Netflix, undoubtedly, is the biggest streaming platform on the planet that continuously adds a plethora of intriguing titles to engage and entertain viewers. However, in recent years, the service has gained popularity for producing documentaries based on several sports. From Basketball to Formula 1 racing, Netflix has something for everyone.
Star athletes frequently share inspiring stories about their journeys, showcasing the abundance of great narratives within sports while indicating how they became larger-than-life figures. Without any guesses, Netflix has become the top streaming service for extraordinary non-fiction cinema that features these legends and stories.
However, there are too many good sports documentaries available online, and as an audience, it can be hard to choose where to begin. That’s why we bring you a list of some of the finest sports documentaries currently streaming on Netflix. These inspiring pieces of cinema will motivate people to remain determined in their pursuits. Simultaneously, they will also expose the darker aspects of sports.
The Last Dance
The Last Dance is one of the documentaries that didn’t just turn out to be a massive success but also made an impact on pop culture. It includes previously unseen footage from the 1997-98 season of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, along with recent interviews featuring MJ and his fellow players. If you are a fan of Jordan and his personality, this 10-episodic miniseries is a treat for you as it brims with memorable moments and intense rivalries.
This docuseries also went on to win several awards, including Emmy for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. It is also one of the highest-rated sports documentaries. You can’t miss this one.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1 is one of the most exhilarating sports in the world and is filled with exciting rivalries. However, many don’t know what happens when the cars get parked in their garages and the racers are finally out of the arena. Well, if you want to know more about this sport, you definitely need to watch Formula 1: Drive to Survive. The documentary series has done an incredible job of making F1 more popular by unveiling more inside information about this high-intensity sport. Apart from that, the series gives viewers a closer look at the rivalries happening on and off the racing tracks. Some might call it a sensational way of telling a story, but in reality, it is as authentic as it can be.
Truly, a magnificent piece of art.
Athlete A
Several female members of the USA Gymnastics shocked the entire nation when they came forward and accused Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. We learned about the events but never got to know how these Olympic medalists endured through such challenging times. Athlete A exposes game corruption, management protection of a sexual predator in a compelling narrative. This meticulously crafted documentary serves as a potent warning to the rest of the sports world and perhaps even society.
Rising Phoenix
There haven’t been a lot of documentaries on para-athletics and the athletes who are a part of the sport. But Netflix‘s Rising Phoenix provided a comprehensive view of some of history’s greatest athletes who refused to let disabilities hinder their dreams. The documentary delivers much-needed joy through awe-inspiring stories of eight para-Olympians who defied the odds with determination and perseverance. It’s a roller-coaster ride that made us laugh, cry, and cheer for athletes showcasing impeccable skills ruling the world.
Team Foxcatcher
Probably, one of the most disturbing sports documentaries on Netflix that tells us how a man becomes a monster. The title chronicles the journey of John du Pont, whose paranoia turned him into a maniac. Apart from portraying madness, this documentary also heartbreakingly depicts talented wrestlers manipulated and controlled by du Pont. Highly Recommended!
