19 Sports Documentaries That’ll Get Your Head in the Game
When it comes to watching great sports documentaries, the season never ends.
As the documentary industry rapidly grows, perhaps no subgenre has benefited more than the world of athletics. And those stories — whether they’re told as films, limited series, or ongoing productions — aren’t exclusively about the most famous athletes. Audiences have proven to be just as fascinated with previously unknown underdogs.
If you manage to take an NFL Sunday off, you’re gearing up for the big games on Christmas Day, or your favorite squad missed out on the playoffs and you have time to spare, then we’ve assembled the ultimate team of sports documentaries for you to rally around.
If you’re a fan of sports docs, there’s a very good chance you’re familiar with the work of Greg Whiteley. He’s the prolific master behind Last Chance U and Cheer (which both also appear on this list), and his latest, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, follows the high-profile position of a Cowboys Cheerleader. America’s Sweethearts gives a peek inside what it takes to be a member of the squad: “The women are impressive when you see them all in a kick line — they’re in a row and they’re beautiful, athletic, and strong — they seem impenetrable,” Whiteley told Tudum. “I think that is made even more impressive when you realize that there’s a living, breathing human being underneath that facade.”
This four-part documentary series from Academy Award–winning director Fisher Stevens (Palmer, And We Go Green, The Cove) and Academy Award– and Emmy Award–winning producer John Battsek (One Day in September, Searching for Sugar Man, Winter on Fire) gives fans never-before-seen insight into who David Beckham actually is. It includes an up-close look at his family, friends, teammates, and — yes — his shopping and cleaning habits. The result is an unprecedented look at an icon who, despite spending nearly 30 years in the public eye, just might surprise you.
Created by Greg Whiteley following his success with Last Chance U, Cheer steps into the world of competitive cheerleading and follows the Navarro College Bulldogs, a powerhouse team from Corsicana, Texas. The first season sets up the sport for newcomers, while also introducing a memorable squad of characters — including dedicated head coach Monica Aldama — as they deal with the ups and downs of their latest championship push. But in the wake of the glowing reaction to the debut episodes, controversy struck Cheer: Breakout star Jerry Harris was arrested in late 2020 on charges of child pornography and other sex crimes involving minors. Season 2 of Cheer doesn’t shy away from addressing Harris’ actions, featuring reactions from his former team members and his victims.
