If you were captivated by the raw intensity and emotional depth of 'Facing Ali' (2009), this article is for you. We've curated a list of 10 similar movies and shows that explore the world of boxing, legendary athletes, and gripping human stories. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a fan of powerful documentaries, these recommendations will keep you engaged.

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Description: Though fictional, this film explores themes of love, prejudice, and societal rejection faced by an interracial couple, mirroring the real-life challenges of public figures who broke racial barriers.
Fact: The movie is a loose remake of Douglas Sirk's 'All That Heaven Allows' and is considered a masterpiece of New German Cinema.


Hoop Dreams (1994)
Description: A groundbreaking documentary that follows young athletes striving for success, revealing the pressures of sports, race, and socioeconomic challenges in America.
Fact: Originally intended to be a 30-minute short, the project expanded into a nearly three-hour epic after filmmakers spent five years following their subjects.


When We Were Kings (1996)
Description: This documentary captures the cultural and political significance of a legendary boxing match, blending sports, history, and music to explore the larger-than-life persona of its central figure.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It features performances by James Brown and B.B. King at the 'Rumble in the Jungle' event.


Tyson (2008)
Description: An unflinching portrait of a controversial boxing champion, combining archival footage and personal interviews to examine his meteoric rise, fall, and complex personality.
Fact: Mike Tyson himself narrates much of the documentary, providing candid reflections on his tumultuous life and career.


The Fight (2020)
Description: This documentary follows legal battles for civil rights, showcasing the determination and resilience of individuals fighting against systemic injustice, much like the struggles of prominent athletes.
Fact: The film was shot in vérité style, capturing real-time courtroom drama and the emotional toll on the lawyers involved.


O.J.: Made in America (2016)
Description: An exhaustive examination of fame, race, and justice in America through the lens of a fallen sports hero's murder trial and its cultural aftermath.
Fact: At


Manny (2014)
Description: Chronicles the inspiring journey of a boxing icon from poverty to global stardom, highlighting his discipline, charisma, and impact beyond sports.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with celebrities like Jimmy Kimmel and Mark Wahlberg, who discuss the boxer's cultural influence.


The Trials of Muhammad Ali (2013)
Description: Focuses on the personal and political struggles of a world-famous athlete, delving into his religious conversion, activism, and legal battles outside the ring.
Fact: The documentary uses rare archival footage to showcase the athlete's refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, which led to his boxing license being suspended.


I Am Ali (2014)
Description: A deeply personal look at a boxing legend through intimate audio recordings and interviews with family and friends, revealing his philosophical side and humanitarian efforts.
Fact: The film includes never-before-heard audio tapes of the boxer speaking to his children and friends, offering a unique glimpse into his private life.


The Last Dance (2020)
Description: This docuseries explores the legacy of a dominant sports team and its iconic leader, blending athletic brilliance with personal and professional conflicts.
Fact: The series was moved up from its original release date to April 2020 due to the global pandemic, providing much-needed entertainment during lockdowns.
