Since 2009, ESPN and its sister networks have aired a series of sports documentary films titled “30 for 30.” The idea was initially conceived by sports critic Bill Simmons and producer Connor Schell as 30 one-hour films by 30 filmmakers to celebrate ESPN’s 30th anniversary. But 30 isn’t a big enough number to cover the many incredible moments that have popped up in the world of sports, so the ball has continued rolling ever since.
From Michael Jordan to Mohammad Ali, many of the biggest names in sports have been featured in the show. Underdogs haven’t been left behind either, resulting in a series that is enticing even to non-sports fans.
Among the many installments, some are more recommendable than others, given the awe-inspiring nature of the stories and the thorough manner in which they were told. Whether it’s iconic rivalries or controversies, these “30 for 30” productions are guaranteed to capture your attention and keep it hostage for a while.
10 “The Two Escobars” (2010)
Most people would struggle to name any other person named Escobar apart from Pablo. Well, there was Andrés Escobar Saldarriaga, a Colombian soccer star who played for Atlético Nacional. The successful sports team happened to be shadow-owned by none other than Pablo.
Known as The Gentleman, Andrés was one of the game’s most disciplined players. He had nothing in common with the boss. Sadly, the unspeakable horrors of the drug trade ultimately got to him. After scoring an own goal while playing for his country in the 1994 World Cup, Andres was killed as soon as he returned home. Such is the heartrending story that “The Two Escobars” covers.
The Intertwining of Sports and Crime
“The Two Escobars” is a grim and agonizing watch, but how can one look away? Director Jeff Zimbalist recognizes the necessity of having the world understand the consequences of Pablo’s unwarranted investment in his country’s sports industry and the disadvantages of sharing a name with one of the world’s most wanted men. Combining newspaper reports with granular yet detailed video footage, the film will open your eyes to the cost of a drug lord’s ambition.
So fascinated was Zimbalist by Escobar’s story that he went on to produce the movie Loving Pablo, starring Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. It sure isn’t one of Bardem’s best efforts, but it’s a useful companion to this “30 for 30” installment.
9 “Of Miracles and Men” (2015)
No nukes might have been fired during the Cold War, but a major battle played out on cold ground, literally, in the early ‘80s. When the USA faced off against the Soviet Union in the ice hockey final of the 1980 Winter Olympics, there was a clear favorite. The Soviet Union had won the gold medal four times, so there was no beating them, or at least that’s what pundits thought. Well, the U.S. ended up causing a major upset, a victory that would be described as the “Miracle on Ice.”
Blazing Victory in the Cold War
Sure, 1980 was eons ago in sports years, but “Of Miracles and Men” nails the pull-no-sucker-punches formula of the modern era of both sports and US-Russia relations. Director Jonathan Hock might have presumably felt that covering things from the winning side would feel familiar, so he focused a lot on former Soviet star Viacheslav Fetisov. We see him return to America to recall his team’s defeat, and he is almost brought to tears. Today, Fetisov is a member of parliament in Russia, having previously served as a Minister of Sports.
8 “Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies” (2017)
“Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies” is divided into three parts, showing just how mega this ‘80s saga was. The probing film dives into the rivalry between the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers as well as that of stars Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Be prepared to meet overenthusiastic retirees, execs, family members, and more talking heads as you follow the sports heroes through their wildest moments.
Rivalry Is Necessary
Is sports rivalry a plague from the devil or God’s way of encouraging progress? Both actually, according to this enthralling and ultimately, very educational documentary. Before the ‘80s, basketball wasn’t a must-see sport. All that changed because of this rivalry. But the popularity boost that the sport got from the rivalry also gave rise to leeches in the form of unscrupulous agents and execs.
This entrancing, unflinching work shines a light on all the minutiae surrounding the rivalry. Functioning like an investigative piece, it will give you a proper crash course about the sport. The excessive information might sound like a foundation for tedium or depression, but there is plenty of humor and tension. And once you are done, be sure to also peep into HBO’s scripted series about the same rivalry.
7 “Catching Hell” (2011)
“Catching Hell” chronicles an infamous incident that occurred during the 2003 MLB playoffs. During the match between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins, Cubs fan Steve Bartman interfered with the play, but the referee refused to make a ruling acknowledging the development. When the Cubs lost, Bartman became the target of online and personal abuse, changing his life for the worse.
Are Curses Real?
It’s impossible not to be touched by Alex Gibney’s doc. Anyone watching will find themselves furious at how Bartman was treated, but it’s not all grim here. Gibney cobbles funny anecdotes about the incident from insiders. These people also trade tales and theories, especially about the Curse of the Billy Goat.
After Billy Goat Tavern Owner William Sianis and his pet goat were removed from Wrigley Field during a game in 1945. He then cursed the Cubs, causing them to go decades without an MLB championship win. Bartman was thus seen as an extension of this curse. Interestingly, the Cubs went on to win the championship in 2016, just a few years after “Catching Hell” came out.
6 “Once Brothers” (2010)
In the late ‘80s, Yugoslav national Vlade Divac signed for the Los Angeles Lakers and became the first foreigner to make a major impact in the NBA. His best friend Dražen Petrović was also experiencing similar career growth. He was signed by the Portland Trail Blazers, allowing him to be closer to the person he held dear. “Once Brothers” examines this beautiful friendship, which was ultimately broken when the two players found themselves on opposing sides during the Yugoslav Wars.
The Ugly Side of War
Plumbing similar psychological terrain as some of the best movies about friendship, “Once Brothers” is the kind of sports documentary that morphs into a lengthy meditation on geopolitics, growth, and personal bonds.
The saddest part is the confession by Vlade Divac (who recently served as the general manager of the Sacramento Kings) of how he regrets never patching things up with Petrovic before he died. Director Michael Tolajian reconstructs the mind-shattering story with excessive footage, rather than excessive narration. As a portrait of friendship and two men’s interior life, this production is unparalleled.
5 “Four Falls of Buffalo” (2015)
“Four Falls of Buffalo” traces the heartbreaking journey of the Buffalo Bills team of the early 1990s, which became the first to reach four consecutive Super Bowl finals and lose them all. The film heavily dwells on popular moments such as placekicker Scott Norwood’s 47-yard field goal miss in Super Bowl XXV and running back Thurman Thomas’ misplaced helmet before kickoff in Super Bowl XXVI.
Four-Time Runners-Up Equals First Place
Winner of the Outstanding Long Sports Documentary at the 37th Annual Sports Emmy Awards, it tables an important discussion about what success really means. Should the Bills be held in higher regard than teams that win once and then disappear? It’s a question that viewers are left to answer for themselves. The documentary is captivating for what it shows, but also for what it represents, as it emphasizes the importance of hard work and resilience.
Rather than preaching or infusing pointless drama, long-term NFL Films director Ken Rogers presents the story with considerable discipline. The events speak for themselves, and the words of former Bills players also add to this installment’s impact.
4 “Muhammad and Larry” (2009)
Muhammad Ali had many great moments throughout his career but his fight with long-time friend and sparring partner Larry Holmes was one he’d have loved to erase from history. “Muhammad and Larry” explores their epic 1980 fight that came at a time when Ali’s powers were in decline. Lead-up footage paves the way before Ali gets brutalized in the ring.
Ali Like We’ve Never Seen Him Before
The preparations are documented with a fly-on-the-wall intimacy, so it generally feels as if we’re training alongside the fighters. The doc’s tragic atmosphere is mildly mitigated by Ali’s bubbly personality, as well as great use of music.
Most great boxing movies have an underdog-to-hero formula, so it’s nice to watch something that reverses that trajectory and breaks the monotony. Throughout its running time, the wonderful story keeps us emotionally off balance in what is a crafty study of career decline, friendship, and mental health. Well worth the watch.
3 “The 85 Bears” (2016)
The 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears squad will be etched into the memories of NFL fans for generations. What made them special? “The 85 Bears” gives as many answers as it can. From the wild personalities in the team to the brilliance of coach, Mike Ditka, the film hones in on everything it takes to make a football team tick. Several minutes are also spared for Buddy Ryan, the man behind one of the most rigid defenses in the sport.
Acknowledging Both the Good and the Dark Side
Thoughtfully avoiding sensationalism and exploitative intrusion, “The 85 Bears” is constructed around the voices of only those who made it happen or saw it happen. Though it doesn’t shy away from the dizzying kind of commentary that might bore casual fans, it still delivers fun stories about the players’ extracurricular activities, made even better by actor Vince Vaughn’s excellent narration. Apparently, this group didn’t just outplay other teams, it also out-partied them.
A portrait of hard work and victory, as well as teamwork, it is as much a tribute to the NFL organization as large, as it is to the indomitable desire of a team to ignore all distractions and reconcile, strategize, and focus. What comes through most ineffaceably is the horror of post-football life, showing how poorly some of the heroes are fairing health-wise.
2 “The Last Dance” (2020)
“The Last Dance” focuses on Michael Jordan’s career, with a major focus on the 1997–98 season, his last season with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan’s famous teammates like Scottie Pippen and Steven Kerr also come out to play. Viewers will be particularly impressed by Dennis Rodman, who defied convention at a time when the standard sports practice involved sticking to the approved playbook for success and never sidestepping from the norm.
Celebrating Jordan and Company
There are obvious heroes or villains in “The Last Dance” but the observational camera captures so much of everyone’s awesomeness and foolishness that the lines get blurred. Jordan is the true engine of this story — on one hand, a self-obsessed tyrant; on the other, an ambitious athlete that everyone should emulate.
Vintage footage is also skillfully weaved with recent discussions with former players and execs, to fashion a see-through picture of this wonderful era in NBA history. A Creative Arts Emmy was received for a good job here. Hopefully, there’ll be more from where this came from.
1 “O.J: Made in America” (2016)
Like “The Last Dance”,”O.J. Made in America,” was also billed as a “mini-series event” in the 30 for 30 series, “OJ: Made in America” tells the all-too-controversial story of former Buffalo Bills player O. J. Simpson, including his 1995 criminal trial for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The docuseries also examines the personal traits that made O.J. a bigger name than his fellow football players.
Dissecting O.J. from All Perspectives
Many documentary filmmakers have tackled O.J., so it had to take something really special to make audiences care again. Well, “OJ: Made in America” was that something special. Given how insightful it is, it’s not surprising that it won both an Oscar and an Emmy (before the Academy decided that docuseries shouldn’t be eligible).
Here, sports fans and viewers at large get an uncomfortably intimate peak into the most harrowing parts of the man who was once so big he almost got cast in The Terminator. It’s arguably the most exciting and undaunted profile of a sports star.
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