In recent years, athlete documentaries have emerged as a powerful source of entertainment and inspiration for viewers. From Prime Video to Netflix, many big streaming platforms are releasing detailed documentaries based on some of the greatest athletes of all time. They provide viewers with a broad perspective into the lives of sports stars, who have seen the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. Through the lens of an athlete, one gets to witness an untold story out of the spotlight. Many popular documentaries have focused on various aspects of an athlete's life, like infamous events, big occasions, ups and downs in career, personal life, etc.
Although these famous athletes come from different walks of life, their motto remains the same: to put on a good game and strive for that one dream that keeps them awake at night. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fan of unwavering spirit, athlete documentaries will walk you through the personal narratives of some extraordinary people and motivate you. Take the chance to delve deeper into the stories of legends whose sacrifices, wins, struggles, and dreams created a legacy worth remembering. Here are some of the best athlete documentaries that you shouldn't miss out on.
10 Venus and Serena
Venus and Serena, the iconic sister duo, have become tennis superstars worldwide. While numerous documentaries deal with individual athletes' biographies, this tennis documentary stands out from the rest. It provides a detailed look into the lives of the Williams sisters, spanning from their humble beginnings in California to their rise as tennis champions. Their inspiring stories are a testament to overcoming adversities, setbacks, and dedication to reach greatness.
The documentary follows how Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, coached them from a very young age. Later, the sisters' made their professional debuts in 1994 and 1995, respectively. The film witnesses their breakthrough performances, high-stakes matches, and on-court rivalry. But their bond always remained strong. The story emphasizes the profound impact of Serena and Venus on the world.
9 Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story
Born in California, Leo Baker is a professional skateboarder who has made a name for himself in the industry. Soon, they expressed fearlessly their transgender identity publicly. For years, Baker competed in women's events until 2020, when they made the choice to live as their authentic, true selves.
Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story follows the influential story of Baker, who decides to turn down the 2020 Olympics offer and embrace life with their newly discovered identity. Directed by Nicola Marsh and Giovanni Reda, the film gives an in-depth view of the factors and experiences that led up to the decision. The documentary tells the story of being true to oneself, dealing with societal norms, and building inclusiveness in sports.
8 Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story
Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story is considered one of the most prominent Taiwanese-American documentaries of 2018. It is the remarkable story of a professional baseball player named Chien-Ming, who has played for several teams like the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, and Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball. While playing for the Yankees against the Houston Astros, Wang’s career took an unexpected turn when he suffered a severe Lisfranc injury.
He undergoes surgeries and follows workout routines to return to the ground. The documentary showcases his never-give-up attitude as he makes a great comeback after recovery. His fans, trainers, family, and friends' support played an integral part in his tough times. Wang’s undying spirit to not let go of his sport made him a decorated player not just in his home country but also globally. The documentary received accolades at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
7 Conor McGregor: Notorious
Conor McGregor, who also goes by the name "Notorious," is a huge name in the MMA industry. The documentary highlights his journey, which started with fighting in lower-level matches and relying on welfare money for his livelihood. But McGregor’s unwavering dedication, hard work, and thrill of bouts secured him UFC championship belts and big paychecks.
Director Gavin Fitzgerald unravels the personal and professional facets of his life onscreen. Notably, it features his biggest bouts, such as the Nate Diaz encounter and the high-profile Floyd Mayweather match preparation. Recently, McGregor's second documentary, McGregor Forever, has also been released. While Conor McGregor: Notorious covered his rags-to-riches story, the second one focuses more on the highs and lows of his career.
6 Messi
Lionel Messi is hailed as one of the greatest football players of all time. From humble beginnings to achieving his dream of holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, he continues to inspire fans worldwide. If you're a Messi fan who likes to follow his private and professional journey, this documentary is for you. Directed by Lex de la Iglesia and written by Jorge Valdano, the film witnesses the transformative journey of a passionate young boy from Argentina who took the world by storm.
Messi documentary also involves various interviews with his teammates, family, and coaches, offering their takes on Messi's passion and determination for the sport. The Venice Film Festival also screened the movie, receiving acclaim from audiences and a few critics.
5 Tyson
Known as the youngest heavyweight champion in the world, Mike Tyson's life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Helmed by James Toback, Tyson delves into his troubled childhood, set against the backdrop of bad neighborhood influence leading him to commit crimes. It also explores his relationship with Cus D'Amato, a father figure in his life whose tragic death in 1985 devastated him.
This captivating film presents the unfiltered story of Mike Tyson, right from his upbringing to becoming a legendary boxer who was feared by many. Along with powerful storytelling, it also features Tyson's narration of the whole scenario, surrounding his controversies, strained relationships, and personal life. The 2009 film was well-received by critics and audiences for diving deep into the complex personality of Iron Mike.
4 Shaq
Shaq is a four-episode HBO docuseries based on the life of legendary Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal. In the series, the NBA giant details his personal life, his meteoric rise in the NBA, the Lakers' dominance on the court, and his outside NBA ventures. The first episode walks through his military origins and his draft by the Orlando Magic in 1992.
Subsequent episodes show the era of his playing for the Lakers, winning four NBA championships and multiple MVP awards. The year 2005 saw Shaq's transition to playing for the Miami Heat due to his issues with Lakers’ fellow co-player Kobe Bryant. In a past statement by O'Neal to Variety, he mentioned that the documentary is a realistic and honest look into his life.
3 What's My Name: Muhammad Ali
What's My Name: Muhammad Ali is a detailed documentary on the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. It is divided into two episodes, each spanning almost 80 minutes. Episode 1 focuses on his victory at the 1960 Summer Olympics, marking the rise of Ali in the boxing world. It also confronts the crucial moment of his refusal to be inducted into the U.S. Army, which cost him his heavyweight title.
Episode 2 unveils the triumphs of becoming a three-time heavyweight champion. However, the rigorous bouts started to take a toll on his mental and physical health. The second part is mostly about his impact on the world. The journey of Ali as a great boxer, philanthropist, and activist will forever be remembered by millions. The documentary's name is inspired by the infamous banter that took place between Muhammad Ali and Ernie Terell. Angered by Terrel’s refusal to call him by his Islamic name, Ali shouted "What's my name?". Muhammad Ali came out victorious in this iconic 1967 match.
2 Senna
Released in 2011, Senna is a documentary about the famous Brazilian Formula 1 champion, Ayrton Senna. The documentary depicts the story of Senna on and off the track. It dives deeper into his background, rivalries, personal life, and influences shaping him into an exceptional driver. Even though his career takes center stage, the story showcases his kind personality, whose dedication, philanthropic endeavors, and passion are remarkable. The film also consists of interviews with his close ones to give viewers an in-depth view of the humble driver's story.
Senna's documentary confronts the heartbreaking moment of the Formula 1 legend's death in 1994 at the age of 34 due to a car crash. The news of his untimely death came as a shock to everyone worldwide. The makers' masterful storytelling pays homage to the legendary driver and inspiration, Ayrton Senna.
1 The Last Dance
Hailed as one of the most influential documentaries, The Last Dance highlights the remarkable chapters of Michael Jordan's NBA life. Directed by Jason Hehir, the documentary focuses on the final run of the legend with the Chicago Bulls in the 1997–1998 NBA Finals. The series is divided into 10 episodes, delving deep into Jordan's rivalries with other teams, controversies, and challenging phases of his career.
The Last Dance represents standing united as a team for one last time, marking the end of an era with a victory. Additionally, the documentary also consists of a blend of archival footage and exclusive in-depth coverage of NBA players like Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, Coach Phil Jackson, and Scottie Pippen. From showcasing exceptional basketball talent in his college years to his rise as one of the most legendary names in the game, Jordan's life story has inspired many. The miniseries serves as a memento of reliving the iconic moments of the Chicago Bulls and celebrating His Airness' legacy.