With hundreds of titles getting added to the giant streaming platform every month, there is literally something for everyone on Netflix. Known for their savvy buying skills and incredibly deep pockets, the buyers at Netflix have snapped up the rights to plenty of really great show and films. And that includes some superb documentaries.
Breaking the genre down even further, there is a wealth of sporting documentaries ready to be discovered by fans the world over. From Boxing to Basketball, Football to Formula One and everything in between, simply pick a sport and there’s bound to be a documentary about it.
So where do you start if you are looking for a great show to watch?
Losers
Contrary to what you may think from the name, Losers is a remarkable collection of eight stories, each focused on one key sportsperson. But instead of looking at their remarkable achievements, this show concentrates on a pivotal moment of failure for each of them within their sport.
Why did Surya Bonali, the French ice-skater, and technically one of the best in the world, never win Olympic Gold or first place in the World Championships? What does always being in second place do to a champion?
How did boxer Michael Bentt, who never actually wanted to be a boxer, reach the dizzying heights of heavyweight champion and fall from grace just as quickly?
Losers is a fascinating insight into the good, the bad and the failures of those trying to be the best in the world.
Senna
Possibly one of the greatest documentaries made about one of the greatest Formula One drivers who ever lived, Senna details the life and tragic death of Ayrton Senna.
With good looks and oozing charisma, this was a man who had it all. Amazing the world with his driving skills, he set countless records and won three World Championships.
The documentary does a stunning job of portraying a man whose personality transcended the sport. With deeply personal views from his colleagues, friends and even his bitter rivals, this is an award-winning piece of work that took home the prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die
One of the numerous football documentaries available on Netflix, Sunderland ‘Til I Die, follows Sunderland Football Club in the UK, as they aim to bounce back from relegation the Premier League.
But unlike other football clubs with immensely deep pockets, Sunderland FC struggle from the outset. Managerial changes, the loss of players, bad results and a lack of transfer activity all contribute to the serious issues faced by the club.
Football may be great for those at the top, but for the less fortunate clubs, it is a tough business which is evidently clear from this documentary.
Last Chance U
One of the most critically acclaimed documentaries on Netflix, Last Chance U follows the East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) football team, also known as the Lions, on their quest for a fourth National Championship.
With as much focus off the pitch as there is on it, this is an incredible piece of TV that will leave you in no doubt as to how brutally competitive the world of college football really is.
Conor McGregor: Notorious
Love him or hate him, there’s no disputing that Conor McGregor is a man who knows how to cause a splash. The Irish UFC fighter is as controversial as he is talented and this documentary is an all-access pass to his life.
With honest interviews and plenty of brutal fight footage, this is a rare glimpse into the other side of McGregor when he is not posturing for the media. Forget the hype and watch Notorious if you want to see a real rag to riches sports story.
