It isn’t difficult to find sports documentaries these days – people just can’t get enough of them. Sports documentaries tell the stories of favorite athletes – the best and the worst that the industry has to offer. They can be inspiring, informative, or concerning, depending on the spin.
Yet even with that in mind, there are certain sports documentaries that stand above the rest. These are the ones that will always be remembered by viewers and should be watched by any enthusiast out there.
The Endless Summer (1966)
Bruce Brown, the renowned filmmaker, turned an entire generation into surfing fans with his documentary, The Endless Summer. It follows two surfers (Mike Hynson and Robert August) as they quest for the best waves out there.
Icarus (2017)
If you’re looking for a documentary with a more severe tone, Icarus might fit the bill. This Netflix documentary, created by Bryan Fogel, investigates steroids within the professional cycling world.
Last Chance U: Basketball (2021)
Last Chance U: Basketball is another Netflix documentary, this time following the world of Basketball. It looks to athletes striving to make the cut and join the pro ranks in East Los Angeles.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Directed by Steve James, Hoop Dreams follows William Gates and Arthur Agee – two teens trying to make their dreams come true by becoming part of the NBA. This documentary was one of the best of the ‘90s and is still considered the best by many.
Diego Maradona (2019)
Diego Maradona, a famous Argentinian football player, passed away at the age of sixty in 2020. Before Maradona passed away, director Asif Kapadia was able to gain a few exclusive interviews, which turned his documentary into something otherworldly and so vital to fans.
Over the Limit (2017)
Marta Prus directed Over the Limit, a documentary following Russian rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun. Here, viewers can watch as Mamun prepares for the 2016 Olympics. The tone of this documentary is shockingly similar to Black Swan and will hit viewers just as hard.
The Short Game (2013)
For the golf fans out there, there’s always the Netflix documentary The Short Game. Produced by Justin Timberlake, this documentary is set during the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship and shows what these kids have to offer.