Greatest Sports Documentaries Of All Time
by rmccartney1989 | created - 02 Mar 2020 | updated - 4 months ago | PublicThe best sports stories ever told on screen.
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1. When We Were Kings (1996)
PG | 88 min | Documentary, Sport
Boxing documentary on the 1974 world heavyweight championship bout between defending champion, George Foreman, and the underdog challenger, Muhammad Ali.
Director: Leon Gast | Stars: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Don King, James Brown
Votes: 19,137 | Gross: $2.79M
2. Senna (2010)
PG-13 | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Ayrton Senna, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano, Neyde Senna
Votes: 75,849 | Gross: $1.61M
3. Icarus (2017)
TV-MA | 120 min | Documentary, Sport
When Bryan sets out to uncover the truth about doping in sports, a chance meeting with a Russian scientist transforms his story from a personal experiment into a geopolitical thriller.
Director: Bryan Fogel | Stars: Bryan Fogel, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin, Grigory Rodchenkov
Votes: 54,726
4. Free Solo (2018)
PG-13 | 100 min | Documentary, Adventure, Sport
Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone.
Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi | Stars: Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe
Votes: 77,458 | Gross: $17.54M
5. Hoop Dreams (1994)
PG-13 | 170 min | Documentary, Drama, Sport
A film following the lives of two inner-city Chicago boys who struggle to become college basketball players on the road to going professional.
Director: Steve James | Stars: William Gates, Arthur Agee, Emma Gates, Curtis Gates
Votes: 28,023 | Gross: $7.83M
6. Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story (2014)
TV-14 | 104 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
This documentary is an intimate but explosive story about the man behind the greatest fraud in sporting history. Lance Armstrong enriched himself by cheating his fans, his sport and the truth.
Director: Alex Holmes | Stars: Reed Albergotti, Betsy Andreu, Frankie Andreu, Kristin Armstrong
Votes: 3,080
7. Bobby Fischer Against the World (2011)
TV-14 | 93 min | Documentary, Biography, History
'Bobby Fischer Against the World' is a documentary feature exploring the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master Bobby Fischer. The drama of Bobby Fischer's career was undeniable, ... See full summary »
Director: Liz Garbus | Stars: Bobby Fischer, David Edmonds, Anthony Saidy, Susan Polgar
Votes: 7,402
8. Muhammad Ali (2021)
445 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An in-depth look at the life of boxer, Muhammad Ali, including his years as an activist and philanthropist.
Stars: Gerald Early, Todd Boyd, Salim Muwakkil, Jerry Izenberg
Votes: 1,367
9. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014)
Not Rated | 89 min | Documentary, Adventure, History
A famous prison escape sparks the idea for a cult-like race that has seen only 10 finishers in its first 25 years. This award-winning, oddly inspiring, and wildly funny documentary reveals the sports world's most guarded secret.
Directors: Annika Iltis, Timothy James Kane | Star: Lazarus Lake
Votes: 5,770
10. The Smashing Machine (2002)
R | 93 min | Documentary, Sport
This is a documentary that follows M.M.A. great Mark Kerr, and his string of amazing victories in the ring.
Director: John Hyams | Stars: Mark Kerr, Mark Coleman, Dawn Staples, Bas Rutten
Votes: 1,840
11. Gods of Snooker (2021)
Documentary, Sport
For a remarkable period in the 80s, snooker became a national obsession, eclipsing even football. This is the story of the characters who turned the game into a soap opera, catapulting it from smoky halls to the public conscience.
Stars: Gary Lineker, Steve Davis, John Virgo, Ken Doherty
Votes: 164
12. Touching the Void (2003)
R | 106 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama
The true story of two climbers and their perilous journey up the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985.
Director: Kevin Macdonald | Stars: Simon Yates, Joe Simpson, Brendan Mackey, Nicholas Aaron
Votes: 38,112 | Gross: $4.59M
13. Tyson (2008)
R | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A mixture of original interviews, archival footage, and photographs sheds light on the life experiences of Mike Tyson.
Director: James Toback | Stars: Mike Tyson, Mills Lane, Trevor Berbick, Cus D'Amato
Votes: 12,934 | Gross: $0.89M
14. The Endless Summer (1966)
Not Rated | 95 min | Documentary, Sport
The crown jewel to ten years of Bruce Brown surfing documentaries. Brown follows two young surfers around the world in search of the perfect wave, and ends up finding quite a few in addition to some colorful local characters.
Director: Bruce Brown | Stars: Robert August, Michael Hynson, Lord James Blears, Bruce Brown
Votes: 6,220
15. More Than a Game (2008)
PG | 105 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James' journey to fame.
Director: Kristopher Belman | Stars: LeBron James, Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton
Votes: 5,663 | Gross: $0.94M
16. The Great Alone (2015)
Not Rated | 80 min | Documentary, Adventure, Drama
The Great Alone is a feature length independent documentary film that tells the inspiring comeback story of Iditarod Champion Lance Mackey.
Director: Greg Kohs | Stars: Dick Mackey, Lance Mackey
Votes: 465
17. Iverson (2014)
Not Rated | 106 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Iverson is the ultimate legacy of NBA legend Allen Iverson, who rose from a childhood of crushing poverty in Hampton, Virginia, to become an 11-time NBA All-Star and universally recognized ... See full summary »
Director: Zatella Beatty | Stars: Allen Iverson, Tom Brokaw, Larry Brown, Dwyane Wade
Votes: 4,095
18. The Dawn Wall (2017)
Not Rated | 100 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan.
Directors: Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer | Stars: John Branch, Tommy Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson
Votes: 21,238 | Gross: $1.08M
19. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
PG-13 | 79 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Die-hard gamers compete to break world records on classic arcade games.
Director: Seth Gordon | Stars: Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, Mark Alpiger, Adam Wood
Votes: 37,580 | Gross: $0.68M
20. Diego Maradona (2019)
TV-14 | 130 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the career of celebrated football player Diego Maradona, who played for S.S.C. Napoli in the 1980s.
Director: Asif Kapadia | Stars: Diego Maradona, Dalma Maradona, Pelé, Corrado Ferlaino
Votes: 18,263
21. What's My Name: Muhammad Ali (2019)
TV-14 | 165 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
One of the most iconic figures in athletic history, Muhammad Ali's incredible story from world champion boxer to inspiring social activist is explored through his own voice and never-before-seen archival material.
Director: Antoine Fuqua | Stars: Bill Cosby, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Diana Ross
Votes: 2,439
22. Pumping Iron (1977)
PG | 86 min | Documentary, Sport
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno face off in a no-holds-barred competition for the title of Mr. Olympia in this critically-acclaimed film that made Schwarzenegger a household name.
Directors: George Butler, Robert Fiore | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Matty Ferrigno, Victoria Ferrigno
Votes: 24,947
23. Foreman (2017)
PG-13 | 84 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A retrospective look at the boxing career of George Foreman.
Director: Chris Perkel | Stars: George Foreman Jr., Ralph Cooper, George Foreman, Jim Brown
Votes: 551
24. Deep Water (2006)
PG | 92 min | Documentary, History, Sport
A documentary about the disastrous 1968 round-the-world yacht race.
Directors: Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell | Stars: Tilda Swinton, Donald Crowhurst, Ted Hynds, Robin Knox-Johnston
Votes: 3,303 | Gross: $0.27M
25. The Last Dance (2020)
TV-MA | 49 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Led by Michael Jordan, the 1990s Chicago Bulls establish themselves as one of the most notable dynasties in sports history.
Stars: Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, David Aldridge
Votes: 152,300
26. Tiger (2021)
TV-MA | 96 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
A look at the life, success and scandals of golf legend Tiger Woods.
Stars: Tiger Woods, Pete McDaniel, Steve Williams, Bryant Gumbel
Votes: 4,987
27.
Untold (2021– )
Episode:
Breaking Point
(2021)
TV-MA | 68 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Tennis star Mardy Fish's battles with anxiety and mental health.
Directors: Chapman Way, Maclain Way | Stars: Mardy Fish, Kevin O'Connor, Tom Fish, Sally Fish
Votes: 3,471
28. Sunderland 'Til I Die (2018–2024)
TV-MA | 39 min | Documentary, Sport
Highlights the unfailing passion Sunderland residents have for their beloved football club, taking viewers through the highs and lows of SAFC's 2017-18 season in the Championship following its relegation the previous year.
Stars: Sunderland F.C., George Honeyman, Aiden McGeady, Nick Barnes
Votes: 9,540
29. Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008)
PG-13 | 105 min | Documentary, Sport
An examination of America's win-at-all-cost culture from the perspective of bodybuilding and performance enhancing drugs, as it focuses on a pair of siblings chasing their dream.
Director: Chris Bell | Stars: Chris Bell, Mike Bell, Mark Bell, Hank Aaron
Votes: 13,816 | Gross: $0.31M
30. Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022)
TV-MA | 135 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Follows famous skater Tony Hawk's personal life, career and relationship with skateboarding, including never-before-seen footage and unprecedented access to Hawk, along with interviews with figures from the skateboarding world.
Director: Sam Jones | Stars: Stacy Peralta, Tony Hawk, Rob Roy Fitzgerald, Riley Hawk
Votes: 4,688
31. Murderball (2005)
R | 88 min | Documentary, Sport
Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Directors: Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro | Stars: Joe Soares, Keith Cavill, Mark Zupan, Robert Soares
Votes: 10,458 | Gross: $1.52M
32. Team Foxcatcher (2016)
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, Crime
Documentary filmmaker Jon Greenhalgh examines the life of Dave Schultz, a professional wrestler who was part of 'Team Foxcatcher', funded by multi-millionaire John du Pont.
Director: Jon Greenhalgh | Stars: John du Pont, Dave Schultz, Mike Gostigian, Ray Wilson
Votes: 7,235
33. I Believe in Miracles (2015)
104 min | Documentary, History, Sport
The story of the history-making Nottingham Forest team that won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, led by the mercurial Brian Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor.
Director: Jonny Owen | Stars: Brian Clough, Peter Taylor, Jimmy Gordon, John McGovern
Votes: 1,919
34. Into the Wind (2010)
51 min | Documentary
In 1980, Fox was seeking a way to raise awareness for cancer research. His own struggle with the disease had resulted in the amputation of his right leg.
Directors: Ezra Holland, Steve Nash | Star: Terry Fox
Votes: 214
35. Once Brothers (1993)
Documentary
The story of how the war between Croatia and Serbia destroys the friendship between Drazen Petrovic and Vlade Divac, which results in months of silence amongst them before the fatal automobile accident that Petrovic suffers in june 1993.
Director: Michael Tolajian
Votes: 421
36. Maiden (2018)
PG | 97 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
The story of Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats, who became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989.
Director: Alex Holmes | Stars: Frank Bough, John Chittenden, Bruno Du Bois, Pat Edwards
Votes: 2,585 | Gross: $3.01M
37. AlphaGo (2017)
90 min | Documentary, Sport
Google's DeepMind has developed a program for playing the 3000 year old game Go using AI. They test AlphaGo on the European champion, then March 9-15, 2016, on the top player, Lee Sedol, in a best of 5 tournament in Seoul.
Director: Greg Kohs | Stars: Ioannis Antonoglou, Lucas Baker, Nick Bostrom, Yoo Changhyuk
Votes: 6,924
38. Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals (2010 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 85 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
An exploration of the fierce rivalry between NBA superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson during their decade of dominance.
Director: Ezra Edelman | Stars: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Steve Springer, Evelyn Johnson
Votes: 2,277
39. Choke (1999)
Unrated | 98 min | Documentary, Sport
Choke follows freestyle fighting champion Rickson Gracie as he prepares to defend his title in the Vale Tudo Freestyle Fighting Championship in Tokyo. Choke is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of no-rules fighting.
Director: Robert Raphael Goodman | Stars: Dale Cook, Wayne Emons, Gerard Gordeau, Helio Gracie
Votes: 969
40. Valley Uprising (2014)
Not Rated | 103 min | Documentary
In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service.
Directors: Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen, Josh Lowell | Stars: Peter Sarsgaard, Alex Honnold, Yvon Chouinard, Royal Robbins
Votes: 6,277
41. The Alpinist (2021)
PG-13 | 92 min | Documentary, Biography
Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. The free-spirited 23-year-old makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. With no cameras and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure.
Directors: Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen | Stars: Marc-André Leclerc, Peter Mortimer, Alex Honnold, Jason Kruk
Votes: 14,431
42. Athlete A (2020)
PG-13 | 103 min | Documentary, Crime, Sport
Follow the Indianapolis Star reporters that broke the story about USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse and hear from gymnasts like Maggie Nichols.
Directors: Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk | Stars: Maggie Nichols, Gina Nichols, John Nichols, Steve Berta
Votes: 12,424
43. The Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014)
80 min | Documentary, Sport
In 1973, Hollywood actor Bing Russell starts an independent minor league baseball team in Portland consisting of outcasts and misfits, and turns them into unlikely overnight success.
Directors: Chapman Way, Maclain Way | Stars: Lou Russell, Kurt Russell, Ken Wheeler, Todd Field
Votes: 4,584
44. Formula 1: Drive to Survive (2019– )
TV-MA | 40 min | Documentary, Sport
Docuseries following the FIA Formula One World Championship across multiple seasons.
Stars: Will Buxton, Jack Nicholls, Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton
Votes: 50,951
45. Katie (2018)
89 min | Documentary, Biography, Sport
Behind-the-scenes documentary on Irish boxing champion, Katie Taylor, as she attempts to rekindle her career by turning pro.
Director: Ross Whitaker | Stars: Eddie Hearn, Peter Taylor, Pete Taylor, Bridget Taylor
Votes: 317
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