Must-Watch Films and Shows Similar to The Men Who Sold The World Cup

Description: A pioneering documentary that captures the spirit of adventure and the global pursuit of a passion. Its immersive, travelogue style and focus on a subculture resonate with other niche sports stories.

Fact: The film helped popularize surfing worldwide and is considered one of the first great surf documentaries.

Description: A seminal documentary following two young athletes striving for success in basketball, capturing the intersection of sports, race, and socioeconomic challenges. Its raw, unfiltered look at ambition and struggle is deeply compelling.

Fact: Originally intended to be a 30-minute short, it evolved into a nearly three-hour epic after years of filming.

Description: A vibrant portrait of a historic sporting event, blending music, politics, and athleticism. Its celebration of cultural significance and larger-than-life personalities mirrors other iconic sports narratives.

Fact: The documentary was delayed for over 20 years due to legal and financial issues before its eventual release.

Description: A harrowing survival story set against the backdrop of extreme mountaineering, emphasizing human resilience and the limits of endurance. Its intense, firsthand accounts create a visceral viewing experience.

Fact: The film combines documentary interviews with dramatic reenactments, a technique that was innovative at the time.

Description: A gripping underdog story set in the competitive world of arcade gaming, highlighting themes of obsession, rivalry, and the quest for recognition. Its intimate portrayal of niche competition resonates with similar narratives.

Fact: The film sparked renewed interest in classic arcade games and the competitive gaming scene.

Description: This exhaustive documentary examines the life and trial of a famous athlete, intertwining personal drama with broader societal issues. Its meticulous research and narrative depth make it a standout in true crime and sports storytelling.

Fact: At nearly eight hours long, it's one of the most comprehensive documentaries ever made about a single subject.

Description: This documentary explores the rise and fall of a celebrated athlete, delving into themes of ambition, deception, and the high stakes of professional sports. It mirrors the investigative approach and moral complexities often found in sports scandals.

Fact: Originally intended to chronicle Lance Armstrong's comeback, the film was reworked after his doping scandal came to light.

Description: A mesmerizing tale of audacity and artistry, chronicling a daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers. Its blend of suspense, creativity, and historical significance echoes other groundbreaking documentaries.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, praised for its cinematic storytelling.

Description: A breathtaking exploration of extreme athleticism and the psychological toll of pursuing perfection. The film's high-stakes tension and focus on an individual's relentless drive align with similar themes in sports documentaries.

Fact: The climactic climb was filmed without safety ropes, making it one of the most dangerous documentary shoots ever.

Description: A deep dive into the career of a legendary sports figure, showcasing the pressures, triumphs, and controversies of professional athletics. The series blends archival footage with contemporary interviews, much like a retrospective exposé.

Fact: The documentary was released earlier than planned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filling the void left by the absence of live sports.