From the emotional journeys of athletes to the behind-the-scenes drama of sports organizations, sports documentaries have captivated audiences worldwide. Here are some must-watch sports documentaries that showcase the triumphs, challenges, and inspiring stories of athletes and teams.
All or Nothing Series
Featuring some of the biggest clubs in the world, the All or Nothing series offers a glimpse into the pursuit of success and the habits of effective sports bosses. However, these documentaries can sometimes be propagandistic, with big teams controlling the narrative. Manchester City’s All or Nothing series, for example, is part of the sports-washing effort of the United Arab Emirates.
Sunderland Til I Die
Arguably the best fly-on-the-wall documentary, Sunderland Til I Die provides a warts-and-all vision of the team. This captivating series delves into the struggles and triumphs of the team, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the world of football.
Take Us Home
Take Us Home is a charming account of Leeds United’s return to the Premier League. This heartwarming documentary captures the spirit and determination of the team as they strive for success and make their way back to the top tier of English football.
Welcome to Wrexham
Recounting the purchase of a small Welsh team by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Welcome to Wrexham embraces the Ted Lasso model and presents the duo as Lasso-ish figures. This show is a triumph of marketing that often works in spite of itself, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the world of football.
Helen | Believe
Produced by Religion of Sports, Helen | Believe is a documentary about Helen Maroulis, the first U.S. Olympic women’s wrestling champion. The film focuses on Maroulis’ successful bid to return and qualify for the Tokyo Games, where she took bronze, after dealing with concussions and post-traumatic stress disorder. Maroulis agreed to the film in part to help spread mental health awareness in sports, and the film also highlights the rest of the six-woman U.S. Olympic wrestling team in Tokyo.
Rise of the Rays
Produced by WEDU, Rise of the Rays premieres on Thursday at 9 pm and looks back on the Tampa Bay Rays’ first game and their journey to the major leagues. The documentary uncovers “years of lies, double-crosses, questionable civic decisions, public proclamations, and behind-the-scenes negotiations.” It describes the challenges the Rays faced in the past and their current battle to get a new stadium. WEDU CEO Paul Grove is excited to share the story with a new generation, as his sons only know about recent sports successes in Tampa Bay and are unaware of the struggles to bring baseball to the community.
Netflix Sports Documentaries
Netflix has become a powerhouse in producing prestige sports content, with documentaries like “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” “Break Point,” and “Full Swing” showcasing the emotional stakes and aspirational lifestyles of athletes. While Netflix has not yet ventured into live sports broadcasting, co-CEO Ted Sarandos has stated that the company is not anti-sports, but has not seen a profit path to renting big sports. These documentaries offer a unique and engaging perspective on the world of sports, making them must-watch content for sports enthusiasts.