From the infamous kung fu kick of Eric Cantona at Old Trafford to a valiant, hair-raising knock of Cheteshwar Pujara in Sydney, there’s more to sporting actions than what is visible on screen in real-time. The insatiable thirst to know the behind-the-scenes of some iconic moments is quenched only when documentaries are made on them.
If you think about it, sports has a very limited narrative trope — either overcoming the odds or succumbing to the challenges. And, this is clearly reflected in the vast swathes of the sports documentaries that hit the screen. But the best documentaries often rise beyond this simplistic trope, compelling viewers to think where their minds may not have traveled while watching the action.
We bring you the seven best sports documentaries you can stream right now:
Ben Stokes: Phoenix From The Ashes
Released a day ago on Amazon Prime, Ben Stokes: Phoenix From The Ashes is a brilliant portrayal of England’s current test captain, who also happens to be among the most controversial figures and the greatest match-winner of English cricket, depending upon whom you ask. Stokes narrates about his life-altering performances – Ashes 2019 and World Cup 2019 – shedding light on what was running through his mind when he was on the crease. He also talks about the demise of his father, and shares how he got his mental health in order.
The Last Dance (2020)
The Last Dance is the most-watched documentary in Disney history.
It averaged 5.6M viewers per episode and generated tens of millions in revenue.
But Jordan only made $4M – way below market value.
Here’s a breakdown: pic.twitter.com/rVQsTlJ0BT
— Nathan Baugh (@nathanbaugh27) August 16, 2022
A majority of people in this world don’t have any interest in basketball, a game restricted in its scope and allure to North America. And yet Michael Jordan is a household name in places far away from where he made his career. The Last Dance is a ten-part docu-series that tells a gripping tale about Jordan’s rise from the ghetto to the top of the basketball world. Available on Netflix, it is the most-watched sports documentary ever.
Bandon Mein Tha Dum (2022)
Neeraj Pandey’s Bandon Mein Tha Dum tracks the gripping tale of the injury-ravaged Indian Test side outsmarting the might Australians to clinch Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series featured Ajinkya Rahane, the captain who oversaw the turnaround, and R Ashwin, who bowled brilliantly on the foreign pitches and also stitched a gutsy stand with Hanuma Vihari. You can relive the greatest Test win of the Indian team on Voot.
Take Us Home: Leeds United (2019)
Leeds United has come from far and they really deserve to stay here in the premier league. Follow their rise, fall and rise from “Take Us Home: Leeds United” documented by Amazon. It’s a good watch! pic.twitter.com/6uUvsossql
— Kinetic® (@KaineticEric) September 20, 2021
For football fanatics, the story of Take Us Home: Leeds United is self-explanatory. The six-part docu-series, produced by Amazon Prime Video, is the story of Leeds United’s resurgence to the Premier League, after close to two decades of absence. The narration by Russel Crowe adds gravitas, while the theme music – Damaged Goods by English post-punk band Gang of Four – feels spot on to describe the chaos that rule the club before Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival in 2018/19.
Free Solo (2018)
American climber Alex Honnold is the protagonist of this Academy Award-winning Free Solo, directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The documentary follows Honnold as he successfully attempts the herculean feat of climbing El Capitan – the unchartered peak of Yosemite Valley – without rope, harness, or any kind of safety equipment.
Diego Maradona (2019)
I’m halfway through Asif Kapadia’s Diego Maradona film (available free on All 4) and I’ve been shaking my head in disbelief, gasping in horror and laughing with glee. It’s about so much beyond football. It’s got loads to say about class, nationalism, celebrity and family loyalty.
— Simon Price﮷ (@simon_price01) November 27, 2