It is hard to be a sports fan these days, with the current global shutdown due to the coronavirus forcibly canceling all our favorite sporting events. Even the ones that are currently being held behind closed doors don’t feel enthralling enough to watch.
All is not lost though, as, with several streaming services like Netflix, there are many gripping sports documentaries you can watch to fill the hole left in your life due to the lack of live sporting events. Here are some of the best documentaries about sports legends you can watch online.
Ronaldo vs. Messi
When it comes to football, there is no bigger rivalry in sports than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This 2017 documentary follows the journey of these two future legends of the sport. From their humble beginnings to their status as the two greatest players of their generation. As well as tries to answer the question on everyone’s mind – Who is the G.O.A.T.
Senna
“We’re competing to win and if you longer go for a gap, you’re no longer a racing driver,” Ayrton Senna.
Ayrton Senna is a racing legend. The Brazilian was the most gifted Formula One driver in the history of the sport. A brilliantly instinctive driver who was taken from this world too soon. This 2010 documentary pays tribute to the charismatic personality, his talent, and his relentless spirit.
The documentary film even received critical acclaim upon release due to director Asif Kapadia’s brilliant direction. It is a must-see documentary.
Undertaker: The Last Ride
While professional wrestling or WWE is not a real sport, it is a sporting spectacle like none other. The wrestlers are known as sports entertainers because of what they put their bodies through for the sake of people’s entertainment. One of the biggest names in WWE is The Undertaker. People grew up watching the ‘spooky’ wrestler since the early 90s, going as far as almost believing in the supernatural premise of the character. That sort of dedication and commitment is what made Mark Calaway’s Undertaker so popular.
In a rare behind-the-scenes look, his on-going documentary The Last Ride tells a gripping story of Mark Calaway and The Undertaker.
The Last Dance
Currently the most trending sports documentary on Netflix, The Last Dance revolves around basketball legend Michael Jordan, particularly his last season with the beloved NBA franchise – Chicago Bulls.
Directed by Jason Hehir, the 2020 miniseries by ESPN Films is exciting to watch. The series features exclusive never-before-seen footage of the players during Jordan’s last season as well as interviews with other famous NBA stars like Scottie Pippen, coach Phil Jackson, and Dennis Rodman.
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Notorious
Love him or hate him, Conor McGregor is a pop culture icon. The ‘Notorious One’ is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts history. The Irish fighter has made a name for himself inside and outside the octagon, drawing massive crowds at UFC events.
This film follows the journey of Conor, from when he was living in his parents’ spare room in Dublin to him shocking the world by capturing UFC championships in different weight classes and earning a seven-figure salary with each fight!
What’s My Name?
On October 30, 1974, the world witnessed one of the greatest boxing matches of all time. It is a moment in time that everyone looks back in awe. And from that day on everyone (if they didn’t believe him before) knew the name Muhammad Ali. The documentary follows the journey of Ali, a charismatic figure who became much more than just the greatest boxer of all time.
Fans of Ali can get a chance to relive some of his iconic moments like defeating Sonny Liston, relinquishing his world title because he refused to fight an unjust war for America and, of course, coming out of retirement to defeat the unbeaten George Foreman for the world title in Kinshasa, Zaire.
Kobe Bryant’s Muse
A basketball legend who tragically passed away this year in a horrific helicopter accident, this documentary tells the story of NBA star Kobe Bryant.
The 2015 documentary explores the mentors, allies, and rivalries that helped shape the 18-year career of the iconic NBA legend as he cements his legacy and contemplates life after the sport.
Honorable Mention
OJ – Made In America
One of the greatest NFL players in America’s history, OJ Simpson is known more for his spectacular fall from grace. This five-part mini-series follows the story of Orenthal James Simpson and his rise to success as one of the most popular and influential sports figures in the United States.
However, this series also documents the infamous ‘Trial of the Century’ that involves OJ Simpson in the murder of his wife Nicole. Thus, it is more of a crime documentary than a sports documentary. This is why we’re giving this an honorable mention. Due to check it out, if you’re into murder mysteries and courtroom drama.
Which sports documentaries are you looking forward to binging at home? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
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