Sports documentaries have always been a great source of inspiration, motivation, and entertainment. They take us behind the scenes, showcasing the struggles, triumphs, and stories of athletes and teams, and offer an insight into the dedication and hard work that goes into achieving greatness.

Here are some of the best sports documentaries to inspire you. These documentaries cover a range of sports, from basketball to soccer, and feature some of the greatest athletes and teams of all time. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be inspired!

1. The Last Dance (2020):

The Last Dance is a ten-part documentary series that follows the Chicago Bulls during their 1997-1998 season. The series is centered around Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, and his final season with the Bulls. The documentary offers a glimpse into the life of Jordan, his leadership style, and the incredible talent that made him a legend. The Last Dance also features interviews with other members of the Bulls team, including Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and offers a fascinating look at one of the greatest basketball teams in history.

2. Senna (2010):

Senna is a documentary that tells the story of Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. The documentary follows Senna's rise to fame, his rivalry with Alain Prost, and his tragic death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Senna is not just a sports documentary, but a deeply emotional and moving film that explores the life and legacy of a true icon.

3. All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (2020):

All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur is a documentary series that follows the Tottenham Hotspur football team during the 2019-2020 season. The series offers an inside look at the team's journey throughout the season, including their struggles, victories, and setbacks. All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur is a must-watch for any football fan, and provides a fascinating look at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

4. The Dawn Wall (2018):

The Dawn Wall is a documentary that tells the story of Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's attempt to climb the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The climb is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world, and the documentary offers a gripping and inspiring look at the determination and perseverance required to achieve such a feat.

5. The Class of '92 (2013):

The Class of '92 is a documentary that follows the rise of six Manchester United football players: David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Paul Scholes. The documentary offers a fascinating look at the early years of these players, their friendship, and their rise to becoming some of the greatest footballers of all time. The Class of '92 is a must-watch for any football fan, and provides a unique insight into the world of professional football.

6. The Two Escobars (2010):

The Two Escobars is a documentary that explores the intersection of soccer and drug trafficking in Colombia during the 1990s. The documentary tells the story of two men with the same last name - Pablo Escobar, the notorious drug lord, and Andres Escobar, the captain of the Colombian national soccer team. The film is a powerful exploration of the influence of drug money in soccer and the tragic consequences that can result.

7. Undefeated (2011):

Undefeated is a documentary that follows the Manassas Tigers, a high school football team from Memphis, Tennessee. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team's struggles, including poverty, violence, and academic challenges, as they strive to win their first playoff game in the school's history. Undefeated is a moving and inspiring story of perseverance, teamwork, and the transformative power of sports.

8. Icarus (2017):

Icarus is a documentary that explores the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, and the elaborate system of doping that has enabled athletes to cheat for decades. The film follows amateur cyclist Bryan Fogel as he sets out to see if he can beat the drug testing system by taking performance-enhancing drugs. Along the way, he meets Grigory Rodchenkov, a Russian scientist who helps him expose the widespread doping among Russian athletes. Icarus is a gripping and eye-opening film that exposes the dark side of sports.

9. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014):

The Barkley Marathons is a documentary that tells the story of an ultramarathon race held annually in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. The race is considered one of the most difficult races in the world, and only 15 people have ever completed it. The documentary offers a fascinating look at the race's eccentric founder, Gary Cantrell, and the athletes who attempt to complete the grueling course.

10. O.J.: Made in America (2016):

O.J.: Made in America is a five-part documentary series that explores the life and legacy of O.J. Simpson, the former NFL player and actor who was acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The documentary offers a deep dive into Simpson's life, including his rise to fame, the murder trial, and his eventual imprisonment for armed robbery. O.J.: Made in America is not just a sports documentary, but a powerful exploration of race, celebrity, and justice in America.

Conclusion:

Sports documentaries offer a unique and compelling window into the world of sports, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and perseverance required to achieve greatness. Whether you're a sports fan or not, these documentaries are sure to inspire and motivate you to pursue your own goals and dreams.

From Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to the Manassas Tigers high school football team, the documentaries listed above offer a diverse and powerful array of stories that are sure to leave you feeling inspired and energized. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be moved by some of the greatest sports stories ever told.