Content Warning: This article contains references to drug misuse, death, terminal illness and animal abuse
Originally beginning as a way to commemorate ESPN's 30th year being on air, the documentary series, 30 for 30, has become one of the best and most consistently entertaining forms of storytelling in the sports world. 30 for 30 has become so synonymous with sports documentaries that many fans just assume every ESPN documentary is a 30 for 30, even though titles such as The Last Dance are not.
The series perfectly blends riveting on-the-field moments with off-the-field human drama. From revisiting some of the biggest and most famous moments in the history of modern sports to shining a spotlight on smaller, more overlooked stories, 30 for 30 has produced fascinating documentaries for those who do not follow sports at all and diehard sports fans alike.
Without Bias
For NBA fans of a certain age, the death of Len Bias remains one of the most shocking and heartwrenching stories in the history of the sport as it occurred just two days after he was selected in the 1986 NBA Draft. Without Bias recounts the tragic ing of the would-be superstar due to a heart attack as a result of cocaine misuse, focusing on the impact his death had on the sports world as well as society at large.
While the documentary can be difficult to watch given the subject matter, the film tells an important and powerful story of a young life lost. The movie hits hard on an emotional level as it tackles the issue and effects of drug misuse.
Vick
Few professional athletes have ever been as electrifying, or as controversial, as Michael Vick. Vick follows the NFL superstar's career, chronicling his meteoric rise to fame, fall from grace as a result of his arrest for his involvement in a dog-fighting ring, and eventual return to the NFL.
Not every fan has been able to forgive Michael Vick for the things he has done, but Vick is a stirring and poignant story of his attempt at redemption and second chances. The documentary captures the journey of someone who trying to rebuild their life after a very public failure. Although he may be polarizing, Vick provides audiences with an insightful look into the life and heart of Michael Vick.
The Two Escobars
The Two Escobars tells the fascinating story of two men who shaped the public persona of Columbia in the 1990s: soccer star Andrés Escobar and infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. The documentary depicts the lives and deaths of the two men and the immense impact they had on the country.
The unfortunate events in the 1994 FIFA World Cup that led to Andrés Escobar's murder at the hands of the cartel played out on the biggest stage in the world. The story is tragic and touches on the deeper cultural and societal effects that sports can have.
Catching Hell
While sports is often filled with immortal heroes, it can also produce infamous goats. Catching Hell tells the story of one of the most maligned figures in sports history, Steve Bartman. When the fan reached into the field of play to try to catch a foul ball in the 2003 NLCS, he became the universal scapegoat for fans of the Chicago Cubs as their postseason hopes once again unraveled after the play.
Considering the harsh treatment Bartman received, the story is almost too unbelievable to accept, playing more like one of those fictional baseball movies than real life. The documentary is a fascinating look at the culture of fanaticism in sports and the role that superstition and momentum can play. It is an empathetic look at a man who spent years being hated by the public for a single split-second decision.
Celtics/Lakers: Best Of Enemies
Chronicling one of the most famous rivalries in the history of American sports, Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies follows the two titular NBA teams as they repeatedly clashed throughout the 1980s, led by superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.
The story of these iconic players and their legendary rivalry sounds more like a Disney movie about basketball than real life, but the documentary does the source material justice. The documentary plays up the drama between these two teams by featuring multiple narrators, one from each fandom, who are allowed to show their clear bias. For fans of these franchises, or the NBA in general, this is a joyful look at one of the game's best eras.
The U
The U is a look at the intersection of culture and sports, following the rise of the flashy and trendy Miami University football team and how that coincided with the racial and cultural changes that the city of Miami was undergoing itself.
This documentary is an excellent examination of the way that sports are both an indicator and catalyst for societal changes and movements, showing the larger cultural role that sports play. The team became a symbol for the city and a rallying point for those who saw themselves represented. This film perfectly captures the on and off-the-field reasons why fans love sports so much.
Elway To Marino
Elway to Marino covers all of the behind-the-scenes drama from the 1983 NFL Draft, which shaped the trajectory of the league for decades. After seeing all of the closed-door conversations, near trades, and career-altering decisions, fans will understand that Draft Day got the intrigue of the NFL Draft right.
While this documentary does not have the larger societal implications that some of the other 30 for 30 films have, but for fans of the NFL, it is a fascinating deep dive into the night that significantly impacted the NFL's future. It is a compelling and eye-opening look at everything that goes into shaping a roster.
Survive And Advance
Depicting one of the greatest underdog stories in modern sports, Survive and Advance follows the 1983 North Carolina State men's basketball team and coach Jim Valvano on their improbable run to a championship. The story and mentality of pushing forward, regardless of the obstacles, is made all the more poignant by Valvano's later battle with cancer.
Underdog stories are always relatable crowdpleasers and this is no exception. The movie highlights the inspirational reasons why fans love sports so much. It is a well-made film about overcoming obstacles and never losing hope.
June 17, 1994
June 17, 1994 is set arguably on the most action-packed day in the history of American sports. The central event is the infamous police chase involving O.J. Simpson, but the day also including an NBA Finals game, the commencement of the World Cup, Arnold Palmer's final round at the U.S. Open, and several other notable events.
The film takes an unconventional approach to its storytelling as it does not feature narration or interview footage and instead allows the visceral imagery to speak for itself. The stylistic choice highlights the raw emotional impact of the footage and sets it apart from other similar documentaries.
O.J.: Made In America
After years of perfecting the medium, 30 for 30 delivered their most memorable work with O.J.: Made in America. The film, which also aired as a miniseries, examines the murder trial of former NFL superstar O.J. Simpson from a number of different angles.
The trial is one of the biggest cultural events of the past half-century. The documentary looks at the racial, pop-cultural, and societal impact of the trial and acquittal. It is a timely and relevant look at a pivotal moment in history that continues to have ramifications to this day.
