If you were captivated by the gritty, unfiltered portrayal of football's darker side in 'Dark Side of Football' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly intense movies and shows that delve into the raw, often overlooked aspects of the sport—corruption, ambition, and personal struggles. Whether you're a football fan or just love gripping dramas, these picks will keep you hooked.

Take Us Home: Leeds United (2019)
Description: A gripping sports documentary that follows the highs and lows of a football team's journey, highlighting the passion, dedication, and emotional rollercoaster experienced by players and fans alike.
Fact: The series was executive produced by Russell Crowe, a well-known Leeds United fan, and provides an intimate look at the club's bid for promotion.


The Test (2020)
Description: This series explores the psychological and physical challenges faced by athletes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the resilience required to compete at the highest level.
Fact: It chronicles the Australian cricket team's redemption journey following a major scandal, showcasing their efforts to rebuild trust and performance.


O.J.: Made in America (2016)
Description: An in-depth exploration of fame, race, and justice through the lens of a fallen sports icon, revealing the complexities and controversies surrounding his life.
Fact: This documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2017, spanning nearly eight hours across multiple episodes.


The Armstrong Lie (2013)
Description: A documentary that uncovers the dark side of professional cycling, focusing on deception, ambition, and the consequences of unethical behavior in sports.
Fact: Originally intended to be a film about Lance Armstrong's comeback, it was reworked after his doping scandal came to light.


The Short Game (2013)
Description: This documentary highlights the intense competition and dedication in youth sports, showcasing the pressures faced by young athletes striving for excellence.
Fact: It follows eight of the best 7-year-old golfers in the world as they compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf.


The Crash Reel (2013)
Description: A powerful film about the dangers and consequences of extreme sports, focusing on the physical and emotional toll of pursuing greatness at any cost.
Fact: The documentary centers on snowboarder Kevin Pearce's recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained during training for the Olympics.


Diego Maradona (2019)
Description: A biographical documentary that captures the tumultuous life of a football legend, exploring the duality of fame, talent, and personal demons.
Fact: The film uses previously unseen archival footage to paint a vivid portrait of Maradona's rise and fall in the world of football.


Free Solo (2018)
Description: A breathtaking documentary that follows the extreme risks and mental fortitude required in elite sports, focusing on one athlete's quest to achieve the impossible.
Fact: The film documents Alex Honnold's free solo climb of El Capitan, a feat never before accomplished without ropes or safety gear.


The Weight of Gold (2020)
Description: This film examines the mental health struggles faced by Olympic athletes, shedding light on the immense pressure and personal sacrifices behind their success.
Fact: Produced by HBO Sports, it features interviews with multiple Olympic champions discussing their battles with depression and anxiety.


The Last Dance (2020)
Description: This documentary series delves deep into the intense world of professional sports, focusing on the pressures, rivalries, and personal struggles behind the scenes. It captures the raw emotions and high stakes of competitive athletics.
Fact: The series features never-before-seen footage from the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season, providing an unprecedented look at Michael Jordan's final championship run.
