If you are a sports aficionado, these series are a must-watch as ESPN+ is committed to unearthing the sports tales that you have never heard of!
30 for 30 Documentaries: An Overview
ESPN took inspiration from its 30th-anniversary celebration to produce the unparalleled and remarkable sports documentary series. It features 30 films created by outstanding storytellers; hence, named “30 for 30.”
Moreover, these films are the best ways to showcase the exciting and riveting sports happenings that occurred between 1979 to 2009.
Where to stream these documentaries? ESPN+ library has the full 30-for-30 documentary series that you can stream for $6.99/month. However, if you want to watch it outside the U.S., make sure to use a VPN like ExpressVPN.
If such documentaries and programs interest you, we have put together 10 best 30 for 30 documentaries to keep ESPN+ subscribers glued to the screen.
O.J.: Made In America (2016)
Ezra Edelman’s Oscar-winning miniseries is about O.J. Simpson’s popularity and sudden downfall. It is an American crime story of an infamous murder case of O.J. Simpson’s ex-wife and her friend Ron Goldman, also known as “The Trial of the Century.”
This ten-hour five-part documentary stellarly infuses the state of racial affairs and historical facts. In short, it is a modern American cultural tale of violence, media, celebrity, the criminal justice system, and race.
Not to mention, this documentary will take you to his junior college days, his interviews, his rise to football stardom, and what made him the man he became.
The Two Escobars (2010)
A far-reaching and complex tale is articulated with openness and unbiasedness that deserves appreciation. This documentary is about two very different well-known Columbians having the same name and bloody fates.
Andres Escobar was a respected, inspirational figure and a famous soccer player, while Pablo Escobar was an affluent, notorious, filthy-rich drug dealer with a reputation of Robin Hood.
They both were the national heroes of Columbia; however, the chilling murders of both the Escobars shattered the Columbian dreams and hopes.
Hillsborough (2014)
A documentary about Britain’s worst and most horrific sporting disaster killed almost 97 children, women, and men, leaving hundreds and thousands of people injured and traumatized.
It happened due to the overcrowdedness in the Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during the F.A. Cup semi-final match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
It showcases the interviews of people who experienced that tragedy, leadership failures, mismanaged crowd control, absence of dignity to the bereaved ones, and poor stadium design.
Celtics/Lakers: Best Of Enemies (2017)
A five-hour, three-part documentary is about the two most legendary rivalries, i.e., Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, in basketball. It did not only revolve around the basketball world but also gave birth to racial and social circumstances.
June 17, 1994 (2010)
This day is remembered as the busiest day in the history of sports. Morgan’s documentary revolves around the NBA finals, a victory parade for the NYC Rangers for winning the Stanley Cup, the first-ever World Cup kicked-off in Chicago, and how O.J. Simpson was chased by the police and arrested on the charges of murdering his ex-wife and her boyfriend.
Once Upon A Time In Queens (2021)
If you want to relive the fantastic turn of events, you might want to pick this documentary. It centres around the New York Mets from the late 1970s through the late 1980s. It depicts how they struggled to win the World Series and became champions.
Four Falls Of Buffalo (2015)
A documentary focuses on the indelible performance of The Buffalo Bills. They went to four consecutive Super Bowls (1990 -1993) and are remembered because they lost all four football games – which is their greatest accomplishment. The documentary also portrays these years as exceptional years that will not be repeated.
Trojan War (2015)
This series encapsulates the triumphs of the University of Southern California (USC) football program under coach Pete Carroll. Their burgeoning accomplishments and victories opened new doors and provided unique environments to the college kids.
However, it did not last long as the program got involved in shady and illegal things that immediately led to their downfall.
Nature Boy (2017)
ESPN in this series provides an in-depth view of the most outstanding professional wrestler and sixteen times World Champion Ric Flair. Richard (Ric) Flair, born in 1949, was raised by his adoptive parents. After encountering Greg Gagne, he persuaded him to join the wrestling camp.
However, a horrendous plane crash knocked off his professional career, which caused severe injuries and broke his back. After recovery, he had a different style of wrestling that gave him the name “The Nature Boy.”
But he soon began to live life as an eye-catching novelty, i.e., womanizing, partying, drinking heavily, and spending lavishly. In short, this movie portrays the ups and downs of the Nature Boy’s life.
Catholics Vs. Convicts (2016)
Catholics vs. Convicts is the 87th film in the 30 for 30 documentary series directed by Patrick Creadon.
This documentary beautifully encapsulates one of the unprecedented games in college football history. The football match was between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (ranked No.4) and Miami Hurricanes (ranked No.1), played on 15th October 1988.
Not to mention, the two coaching stars, i.e., Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson, came head to head in this match, which made this game even more riveting and intriguing.
That’s the end! These are some of the must-watch 30 for 30 documentaries that are worth binge-watching. Moreover, these are not the only documentaries; ESPN+ has other unlimited content for those who are not avid sports fans.
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