Top sporting documentaries to watch during lockdown
We thought we’d take a look at some of the greatest sporting documentaries now available
From injury-time goals to last-gasp overtakes on the finish line, sports have offered us some of the most dramatic moments in history.
There have, of course, been occasions when even nonsports fans have sat up, looked from the outside into the world of competitiveness that it brings, and thought: “Wow, this is incredible!”
Sport has been used as a catalyst for social change, built as a founding pillar for a better life, and sculpted to unite nations in the most unlikely of circumstances. These abilities combined with the natural tale that it tells, awash with underdog stories and unlikely heroes, makes it the perfect focus for a documentary filmmaker.
Senna
While we certainly haven’t been short of talent in the F1 scene here in the UK, fans couldn’t help but be drawn to the sheer charm and skill of Brazilian race-driver, Ayrton Senna.
Having won the F1 championship three times in four years, Senna’s record eclipses that of legends of the discipline such as Mika Häkkinen and Fernando Alonso, while equalling the likes of Jackie Stewart. Tragically, Ayrton’s life was cut short at the age of 34 when he crashed at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
The Los Angeles Times noted that: “Sometimes a documentary will unexpectedly grab you by the throat, not giving you a second to breathe”. The American paper’s review of the film is a fitting description of not only the screenplay, but also the character that Ayrton was himself — he had a passion for winning and a passion for life.
Available to watch on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Google Play, follow the story of Senna’s bitter rivalry with Alain Prost, his difficulty battling the internal politics with Formula One, and his rapid rise to global stardom.
8.5/10 – IMDB
Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager
There aren’t really words to describe the capabilities of former England footballer and manager Bobby Robson — he was incredibly unique and a true role model of the beautiful game.
A prolific striker for
Fulham and West Brom, Sir Bobby Robson’s real time of excellence came following his retirement from playing and entry into management. An FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich, league trophies with PSV and Porto, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup with Barcelona are just a few of his achievements. Despite, shall we say, ructions on occasions, wherever Bobby has been, you will witness adoration for this man from County Durham. The Daily Telegraph’s review suggests that you best be prepared “to shed a tear”. Pep Guardiola’s reason to get into management, a father figure to Paul Gascoigne, and the saviour of Alan Shearer’s career, Bobby Robson was more than a manager — and this story tells it all.
If you’re looking for a place to watch this moving documentary, it’s available to buy on Amazon Prime or the Sky Store.
8.2/10 – IMDB
George Best: All by Himself
In 2020, FourFourTwo magazine labelled George Best the fourteenth-best footballer of all time. Pelé, however, who the publication has down at number three, once noted that George was the greatest footballer to ever play.
Best, who won a European Cup with Manchester United in 1968 at the age of only 22, produced some of the most impressive, logic-defying football the world has ever witnessed.
When he arrived in Manchester, where he would go on to spend 13 years, he was a shy, reserved teen from Belfast with no interest in anything other than kicking a ball and scoring goals. However, with looks comparable to what some suggested was a ‘fifth Beatle’ and a developed love for partying, Best soon veered dangerously into a playboy lifestyle, suffering from alcoholism that affected his life on and off the pitch.
This documentary, available to watch on either Amazon Prime or Google Play, follows the life of one of the ‘best’ footballers the world has ever seen and his unfortunate descent into alcoholism.
7.1/10 IMDB
David Beckham: For the Love of the Game
The ability that sport has to bring the world together is nothing shy of remarkable. A true ambassador for sport and a legend in his own right, this documentary sees England legend David Beckham travel around the globe with the goal of playing a game in every continent — with a time limit of ten days.
Raising money for UNICEF, Becks, as he is affectionately known, travels to Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Djibouti, Buenos Aires, Antarctica, Miami, and then finally returns to his beloved Manchester. You’ll see him swapping his men’s tweed jacket to once again don a pair of football boots.
Along the way, the former England captain discovers the role that football plays in the lives of those stricken by poverty and disaster in what is a truly beautiful documentary. You can watch it now on Netflix.
6.8/10 IMDB
TT3D: Closer to the Edge
The Isle of Man, a small British Crown Dependency in the centre of the Irish Sea, remains fairly quiet for most of the year. But for a two-week period at the end of June, thousands of motorsport fans descend for the Tourist Trophy.
Since the inaugural event back in 1907, there have been 151 fatalities at the motorcycle racing event, making it one of the deadliest sporting events in the world. With riders regularly surpassing speeds of 200-miles per hour, the risk is ever present as they negotiate the 264 corners on the course.
Available to watch on BBC iPlayer, this documentary follows a fateful year at the event and some of the riders prepared to risk it all.
8/10 IMDB
Here, we’ve detailed just five of the sporting documentaries housed online that are worth your attention. But if they don’t tickle your fancy, or they don’t belong to your preferred discipline, not to worry – there are plenty more you can discover online!
Feature courtesy of Walker Slater www.walkerslater.com