The best HBO sports documentaries showcase the same commitment to storytelling, depth, and production quality that have made the network a powerhouse in drama and comedy. While HBO is widely celebrated for series like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and The Wire, its sports documentaries have become just as integral to its legacy. These movies and series go beyond the playing field, delivering compelling narratives about legendary athletes, historic moments, and the broader cultural impact of sports. With the recent release of Celtics City in 2025, HBO continues its tradition of delivering must-watch sports documentaries.

HBO’s success with sports documentaries stems from its ability to blend prestige filmmaking with in-depth reporting. The network’s sports documentaries often explore deeper themes, such as race, social justice, perseverance, and personal redemption. Whether through groundbreaking investigative pieces, intimate athlete portraits, or behind-the-scenes looks at teams and leagues, HBO’s sports storytelling consistently rivals the emotional weight of its most acclaimed scripted series. This dedication to high-quality, thought-provoking content is why HBO remains a leader in sports documentaries - as the very best of them prove.

10 Reverse Of The Curse Of The Bambino (2004)

The Shocking Legacy Of One Of The Most Famous Streaks Of Bad Luck In Sports History

Originally released in 2003 as The Curse of the Bambino, the 2004 HBO sports documentary Reverse Of The Curse Of The Bambino 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.

The documentary's re-release after the Red Sox's 2004 World Series victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the team and its ers.

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.

This HBO sports documentary not only chronicles the Boston Red Sox's 86-year championship drought but also delves into the cultural impact of the so-called "curse" on the city of Boston and its fans. Directed by George Roy, Reverse of the Curse of the Bambino features interviews with notable personalities, including former players and die-hard fans, offering a comprehensive look at how the "curse" became intertwined with the team's identity. The documentary's re-release after the Red Sox's 2004 World Series victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the team and its ers.

9 At The Heart Of Gold: Inside The USA Gymnastics Scandal (2019)

A Deep Dive Into One Of The Most Infamous Abuse Cases In Modern Sports

The gripping HBO sports documentary At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal explores 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. Directed by Erin Lee Carr, this hard-hitting documentary provides an unflinching examination of the systemic failures within USA Gymnastics that allowed Dr. Larry Nassar's abuse to persist.

At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal highlights the strength of the survivors, using both testimonials and courtroom footage to tell their stories. The HBO sports documentary covers a heavy and disturbing topic, but brings it much-needed coverage and educates the audience on the issue.

The 2019 movie includes powerful interviews with survivors, such as Olympic gold medalists Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber, who courageously share their stories. At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal has been lauded for its role in sparking conversations about athlete safety and institutional ability, contributing to policy changes within sports organizations nationwide

8 Kareem: Minority Of One (2015)

An Intimate Dive Into The Life Of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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. He's also the central subject of one of the best HBO sports documentaries ever made - Kareem: Minority of One. Kareem: Minority of One looks at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's political activism, involvement in race relations, and his Hall of Fame career.

This HBO 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 - whether they follow basketball or otherwise. This intimate portrait of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar goes beyond his basketball accolades to explore his activism, personal philosophy, and contributions to social justice.

Directed by Adam Zucker, Kareem: Minority of One features interviews with notable figures like Magic Johnson and Pat Riley, offering insights into Abdul-Jabbar's influence both on and off the court. The HBO documentary showcases how Abdul-Jabbar's commitment to cultural and political causes has cemented his legacy as not just an athlete but a pivotal figure in American history.

7 Tiger (2021)

The Pull-No-Punches Documentary Exploring One Of The Most Famous Golfers To Ever Live

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 (via Golf Digest), 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.

Co-directed by Matthew Heineman and Matthew Hamachek, Tiger provides a nuanced exploration of Tiger Woods' life, from his meteoric rise to his personal struggles and comeback. The HBO sports documentary includes interviews with those close to Woods, such as his former caddie Steve Williams and biographer Jeff Benedict, offering perspectives on the pressures of fame and the complexities of his journey. The series has been praised for its balanced portrayal, shedding light on the human aspects behind the legend, which has cemented it as one of the best HBO sports documentaries so far.

6 Magic And Bird: A Courtship Of Rivals (2010)

Revisiting The Legendary On-Court Rivalry That Dominated The NBA

Several of the best HBO sports documentaries focus on basketball, but few are as riveting as 2010's Magic & 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 features candid interviews with both legends, providing personal insights into their relationship.

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.

This HBO sports documentary not only highlights the fierce rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird but also examines how their competition elevated the NBA's popularity in the 1980s. Directed by Ezra Edelman, Magic and Bird: A Courtship of Rivals features candid interviews with both legends, providing personal insights into their relationship. Their story reflects broader themes of riendship and the transformative power of sports in bridging cultural divides. ​

5 Nine Innings From Ground Zero: The 2001 World Series (2004)

The Reflective Movie Exploring The Relationship Between Sports And Community

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.

This historic and culturally impactful game was later revisited in the gripping HBO sports documentary Nine Innings from Ground Zero: The 2001 World Series. Nine Innings from Ground Zero 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. As focused on sociology as it is baseball, the documentary showcased the unifying power of sports in the face of tragedy.

This poignant film explores how the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks served as a symbol of resilience following the September 11 attacks. Directed by Brian Danitz and Steven Hoggard, the HBO documentary features interviews with players, fans, and public figures, capturing the emotional significance of baseball in a time of national mourning.

4 Do You Believe In Miracles? The Story Of The 1980 US Hockey Team (2001)

One Of The Most Famous Olympic Hockey Rivalries Ever Seen

Legendary sports rivalries are at the center of many of the best HBO sports documentaries, and perhaps no competitive relationship is as fierce as the one showcased in 2001's 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.

The victory not only boosted American morale during a tense period of the Cold War but also inspired a renewed interest in hockey across the United States - and HBO captures the incredible true story with equally incredible intimacy.

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. Much like Nine Innings From Ground Zero, Do You Believe In Miracles not only delves into the match itself, but also its wider cultural impact.

This documentary is an unparalelled deep-dive into the "Miracle on Ice", and includes interviews with players and coaches, providing firsthand s of this historic upset. The victory not only boosted American morale during a tense period of the Cold War but also inspired a renewed interest in hockey across the United States - and HBO captures the incredible true story with equally incredible intimacy.

3 What's My Name: Muhammad Ali (2019)

The Life And Times Of A Boxing Legend

It's possible that no single sports personality is as globally significant as Muhammad Ali, and so it's little surprise that one of the best HBO sports documentaries ever made focuses on his life. 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. However, few offer as deep a dive into his life as What's My Name. 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.

This HBO sports documentary offers an intimate look at Muhammad Ali's life, utilizing archival footage and Ali's own voice to narrate his journey. What's My Name highlights his boxing achievements, activism, and enduring charisma, providing a comprehensive portrait of a man who transcended sports to become a global icon. The documentary has been praised for its immersive storytelling and rich archival material, offering fresh perspectives on Ali's legacy.​

2 Fists Of Freedom: The Story Of The '68 Summer Games

An Unparalleled Moment Of Civil Rights Activism On The Playing Field

Directed by George Roy, the HBO sports documentary Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games takes viewers back to one of the most symbolic moments ever witnessed at an atheltic event. 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. Like several of the best sports documentaries made by HBO, the focus on Fists of Freedom is as much on wider society and historical impact as it is on athelticism.

Fists of Freedom: The Story of the '68 Summer Games examines the context and aftermath of Tommie Smith and John Carlos's 1968 gesture, providing fascinating historic insight. The documentary features interviews with Smith and Carlos, as well as other athletes and historians, discussing the impact of their protest on civil rights and the sports world. Above all, Fists of Fury underscores the role of athletes in advocating for social change and the personal sacrifices they endured.​

1 Hard Knocks (2001-Present)

The Longrunning Staple Of HBO's Sports Lineup

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.

Since its debut in 2001, Hard Knocks has provided unprecedented access to NFL training camps, offering fans an inside look at team dynamics, player struggles, and coaching strategies. The series has featured various teams over the years, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced during the preseason. Its candid portrayal of the NFL experience has made it a staple for football enthusiasts, providing a deeper understanding of the sport beyond the games themselves - and ensures if the best HBO sports documentary so far.​