Sports documentaries explore the human experience through the riveting world of athletics—and whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular discipline or simply love a good story, the best sports documentaries offer unforgettable insights and fascinating perspectives on the games we love. From the triumphs and tragedies of legendary athletes to the behind-the-scenes drama of iconic teams, these films capture the heart and soul of sports in a way that few other mediums can. So, get ready to get your heart rate up and maybe even be inspired with Vogue’s round-up of some of the best sports documentaries ever made.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
One of the most critically acclaimed documentaries of all time, Hoop Dreams follows two Black high schoolers in inner-city Chicago as they pursue dreams of playing professional basketball. Its egregious snub in the Oscars’ best-documentary category led to a change in the nominating process.
When We Were Kings (1996)
This Oscar-winning documentary, directed by Leon Gast, goes back to 1974 for one of the most storied moments in the history of boxing: when Muhammad Ali and George Foreman faced off in the ring for what was dubbed the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire. The film examines the political and cultural contexts that made the fight such a momentous occasion, and a time when boxing felt like a reflection of larger social issues.
Dogtown and Z-Boys (2001)
Chronicling the emergence of skateboarding as a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, this film focuses on a group of young surfers from Venice, California who transformed the sport by bringing it to the streets and empty swimming pools of their community. Directed by Stacy Peralta, himself a former member of the Zephyr Skateboard Team (a.k.a. Z-Boys), it captures the raw energy and rebellion of a group of misfits who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard, as well as the influence of punk rock and other countercultural movements on them and their peers.
Man on Wire (2008)
This mesmerizing documentary, directed by James Marsh, recounts the story of Philippe Petit, a French high-wire artist who walked between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City in 1974. Through interviews, archival footage, and reenactments, it compellingly explores the motivations behind Petit’s daring act, as well as the meticulous planning and execution that went into one of the most audacious stunts in history.
Murderball (2005)
An unflinching portrayal of the world of wheelchair rugby, this film by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro follows several athletes as they prepare for the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. It showcases not only the fierce competitiveness and physicality of wheelchair rugby, but also the personal challenges and triumphs of the players both on and off the court.
Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait (2006)
Directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, this film follows French footballer Zinedine Zidane throughout a single match, capturing the player’s every move, from his pregame preparation to his final moments on the field. Multiple cameras were positioned at various locations around the stadium, including on the players themselves, creating an immersive viewing experience and showcasing Zidane’s skill, grace, and intensity as he deftly navigates the complexities of the game. The original score by Scottish rock band Mogwai perfectly complements the action on the field.
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
A fascinating and entertaining deep dive into the world of classic arcade gaming, the film follows the intense competition between two men for the world-record high score in Donkey Kong. It’s a compelling look into the subculture of competitive gaming and the people who dedicates their lives to mastering these games.
“June 17th, 1994” (2010)
Part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series, this installment provides a gripping and thought-provoking detailed account of the significant sports events that took place on June 17, 1994—including the tense NBA Finals, the New York Rangers’ thrilling victory parade after winning the Stanley Cup, the highly anticipated opening day of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and the infamous police chase of O.J. Simpson that captivated the nation. Director Brett Morgen skillfully weaves together all these events and explores how they impacted sports and society as a whole.
Senna (2010)
Directed by Asif Kapadia (who went on to make the Oscar-nominated 2016 Amy Winehouse doc Amy), Senna tells the story of one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally gripping look at Ayrton Senna’s life—from his early days as a go-kart racer in Brazil to his tragic death at age 34—and a powerful exploration of the complex relationship between sport, politics, and nationalism.
“The Two Escobars” (2010)
This episode of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series is a portrait of two men who shared the same last name but vastly differed in character and destiny. One was a ruthless and feared drug lord who rose to power and wealth through violence and intimidation; the other was a talented soccer player who captured the hearts of his fellow Colombians with his skill and grace on the field. Through their stories, the film explores the complex social, political, and economic forces that shaped Colombia in the tumultuous 1980s and 1990s.
Undefeated (2011)
Directed by Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin, this film follows a group of high school football players in inner-city Memphis who are part of the Manassas Tigers, a team of underdogs that have never experienced a winning season and are plagued by poverty and violence in their community. By turns gripping, inspiring, and emotional, it explores the challenges and triumphs of these young athletes as they strive to overcome their circumstances and achieve success on the football field.
“The Price of Gold” (2014)
Also part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, this riveting film chronicles of the events surrounding the infamous attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan leading up to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. With interviews with key figures involved, including Kerrigan's rival Tonya Harding, the film explores the media frenzy and public fascination with the scandal and examines the impact of the attack on both skaters’ careers, as well as its lasting legacy in popular culture.
O.J.: Made in America (2016)
This epic and immersive five-part series explores the life of O.J. Simpson, one of the most controversial figures in American history, tracing his rise from a young football star to a cultural icon and, ultimately, a defendant in one of the most notorious criminal trials in modern memory. It examines issues of race, celebrity, and justice in America and explains how they all collided in Simpson’s case. A critical and popular sensation, it saw director Ezra Edelman win the Academy Award for best documentary feature.
Icarus (2017)
Winner of the Oscar for best documentary in 2018, Icarus follows filmmaker and amateur cyclist Brian Fogel as he attempts to uncover the truth about doping in sports—and triggers an international sports scandal in the process.
At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal (2019)
Through detailed archival footage, revealing first-person interviews, and heartbreaking court statements, Erin Lee Carr’s searing film chronicles the extensive system that enabled and covered up the sexual abuse of hundreds of female athletes in the USA Gymnastics program.
Diego Maradona (2019)
Engrossing and meticulously crafted by Asif Kapadia (Senna, Amy), this film canvasses the complex life and career of the legendary Argentine footballer Diego Maradona, from his youth in the slums of Buenos Aires to his meteoric rise to become one of the world’s most celebrated and controversial athletes. The film also explores the darker side of his personality, including his struggles with addiction, tumultuous relationship with the media, and complicated family dynamics.
Athlete A (2020)
This documentary focuses on the dogged reporters, brave gymnasts, and legal team that put doctor Larry Nassar behind bars and exposed decades of horrific abuse at USA Gymnastics.
Cheer (2020)
This Netflix docuseries trails the highly competitive cheerleading team at Texas’s Navarro College, offering an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the intense dedication and athleticism required to be a top cheerleader.
The Last Dance (2020)
This captivating, detail-rich 10-part ESPN series provides a look at the career of basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their 1997–1998 season. With access to never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews with players and coaches, it journeys through the team’s ups, downs, and controversies on the way to their sixth championship title. Along with Jordan, viewers get a rare look at Bulls legends like Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, delving into their personal and professional lives and revealing their rivalries, motivations, and unstoppable charisma.
Sisters on Track (2021)
This Netflix documentary follows three young Brooklyn sisters who join a community track team and, through their dedication to running (and with the support of their team), strive to overcome homelessness, family trauma, and financial struggles.
LFG (2021)
Oscar, Peabody, and Emmy winners Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine explore the ongoing equal-pay battle between the United States Soccer Federation and its women’s national team, with help from players (and World Cup champions) like Megan Rapinoe and Jessica McDonald.
The Queen of Basketball (2021)
Ben Proudfoot’s Oscar-winning short tells the remarkable story of Lusia “Lucy” Harris, the first woman ever to be drafted into the NBA, from her humble small-town Mississippi roots to her barrier-breaking, stereotype-shattering career as a trailblazing athlete and national champion.
The Witches of the Orient (2021)
In the 1950s and ’60s, a volleyball team of textile-factory workers from Japan strung together a stunning 258-game winning streak—including a world championship and Olympic gold—while sparking a craze in volleyball manga and anime both locally and beyond. Julien Faraut’s documentary conjures an intoxicating brew of archival sports footage and vintage anime, with electronic music underscoring the repetitive, mesmerizing quality of both factory work and drills by a near-fanatical coach. The inspirational tale of hard work and determination culminates with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a moment of reemergence for Japan after the horrors of war (and the first to include volleyball).
“Dream On” (2022)
Another installment of ESPN's 30 for 30 series, “Dream On” examines the 1996 U.S. women’s national basketball team and its grueling 14-month journey to the Atlanta Olympics that forever changed the landscape of women’s athletics.
Beckham (2023)
Featuring unprecedented access and never-before-seen footage, this intimate four-part Netflix docuseries, directed by Fisher Stevens, follows David Beckham’s spectacular rise to global football stardom and half of one of the biggest celebrity couples in the world.
