Sports documentaries have transformed the way viewers engage with athletes and their stories. These compelling narratives offer unprecedented access to the world of sports, drawing audiences in with behind-the-scenes glimpses and personal journeys. From Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” to docuseries on tennis, surfing, golf, cycling, soccer (or football) and rugby, sports documentaries have become a powerful medium to showcase the triumphs, struggles, and human elements of athletic pursuits.

Crafting a sports documentary that resonates with audiences requires a delicate balance of storytelling prowess, production expertise, and authentic access. This article explores the key elements to consider when creating a captivating sports documentary. We’ll delve into choosing a compelling story, gaining trust for unprecedented access, assembling the right production team, capturing dynamic footage, and weaving a narrative arc that keeps viewers invested in both the athletic achievements and personal stories of the subjects.

Choosing a Compelling Sports Story

At the heart of any captivating sports documentary lies a dynamic narrative that resonates with viewers. Emmy-winning documentarian Ken Burns emphasises the distinction between subject and story, stating, “The subject is the focus of the documentary, but the story is a manipulation of aspects of that subject that you are stitching together into a story.” This insight underscores the importance of crafting a compelling narrative that goes beyond mere facts and figures.

When selecting a story for a sports documentary, consider unique angles that haven’t been explored before. For instance, a sports documentary about boxing might focus on the mental challenges athletes face, or a soccer (or football) series could explore the sport’s impact on a particular community. The key is to find a narrative that combines athletic prowess with human interest, creating a story that appeals to both dedicated sports fans and general audiences.

Identifying Unique Narratives

To create a sports documentary that truly captures audiences, filmmakers must identify stories that pique interest and forge emotional connections. The key lies in exploring aspects of sports that appeal to viewers the most, including:

• Underdog Triumph – The unexpected victory of a less favoured team or athlete.
• Personal Struggles of Athlete – Coping with performance pressure, public scrutiny, mental health challenges, and the transition to life after sports.
• Rivalry – Intense competition between teams, athletes, or nations.
• Overcoming Adversity – Athletes or teams facing and overcoming significant challenges or setbacks.
• Redemption – A comeback story where an athlete or team redeems themselves after a failure or scandal.
• Injury and Recovery – The impact of injuries on athletes and their journey back to peak performance.
• Legacy – The lasting impact and influence of an athlete, team, or coach on the sport.
• Team Dynamics – The relationships, chemistry, and conflicts within a team.
• Breaking Records – The pursuit and achievement of new milestones in the sport.
• Scandal and Controversy – Issues such as doping, corruption, or other unethical behavior within sports.
• Fan Culture – The role and impact of fans, including their passion, loyalty, and influence on the sport.
• Broader impact of sports on society – Uniting communities, promoting cultural exchange, driving economic growth, encouraging health, and advancing social change.

Sports documentaries have evolved significantly over the years, with series like HBO’s productions in the 1990s and ESPN’s “Sports Century” paving the way for more in-depth storytelling. However, it was ESPN’s 30 for 30 series that reinvented the sports documentary. This series delved deep into forgotten stories of teams and players, bringing to life myths with fascinating detail. For instance, the 30 for 30 film “Once Brothers” tells the gripping tale of Drazen Petrovic and Vlade Divac, how a war between their native homelands, Croatia and Serbia, tore apart their friendship, and whether Divac has ever come to terms with the death of a friend before they had a chance to reconcile.

Researching the Subject Matter

Once a compelling story idea has been identified, thorough research becomes crucial. This process involves information gathering about key events, characters, and pivotal moments related to the chosen sports story. Documentary filmmaking requires various types of research to provide context, visuals, narration, and interviews, to gain a deep understanding of the subject matter. These may include:

1. Archival research: Examining historical records, news articles, and footage to build a comprehensive background.
2. Academic research: Consulting scholarly works to provide depth and credibility to the narrative.
3. In-person interviews: Gathering firsthand accounts and perspectives from individuals involved in the story.

This research serves as the foundation for the documentary, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in storytelling. It also helps filmmakers uncover lesser-known facts and anecdotes that can add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

The process of finding the story in a nonfiction film involves significant pre-production research, flexibility during filming, and creative post-production work. By investing time and effort into this process, filmmakers can uncover unique angles and perspectives that set their sports documentary apart and keep audiences engaged throughout the film.

Gaining Unprecedented Access

Building Trust with Athletes and Teams

Creating a captivating sports documentary hinges on gaining unprecedented access to athletes and teams. This access is built on a foundation of trust, which is essential for capturing credible moments and powerful stories. The credibility of a sports documentary is complex, requiring an athletes’ willingness to be vulnerable and the filmmakers’ commitment to truthful storytelling. When this balance is struck, it leads to powerful stories that bring to life both the thrill of athletic achievement and the depth of human experience.

To establish trust, filmmakers must demonstrate genuine care for the athletes and their stories. This involves showing interest in their lives beyond the sport, asking about their day, families, or other personal matters. By investing in athletes as people, not just subjects, documentarians can foster a relationship where athletes feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Paul Martin, a renowned sports documentary producer, emphasizes the importance of continuously earning trust. He notes, “Every new season you turn up on, you have to win over that trust [again]. You never know what’s going on in their [the athletes] personal lives, and that’s our job to unpick that for the storylines.” This approach underscores the need for ongoing relationship-building throughout the production process.

Filmmakers should also be mindful of the athletes’ primary focus. As Martin points out, “You’ve got to always remember the number one priority for them is to win a sporting event. They’re not thinking about the Netflix show.” This understanding helps navigate the delicate balance between capturing compelling content and respecting the athletes’ professional commitments.

Negotiating Filming Rights

Securing filming rights is a crucial step in creating a sports documentary. This process involves negotiating with various stakeholders, including athletes, teams, and governing bodies. A key aspect of this negotiation is obtaining location agreements, especially when filming on private property.

Location agreements serve multiple purposes:

1. They protect the production company against claims such as trespass.
2. They are required for securing distribution and Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.
3. They establish clear terms for access and use of the property.

When negotiating these agreements, filmmakers should ensure they cover several key areas:

1. Grant of Rights: This provision should clearly state the filmmaker’s right to enter the property, bring necessary equipment, and depict the location in the final product across all media platforms.
2. Access Rights: Specify the terms of access, including days, times, and areas of the location that can be used for filming.
3. Intellectual Property Rights: Ensure that the agreement vests sole and exclusive ownership of all footage and recordings in the production company.
4. Grantor’s Release: Include a clause where the property owner releases potential causes of action against the filmmaker, such as claims of libel, defamation, or invasion of privacy.

Negotiating with sports organizations can be particularly challenging. Martin shares an example from his experience: “It was then about getting down to the PGA headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida and getting that moment of [PGA Tour commissioner] Jay [Monahan] having to explain to some of his senior team.” He emphasizes the importance of transparency, noting, “You can’t give us everything when it’s positive, and when it’s not, nothing.”

By carefully navigating these negotiations and building strong relationships based on trust, filmmakers can gain the unprecedented access necessary to create sports documentaries.

Assembling the Right Production Team

Hiring Experienced Sports Filmmakers

Creating a sports documentary requires a skilled production team. Documentary filmmakers are professionals who specialise in creating factual (nonfictional) motion pictures that depict real events, people, and aspects of real life. When assembling a team for a sports documentary, it’s crucial to seek out individuals with experience in this specific genre.

Sports Documentarians should possess a unique blend of skills, including:

• Analytical Thinking – Uncover stories as events unfold. Extract athletes’ narratives from statistics and gameplay. Maintain detailed notes on characters and storylines throughout production.
• Interpersonal Skills – Foster trust with athletes, coaches, agents, family, and friends. Secure access to both professional and personal aspects of their lives.
• Communication Skills – Utilise messaging groups effectively. Build strong rapport with team members. Keep others informed of your location and next moves. Don’t hesitate to request support or additional shooters when needed.
• Organizational Abilities – Crucial for managing multiple storylines. Navigate overlapping schedules and draws during events efficiently.
• Physical Stamina – Whether you’re a Producer/Director, DP, Shooter/Producer, or AP, be prepared for long hours in challenging environments, from sun-scorched golf courses to rain-drenched beaches.
• Genuine Passion for Sports – Live and breathe the game, on and off camera. Deep knowledge enables anticipation of key moments and understanding of various athletic disciplines’ nuances.
• Adaptability – Be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. Handle unpredictable situations flexibly, whether it’s environmental changes, surprise interviews, or impromptu athlete excursions.
• Willingness to Travel / Adventurous Spirit – Embrace a nomadic lifestyle, following athletes globally. Your workplace is wherever the story leads you.
• Intuition – Sense pivotal moments before they occur, both at events and away from them.
• Filmmaker expertise – Every frame a Rembrandt. Capture the sweat, tears, and triumph with artistry.
• Remote Team Collaboration – Work effectively across time zones for remote athlete interviews or planning upcoming production phases.
• Keen Eye – Spot and capture authentic moments that embody the spirit of the sport in split seconds.
• Storytelling – Breathe life into sports narratives, transforming athletic achievements into epic stories.
• Ethical Awareness – Balance compelling storytelling with respect for subjects’ privacy and dignity.
• Technical Proficiency – Stay updated on the latest filmmaking equipment and techniques, invest in the right kit for each sporting code.

The production team’s responsibilities encompass various aspects of the filmmaking process. They decide on the type of documentary to create, conduct thorough research, and choose the subject matter. The team also handles technical requirements, ensuring the availability of necessary equipment such as cameras, sound kits, and lighting gear.

Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts

Incorporating subject matter experts (SMEs) into the production process is crucial for creating an authentic and informative sports documentary. These experts bring valuable knowledge and insights that can elevate the content and lend credibility to the project. Their expertise allows great nuance into the complexities of sports, offering viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

When working with SMEs, it’s important to:

1. Establish a shared vision and goals for the project
2. Be mindful of the SME’s capacity and time constraints
3. Value and appreciate their knowledge and contributions
4. Ask thoughtful questions to facilitate a productive relationship
5. Seek feedback throughout the production process

Incorporating multiple viewpoints is beneficial for creating a well-rounded documentary. By involving various SMEs, the production team can present diverse perspectives and connect with a broader audience. This approach helps avoid biases and ensures a more comprehensive representation of the subject matter.

For sports documentaries, SMEs may include Journalists, former athletes or coaches, sports historians, sports psychologists, team executives, cultural critics and commentators. These individuals can provide valuable insights into the sports industry and address important issues such as competitive sports, off-field behaviour, and the impact of sports on society.

To maximize the collaboration with SMEs, the production team should:

1. Conduct pre-interviews (including audio only interviews) to prepare for effective final interviews on camera
2. Use the editing process as an opportunity to gather feedback
3. Recognise the unique expertise that each team member brings to the project

By combining the creativity of talented filmmakers with the knowledge of various experts, sports documentaries go beyond just showing games. These partnerships uncover personal stories, cultural effects, and social importance behind sports. The result is a powerful mix of narratives that deeply connect with viewers, offering new insights into the world behind sports and the universal themes they represent.

Capturing Dynamic Footage

Capturing the soul of a sport demands more than just aiming a camera at the action. To craft compelling sports documentaries, filmmakers must immerse themselves in the sport’s essence, grasping its unique rhythm, the athletes’ mindsets, and the untold stories lurking beneath the surface. This section explores powerful filming strategies that will mesmerise audiences, transforming raw athletic moments into cinematic experiences that pulsate with the true spirit of sports.

Utilising Multiple Camera Angles

While sports documentaries often have access to high-quality broadcast footage, the real magic lies in capturing complementary shots that add depth and emotion to the narrative. Typically, the production team employs two additional camera setups:

• Cinematic Camera: This setup focuses on capturing artistically composed shots that elevate the visual storytelling. It might include slow-motion sequences, unique angles, or intimate close-ups that broadcast cameras can’t achieve.
• Reaction Camera: This camera is dedicated to capturing the human element – the reactions of friends, family, and teammates. These shots provide crucial emotional context and help viewers connect with the personal stories behind the athletes.

Synchronization remains crucial when integrating these additional angles with broadcast footage. Filmmakers can use:

• Timecode generators: To precisely sync all cameras and audio recorders.
• Visual cues: Significant moments in the broadcast feed can serve as sync points such as filming score boards + match time
• Cache recording: Utilise cache recording features to capture only the most relevant moments, reducing overall footage and streamlining the post-production process.

Post-production plays a crucial role, with teams meticulously reviewing footage to identify key moments and subtle reactions that might otherwise be missed. This approach captures both the on-field action and off-field stories, providing a wealth of authentic content. It allows filmmakers to craft a narrative that goes beyond the surface, offering viewers a more complete and engaging experience of the sport. By catching fleeting expressions, background incidents, or telling interactions, post-production teams help uncover the deeper, often unseen layers of the sporting event, enriching the storytelling potential of the documentary.

Weaving Cinematic Visuals into Your Narrative

In a sports documentary, the camera serves as a window into the heart of athletic drama. Skilled filmmakers employ various methods to capture the raw energy, intricate details, and intense emotions that make sports so exciting to watch. Sports Cinematographers are not there to just record events; they immerse viewers in the athlete’s world, from adrenaline-fueled moments of competition to quiet instances of reflection and determination.

Different approaches can be applied to enhance key aspects of a sports documentary. They highlight the athletic prowess, reveal the drama of competition, and capture raw emotions. With these techniques, viewers get a front-row seat to the action, feeling the thrill of the game and the heart of the athletes:

Fast Action – Slow Motion: Using frame rates from 50 to 1000fps, filmmakers can create smooth, detailed slow-motion sequences. This reveals the beauty of complex athletic movements, builds drama, and allows viewers to appreciate the intricate details of technique and athleticism. When filming slow-motion shots, adjust the shutter speed to at least double the frame rate (e.g., 1/120th of a second for 60fps) to minimise motion blur and ensure sharp, detailed images. Be wary of flicker issues that can occur when fast shutter speeds clash with the refresh rates of screens or artificial lighting.

Handheld Camera Work: Utilising tools like Cinesaddle, Easyrig, or Ergo rig, handheld shots provide an intimate, immersive feel. This adds a natural energy to the shot, allowing for quick, responsive filming in unpredictable situations. This approach is especially powerful when shooting actuality (or observational documentary), allowing filmmakers to follow athletes closely and capture unscripted emotions and reactions. It brings an authentic, fly-on-the-wall feel to the footage. Advanced cameras like the Sony Burano feature in-body image stabilisation, significantly reducing camera shake when following subjects. This technology allow for smoother handheld shots.

Aerial Footage: Drones have revolutionised aerial filming, making it more accessible for documentary filmmakers. These shots offer stunning establishing shots, showcase the scale of events, and provide a unique perspectives of the action. They’re excellent for environmental context and can track moving subjects from above, adding variety. Drone regulations vary based on weight classes (sub-250g, sub-2kg, and over 2kg) and location, with specific restrictions for flying near crowds or in active airspace. Always consult and adhere to local aviation authorities’ guidelines before operating a drone for filming.

Super Long Lens: Using lenses like the Canon 50-1000mm or Sony 200-600mm (with eye tracking autofocus), filmmakers can capture detailed close-ups from a distance. This is ideal for capturing the headspace or energy of athletes and spectators, injury and equipment. These shots are frequently combined with slow motion to extend their duration and impact. Modern lenses now feature a Hold-Focus function, allowing for subtle manual focus adjustments without disrupting the shot’s fluidity.

Tracking Shots: These enable smooth tracking of subjects as they relocate to different parts of the event space, creating fluid movements. Gimbals are ideal for following athletes through their routines or preparations and can transition seamlessly between different places where a handheld shot may be too shaky.

For an efficient workflow during filming, it’s beneficial to have two cameras on hand, each equipped with different lenses / rigging. This setup allows you to switch between setups quickly without the need to change lenses mid-scene. For instance, you might have one camera fitted with a wide-angle zoom lens on a gimbal to capture athletes moving between locations, while the other is equipped with a mid or longer zoom lens for more targeted compositions like actuality or practice. Having an assistant nearby to carry the unused camera ensures that you can seamlessly transition between setups, saving valuable time and maintaining momentum during the shoot.

By modifying camera setups for each perspectives, sports Cinematographers can deliver an authentic portrayal of the sport, capturing the subtle nuances often missed on Broadcast TV. The goal is to showcase the physical prowess and high-stakes drama of competition whilst immersing viewers in the athletes’ emotional journey. A combination of slow-motion sequences, handheld shots, aerial footage, and long-lens close-ups provides audiences with a unique vantage point. Ultimately, the aim is to elevate the visual storytelling, offering a fresh perspective that leaves a lasting impression of both the sport and its athletes.

Crafting a Narrative Arc

A great sports documentary is built around its story, or narrative arc. This is what ties together the action, drama, and personal stories that keep viewers hooked. A well-told story can transform a simple retelling of events into an emotional journey that sticks with people long after the credits roll.

Balancing Action and Human Drama

Sports documentaries succeed when they strike the right balance between the on-field action and the off-field personal stories. While the excitement of the sport grabs attention, it’s the athletes’ personal experiences that forge a deeper connection with the audience. This balance is what separates a truly great sports documentary from a simple highlight reel.

To achieve this balance, filmmakers must focus on:

1. Capture the intensity of the sport, highlighting key moments, critical plays, and physical endurance.
2. Speak with athletes, coaches, family members, and rivals to provide personal insights that reveal the emotions and motivations behind the action.
3. Incorporate unscripted, behind-the-scenes moments that show athletes in their daily routines, training sessions, or personal environments, adding authenticity to their stories.
4. Use historical footage or past match highlights to provide context and deepen the understanding of significant moments in the sport’s history.
5. Interactions between teammates, coaches, and competitors to add emotional depth and context to the on-field action.
6. Identify key moments where athletes face adversity or achieve breakthroughs, emphasizing personal growth and struggles.
7. The psychological pressure athletes endure, from high-stakes competition to public scrutiny and personal expectations.
8. Key plays and emotional reactions through creative camera work that brings out the drama in both victory and defeat.
9. Provide context for how the athlete’s performance or the sport itself has influenced wider cultural or societal conversations, adding layers of significance.

For example, the ESPN 30 for 30 film “Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks” balances the heated on-court rivalry with behind-the-scenes insights. This approach allowed viewers to understand the tension between the teams while appreciating the personal stories that fuelled their competition.

Creating Emotional Connections

The true strength of a sports documentary lies in its ability to create deep emotional connections with viewers. These films go beyond just showcasing wins and losses—they reveal the personal stories behind the athletes, making them relatable, inspiring, and human.

To create these emotional connections, documentarians can:

1. Structure the narrative around challenges and triumphs
2. Use music, cinematography, and editing to evoke emotion
3. Show the vulnerable side of athletes, highlighting their struggles and personal growth

The emotional impact of these techniques is significant. As Jennifer Aaker of Stanford University explains, “stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone.” This emotional resonance helps viewers connect with the athletes on a personal level, fostering empathy and investment in their journeys.

Sports documentaries have the unique ability to shift how audiences seee athletes and sports. By revealing the human side of these larger-than-life figures, these films make their achievements more relatable and inspiring. This approach not only entertains but also educates and motivates viewers, leaving a lasting impact that extends beyond the sports world.

A well-crafted narrative arc should take viewers on an emotional journey that mirrors the highs and lows of the athletes themselves. By thoughtfully constructing this arc, filmmakers can captivate their audience, keep them emotionally engaged, and create a story that resonates long after the documentary ends.

Conclusion

Sports documentaries have evolved into a powerful medium for showcasing not only the triumphs and struggles of athletes but also the human stories behind their journeys. By focusing on engaging narratives, securing insider access, building the right production team, capturing exciting footage, and crafting a thoughtful narrative arc, filmmakers can create documentaries that resonate deeply with audiences. These elements come together to provide a more intimate look at the sports world, making athletes more relatable and their accomplishments more inspiring.

The influence of a well-crafted sports documentary goes beyond mere entertainment. These films have the ability to shift perceptions, educate viewers, and motivate people long after the credits roll. By balancing the intensity of on-field action with the emotional depth of off-field drama, and by forging strong emotional connections, sports documentaries offer a unique way to understand sports. They leave a lasting impact, not just on fans of the game, but on the broader cultural conversation surrounding athletic achievements and the human spirit.

Best Sports Documentaries

1. Welcome to Wrexham (2022 – ) – Docuseries chronicling the purchase and stewardship of Wrexham AFC, one of professional football’s oldest clubs, by two Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
2. Untold (2021 – ) – Tales from the world of sports never heard before.
3. The Last Dance (2020) – Led by Michael Jordan, the 1990s Chicago Bulls establish themselves as one of the most notable dynasties in sports history.
4. Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019 – ) – Docuseries following the FIA Formula One World Championship across multiple seasons.
5. Beckham (2023) – With never-before-seen footage, this docuseries follows David Beckham’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global football stardom.
6. Free Solo (2018) – Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone.
7. Senna (2010) – A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.
8. 30 for 30 (2009) – A collection of documentary films focused on sports.
9. The Deepest Breath (2023) – A champion and expert safety diver seemed destined for one another. Despite different paths taken, they meet at the pinnacle of the free-diving world, experiencing the thrilling rewards and inescapable risks of chasing dreams through the depths of the ocean.
10. Dark Side of the Ring (2019) – From backstage controversies to mysterious deaths and unsolved homicides, this series explores the darkest stories from the golden age of professional wrestling, and tries to find truth at the intersection of fantasy and reality.
11. Touching the Void (2003) – The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
12. Icarus (2017) – When Bryan sets out to uncover the truth about doping in sports, a chance meeting with a Russian scientist transforms his story from a personal experiment into a geopolitical thriller.
13. Murderball (2005) – Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
14. Man on Wire (2008) – A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit’s daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City’s World Trade Center’s twin towers in 1974, what some consider, “the artistic crime of the century”.
15. Pumping Iron (1977) – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno face off in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of Mr. Olympia in this critically-acclaimed film that made Schwarzenegger a household name.
16. O.J.: Made in America (2016) – A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.
17. Meru (2015) – Three elite climbers struggle to find their way through obsession and loss as they attempt to climb Mount Meru, one of the most coveted prizes in the high stakes game of Himalayan big wall climbing.
18. The Dawn Wall (2017) – In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan.
19. The Endless Summer (1966) – The crown jewel to ten years of Bruce Brown surfing documentaries. Brown follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave, and ends up finding quite a few in addition to some colorful local characters.
20. 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible (2021) – Fearless Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja embarks on a seemingly impossible quest to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in seven months.
21. Tour de France: Unchained (2023) – Documentary on the journey of eight teams taking part in the world’s most challenging Tour de France bike race.
22. Quarterback (2023) – It showcases Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota over the course of the 2022 season.
23. Long Shot (2017) – When Juan Catalan is arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, he builds his case around raw footage from the popular TV show, Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000).
24. Last Chance U (2016) – Intense look inside the world of junior college football, chronicling the stories of players and coaches in the classroom and on the field.
25. Hoop Dreams (1994) – A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.
26. Break Point (2023) – Follows men’s and women’s pro tennis players throughout four Grand Slam tournaments.
27. The Game Changers (2018) – A UFC fighter’s world is turned upside down when he discovers an elite group of world-renowned athletes and scientists who prove that everything he had been taught about protein was a lie.
28. Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez (2020) – A three-part documentary series examining what led to the murderous fall and shocking death of former NFL superstar Aaron Hernandez.
29. Cheer (2020) – In the small town of Corsicana, Texas, hard-driving head cheer coach Monica Aldama demands perfection from her team of competitive college athletes.
30. Stephen Curry: Underrated (2023) – The coming-of-age story of Stephen Curry, from an undersized basketball player at a small college, to becoming a larger-than-life NBA superstar.
31. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) – Die-hard gamers compete to break world records on classic arcade games.
32. Full Swing (2023) – Follows behind the scenes of what it takes to compete and win at the highest levels in men’s professional golf, following the PGA players through their wins and losses.
33. When We Were Kings (1996) – Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.
34. Athlete A (2020) – Follow the Indianapolis Star reporters that broke the story about USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse and hear from gymnasts like Maggie Nichols.
35. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014) – A famous prison escape sparks the idea for a cult-like race that has seen only 10 finishers in its first 25 years. This award-winning, oddly inspiring, and wildly funny documentary reveals the sports world’s most guarded secret.
36. Diego Maradona (2019) – Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the career of celebrated football player Diego Maradona, who played for S.S.C. Napoli in the 1980s.
37. Sunderland ‘Til I Die (2018) – Highlights the unfailing passion Sunderland residents have for their beloved football club, taking viewers through the highs and lows of SAFC’s 2017-18 season in the Championship following its relegation the previous year.
38. The Redeem Team (2022) – Follows the story of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball team and how “The Redeem Team” set a new standard for American basketball.
39. Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001) – Documentary about the pioneering 1970s Zephyr skating team.
40. Minding the Gap (2018) – Filmmaker Bing Liu searches for correlations between his skateboarder friends’ turbulent upbringings and the complexities of modern masculinity.
41. Baseball (1994) – A documentary on the history of the sport with major topics including Afro-American players, player/team owner relations and the resilience of the game.
42. Andre the Giant (2018) – A look at the life and career of professional wrestler André Roussimoff, who gained notoriety in the 1980s as Andre the Giant.
43. 1 (2013) – Set in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing ‘1’ tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives during Formula 1’s deadliest period, and the men who stood up and changed the sport forever.
44. All or Nothing: Arsenal (2022) – Behind the scenes access to the 2021-22 season of Arsenal, one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
45. One Day in September (1999) – The Palestinian terrorist group Black September holds Israeli athletes hostage at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich.
46. Schumacher (2021) – Through exclusive interviews and archival footage, this documentary traces an intimate portrait of seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher.
47. Captains of the World (2023) – From the locker room to the pitch, this docuseries offers exclusive to all 32 teams as they fight for football glory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
48. Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations (1938) – The document of the 1936 Olympics at Berlin.
49. Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022) – Follows famous skater Tony Hawk’s personal life, career and relationship with skateboarding, including never-before-seen footage and unprecedented access to Hawk, along with interviews with figures from the skateboarding world.
50. AlphaGo (2017) – Google’s DeepMind has developed a program for playing the 3000 year old game Go using AI. They test AlphaGo on the European champion, then March 9-15, 2016, on the top player, Lee Sedol, in a best of 5 tournament in Seoul.
51. All or Nothing: Manchester City (2018) – Legendary coach Pep Guardiola leads his premiership football team through the 2017/18 season.
52. Neymar: The Perfect Chaos (2022) – Beloved worldwide but also a lightning rod for critics, Neymar shares the highs and lows of his personal life and brilliant football career.
53. Undefeated (2011) – Chronicles three underprivileged students from inner-city Memphis and their volunteer coach who tries to help them beat the odds on and off the field.
54. Team Foxcatcher (2016) – Documentary filmmaker Jon Greenhalgh examines the life of Dave Schultz, a professional wrestler who was part of ‘Team Foxcatcher’, funded by multi-millionaire John du Pont.
55. Sachin – A Billion Dreams (2017) – A tale of a small boy with dreams and his journey to becoming the God of Cricket and the most celebrated sportsperson in his country.
56. Tyson (2008) – A mixture of original interviews, archival footage, and photographs sheds light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson.
57. Bandon Mein Tha Dum! (2022) – Bandon Mein Tha Dum is a documentary series which follows the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series of 2020-21 which resulted in India stunningly defeating Australia at their home turf of Gabba, where they hadn’t lost a test match in 32 years.
58. The Eagle Huntress (2016) – Thirteen-year-old Aisholpan trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her nomad family to become an eagle huntress.
59. Conor McGregor: Notorious (2017) – Featuring unprecedented access, never before seen moments and explosive fight footage, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at a sporting icon and his spectacular rise.
60. Pelé (2021) – Looks back at the extraordinary 12-year period in which Pelé, the only man to win three World Cup titles, went from young superstar in 1958 to national hero in 1970; a radical yet turbulent era in Brazil’s history.
61. Tiger (2021) – A look at the life, success and scandals of golf legend Tiger Woods.
62. The Pogmentary (2022) – A glimpse into the life of Paul Pogba, the influential world-class French footballer.
63. Riding Giants (2004) – Documentary detailing the origins and history of surf culture.
64. The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014) – In 1973, Hollywood actor Bing Russell starts an independent minor league baseball team in Portland consisting of outcasts and misfits, and turns them into unlikely overnight success.
65. All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (2020) – An inside look at the 2019/20 season of the Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur.
66. The Armstrong Lie (2013) – A documentary chronicling sports legend Lance Armstrong’s improbable rise and ultimate fall from grace.
67. TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011) – Motorcycle racers reveal their motivation to participate each year in the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, the most dangerous and deadliest event in the sport.
68. Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008) – An examination of America’s win-at-all-cost culture from the perspective of bodybuilding and performance enhancing drugs, as it focuses on a pair of siblings chasing their dream.
69. More Than a Game (2008) – This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James’ journey to fame.
70. McGregor Forever (2023) – Conor McGregor’s brutal strikes and trash-talking swagger made him the UFC’s biggest draw. This rousing docuseries follows his dynamic career.
71. The Crash Reel (2013) – Fifteen years of verite footage show the epic rivalry between half-pipe legends Shaun White and Kevin Pearce, childhood friends who become number one and two in the world leading up to the Vancouver Winter Olympics, pushing one another to ever more dangerous tricks, until Kevin crashes on a Park City half-pipe, barely surviving.
72. Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty (1938) – The document of the 1936 Olympics at Berlin, orchestrated as Nazi propaganda.
73. Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011) – ‘Bobby Fischer Against the World’ is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer’s career was undeniable, from his troubled childhood, to his rock star status as World Champion and Cold War icon, to his life as a fugitive on the run.
74. The Art of Flight (2011) – Two years in the making, this film gives snowboarder Travis Rice and friends the opportunity to redefine what is possible in the mountains.
75. Beyond the Mat (1999) – A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.
76. Ronaldo (2015) – A close look at the life of Cristiano Ronaldo.
77. Hitting the Apex (2015) – ‘Hitting the Apex’ is the story of six fighters – six of the fastest motorcycle racers the world has ever seen – and of the fates that awaited them at the peak of the sport.
78. Red Army (2014) – The story of the Soviet Union’s famed Red Army hockey team through the eyes of its players.
79. FIFA Uncovered (2022) – From power struggles to global politics, an exploration of FIFA reveals the organization’s checkered history and what it takes to host a World Cup.
80. Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In (2021) – A look at the life and legend of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
81. Terim (2022) – Legendary manager Fatih Terim recounts his football journey, from his playing days to coaching and leading several teams to championship glory.
82. Williams (2017) – Focusing on the career and family of its legendary founder Sir Frank Williams, the British sports documentary tells the extraordinary story of the Williams Formula 1 team, from its inception to the present day.
83. Generation Iron (2013) – A documentary that follows top bodybuilders as they train to compete in the Mr. Olympia competition.
84. The Figo Affair: The Transfer that Changed Football (2022) – This documentary spotlights one of the most contentious deals in football history and the extraordinary player at the center of the storm: Luís Figo.
85. Messi (2014) – Lionel Messi from early life to international stardom.
86. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows (1998) – Documentary focusing on the career of pro wrestler Bret Hart & his controversial exit from the WWF.
87. The Class of ’92 (2013) – The story of six young footballers joining the Manchester United Football Club team in 1992 and the difference they made 1992-99.
88. Maradona by Kusturica (2008) – A documentary on Argentinean soccer star Diego Maradona, regarded by many as the world’s greatest modern player.
89. Uninterrupted’s Top Class: The Life and Times of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (2021) – Situated 30 miles northwest of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley, Sierra Canyon High School has established itself as a perennial powerhouse for Southern California basketball.
90. I Am Ali (2014) – Unprecedented access to Muhammad Ali’s personal archive of “audio journals” as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends are used to tell the legend’s life story.
91. Iverson (2014) – Iverson, is the ultimate legacy of chronicling NBA legend Allen Iverson’s life and career, explores his unconventional approach to the sport, influencing a generation and showcasing his unique legacy.