The Best Sports Documentaries Every Fan Must Watch

Sports documentaries provide a unique perspective into the world of sports, offering an inside look at the lives of athletes, their struggles, triumphs and the passion that drives them. They capture not just the physicality and competitiveness of sports but also delve into its psychological and emotional aspects. For every sports fan out there, these documentaries are a must-watch as they offer an immersive experience into your favorite games.

One such documentary is ‘Hoop Dreams’. This 1994 masterpiece follows two African-American high school students in Chicago who dream of becoming professional basketball players. The film beautifully captures their journey over five years, reflecting on race, social class, education and economic divide in America.

Another must-watch documentary is ‘The Two Escobars’, which intertwines Colombia’s love for football with its notorious drug war during the 1980s-90s. It tells the story of Andrés Escobar, a beloved national football player who was murdered after his own goal cost Colombia the World Cup in 1994; and Pablo Escobar – no relation to Andrés – who was perhaps one of history’s most infamous drug lords.

‘When We Were Kings’ is another classic that chronicles “The Rumble in Jungle”, one of boxing’s most historic matches between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held in Zaire (now Democratic Republic Congo) in 1974. This Oscar-winning documentary brilliantly captures Ali’s charisma outside the ring as well as his genius inside it.

‘The Last Dance’, a recent addition to this genre has garnered worldwide acclaim for its depiction of Michael Jordan’s last season with Chicago Bulls. It offers an intimate portrayal of one of basketball’s greatest players through never-before-seen footage from their championship-winning season along with interviews from key figures.

For fans interested in extreme sports documentaries, ‘Free Solo’ is a breathtaking watch that follows Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person to free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000ft high El Capitan Wall with no ropes or safety gear. The documentary is a testament to human will and determination.

‘Riding Giants’ is another intriguing watch that delves into the history of surfing, focusing on big wave surfers who risk their lives to ride monstrous waves. It beautifully captures the thrill and terror of riding a giant wave.

Lastly, ‘Senna’, which chronicles the life and tragic death of Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna is an emotional roller coaster that explores his rivalry with Alain Prost and his untimely demise at San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

These documentaries offer more than just sports narratives; they provide insights into societal issues, human spirit, triumphs against odds and sometimes even tragedies. They are powerful stories that every sports fan must watch not only for their love for sports but also for the sheer human drama they encapsulate.