SPORTS DOCUMENTARIES RANKED

Jack highlights recent Sport documentaries, a genre becoming more and more popular with each sporting season. It is also an excellent form of procrastination to watch hard working athletes at the top of their sport…

1. Last Chance U

Providing a unique and compelling perspective on student athletics, Last Chance U gives people like you or me the opportunity to put themselves inside a successful junior college program to experience the trials and tribulations of College sports. The uncompromising and relentless coaching from Buddy Stephens and Jason Brown provide a reality check to the audience. This provides insight into just how difficult and high-pressure college sports can be. However, don’t just think this is all about the sport: the personal connection that viewers can make with the athletes is the hidden quality of this documentary and something which is so rarely achieved in the genre.

2. The Last Dance

This masterpiece came out during prime procrastination time, otherwise known as lockdown. This documentary inspired my interest in basketball, in part thanks to the mythological greatness of Michael Jordan and the sheer theatre that this documentary presents to its bingeing viewers. Honestly, since my first viewing, I think I’ve rewatched this 20 times. Greatness is indisputable, and this documentary may be just as good as the 72-10 Bulls.

3. All or Nothing

This documentary is what many football fans didn’t know they wanted until they got it. The opportunity of seeing the inner workings of football teams is something special, and All or Nothing presents exclusive footage of interviews, training, and changing room talks in a way which was unimaginable to most football fans before its release. There is nothing like watching your own team in the way All or Nothing allows you to, even if like me, you support Spurs…!

4. 30 for 30

Released in celebration of ESPN’s 30th anniversary, these short documentaries are made by famous Hollywood filmmakers about notable sports drama and events between 1979 and 2009. Expertly made, these films truly capture the dramatic beauty of sport. My personal favourite is June 17th, 1994, detailing the many significant sporting events which happened on that day, all to be overshadowed by O.J. Simpson’s infamous low-speed police chase.

5. Drive to Survive

This documentary allows audiences the ability to immerse themselves inside the cockpits, lives, and paddocks of Formula 1. There is unparalleled insight into the danger, drama, and unrelenting schedule of Formula 1. And presenting the clashing of personalities, gives viewers an edge-of-seat experience that has introduced many people to Formula 1 fandom. Whether you’re a Hamilton or Verstappen supporter, or know nothing about the sport, this is must-watch TV.

6. I Am Ali

Created to capture the life and personality of one of the most iconic and beloved athletes ever, I Am Ali presents the oft-ignored loving side of this larger-than-life idol: Muhammad Ali. The documentary discusses his life from conversion to Islam to objecting to fight in the Vietnam War. Ali the icon is separated from the sport, highlighting his story and personality in a way other sporting figure portrayals do not, whilst of course paying homage to the boxing GOAT. Furthermore, the presentation of Ali’s rise to superstardom during the struggle for Civil Rights is integral to the success and profound quality of this documentary.

Jack Perceval

Dictatorships and sport have had a close relationship for decades. From the 1936 Berlin Olympics to the 2018 Russia World Cup. The potential for sports-washing and sanitation of a country’s image has long been exploited by regimes without regard for human rights. Daniel gives his opinion on the historic and continued role of dictatorships in sport.