The Best Sports Documentaries To Stream On Netflix Right Now
Many people will have been caught up in the hype of the World Cup or England’s sensational cricketing performance in Pakistan. Some may even be preparing for the Darts Championship to progress into the spectacle it always is with, according to newbettingoffers , Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith and Michael Van Gerwen the favourites for the PDC World Championship.
What is always a constant in this world is top-end sportsmen and women competing in the most prestigious sports and they make for great storylines which is why so many sporting documentaries are made for people’s enjoyment.
Currently, on Netflix there are some astonishing sporting documentaries that are real eye-openers into the sport in question and ones that even the neutral will enjoy because of the great spectacle surrounding sports.
So which ones stand out and which ones will inspire?
1. The Last Dance
How this footage took so long to be produced into a documentary series is astonishing really. In 2020, during the global pandemic, The Last Dance had people gripped to their screens as the genius of Micheal Jordan was unleashed onto the world once again as it followed him as well as key players such as Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippin, Steve Kerr and their coach Phil Jackson embarking one last heroic shot at the NBA Championship.
The documentary is shot using old footage from the 1997/98 season whilst current interviews with people who were around at the time. It also uses further flashbacks, mainly around what makes Jordan…well Jordan.
The 10 episodes fly by and you are left wanting more and more footage from that season as the creator Michael Tollin takes you on a journey of emotion. What a show!
2. Sunderland ‘Til I Die
A behind-the-scenes documentary of how a football club operates…or should not operate in Sunderland’s case! The first season follows the Championship club in turmoil after their long stay in the Premiership comes to an end following relegation. It is just wrong turn after wrong turn with the North East club.
In the second season of the documentary, there are new owners who have big ambitions for the club but they are now in League One, two divisions lower than they were two seasons ago, and thy are finding it tough to escape League One. They try their best but perhaps do not grasp how big a job it is and are left with egg on their face by the end of the season.
One constant throughout is the sense of community and how much Sunderland football club means to the people of town. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming throughout the two seasons. A third one is in the pipeline.
3. FIFA Uncovered
An eye-opening and shocking view into the corruption that faced the international football association (FIFA). In 2015, 14 executive members of FIFA were arrested on suspicions of corruption and four party docu-series explores what unfolded around the time and who the main culprits were at the association.
With the bid for the 2018 World Cup given to Russia and 2022 to Qatar, there were major questions asked then and bribery was afoot when both countries were given the green light despite political issues surrounding both nations.
With the Qatar 2022 World Cup having played out in a whitewashed environment, the hindsight view is really interesting to see.
4. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
With four seasons already, there is a five in production and over forty episodes available to stream on Netflix. It shows an up close and personal experience down by the track, showing what it is really like behind the wheel, in the pits and behind the microphone.
It is incredible to see these superstars be so honest about what it means to be a racing driver and travel the world to amazing venues.
The last season follows the climactic 2021 World Championship between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen detailing the controversy that handed the Dutchman his first World Championship in interesting circumstances.
5. Last Chance U
The true underdog stories happen in the Last Chance U docu-series. The first season of Last Chance U, following American Football, at East Mississippi Community College that it spawned a second with the college and then with two more colleges in the hope of helping failed students get a shot at the NFL.
The popularity of the emotional rollercoaster series led to another docu-series following basketball this time focusing on East Los Angeles College Huskies. With a tough but inspiring coach, the players are hoping to have another go at making it to a better college and possibly play in the NBA one day.
Truly a fantastic watch no matter what series or season you watch.
