10 Gripping Shows & Movies Like Being Serena

Description: A classic documentary that follows athletes on a global journey, celebrating their passion for their sport and the cultural experiences they encounter along the way.

Fact: The film was shot on a budget of just $50,000 but became one of the most successful documentaries of its time. It popularized the idea of chasing the 'endless summer' by traveling to follow good surf conditions.

Description: A groundbreaking documentary that follows the lives of two young basketball players as they navigate the challenges of pursuing their dreams, highlighting the socio-economic and personal obstacles they face.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a 30-minute short but expanded into a nearly three-hour documentary. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing.

Description: This documentary examines the rise and fall of a celebrated athlete, focusing on the complexities of their public persona, the scrutiny they faced, and the eventual revelation of their controversial actions.

Fact: The film was initially intended to document Lance Armstrong's comeback to cycling in 2009 but was reworked after his doping scandal came to light. It includes interviews with Armstrong and his teammates.

Description: A dramatic portrayal of the fierce rivalry between two top athletes, exploring their contrasting personalities, the dangers of their sport, and the personal sacrifices they make for success.

Fact: The film is based on the real-life rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. It was praised for its accurate depiction of 1970s Formula 1 racing.

Description: A biographical documentary that explores the intense career and personal life of a tennis legend, highlighting the pressures of fame, rivalry, and the emotional toll of professional sports.

Fact: The film includes interviews with McEnroe himself, as well as archival footage of his most famous matches. It premiered at the 2022 South by Southwest Film Festival.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the lives of two of the greatest tennis players, focusing on their sibling rivalry, family dynamics, and the challenges they overcame to dominate the sport.

Fact: The film includes behind-the-scenes footage of the Williams sisters during the 2011 and 2012 tennis seasons. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Description: This documentary focuses on young athletes competing in a high-stakes tournament, showcasing their dedication, family support, and the intense pressure they face at a young age.

Fact: The film features eight-year-old golfers from around the world competing in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. It was executive produced by Jessica Biel.

Description: A gripping documentary that captures the incredible physical and mental preparation of an athlete attempting a seemingly impossible feat, emphasizing the risks and rewards of pushing human limits.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: A documentary that sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes, exploring the psychological pressures and personal struggles that come with competing at the highest level.

Fact: The film features interviews with several Olympic athletes, including Michael Phelps and Apolo Ohno. It was produced by HBO Sports and released in

Description: This documentary series delves deep into the life and career of a legendary athlete, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and the personal sacrifices made to achieve greatness, much like the journey of a top-tier tennis player.

Fact: The series was originally planned to be released in June 2020 but was moved up to April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It features never-before-seen footage from the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season.