows the Jordan dynasty, winning six championships in eight years with his teammates Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and coach Phil Jackson. The journey of the Bulls Dynasty was not a smooth ride, especially with the executive decisions stemming from Jerry Krause replacing the head coach, the pressure of winning the second three-peat championship, and the tension between the teammates including the overwhelming expectations of Michael Jordan.