Netflix’s 2024 docies, professional lives of NBA superstars LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and Domantas Sabonis. Produced by Kevin Durant’s Boardroom, the series goes beyond basketball, delving into the players' cultural influence, personal challenges, and triumphs. It captivates audiences with intimate interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a focus on how these athletes shape fashion, mental health discussions, and social justice movements, making it a must-watch for sports and culture enthusiasts alike.

If you enjoyed Starting 5 for its compelling mix of personal stories, sports action, and cultural commentary, you’ll likely appreciate other movies and TV shows that provide similar thrills and insights. From acclaimed sports documentaries to gripping real-life dramas, there are numerous films and series that highlight athletes’ lives on and off the field like Starting 5, while also showcasing their impact on wider societal conversations. Whether you're a basketball fan or just love good storytelling, these projects will keep you hooked.

9 The Last Dance

The TV Show was Released In 2020

The Last Dance is a 10-part documentary that chronicles the story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their 1997-98 NBA season, their final championship run together. Featuring never-before-seen footage and over 100 interviews with basketball legends, coaches, and prominent figures, this series provides an in-depth look at the team that dominated the NBA throughout the 90s. The docies explores not only Jordan’s extraordinary career but also the dynamics within the Bulls organization, making it a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.

The series offers rare insights into Jordan's competitive spirit, relationships with teammates like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and the guidance of coach Phil Jackson.

Produced by ESPN and Netflix, The Last Dance takes viewers through the highs and lows of Jordan’s career, from his rise as a basketball phenomenon to the challenges and controversies that shaped his journey. The series offers rare insights into Jordan's competitive spirit, relationships with teammates like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and the guidance of coach Phil Jackson. Combining archival footage, exclusive interviews, and dramatic storytelling, the documentary reveals much about the NBA while exploring the elements that made the Bulls a legendary team.

8 Cheer

The TV Show was Released In 2020

Cheer is a Netflix docies that follows the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team as they train for the National Cheerleading Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida. Under the leadership of head coach Monica Aldama, the team is nationally ranked, with a history of winning 14 National Cheerleading Association (NCA) National Championships. The six-part series offers a close-up look at the rigorous training and preparation the athletes undergo, as well as the high-pressure environment of competitive cheerleading. It also delves into the personal stories of five individual cheerleaders, showcasing their challenges and dedication.

In addition to the team’s journey, Cheer highlights the broader history of cheerleading, including the formation of the NCA. The show sheds light on the intense rivalry between Navarro College and Trinity Valley Community College, which is located just 40 miles away. In its final episode, the series explores the billion-dollar competitive cheerleading industry, focusing on the influence of Varsity Brands, a company that controls key aspects of the sport, including event broadcast rights. This behind-the-scenes look at the industry, combined with the athletes' personal stories, has made Cheer a gripping watch for sports and non-sports fans alike.

7 Tiger

The Documentary was Released In 2021

Tiger is a two-part documentary miniseries aired on HBO, chronicling the life and career of Tiger Woods. Based on the 2018 biography Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian, the series delves into Woods' meteoric rise, his highly publicized fall from grace, and his eventual return to professional golf. It explores Woods' complex relationship with his father, which had a significant influence on his career and personal life.

The documentary also includes interviews with key figures from Woods’ past, such as his former caddie Steve Williams, and girlfriend Rachel Uchitel.

Notably, Tiger does not feature any direct commentary or interviews with Woods himself, relying instead on external voices to tell his story. The series sheds light on Woods' triumphs and controversies, including the infidelity scandal that shook his personal and professional life. Despite mixed reviews, with some critics claiming it offers little new insight, Tiger provides a compelling look into one of the greatest athletes of all time, delivering an engaging narrative for sports fans and documentary enthusiasts alike.

6 Dark Side Of The Ring

The Documentary was Released In 2019

Dark Side of the Ring is a Canadian documentary series produced by Vice Studios Canada, which premiered on Vice TV in the U.S. in April 2019. The show explores untold, often controversial stories from the world of professional wrestling. Each episode focuses on a specific event or figure, delving into scandals, tragedies, and conflicts behind the scenes in wrestling. Through detailed research, interviews with key figures, and reenactments, the series gives fans a deeper understanding of the industry's darker side, such as the tragic lives of wrestlers like Owen Hart and Brian Pillman.

The series has become one of Vice TV’s most successful programs, with its debut being the highest-rated premiere on the network. It has received critical acclaim, winning multiple Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards for best pro wrestling documentary. The episode "The Final Days of Owen Hart" achieved the highest ratings in Vice network history, attracting 626,000 viewers. Due to its popularity, several spin-offs have emerged, including Dark Side of Football and Dark Side of Comedy, extending the show's format to other entertainment sectors.

5 Icarus

The Documentary was Released In 2017

Icarus is a 2017 documentary film directed by Bryan Fogel that investigates doping in sports, focusing on the Russian state-sponsored doping program. Initially, the film aimed to expose the loopholes in drug testing systems, but the project took a dramatic turn when Grigory Rodchenkov, head of the Moscow Anti-Doping Laboratory, became a whistleblower. Rodchenkov fled Russia after being implicated in a global scandal and revealed evidence of Russia’s government-backed cheating at the Olympics. This led to an international investigation by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Olympic Committee.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award. Later, Netflix acquired the rights and released Icarus in August 2017. The film received widespread recognition, culminating in its win for Best Documentary Feature at the 90th Academy Awards. It shows Rodchenkov’s collaboration with U.S. authorities and his testimony about Russia’s tampering with athletes’ drug tests during the 2014 Winter Olympics, leading to his placement in witness protection due to threats against his life.

4 Formula 1: Drive to Survive

The Documentary was Released In 2019

Formula 1: Drive to Survive is a documentary series produced by Netflix in collaboration with Formula One. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at drivers and races in the Formula One World Championship. The series has released six seasons since its debut in 2019, with the latest season airing on February 23, 2024. Initially conceived to focus solely on Red Bull Racing, the show expanded to cover all 10 teams, offering fans unique insights into the sport. It has been praised for attracting new audiences, especially in the U.S., and for condensing season-long drama into gripping narratives.

The show, produced by Box to Box Films, has sparked both praise and controversy. While it has been lauded for its ability to introduce new fans to Formula 1, it has faced criticism for over-dramatizing events and adding artificial commentary or team radio clips. Notably, driver Max Verstappen initially refused to participate in seasons 3 and 4 due to concerns about manufactured rivalries but returned for season 5 after reaching an agreement with the producers to ensure authenticity in the show's portrayal.

3 Coach Carter

The Movie was Released In 2005

Coach Carter is a 2005 sports drama based on the true story of Ken Carter, who benched his undefeated high school basketball team due to poor academic performance. Played by Samuel L. Jackson, Carter enforces strict academic contracts, requiring players to maintain a 2.3 GPA and attend classes, which leads to conflict with the community. The film showcases his dedication to balancing education and sports.

This decision angers the community and leads to a heated school board meeting, where Carter offers to resign if the lockdown is lifted.

The team improves both on the court and academically, but when players fall behind in school, Carter locks the gym, suspending games and practices. This decision angers the community and leads to a heated school board meeting, where Carter offers to resign if the lockdown is lifted. Despite the board ending the lockdown, the players choose to continue studying on their own. By the end, the team achieve their academic goals, and several players receive college scholarships, highlighting the long-term impact of Carter’s strict approach to balancing education and athletics.

2 Hoop Dreams

The Documentary was Released In 1994

Hoop Dreams follows the true stories of two African-American teenagers, William Gates and Arthur Agee, as they chase their dream of becoming professional basketball players. Set in Chicago, the documentary spans five years of their lives, capturing their challenges with academics, injuries, financial hardships, and the pressures of high school basketball. The film offers a raw, emotional look at their journey, balancing personal struggles and the high stakes of sports success.

This critically acclaimed documentary is much more than a basketball story. It explores themes of race, class, and ambition, showing how Gates and Agee confront systemic barriers in their pursuit of success. With powerful real-life moments, the film gives viewers an intimate look into the lives of two young athletes battling against the odds, making Hoop Dreams both a gripping and moving experience.

1 Kobe Bryant’s Muse

The Documentary was Released In 2015

Kobe Bryant’s Muse offers a deeply personal look into Kobe Bryant’s 18-year NBA career, focusing on the mentorships, rivalries, and personal challenges that shaped his journey. The documentary, directed by Gotham Chopra, highlights Bryant’s relentless determination and vision for success. It takes viewers through his grueling recovery from an Achilles injury, revealing his mindset, daily practice, and intense physical therapy. The film captures Kobe’s singular focus on becoming the best, showing how he dealt with setbacks and evolved both as a player and a person.

Throughout the documentary, Bryant’s own words offer motivation and insight into his work ethic: “You can’t possibly become better than me because you’re not spending the time on it that I do,” and “My brain cannot process failure.” This raw portrayal of his fierce drive, along with footage from his past and present, makes Kobe Bryant’s Muse an inspirational must-watch for anyone seeking motivation in life or sports while offering a similar insight into the NBA as Starting 5.