Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or simply love compelling storytelling, sports documentaries capture the raw emotion, untold struggles, and triumphant victories that define athletic greatness.
From Michael Jordan's legendary career to death-defying mountain climbs, these masterfully crafted sports documentaries transport viewers behind the scenes of some of history's most incredible sporting moments. Each film reveals the human stories that make sports more than just games and competitions.
Get ready to be inspired as we dive into 13 must-watch sports documentaries of 2024 that showcase extraordinary athletes, groundbreaking achievements, and the powerful narratives that continue to shape the world of sports.
The Last Dance stands as a masterpiece among sports documentaries, chronicling Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls. Released during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this 10-part series averaged 5.6 million viewers per episode [1], becoming ESPN's most-watched documentary of all time [2].
The documentary's unprecedented access stems from over 500 hours of behind-the-scenes footage captured during the 1997-98 season [2]. Notably, this treasure trove of material remained locked away for two decades, requiring Jordan's explicit permission for release [2]. The production team, led by director Jason Hehir, conducted interviews with 106 people, including prominent figures from Barack Obama to Carmen Electra [3].
The series reveals several compelling moments that had never been seen before:
Jordan's emotional response to winning the 1996 championship on Father's Day
The infamous Las Vegas vacation of Dennis Rodman
The tension between players and management during the final season [4]
Furthermore, the series transformed the landscape of sports documentaries. After its release, numerous networks accelerated their documentary projects, leading to what industry experts called "The Last Dance effect" [1]. The documentary's success prompted a surge in sports-related content, particularly during a period when live sports were suspended [1].
Additionally, the series garnered critical acclaim, receiving a 97% positive rating from critics and 95% from audience members on Rotten Tomatoes [1]. This remarkable achievement culminated in winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary Series [2], establishing new standards for sports storytelling.
Initially capturing the essence of extreme athleticism, Free Solo documents Alex Honnold's death-defying climb of El Capitan without ropes. The production team, led by directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, faced unprecedented challenges in filming this remarkable feat.
The filmmakers grappled with significant ethical concerns, specifically regarding the impact of filming on Honnold's safety. The production spanned two years [5], requiring careful planning to ensure the camera crew wouldn't distract the climber. The team prepared multiple contingency plans, consequently developing strict filming protocols to protect both the climber and crew.
The technical execution involved 12 cameras and accumulated 700 hours of footage [6]. The filming team consisted of elite professional climbers who doubled as cinematographers, carrying 50 pounds of gear while dangling 2,000 feet in the air [7]. Nonetheless, sound recording posed unique challenges, resolved through an innovative solution - a specialized recording device hidden in Honnold's chalk bag [8].
The documentary achieved remarkable acclaim:
98% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 160 critics [6]
83/100 score on Metacritic [6]
Praised for its pulse-quickening cinematography and emotional depth
The film excelled in balancing the technical aspects of the climb with Honnold's personal journey, ultimately creating one of the most compelling sports documentaries in recent history.
What began as a cyclist's personal experiment transformed into one of the most significant sports documentaries ever made. Director Bryan Fogel's investigation into doping practices led to an unexpected partnership with Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, head of Russia's anti-doping laboratory [9].
The documentary's scope expanded dramatically when Rodchenkov revealed his role in Russia's state-sponsored doping program. Subsequently, he shared evidence stored on three hard drives, exposing an elaborate scheme involving the highest levels of Russian government [9]. In fact, the investigation uncovered how Russian athletes' tainted samples were swapped with clean urine through holes in laboratory walls during the Sochi Olympics, where Russia claimed 33 medals [9].
As a result of the film's revelations, the International Olympic Committee temporarily banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics [10]. Moreover, the documentary sparked widespread discussions about doping in competitive sports, leading to stricter anti-doping measures worldwide [11]. The film's impact extended beyond athletics, raising questions about international sports integrity and governmental oversight [11].
The documentary's groundbreaking investigation earned numerous accolades:
Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature [12]
Special Jury Award at Sundance Film Festival
Multiple Emmy nominations [12]
First-ever Orwell Award at Sundance [13]
The film was ultimately acquired by Netflix for £3.97 million, marking one of the largest deals ever for a non-fiction film [14].
The groundbreaking Netflix documentary "Athlete A" unveils the largest scandal in sports history through meticulous investigative journalism. A team of reporters at The Indianapolis Star exposed decades of abuse within USA Gymnastics, accordingly changing the landscape of competitive sports forever.
The investigation began with The Indianapolis Star team examining USA Gymnastics' policies on reporting sexual abuse. Soon, their research revealed that the organization had files on 54 coaches with abuse allegations spanning 10 years [15]. The breakthrough came after former gymnast Rachael Denhollander contacted the newspaper, leading to hundreds of survivors coming forward about Larry Nassar's abuse.
Maggie Nichols, known initially as "Athlete A," first reported Nassar's abuse to USA Gymnastics in June 2015 [16]. Although the organization claimed to have contacted law enforcement, 15 months passed before any action was taken [17]. During this period, Nassar continued seeing patients, ultimately resulting in over 500 survivors coming forward [15].
The documentary's revelations prompted significant changes in gymnastics:
Closure of the Karolyi Ranch training facility
Arrest of former USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny
Implementation of new athlete safety protocols [2]
Certainly, the film's impact extended beyond sports, undoubtedly sparking discussions about institutional accountability and athlete protection. The documentary achieved a 100% rating from 60 critics on Rotten Tomatoes [16], therefore establishing itself as a pivotal piece of investigative storytelling.
Netflix's four-part documentary series captures the remarkable journey of America's most decorated gymnast. First thing to remember, the series provides unprecedented access to Biles' life, with the first two episodes released in July 2024 and the final two premiering in October [18].
The documentary, produced in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, sparked an emotional response from Biles herself during the preview screening [19]. After that, a special premiere event at The Egyptian Theater Hollywood featured an insightful Q&A session with director Katie Walsh [20].
The series delves deep into Biles' commitment to mental wellness. Most important, she maintains weekly therapy sessions every Thursday [21], demonstrating her dedication to psychological well-being. The documentary highlights several key aspects of her journey:
Her decision to turn off Instagram comments and temporarily delete Twitter [22]
The emotional impact of dealing with the "twisties" for years after Tokyo [23]
The crucial role of family support, especially during intense competitions [19]
Given these points, the documentary showcases Biles' triumphant return to gymnastics. Her path to Paris 2024 included becoming the first woman to land a Yurchenko double-pike at international competition [22]. The series captures intimate moments with her support system, including perspectives from her parents, Ron and Nellie, and her husband, Jonathan Owens [19].
The documentary reveals Biles' powerful message: "I'm normal, I'm human, I have feelings. I get vulnerable, and I go through things, too. I just do things that are amazing inside the gym" [19].
Box to Box Films, creators of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, brings viewers into the high-stakes world of elite sprinting where victory is decided in mere seconds. This six-episode series follows seven remarkable athletes as they chase glory in the sport's most prestigious events [3].
Indeed, the series reveals the intense preparation required for success at the highest level. "It takes a special talent, both physically and mentally, to succeed in a world where your fate is decided in just 10 seconds," notes Sebastian Coe [24]. The documentary captures intimate training moments, where athletes like Thompson-Herah share wisdom: "If you want to be great, you have to be selfish" [25].
The series showcases an impressive roster of track stars:
Noah Lyles (USA) - The showman of athletics
Sha'carri Richardson (USA) - Rising American star
Shericka Jackson (Jamaica) - Five-time Olympic medalist
Zharnel Hughes (England) - British record holder
Lamont Marcell Jacobs (Italy) - Olympic champion
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica) - Sprint legend
Elaine Thompson (Jamaica) - Multiple Olympic gold medalist [3]
Notably, the series follows athletes through the 2023 World Championships and the prestigious Wanda Diamond League circuit [26]. Meanwhile, legendary figures like Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix, and Michael Johnson provide expert commentary, bringing 73 Olympic and World Athletics Championships medals worth of experience to the narrative [26].
Presently, the series stands as Netflix's #1 viewed sports series [24], offering unprecedented access to a sport where athletes compete not just against each other, but against time itself.
Asif Kapadia's compelling sports documentary delves into the extraordinary life of Diego Maradona through 500 hours of never-before-seen footage [27]. The film masterfully captures both the genius and turbulence of football's most controversial icon.
Born in the slums of Buenos Aires, Maradona's rise to greatness began at age fifteen [4]. His most memorable achievements include:
Leading Napoli to two Italian league titles
Securing Argentina's 1986 World Cup victory
Scoring the legendary "Hand of God" goal
Creating the "Goal of the Century" against England [27]
Notably, the documentary reveals Maradona's complex relationship with fame and addiction. His routine in Naples involved partying from Sunday to Wednesday, followed by a brief recovery period before matches [28]. Similarly, his connections with the Camorra crime syndicate provided him with cocaine, altogether leading to a devastating spiral [29].
The film portrays Maradona as both myth and man, hence capturing his lasting influence on football culture. His impact on Naples was so profound that when the city won its first championship, fans hung a banner at the cemetery reading "You don't know what you missed" [28]. Generally, his story transcended sport, becoming a powerful narrative about talent, fame, and human vulnerability. The documentary earned widespread acclaim, with critics praising its raw honesty and comprehensive portrayal of a complex sports icon [30].
Netflix's four-part documentary series about David Beckham has proven to be both a critical and financial success, amassing 3.8 million viewers in its premiere week [31]. Throughout the series, viewers witness intimate moments of one of football's most iconic figures.
The documentary chronicles Beckham's journey from Manchester United to Real Madrid, notably featuring candid interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson. His career transformation from footballer to global icon unfolds through previously unseen footage and personal narratives.
The series offers unprecedented insights into the Beckhams' relationship, coupled with revelations about their challenging periods. Victoria Beckham speaks openly about their marriage struggles, evidently marking the first time she discusses these personal matters on camera [32]. The documentary showcases their family dynamics with their four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
In essence, the documentary's success has contributed significantly to Beckham's business growth. His company, DRJB Holdings, reported remarkable achievements:
Profits tripled to £21.20 million in 2023 [31]
Secured partnerships with global brands:
Adidas
Tudor
Safilo Eyewear
SharkNinja [31]
The business empire, nevertheless, continues to expand through strategic endorsements and innovative partnerships. His recent Netflix success has further strengthened his brand value, leading to a substantial £29m payday [31].
Netflix's groundbreaking sports documentary series has transformed Formula 1 racing from an elite motorsport into a global entertainment phenomenon. The fifth season's debut attracted 570,000 viewers in its first week [1], marking a 40% increase from the previous season [1].
Season 6 offers compelling storylines, namely Daniel Ricciardo's dramatic return and Lewis Hamilton's future dilemmas [33]. The series masterfully captures:
Team principal changes at Alpine
Liam Lawson's impressive stand-in performance
Behind-the-scenes footage of crucial strategy meetings
Notwithstanding the racing action, the series excels in portraying leadership challenges. Team principals face intense pressure while managing:
Driver relationships
Technical decisions
Stakeholder expectations [34]
Obviously, the series has revolutionized F1's reach. In light of its success, U.S. viewership increased by 28% [1], straightaway leading to expanded race coverage. The sport's demographic has shifted dramatically, with the average viewer age dropping from 44 to 32 [35].
The series' influence extends beyond entertainment, analogous to a masterclass in sports marketing. F1 races now average 1.21 million viewers on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 [1], establishing new benchmarks for motorsport popularity in America.
Following the success of Netflix's sports documentaries, The Redeem Team chronicles the remarkable transformation of USA Basketball from disappointment to dominance. This compelling documentary captures the journey of the 2008 Olympic team's quest for redemption after their bronze medal finish in 2004 [6].
The path to redemption began in 2005 when Jerry Colangelo took charge as managing director [6]. Under his leadership, the team implemented strict commitments from players, ultimately assembling a roster of NBA's finest talents. The documentary showcases how the squad, featuring legends like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, faced immense pressure to restore America's basketball supremacy [36].
Kobe Bryant's appointment as team captain marked a pivotal moment [6]. His legendary work ethic transformed the team's culture, notably demonstrated when teammates discovered him working out at 4:35 AM following their night out [37]. The film highlights how Bryant's dedication inspired others, considering his reputation for individual excellence rather than team leadership [38].
The documentary reveals several key achievements:
Secured gold medal with a 118-107 victory over Spain [6]
Dwyane Wade emerged as leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game [6]
Established new standards for USA Basketball's Olympic program [39]
The film, executive produced by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, features exclusive Olympic archive footage [40]. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes material, it captures how this team restored pride in representing the United States on basketball's global stage.
The 2010 documentary "Senna" masterfully weaves together archival footage to tell the story of Formula One's most enigmatic champion. Directed by Asif Kapadia, the film relies exclusively on historical recordings rather than retrospective interviews [41].
Ayrton Senna's meteoric rise in motorsport began with his move to England in 1981. Chiefly, his remarkable achievements include:
41 Grand Prix victories [5]
65 pole positions [5]
80 podium finishes [5]
Three Formula One World Championships
Correspondingly, the documentary explores Senna's complex personal journey. His marriage to Lilian de Vasconcelos ended when racing took precedence over their relationship [42]. Emphatically, the film reveals his deep connection to Brazil, where he made substantial donations to help underprivileged children [43].
Markedly, the documentary captures the haunting events at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The weekend began with Rubens Barrichello's crash, followed by Roland Ratzenberger's fatal accident [43]. Ultimately, on May 1, Senna crashed at 145 miles per hour into a concrete wall [43]. His death led to significant Formula One safety improvements, markedly changing the sport's future [43].
The film earned widespread acclaim, achieving a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes [41], establishing itself as one of motorsport's most compelling documentaries.
ESPN's groundbreaking five-part documentary series explores far beyond a sensational trial, weaving together fifty years of American cultural history. Director Ezra Edelman's masterpiece earned widespread acclaim, achieving a 100% rating from 53 critics on Rotten Tomatoes [44].
The documentary meticulously examines Los Angeles's complex racial landscape, thus revealing how systemic issues shaped public perception. Equally important, the series explores historical events like the Watts riots and Rodney King beating, providing context for the trial's racial dynamics [45].
In contrast to conventional coverage, the series delves into the trial's deeper implications. The documentary highlights how:
The defense team strategically transformed Simpson's apolitical image
Jury deliberation lasted less than 4 hours [8]
The verdict sparked vastly different reactions across racial lines [44]
The documentary's influence extends beyond sports storytelling. As opposed to focusing solely on guilt or innocence, it examines broader themes:
Race relations in America
Celebrity culture's influence
Criminal justice system inequalities
The series ultimately earned the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature [46], establishing new standards for long-form storytelling. Through extensive interviews and archival footage, it presents a compelling examination of how one case reflected America's deepest societal divisions [7].
Box to Box Films brings viewers into the heart of cycling's most prestigious race through their groundbreaking series "Tour de France: Unchained." The series amassed 36.1 million viewing hours in 2023 [47] and secured a place in Netflix's top 10 shows across 15 countries [47].
The series captures the intensity of the 21-stage race through innovative filming techniques. Eight episodes, each spanning 40 minutes [48], showcase the grueling nature of professional cycling. The production team's expertise shines through their coverage of:
Dramatic falls and epic crashes
Historic breakaways
Fierce battles for the coveted Yellow Jersey
Essentially, the series follows eight of the Tour's 22 teams [48], revealing complex relationships between riders and support staff. The documentary primarily focuses on the contrasting approaches between teams, notably the calm atmosphere within UAE Team Emirates versus the tense environment at Jumbo-Visma [49].
The production team gained unprecedented access to team hotels, massage tables, and strategy meetings [50]. Simultaneously, viewers witness intimate moments like Mathieu van der Poel's exhaustion and Thibaut Pinot's life at his farm [50]. Eventually, the series evolved beyond race coverage, offering glimpses into riders' personal lives, including Ben O'Connor's training sessions and Tadej Pogačar's life in Monaco [51].
The documentary's success stems from its ability to balance technical aspects with human stories, earning positive reviews for its spectacular race footage and insider access [47].
Sports documentaries stand as powerful storytellers, capturing raw human emotions while revealing untold stories behind legendary achievements. These 13 masterpieces showcase athletic excellence through unprecedented access and compelling narratives.
Each documentary brings unique perspectives - Michael Jordan's competitive drive, Alex Honnold's death-defying climb, or Simone Biles' mental health journey. Their stories transcend sports, tackling themes like personal redemption, social justice, and human resilience.
These films earned critical acclaim and record-breaking viewership numbers, proving audiences crave authentic sports storytelling. Through intimate footage and candid interviews, viewers witness both triumphant victories and crushing defeats that shape athletic legacies.
Sports documentaries continue evolving, pushing boundaries with innovative filming techniques and deeper storytelling approaches. Their lasting impact extends far beyond entertainment, offering valuable lessons about determination, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit.
[1] - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4402239/2023/04/13/f1-formula-one-drive-to-survive-ratings/
[2] - https://time.com/5858076/athlete-a-netflix-larry-nassar-usa-gymnastics/
[3] - https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/sprint-release-date-trailer-news
[4] - https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/09/25/diego-maradona-documentary-review-asif-kapadia-hbo-napoli
[5] - https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/senna-series-formula-1-news-photos-release-date
[6] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_men's_Olympic_basketball_team
[7] - https://www.buzzfeed.com/annehelenpetersen/the-7-12-hour-oj-simpson-doc-everyone-will-be-talking-about
[8] - https://www.factualamerica.com/crime-scene-stories/gripping-documentaries-unravel-the-oj-simpson-murder-trial
[9] - https://www.npr.org/2018/03/05/590869276/how-icarus-accidentally-exposed-a-major-ocean-s-eleven-style-doping-scheme
[10] - https://www.factualamerica.com/documentary-digest/icarus-the-doping-scandal-that-shook-the-olympics-and-toppled-a-superpower
[11] - https://www.factualamerica.com/behind-the-screenplay/exposing-doping-the-real-scandal-behind-icarus
[12] - https://envelope.latimes.com/awards/titles/icarus/
[13] - https://www.netflix.com/title/80168079
[14] - https://variety.com/2018/film/awards/oscars-icarus-best-documentary-feature-film-1202717030/
[15] - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/24/movies/athlete-a-review.html
[16] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athlete_A
[17] - https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/athlete-a-presents-strong-case-for-independent-oversight-of-olympic-governance-safe-sport/
[18] - https://missingperspectives.com/posts/simone-biles-rising-documentary-netflix/
[19] - https://olympics.com/en/news/simone-biles-emotions-release-rising-interview
[20] - https://olympics.com/en/news/part-2-of-simone-biles-rising-documentary-netflix-premieres-los-angeles
[21] - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/and-i-still-rise-takeaways-from-simone-biles-mental-health-journey/articleshow/112281217.cms
[22] - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/simone-biles-rising-netflix-doc-director-whats-next-1235950549/
[23] - https://wordinblack.com/2024/08/the-biles-effect-a-new-narrative-on-mental-health-in-sports/
[24] - https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1147318/sebastian-coe-sprint-documentary-impact
[25] - https://trackandfieldnews.com/article/netflix-gets-up-close-and-very-personal-with-worlds-fastest-sprinters/
[26] - https://worldathletics.org/news/press-releases/athletics-hits-netflix-new-series-sprint
[27] - https://laist.com/news/diego-maradona-documentary-asif-kapadia
[28] - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-25/diego-maradona-film-review-documentary-asif-kapadia-soccer-star/11338234
[29] - https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/maradona-documentary-review
[30] - https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/diego-maradona
[31] - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/12/30/david-beckham-lands-29m-payday-netflix-documentary/
[32] - https://www.itv.com/news/2023-10-04/what-are-the-key-take-aways-from-david-and-victoria-beckhams-netflix-show
[33] - https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/from-ricciardos-dramatic-return-to-hamiltons-future-dilemma-5-standout.7naUlqkebnnUAAuR3MHEsW
[34] - https://www.cjpi.com/insights/drive-to-survive-season-6-the-leadership-lessons-from-formula-1/
[35] - https://theconversation.com/how-a-netflix-show-has-become-a-key-driver-behind-f1s-rising-popularity-221924
[36] - https://olympics.com/en/topics/2008-us-olympic-basketball-the-redeem-team
[37] - https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/oct/07/redeem-team-how-kobe-bryants-steel-restored-pride-to-us-basketball
[38] - https://www.newsweek.com/redeem-team-netflix-documentary-kobe-bryant-us-mens-basketball-team-jon-weinbach-1749558
[39] - https://www.ebony.com/dwayne-wade-and-jemele-hill-discuss-the-redeem-team-documentary-and-the-legacy-of-the-2008-usa-mens-basketball-team/
[40] - https://olympics.com/en/news/what-is-the-redeem-team
[41] - https://www.boxtoboxfilms.com/productions/senna/
[42] - https://www.businessinsider.com/aryton-senna-wife-girlfriend-kids-2024-11
[43] - https://time.com/7198851/netflix-senna-formula-1/
[44] - https://www.vox.com/2016/6/11/11895826/oj-made-in-america-espn-oj-simpson
[45] - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/the-o-j-story-and-the-flow-of-information-in-a-pre-internet-world
[46] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O.J.:_Made_in_America
[47] - https://www.shiftactivemedia.com/netflixs-take-on-the-tour-de-france-unchained/
[48] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_France:_Unchained
[49] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/reviews/tour-de-france-unchained-netflix-season-2-review
[50] - https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/netflix-unchained-review
[51] - https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/i-watched-all-320-minutes-of-netflixs-tour-de-france-unchained-season-two-and-its-thrilling-must-watch
Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash
