MONGOOSE’S TOP 10 SPORT DOCUMENTARIES THAT HAVE GOT US THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

While lockdown may have had you twiddling your thumbs at times, we have been treated to an array of high quality and captivating sports documentaries. Underdog stories. Politics. Sacrifice. Money. There’s more to it than just the final score and the Mongoose team have come up with their ‘Top 10 Sport Documentaries’ that have kept them entertained this past year. Enjoy! 

10. All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (Amazon) 

With the recent removal of Jose Mourinho from the Spurs throne, this is worth a watch (or even a re-watch) as you go behind the scenes of a football club looking to be amongst Europe’s elite. Love him or hate him, the Mourinho experience is quite captivating. 

Keep your eyes peeled for All or Nothing: Juventus expected to be released this year. 

9. Steelers (Amazon)

Challenging the perspective rugby is about primal masculinity and physical strength, Steelers tells the story of the world’s first gay rugby team. A brilliant watch that opens your eyes to community, a sense of purpose and finding happiness where you least expect it.

8. Sunderland ‘Til I Die (Netflix)

Last year the North West was back in the spotlight with a second season of Sunderland ‘Til I Die. The tragic tale of the Black Cats’ demise is captured on camera and lays bare the many failings the club have wrestled since relegation from the Premier League. 

7. Lance (BBC iPlayer) 

BBC cover Lance Armstrong’s remarkable rise to the pinnacle of cycling and his rapid fall from grace. Battling cancer, multiple Tour de France victories and the doping scandal that stripped him of them all. A roller-coaster watch.

6. QB1: Beyond the Lights (YouTube & Netflix)

If you’re a sports fan you may say you know a little about American football. Let this series open your eyes to the much larger world of the sport and how even at high school, players can draw national attention. Each series focuses on three high school quarterbacks during their final seasons of football before the college level. Frustratingly only the third season is on Netflix although you can find the two previous seasons on YouTube. 

5. Last Chance U Basketball (Netflix)

Following five seasons of American football, the hit series switches the gridiron for the court. The genuine and gritty look at a community college basketball team on the verge of history is complemented with some loveable and intense characters looking to fulfil their potential.

4. Icarus (Netflix)

We’re capping it off with Bryan Fogel’s stunning documentary about Russia’s Olympic doping program which won best documentary feature at the 2018 Academy Awards. A few years old now but the quick plunge which goes from uncovering the effects of doping in sport to exposing a mass doping scandal is worth the watch. 

3. Tiger (Sky) 

HBO’s most watched sports documentary in recent years. In a similar style to the Last Dance, this two-part series tells the elite golfer’s story through intimate interviews with people who knew him best and accompanied with some captivating footage.

2. Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Netflix)

Not a fan of Formula One? Don’t worry, this is still up there with some of the best binge worthy TV. Returning with a third season earlier this year, drivers, managers and team owners provide a unique insight into the thrills and spills of life in the fast lane. 

1. The Last Dance (Netflix)

We cannot believe it’s already been a whole year since Netflix released this masterpiece. The untold story of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls is packed with unaired footage from the 1997-98 season and candid interviews with Mike himself. If you haven’t seen it yet, then you really should!