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Even though sports documentaries are made keeping sports enthusiasts in mind, they usually appeal to all cinephiles for their inspirational content. Like other films in the genre, there is no set template when it comes to sports documentaries, which allows filmmakers to experiment with varied styles. A slew of intriguing titles celebrating talented athletes and sporting achievements are released every year.
The rise of OTT platforms has especially helped boost the popularity of sports documentaries featuring off-beat narratives. From sports documentaries that give a sneak peek into the lives of world-famous sportspersons to movies highlighting the struggles of underrated athletes, fans of the genre are spoilt for choice in terms of variety.
In this list, we shortlist some of the best sports documentaries released in the last 12 months that deserve a place in every fan's 2024 watchlist.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Athletes of War, Quad Gods, and eight other sports documentaries that will leave viewers inspired
1) Life Is Not A Competition, But I'm Winning (September, 2023)
In the recent past, several sports documentaries have put the spotlight on talented athletes from the LGBTQ community. Life Is Not A Competition, But I'm Winning by Julia Fuhr Mann takes it a step further by highlighting the link between the rigid structure of present-day competitive sports and its implications on queer athletes.
In this hybrid documentary, the audience becomes acquainted with several trans athletes, including Amanda Reiter, a trans marathon runner, and Annet Negesa, an intersex 800 m runner.
Even though the narrative brings the struggles of the protagonists to light, they are not presented as victims. Instead, the movie focuses on the positives, such as finding strength in a sense of community, striving for greatness even in the face of adversity, and turning challenges into opportunities.
Where to watch: Life Is Not A Competition, But I'm Winning can be streamed on MUBI.
2) Race to the Summit (October, 2023)
When viewers sit down to watch sports documentaries, they expect thrilling action shots, and Race to the Summit certainly doesn't disappoint in that aspect. This movie by Nicholas de Taranto and Götz Werner focuses on free-climbing, one of the most terrifying sports in the world, that has piqued the interest of people around the world after the success of Free Solo (2018).
The rivalry between highly-skilled climbers, Ueli Steck and Dani Arnold, forms the core of the narrative. Both of them put everything on the line in order to beat each other's speed marks and become the "fastest climber in the world". The nail-biting feats of alpinism, along with stunning natural landscapes and candid interviews, come together to create an intriguing watch that fans of the genre will enjoy.
Where to watch: Race to the Summit is available for streaming on Netflix.
3) Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream (November, 2023)
Well-made sports documentaries focusing on a renowned player's personal and professional life are highly sought after because of the fresh perspective they offer. As the name suggests, Toru Tokikawa's Beyond the Dream chronicles the life of Shohei Ohtani, a popular Japanese baseball player who has excelled both as a hitter and as a pitcher.
The movie features Ohtani's candid interviews as well as insightful observations from other players, mentors, and coaches. These are the people who have seen his growth both as a player and as a person, on and off the field. His heartwarming story will appeal to not only baseball fans but also to people from all walks of life who will find his determination and perseverance inspiring.
Where to watch: Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream can be viewed on Disney+ and Hulu.
4) The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez (January, 2024)
More often than not, sports documentaries tend to focus on players who have endured immense hardships to make a name for themselves, and The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez by Cassius Corrigan is no different.
33-year-old Suarez, a popular MMA fighter, made a name for herself in wrestling, but a neck injury before the 2012 Summer Olympics changed the trajectory of her professional career. When an MRI and CAT scan revealed that she had a cancerous growth on her thyroid, she put her dreams on hold to get the treatment she needed.
Viewers will surely connect to Suarez's passionate and unapologetic personality. Also, the way she finds the courage to get back on her feet after every setback is commendable. Young women, in particular, will find it inspiring to watch Suarez push past gender prejudices time and again to pursue her true passion.
Where to watch: The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez is available on HBO and Prime Video.
5) Giannis: The Marvelous Journey (February, 2024)
Given how basketball is popular around the world, it is not surprising that several sports documentaries feature the widely-viewed sport in one form or another. This documentary by Kristen Lappas is all about the world-famous basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak, who went from hawking goods on the street to signing hefty NBA contracts.
Antetokounmpo's inspiring rags to riches story isn't only a testament to his talent and hard work but it also shines a light on how immigrants can thrive in a society, free from prejudice, that is both accepting and nurturing. Another key point that viewers will pick up on while watching this movie is the importance of family and roots, both of which helped make Antetokounmpo the star he is today.
Where to watch: NBA fans can watch Giannis: The Marvelous Journey on Prime Video.
6) Athletes of War (April, 2024)
It is always eye-opening when sports documentaries can put a spotlight on sensitive subjects that impact athletes directly. Athletes of War by Gabriel Veras is a must-watch in 2024 because it is closely linked to the recently held Paris Olympics.
Told from the perspective of Ukrainian athletes, the documentary captures what it is like for them to train in the middle of an ongoing conflict that has led to so much death and destruction. They also voice their concerns about the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to participate and the possibility of facing them in competition.
This thought-provoking documentary celebrates the resilient Ukrainian athletes and their determination to send a message to people around the world through their actions.
Where to watch: Athletes of War is available for streaming on MUBI.
7) The Final: Attack on Wembley (May 2024)
Out of all the sports documentaries on this list, The Final: Attack on Wembley might be the most chaotic and disturbing one. Robert Miller and Kwabena Oppong. have directed the film, which portrays the events of July 11, 2021, the day of the Euro 2020 Final between England and Italy.
As it was England's first major final since 1966, thousands of supporters arrived at the venue to see the football match. However, many of them didn't have tickets and tried to gain entry by force. The underprepared staff had a tough time keeping things under control and many people were injured as a result.
The Final: Attack on Wembley helps viewers understand the implications of hooliganism in the name of sports. It also attempts to explore how the mass frustration from the Covid-19 lockdowns played a role in fueling the violence.
Where to watch: This engaging sports documentary is available on Netflix.
8) Federer: Twelve Final Days (June, 2024)
Fans of sports documentaries who have a soft spot for tennis shouldn't miss out on this intimate movie that tracks the last 12 days of Roger Federer's professional career. Holding the No. 1 spot in men's singles ATP ranking is no small feat and Federer held it for 310 weeks. And so, it is not surprising that even people who don't follow tennis have heard about this legendary tennis player.
People are used to Federer's calm energy and charismatic poise on the court, but in this documentary by Asif Kapadia and Joe Sabia, they get to see a different side of him - funny, grounded, and kind-hearted. Tennis fans should especially look forward to the scenes from his final match at the Laver Cup that shed light on his endearing camaraderie with his longtime rival, Rafael Nadal.
Where to watch: Federer: Twelve Final Days can be streamed on Prime Video.
9) Power of the Dream (June, 2024)
Sports documentaries usually focus on players and their achievements but this documentary by Dawn Porter reminds viewers that no athlete can thrive in isolation. Their circumstances often influence the athletes and their game, leading many to want to contribute to society. The players of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) understand this well.
Power of the Dream showcases how the WNBA has risen up, time and again, to speak up about issues that matter, including LGBTQIA+ rights, #BlackLivesMatter and more. In fact, their collective power brought about political change when they decided to stand against former team owner Kelly Loeffler who engaged in a campaign undermining the players.
Showcasing the power of many, this motivational documentary is a reminder of how every step toward justice and equality can have a profound impact in the long run.
Where to watch: Power of the Dream can be viewed on Prime Video.
10) Quad Gods (July, 2024)
Overcoming personal hardships is a running theme in sports documentaries because such narratives can touch the audience. In this 2024 movie by Jess Jacklin, the focus is on a group of New Yorkers with quadriplegia who form a connection when they meet at a neuro-rehabilitation lab at Mount Sinai Hospital. They eventually ended up forming the world's first all-quadriplegic eSports team.
The growing friendship between the members and the way they lift each other up is heartening to watch. The fact that gaming is not just something they do for fun, but it is part of who they are while also helping in their recovery journey, makes it that much more inspiring.
Viewers will end up rooting for the team that refuses to be bound by its condition. They will support the team as it tries to become formidable enough to go head-to-head with the best in the field.
Where to watch: Quad Gods is available for streaming on HBO.
Viewers looking to get inspired should add these insightful and adrenaline-pumping sports documentaries to their 2024 watchlist.
