10 Shows & Movies Like Dark Side of Football

Description: This classic documentary follows two inner-city basketball players striving to make it to the NBA, revealing the systemic challenges, personal struggles, and societal pressures that come with chasing athletic dreams, much like the gritty realities explored in football documentaries.

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: Focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of a football club's journey, this series captures the highs and lows, the passion, and the sometimes harsh realities of the sport, mirroring the intense and often unforgiving world of professional football.

Fact: The series was produced by the band Kaiser Chiefs, whose lead singer is a lifelong Leeds United fan. It covers the club's 2018-19 season under Marcelo Bielsa.

Description: This documentary series provides an intimate look at the pressures and challenges faced by a national cricket team, showcasing the mental and emotional toll of high-stakes competition, similar to the exploration of sports' psychological and emotional dimensions.

Fact: The series was filmed over two years and covers the Australian cricket team's journey following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. It was released on Amazon Prime Video.

Description: This documentary series uncovers the corruption and scandal within college basketball, shedding light on the darker, often hidden aspects of sports that go beyond the game itself, similar to exposés on football's underbelly.

Fact: The series is based on the FBI's investigation into college basketball corruption, which led to the arrest of several coaches and agents. It features interviews with key figures involved in the scandal.

Description: While focusing on young golfers, this documentary highlights the intense pressure and competitive spirit in sports from an early age, reflecting the often cutthroat nature of athletic pursuits and the sacrifices required to succeed.

Fact: The film follows eight young golfers from around the world as they compete in the World Championships of Junior Golf. It was executive produced by Jessica Biel.

Description: This documentary series delves deep into the behind-the-scenes drama, rivalries, and pressures of professional sports, much like the exploration of football's darker aspects. It combines archival footage with contemporary interviews to reveal the human side of athletic greatness.

Fact: The series was originally planned for a June 2020 release 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.

Description: Focusing on the competitive world of collegiate cheerleading, this series reveals the physical and emotional toll of the sport, as well as the intense dedication required to excel, mirroring the rigorous demands and pressures seen in football.

Fact: The series follows the Navarro College cheer team as they prepare for the National Cheerleading Championship. It became a cultural phenomenon upon its release.

Description: This series follows junior college football players striving for a shot at the big leagues, showcasing the personal and professional hurdles they face, much like the gritty, often unglamorous side of sports portrayed in football documentaries.

Fact: The series has spanned multiple seasons and locations, focusing on different junior college football programs. It was inspired by a 2014 GQ article about East Mississippi Community College.

Description: This documentary series chronicles the struggles of a football club fighting to regain its former glory, highlighting the emotional and financial stakes involved in professional sports, akin to the raw and unfiltered look at football's challenges.

Fact: The series was filmed over two seasons, covering Sunderland's relegation from the Championship to League One. It was produced by Fulwell 73, a company co-founded by Sunderland fans.