Top 5 Sports Documentaries of All Time

Andrew Larkin, Staff Writer • May 7, 2024 • 542 Views

Sports documentaries showcase the history, the controversy, and give an inside look on famous teams or events. They truly shape one’s thoughts on how to view the sports world. In this article, I will be giving my top five must watch sports documentaries. This list may leave out some big names such as “Last Chance U” or “Full Swing,” but I don’t believe these are real sports documentaries — more of ‘day in the life’ shows. My top five are documentaries that cover storylines…

Andrew’s List

1. The Last Dance

The most iconic sports documentary about the most iconic team in sports. The Chicago Bulls and their reign of winning. More specifically it offers an in-depth look at the 1987-98 final championship season. It showcases behind-the-scenes footage that has never been seen. It is a long ten-part series, but will show drama, leadership, and more of one of the greatest teams in NBA history.

2. O.J. Made in America

One of the most known and bizarre athlete stories ever is about O.J. Simpson. He was a football superstar before his criminal controversy took over his name. He wasn’t known as a football player anymore. There are so many iconic moments such as the white Bronco chase and the glove. There are so many pieces to the puzzle that make this story so unique.

3. Of Miracles and Men

This documentary is about the biggest upset in sports history. It's about a group of young American college ice hockey players who beat the Soviet National Team in the 1980 Winter Olympics. What makes this film so interesting is that it isn’t filmed from the Americans point of view, but instead it is the Soviets who look back at what happened. It takes a look at the pressure they faced and explains one of the greatest sports stories ever.

4. The U

When thinking about the greatest college football programs, this one is left off the list. This is the 1980s and early 90s Miami Hurricanes. In this documentary, it showcases how different of a lifestyle the hurricanes lived by. The team was filled with “bad boys,” who partied and didn’t care about the consequences. They truly were one of the most disliked football teams because of their dirty playing style, but were still one of the most electric with their athletic ability to put on a show.

5. Bad Boys

This documentary is about the Pistons during the 80s and 90s. This includes their NBA final win in 1989. Their gruesome play is showcased through multiple stars such as Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer. They truly are one of the most electric teams in NBA history.

About the Contributor

Andrew Larkin, Staff Writer

Andrew Larkin is a four year varsity ice hockey Player. He enjoys swimming, going to the gym, and hanging out with his friends. His favorite TV show is the Peaky Blinders. You can see him in his Josh Allen jersey on any given Sunday

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Top 5 Sports Documentaries of All Time