The 5 best sports documentaries of all time

Once In A LifetimeJust a few weeks ago, Ronaldo released the trailer for his upcoming documentary – ’ Ronaldo – The Movie’ which will be released around the world later this year. It has football fans excited and eager to watch the film. Documentaries often have a much deeper effect on fans than films do, as they focus on real-life individuals and resonate with viewers on a deeper level, giving them a deeper connection with the material.The struggle and challenges sportsmen have faced to reach where they are today serves as a constant reminder of how our goals cannot be achieved without hard work, persistence and dedication. Films in general, have the power to move you. But documentaries, on the other hand, have the power to inspire change. With that, here’s a look at the top five sports documentaries of all time. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));#FBKeedaWrap: 5 must-watch sports documentaries

#1 The Two Escobars

'The Two Escobars' was premiered at Tribeca Cinemas on October 13, 2010 in New York City

The Two Escobars is one of the most well-told stories of all time. It is a socio-political commentary on the rise and fall of football and drug smuggling business in Columbia.

The story draws a parallel between the story of the biggest drug kingpin in the world with the biggest football star in Columbia – Andres Escobar. They weren’t related but their fates were intertwined. Pablo’s drug money had turned Andres’ team into South American champions, who were favorites to win at the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles.

In a game against the United States, Andres scores an own goal that eliminated his team from the competition and ultimately cost him his life. The Two Escobars is a sports documentary with the intersection of sports, crime and politics.

#2 Senna

Ayrton Senna

If ‘Senna’ doesn’t thrill you or keep you on the edge of your seat or touch you with raw emotion, then I don’t know what will.

You don’t need to know anything about Formula 1 to appreciate the story of Senna. His tragic death makes you wonder what could have happened if he had survived the crash. The documentary was directed by Asif Kapadia in 2010.

Depicting the life and death of Brazillian motor-racing champion, Ayrton Senna, the film’s narrative focuses mainly on Senna’s racing career in F1 and his rivalry with Alain Prost. It relies on archive racetrack footage and home video clips provided by the Senna family, rather than retrospective video interviews and formal commentary.

#3 More Than A Game

More Than A Game

The documentary revolves around the story of the famous NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his teammates. It showcases the journey of the five players who when through trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Akron, Ohio. James’ journey to fame has not been an easy one, but he has achieved something which he has been longing for throughout his whole life.

Although the film had a limited theatrical release on October 2, 2009, nonetheless, it’s an inspiration at its best for the young talented basketball players who are looking to make it big like James.

#4 When We Were Kings

When We Were Kings

This documentary film was directed by Leon Gast in 1996 and it’s about the epic battle between two heavyweight champions – Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The fight was famously known as the “Rumble in the Jungle” which was held in Zaire on October 30, 1974.

The film is dramatic and music powered, which features a number of celebrities like Jim Brown, B.B. King, Spike Lee, Thomas Hauser, George Plimpton, Norman Mailer and James Brown. It shows a great buildup to one of the greatest boxing matches in history and if you love Muhammad Ali, you would just be in awe of the film.

The documentary has won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and it took 22 years for Gast to edit and release the film.

#5 Fire In Babylon

Fire In Babylon

Fire in Babylon shows you how the West Indies cricket team took over the international scene in their record-breaking era in the 1970s and 80s. The documentary contains stock footage and interviews with former players and officials who were part of the team.

Directed by Stevan Riley, the film has been nominated for a British Independent Film Award for Best Documentary and it was the joint-winner of the UNESCO Award at the Jamaica Reggae Film Festival 2011.

The film tells us more than just about cricket. It’s about paying respect and dignity that they deserve and for this case, a hugely talented cricket team.