Sometimes the greatest sports stories don’t happen on the field, court, or track; they unfold on a screen, told through the lenses of masterful documentaries that bring us closer to the athletes, teams, and moments we love. These films and series go beyond wins and losses to deliver raw emotion, gripping storytelling, and universal themes of perseverance, passion, and triumph. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or someone who doesn’t know a touchdown from a home run, these documentaries have a way of pulling you in and keeping you hooked from start to finish.

Here are some of the most captivating sports documentaries that have left audiences around the globe glued to their seats (and occasionally grabbing for tissues).

1. The Last Dance

If there’s one documentary that dominated watercooler talk (or Zoom calls) in 2020, it’s The Last Dance. This 10-part Netflix series offers an up-close and personal look at Michael Jordan's career with the Chicago Bulls, culminating in their iconic 1997-98 season. But this isn’t just a highlight reel of slam dunks and championships. The Last Dance dives deep into the complexities of one of the greatest athletes of all time, peeling back the layers of Jordan’s legendary career, his competitive drive, and even his relationships with teammates.

The storytelling is electric, bouncing between past and present while weaving in never-before-seen footage of the Bulls dynasty. And the cast of characters? Legendary. From Scottie Pippen to Dennis Rodman (in all his colorful glory), you get a sense of all the moving parts that made the Bulls a dream team. Add appearances by other NBA greats, candid behind-the-scenes moments, and Jordan's unfiltered honesty (“And I took that personally”), and you have a documentary that resonates far beyond basketball fans.

Fun fact: Viewership of The Last Dance spiked during the early days of the pandemic, offering a sports-starved world just the escape it needed. Plus, it turned Jordan’s vintage Bulls jerseys into some of the hottest fashion items overnight.

2. Free Solo

For anyone who’s afraid of heights, Free Solo is an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride, literally. This jaw-dropping documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to conquer El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical face in Yosemite National Park, without a rope. Yes, you read that right. No ropes, no safety net, no room for error. It’s pure human will versus one of nature’s most formidable challenges.

What makes Free Solo more than just a visually stunning climbing film is its emotional depth. While Alex’s feat is undoubtedly remarkable (and terrifying to watch), the doc also explores his unconventional mindset, relationships, and the inner drive that pushes him to achieve the impossible. You see him break down what most people would consider an unthinkable risk into a calculated, methodical plan. At the same time, you feel the weight of his loved ones’ worry, knowing that one slip could mean disaster.

Filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi add another layer of drama by having to balance their roles as storytellers and Alex’s friends. Their own fear is palpable as they capture every gripping moment of his climb. By the time Alex reaches the top, you’re not just cheering for him—you’re trying to catch your breath after holding it for an hour straight.

3. Senna

Formula 1 documentaries are plentiful, but none have captured hearts quite like Senna. Directed by Asif Kapadia, this biographical film chronicles the life and career of Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. From his rise to fame to his tragic death during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Senna offers an intimate portrait of a man who was not just a driver but an icon for his country.

What sets Senna apart is its focus on the human behind the helmet. The documentary doesn’t just glorify Ayrton’s victories (though there are plenty of those); it also shows his vulnerability, faith, and unwavering determination. You get a glimpse into his fierce rivalry with French driver Alain Prost, but even more moving is the connection he had with his fans, especially in Brazil. To them, Senna was not just a sports hero—he was hope personified in a time of political and economic turmoil.

Kapadia’s decision to forgo traditional narration and rely solely on archival footage makes the film feel raw and immediate. You’re in the driver’s seat, immersed in Senna’s world. By the time the end credits roll, you’ll understand why he remains a legend not just in motorsport but in the collective memory of a global audience.

4. Hoop Dreams

Long before The Last Dance, there was Hoop Dreams, the groundbreaking 1994 documentary that followed two inner-city Chicago teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, as they pursued their dream of becoming professional basketball players. Clocking in at nearly three hours, the film offers an expansive and unflinching look at how race, class, family, and education intersect with the world of sports.

Unlike many sports documentaries that focus on established stars, Hoop Dreams is about the struggle and the grind of chasing a seemingly unattainable goal while navigating the harsh realities of life. You watch William and Arthur deal with injuries, academic pressures, financial struggles, and the weight of their families’ expectations, all while trying to make it to the big leagues.

The power of Hoop Dreams lies in its relatability. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to feel the emotional highs and lows of its subjects. You just have to be human.

Fun fact: Though it was originally intended to be a 30-minute PBS special, Hoop Dreams evolved into a highly-acclaimed feature-length film that earned a spot in the Library of Congress National Film Registry.

5. Icarus

Part espionage thriller, part sports exposé, Icarus is a documentary unlike any other. Directed by Bryan Fogel, it begins as a personal experiment—Fogel, an amateur cyclist, sets out to see if he can beat doping regulations and enhance his performance. What unfolds, however, is a jaw-dropping investigation into Russia’s state-sponsored doping program, one that shook the sports world to its core.

At the center of the story is Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, a Russian scientist turned whistleblower who worked within the doping program before spilling its secrets. His revelations, shown vividly in the documentary, uncovered how athletes were systematically doped to dominate international competitions, including the Olympics.

What makes Icarus so gripping is its ability to straddle two worlds. On the one hand, it’s a personal tale of deception and ambition; on the other, it’s a global scandal with massive political implications. The fact that the film won the 2017 Academy Award for Best Documentary is no surprise. It’s a story that keeps you hooked, even if you don’t have any cycling posters on your wall.

6. When We Were Kings

Boxing might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but When We Were Kings makes a strong case that it should be. This Academy Award-winning documentary takes you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic sporting events of all time—the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

What could have been a simple recap of a legendary fight instead becomes a multi-layered story about culture, politics, and identity. You get a sense of Ali’s charisma, wit, and larger-than-life persona as he uses his platform to connect with the people of Zaire, aligning himself with their fight against oppression. At the same time, Foreman is portrayed not just as a boxer but as a man caught in the eye of a media storm.

From the pulsating music of the Zaire 74 festival to Ali's unforgettable chants of "Ali, bomaye!" (Ali, kill him! in Lingala), every frame of When We Were Kings feels alive. Even decades later, it remains a masterclass in how sports can serve as a backdrop for something much greater.

Sports documentaries aren’t just about reliving the glory days—they’re about humanity. They remind us of the grit it takes to chase a dream, the bonds that form through a shared love of the game, and the resilience needed to overcome adversity. Whether it’s Jordan’s relentless drive, Honnold’s fearless climb, or Senna’s poetic prowess behind the wheel, these stories resonate because they show us what’s possible when passion and perseverance collide.