The Best Sports Documentaries and Films to Watch

Documentaries:

1. “The Last Dance” (2020) – Chronicles Michael Jordan’s career and the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s dynasty. A deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of one of basketball’s greatest teams.

1. “Free Solo” (2018) – Follows rock climber Alex Honnold’s quest to climb El Capitan without ropes. An intense and thrilling look at the pursuit of a seemingly impossible feat.

1. “The ESPN 30 for 30 Series” – A collection of documentaries covering a wide range of sports topics, from the rise of the Miami Hurricanes to the infamous “Malice at the Palace.”

1. “Senna” (2010) – A portrait of Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, exploring his life, career, and tragic death.

1. “Icarus” (2017) – Examines the Russian doping scandal through the lens of a filmmaker’s personal investigation, revealing a shocking story of corruption.

1. “When We Were Kings” (1996) – Focuses on the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

1. “Pumping Iron” (1977) – Chronicles the world of bodybuilding, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and his competition leading up to the Mr. Olympia contest.

• “The Battered Bastards of Baseball” (2014) – Tells the story of the Portland Mavericks, an independent baseball team owned by actor Bing Russell.

• “Coach Carter” (2005) – While not a documentary, this film is based on the true story of high school basketball coach Ken Carter, who emphasizes academics over athletics.

• “The Dawn Wall” (2017) – Another climbing documentary that focuses on the attempts to free-climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan by Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson.

Films:

1. “Rocky” (1976) – The classic underdog story of boxer Rocky Balboa, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

1. “Moneyball” (2011) – Based on the true story of how the Oakland Athletics used statistical analysis to build a competitive baseball team.

1. “Remember the Titans” (2000) – A film about a high school football team navigating racial tensions and striving for success in the early 1970s.

1. “Raging Bull” (1980) – A biographical film about the turbulent life of boxer Jake LaMotta, directed by Martin Scorsese.

1. “The Blind Side” (2009) – The true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who is taken in by a family and becomes a successful football player.

1. “Chariots of Fire” (1981) – Based on the true story of two athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics, focusing on themes of faith and perseverance.

1. “Ali” (2001) – A biographical film about the life of Muhammad Ali, highlighting his boxing career and personal struggles.

1. “Miracle” (2004) – The inspiring story of the U.S. ice hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

1. “The Fighter” (2010) – Follows the life of professional boxer Micky Ward and his tumultuous relationship with his family.

1. “Creed” (2015) – A continuation of the “Rocky” series, focusing on Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis, and his journey to become a boxer under the guidance of Rocky Balboa.

These documentaries and films offer a range of insights into different sports, personalities, and inspiring stories.