These Sports Documentaries Feature Tales of Legends, Scandals, and Triumphs

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Sports documentaries offer more than just a look at athletic competition. They delve into the human stories behind the athletes, the societal issues that sports are so often a lens for, and the universal themes of perseverance, triumph, and defeat. Even if you’re not an athlete or a sports fan, these films can appeal with their emotional depth and real-life drama.

For instance, Hoop Dreams explores race, opportunity, and the American dream through the eyes of two young basketball players, while Athlete A sheds light on the courage of gymnasts who took on an abusive system and coach. Documentaries like The Last Dance about NBA legend Michael Jordan offer insight into the intense pressures of fame, while LFG highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality in women’s soccer.

Whether you’re interested in stories of resilience, social justice, or simply compelling narratives, sports documentaries like Icarus and When We Were Kings showcase how sports can reflect and influence larger cultural conversations, making them relatable and inspiring. Here’s our take of some of the best sports documentaries and the figures behind them.

‘LFG’

This 2021 documentary follows the US Women’s National Soccer Team’s fight for equal pay. Focusing on their legal battle against US Soccer, the film provides an inside look at the players’ journey to challenge the pay disparity between male and female athletes. Directed by Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, the movie also features star athletes Megan Rapinoe and Jessica McDonald. You’ll see interviews and behind-the-scenes footage in LFG while witnessing the determination of the players to achieve fairness. Viewers praised its powerful message and inspiring activism.

Following a lengthy legal fight, the US Women’s National Soccer Team did go on to reach a groundbreaking agreement with US Soccer in 2022. The settlement provided $24 million in back pay and guaranteed equal pay for both the men’s and women’s teams going forward, covering match bonuses and tournament prize money. This victory was a major step toward gender equality in sports, setting an important example for athletes and organizations globally to push for fair compensation.

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‘Hoop Dreams’

Hoop Dreams was a groundbreaking documentary of its era. It follows two African-American teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, over several years as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional basketball players. Set against the backdrop of inner-city Chicago from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, the film highlights the challenges of poverty, education, and the pressure to succeed. Celebrated for its raw portrayal of ambition and struggle, this time capsule of a film offers a poignant look at race, opportunity, and the American dream.

After Hoop Dreams, Gates and Agee continued their lives shaped by the experiences captured in the film, though neither reached the NBA. Gates went on to attend Marquette University on a basketball scholarship, but knee injuries ultimately prevented him from pursuing a professional career in the NBA. He stays connected to basketball, coaching youth and high school teams.

Agee played basketball at a junior college before transferring to Arkansas State University, where he completed his college basketball career. He eventually launched his own clothing line and established the Arthur Agee Role Model Foundation, which aims to support and inspire youth to pursue their dreams.

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‘Athlete A’

Athlete A investigates the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal within USA Gymnastics spanning from the 1990s to 2015. It focuses on the gymnasts who came forward to expose years of abuse by the team doctor and the system that enabled him. The film also highlights the efforts of investigative journalists from the Indianapolis Star who uncovered the story. Beyond Nassar, Athlete A examines the broader culture of silence and power in elite gymnastics, where athletes were often exploited and overlooked.

In 2018, Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after hundreds of survivors tested against him.

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‘When We Were Kings’

When We Were Kingsa 1996 Oscar winner, captures the iconic 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire, dubbed the “Rumble in the Jungle.” The sports documentary showcases Ali’s charisma, the political context of the event, and the cultural significance of the fight. With rare footage and insightful interviews, it portrays Ali’s comeback story, his influence beyond the ring, and the global spectacle that transcended sports, which ultimately showcased African pride and resilience.

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‘Beckham’

Netflix Beckham chronicles the life and career of the soccer icon, spanning from his early years in the 1990s to his global fame. In the four-part series, viewers will see key moments in his life that shaped the man he is today, including his rise at Manchester United, marriage to Victoria Beckham, even high-profile controversies (like when he had a publicized fight with his coach). Alongside interviews with David Beckham himself, the documentary features appearances by his family, former teammates, and coaches like Sir Alex Ferguson.

Viewers praised the 2023 film for its intimate portrayal of Beckham’s personal life, his perseverance through public scrutiny, and the behind-the-scenes insights into the world of elite soccer… er, football. You might also remember the viral moment in which he teased wife Victoria to “be honest” about her privileged upbringing.

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‘One Day in September’

One Day in Septembera 1999 Oscar-winning documentary, recounts the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics when Palestinian terrorists from the group Black September took 11 Israeli athletes hostage. The film explores the context, the planning of the attack, and the failures of the political rescue operation that resulted in the deaths of all the hostages. With archival footage of interviews with family members of the victims, journalists, and other key figures involved—including one with the sole surviving terrorist—One Day in September is gripping in how it captures problems with international security protocols, its impact on global sports, and terrorism.

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‘The Last Dance’

Critically acclaimed sports documentary The Last Dance chronicles basketball legend Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls from 1997 to 1998. Featuring behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key players during the team’s championship run, the Netflix series explores Jordan’s career, the dynamics within the Chicago Bulls, and the challenges they faced en route to their sixth NBA title. It highlights Jordan’s impact on basketball and pop culture, offering a deep dive into the legacy of one of the greatest athletes of all time.

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‘The Endless Summer’

The Endless Summer follows two surfers: Mike Hynson and Robert August. In the 1966 doc, the pair travels the globe in search of the perfect wave. Set in the mid-1960s, the film captures their adventures across various surf spots, like Africa, Australia, and Tahiti, while wonderfully highlighting the era’s surf culture. The narrative is laid back and the visuals are stunning, even without the high-tech advancements seen in today’s documentary filmmaking.

Today, August continues to be involved in the surf industry, shaping boards and participating in surf events, while Hynson has remained a significant figure in surf culture, contributing to the evolution of surfboard design.

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‘Icarus’

Icarus exposes Russia’s state-sponsored doping program in the early 2010s, leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics. What started as a personal experiment by filmmaker Bryan Fogel on performance-enhancing drugs ultimately evolved into a doc highlighting a global sports scandal with the help of whistleblower Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov. Icarus went on to win an Oscar for its intense and eye-opening look at how deep corruption runs in international sports.

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‘Sleep’

Sleepy is a powerful documentary that chronicles the life and career of Brazilian Formula One driver Ayrton Senna. Through archival footage and interviews, this 2010 film explores his rise to fame, intense rivalry with French Formula One driver Alain Prost, and passion for racing. It highlights Senna’s on-track brilliance, spiritual beliefs, and complex personality. Spoiler: The documentary’s emotional climax focuses on the tragic 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, where Senna lost his life. In addition to celebrating Senna’s greatness, the film touches on the political and safety issues in Formula One during his era.

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‘Murderball’

Murderball introduces viewers to the intense world of wheelchair rugby. The 2005 documentary spotlights athletes with quadriplegia who compete in this full-contact, fast-paced sport. The film also explores the rivalry between the US and Canadian teams leading up to the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens—highlighting the physical and emotional challenges the players face. Beyond the sport, Murderball also details the resilience, identity, and overcoming adversity, which is both raw and inspiring.

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