HBO has long been renowned for its prestige content, producing well-received, pop-culture phenomenon such as Game of Thrones, The Wire, and The Sopranos, as well as comedies like Sex and the City, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Veep. However, HBO has also produced many outstanding documentaries about sports and notable athletes.
From short documentaries to features to series, HBO has a broad library of options for sports fans who are looking for a deeper examination of their favorite teams and players. In many of their sports documentaries, HBO brings its signature prestige approach to the projects, offering a look not just at sports, but important societal issues such as race, gender, and equality, crafting compelling and engaging films.
Reverse Of The Curse Of The Bambino
Originally released in 2003 as The Curse of the Bambino, this documentary chronicles the 86 year World Series drought that the Boston Red Sox experienced after trading away Babe Ruth, also known as the Great Bambino. The Red Sox's uncanny struggles became a long-running joke in the sports world.
However, all of that changed when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, ending the curse the year after the documentary debuted. As a result, HBO refilmed the ending and released the documentary under the new title of Reverse of the Curse of the Bambino. While the original was a compelling look at the team's uphill battle, the new ending rewrites the story and becomes one of unlikely triumph.
At The Heart Of Gold: Inside The USA Gymnastics Scandal
At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal explores the recent sexual abuse scandal involving Michigan State University, doctor Larry Nassar, and the women's national gymnastics team. The scandal extended well beyond the sports realm and became a worldwide headline in 2016.
The movie highlights the strength of the survivors, using both testimonials and courtroom footage to tell their stories. The film covers a heavy and disturbing topic, but brings it much-needed coverage and educates the audience on the issue.
Kareem: Minority Of One
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning 6 championships, 6 MVP awards, and holding the all-time record for scoring. Kareem: Minority of One looks at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's political activism, involvement in race relations, and his Hall of Fame career.
This documentary is an intimate look at one of the most fascinating and talented players to ever play in the NBA. It is a must-watch for sports fans and those interested in social justice movements alike.
Tiger
The two-part miniseries Tiger centers around golfer Tiger Woods, one of the most famous and controversial athletes in modern history. Following Tiger Woods' well-documented professional dominance and personal issues, Tiger tells the story of his rise to fame, fall from grace and redemption.
Despite being told from an outside perspective, with Tiger Woods declining to contribute to the documentary, Tiger manages to capture a very personal story, revealing the impact that Tiger Woods' relationship with his father had on the rest of his life and career.
Magic And Bird: A Courtship Of Rivals
From their 1979 NCAA Championship game battle to their legendary showdowns in the NBA, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had one of the greatest rivalries in American sports history, one that eventually evolved into a remarkable friendship.
Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals details the two Hall of Famers' rivalry, careers, and the lasting impact they had on both the NBA and society at large. Given the events of their careers, the documentary also includes deeper conversations about topics such as race and the HIV/AIDS crisis in America.
Nine Innings From Ground Zero: The 2001 World Series
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 had a deep and lasting effect on American society. In the wake of these events, many Americans were left wondering when, if ever, any sense of normalcy and stability would return to their lives. Taking place just over a month after the attacks, the 2001 season saw the New York Yankees crowned as American League champions and, despite ultimately losing in the World Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks, became a symbolic victory of hope and strength for a hurting community.
Nine Innings from Ground Zero: The 2001 World Series is an emotional and powerful look at the role that sports can play in society, illustrating the impact that baseball and tradition had on New York and America as a whole.
Do You Believe In Miracles? The Story Of The 1980 US Hockey Team
Often considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of sports, the US men's hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union in the medal round of the 1980 Olympics, known as the Miracle on Ice, was a tremendous win that carried great symbolic value at the height of the Cold War.
Do You Believe In Miracles? The Story of the 1980 US Hockey Team chronicles the team's historic run from the formation of the team all the way up to its gold medal victory over Finland.
What's My Name: Muhammad Ali
One of the most dominant athletes of the 20th century and a polarizing figure who fought for civil rights, Muhammad Ali is an iconic figure in American history. Given his tremendous success, larger-than-life personality, and lasting impact, it is no surprise that Muhammad Ali's life has been the subject of multiple films including Ali and One Night in Miami.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, What's My Name: Muhammad Ali gives viewers a comprehensive look at the complex and impactful life of an incredible boxer, humanitarian, and civil rights activist.
Fists Of Freedom: The Story Of The '68 Summer Games
Perhaps the most famous moment of demonstration and activism in the history of American sports took place during the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City when US runners John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised a black glove-clad fist on the medal podium during the National Anthem after the men's 200-meter race.
This gesture drew international attention to the cause of civil rights in America. Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games looks at the events leading up to this iconic sports moment that affected society at large.
Hard Knocks
Debuting in 2001, Hard Knocks has become one of the staples of HBO's sports programming. This documentary series follows an NFL team as they go through training camp, highlighting the process from the perspective of veterans competing to make the team's final roster, rookies, and coaches.
By following a different team each season, the show allows fans unparalleled access to a variety of NFL locker rooms and gives them a peek behind the curtain at what it takes to make it in the league. Hard Knocks is a must-watch for NFL fans and it represents the very best of what HBO has to offer.