Top 10 Greatest Sports Documentaries

#10: “Free Solo” (2018)

The line between bravery and recklessness can often be a thin one. This examination of a rock climber attempting the near impossible asks us to consider which side of that divide its protagonist is standing on. The film follows Alex Honnold as he attempts to free-solo the 3000 foot tall practically vertical rock face of El Capitan. Located in the pristine Yosemite National Park, the climb is considered extremely difficult, even with ropes. However, as the name would imply, free-soloing means climbing without any ropes or protective equipment, a feat never done on El Capitan or any cliff with that grade of difficulty. The film examines the persistence of the human spirit juxtaposed with the ethics of embarking up and even documenting such an endeavor.

#9: “The Last Dance” (2020)

Released at a time when most of the world was stuck inside and there were no sports on, “The Last Dance” quickly became a phenomenon. Of course it was more than fortuitous timing that made the mini-series such a hit, as previously unreleased documentary footage from over twenty years prior was used for the film. Chronicling parallel stories of Michael Jordan’s last season with the Bulls and his NBA career leading up to it, the film showed how his grit and determination solidified him as the greatest to play the game. In addition to Jordan the doc also gave insights into the others that made the Bull’s six rings possible including; Scottie Pippen, Phil Jackson, Dennis Rodman and even Steve Kerr.

#8: “Dogtown and Z Boys” (2001)

This doc tells how the iconic and revolutionary Zephyr skateboarding team grew out of a group of punk rock Venice Beach surfers. Interviews, along with archival grainy footage from the 70s detailed how they brought this mentality to the skate scene and changed everything. The Zephyr team repurposed their surfing style to the asphalt and helped turn what was seen as a since-passed fad for kids into the world's most popular extreme sport. The lo-fi film effectively captured the grimy roots of the sport, caught by a former member of the Zephyr team Stacy Peralta. Peralta’s follow up “Riding Giants” is equally impressive, delving into the origins of surfing itself.

#7: “Pumping Iron” (1977)

Chronicling the rivalry between bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno in the lead-up to two competitions in 1975, “Pumping Iron” is a story of rivalry, competition, and the search for perfection. The larger than life figures (in more ways than one) compelled audiences and helped bring bodybuilding and fitness into the mainstream consciousness. Not only that but the men at the center of the film were launched into stardom. Ferrigno went on to play the titular character on “The Incredible Hulk,” while Arnold eventually became one of the most popular movie stars of his generation, with a career that crossed from sports to acting and even to politics.

#6: “Senna” (2010)

Forgoing talking heads and traditional commentary, “Senna” uses archival footage to tell the story of racing champion Ayrton Senna’s spectacular life and tragic death. The film argues that despite winning three titles, Senna's desire to always claim victory became an unrelenting obsession, exemplified by his friendship turned fierce rivalry with Alain Prost. As Prost retires, Senna keeps chasing another victory, a quest ultimately ending in his demise. The audience is then left to question the price of greatness and what we are willing to risk or sacrifice in order to achieve it.

#5: “Touching the Void” (2003)

After summiting the West Face of Siula Grande stormy weather and tragedy struck the mounting climbing duo of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, Simpson met near certain death. After tumbling over an icy cliff, breaking his leg and becoming trapped in an icy crevasse, all seemed lost; however, that was not the end for Joe Simpson. The film utilized interview footage from both Yates and Simpson cut together with reenacted footage to tell the incredible tale of Simpson pushing his body past conceivable human physical limits to survive. A beautiful story of perseverance and the boundless power of the human spirit, the film is one that demands to be seen.

#4: “When We Were Kings” (1996)

This doc chronicles one of the most hyped up and ultimately memorable sporting events to ever take place, the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Two larger than life personalities, the defending heavyweight champion George Foreman, and challenger Muhammad Ali. The latter had lost the title years before after his refusal to be drafted, and faced off with the former in the African country then known as Zaire in an attempt to reclaim it. The film combined new and old footage to tell a story of; the fight, its questionable ethics, and Ali’s cultural impact. Taking twenty-two years to edit, the film was well worth the wait.

#3: “Icarus” (2017)

American documentarian Bryan Fogel formed a bond with Russian scientist Grigory Rodchenkov, who eventually revealed that he was the “mastermind” that oversaw a Russian state sponsored doping program. As Rodchenkov brought the astounding details to journalists and the US Department of Justice detailing how Russian athletes doped and deceived Olympic Officials, he began to fear for his life. It became clear that it was a matter of life and death when two of his colleagues died in mysterious circumstances, leading Rodchenkov to flee to the US, fearful of retribution from Vladimir Putin’s regime. “Icarus” shows the absolute darkest side of sports in this film that helped expose one of the most sinister scandals in the history of organized athletics.

#2: “Man on Wire” (2008)

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, where it took home the Grand Jury Prize, “Man on Wire” tells the story of Philippe Petit's high wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Despite being a story of a supreme physical feat, due to the fact that what Petit did was highly illegal, the doc is structured less like a sports movie and more like a heist film. The film, which also took home best documentary at the Oscars, was popular enough to be adapted into a narrative film, “The Walk” from Robert Zemeckis. While that film has its own appeal, we still prefer this fantastic doc.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Battered Bastards of Baseball” (2014)

The Fascinating Tale of an Independent Short-Lived Minor League Team

“Once Brothers” (2010)

When a Country Split Apart, So Did These Men

“Undefeated” (2011)

A Group of Underdog High Schoolers Become the New Favorites

“Baseball” (1994)

Ken Burns’ Epic Tale of the American Pastime

“Tokyo Olympiad” (1965)

Incredible Portrait of the Athletes & Spectators at Sport’s Greatest Stage

#1: “Hoop Dreams” (1994)

This basketball doc begins with a pair of eighth graders being recruited to play at a prestigious school as they follow their dreams of becoming NBA players. All three hours of “Hoop Dreams’” runtime are needed to tell the story of these young men coming of age in a world that seeks to commodify their talents. Over five years the pair each experiences success and disappointment both on and off the court. Their families frequently struggle to make ends meet, and they deal with inner city violence and trouble at home. At the same time,their bodies are treated as products by recruiters, coaches, and the schools that desire them. The film is a fascinating and at times harrowing look at sports in the inner-city.