The Greatest Sporting Film: Documentary, Fictional, or Both?

Choosing the greatest sporting film documentary or fictional is no easy feat. However, one month after its premiere, it's impossible not to look past The Test, an eight-episode documentary series on Amazon Prime Video. This documentary follows the Australian men's cricket team through the post-ball tampering scandal era, offering a compelling and heartwarming journey.

The Test: A Docu-Drama In Eight Episodes

The Test begins with Cricket Australia's appointment of Justin Langer as the new head coach following the 2018 ball tampering scandal in Cape Town. The documentary continues to capture all of the team's tours for the remainder of 2018, the 2018/19 Indian tour of Australia, the 2019 World Cup in England, and the Ashes series of the same English summer. Despite its subject matter, it's not just for cricket fans; non-cricket fans and fans from other sports have also enjoyed it. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, where countless hours of captivating cricket action and emotional moments are recorded. I highly recommend it after watching it twice.

True Stories and Fiction

There are both true stories and fictional films that stand out in the world of sports. For those who enjoy documentaries based on real-life events, Friday Night Lights offers a compelling narrative. This series is based on a true story and captures the essence of small-town football in Texas. If you know anyone from Midland TX, they might share a piece of the story's inspiration and realities. Brian’s Song also stands out for bringing awareness to ALS and showcasing a touching friendship between a black man and a white man.

Fictitious but Memorable

For fictional sports films, the list is quite diverse. In my opinion, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) is the best I've seen. Even though I'm not a big fan of the genre, this film has managed to leave a lasting impression. Other notable fictional sports films include:

Escape to Victory (1981) starring Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone, with a leading role for Brazilian footballer Pele. It also features cameo appearances by many great footballers from the 1960s and 1970s. Chariots of Fire, which follows two British track athletes during the 1924 Olympic Games. This film is a timeless classic that charts the rivalry between these athletes and their personal journeys.

Lovers of boxing films might say "Raging Bull," but personally, I prefer Rocky. It's almost a perfect blend of passion, determination, and triumph, with a few memorable scenes that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Notable Mention: Le Mans and Historical Films

Finally, Le Mans, starring Steve McQueen, is a significant mention in the world of sports films. This film captures the adrenaline and drama of the Le Mans 24 Hours race, a testament to the competitiveness and glory of competitive sports.

The world of sporting films is rich with memorable tales, from documentaries to fictional narratives. The greatest sporting film, whether fictional or based on a true story, is a matter of personal preference, but The Test stands out as a compelling addition to this category.