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Good documentaries can be life changing. They can inspire us and motivate us towards positive change. This can be especially true of lifestyle documentaries. Watching people work towards their goals, and seeing all the ups and downs they encounter along the way, can be very heartening. It reminds us that we’re not alone on our journeys, and can give us a much needed boost when we’re low on enthusiasm.
So then, for both your viewing pleasure and personal development, we’ve compiled 16 inspiring documentaries on all things sports, nutrition, exercise, and health.
Bigger Stronger Faster
This documentary focusses on performance-enhancing drugs, and raises the question of whether they’re really worth it just for getting “bigger, stronger, and faster”.
Pumping Iron
A documentary about bodybuilding in the 1970s. Following amateur and professional bodybuilders (amongst which are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno), it shows us just what it takes to stand out and excel in a highly competitive sport.
Desert Runners
Prepare to revel, gawp, and pale at this group of runners who are all taking on RacingThePlanet’s 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series. It’s widely regarded as the most prestigious outdoor footrace series in the world (and one of the hardest). If you watch this, you’ll see why.
The Game Changers
An eye-opening documentary about meat, protein, and strength – a must-watch for anyone interested in nutrition.
Andy Murray: Resurfacing
This documentary follows Andy Murray, British tennis superstar, from 2017 – 2019, chronicling his struggles with injury, surgery, and returning to the sport. Very inspiring.
Watch it on Amazon Prime.
The Last Dance
Michael Jordan is hailed as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Certainly he’s one of the most famous. This 10-part documentary series takes viewers through Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a sixth NBA Championship in 1998. Described by Vulture as “the greatest sports documentary ever produced”. This is one to watch if you haven’t already.
Watch it on Netflix.
Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead
If you’ve ever wondered if changing your diet could change your life, then this documentary is for you. It’s an inspirational story of discipline, dedication, and transformation. And what’s most uplifting is its simple message that we all have the ability to turn our lives around if we just put our minds to it.
All Or Nothing: Manchester City
Relive the season of 2017-18 when Manchester City won the premier League title. This film takes us behind the scenes and gives an insight into how to team worked and played.
Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Last Chance U
The first season of this fascinating and thrilling series focusses on the East Mississippi Community College football programme, following the team as they try to prove themselves at make it into the big leagues. It’s a fantastic watch even for people completely unfamiliar with American Football.
Watch it on Netflix.
Super-Size Me
A classic and very well-known documentary that’s been around for some time now. Super-Size Me works on a simple premise: what happens if you eat nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days? It’s an interesting and, at times, alarming film, and in the end may help encourage viewers to think more carefully about what and how they eat.
Last Chance U: Basketball
If the 5 seasons of Last Chance U have left you wanting more, worry not. The team behind the fantastically compelling series are back with a basketball-focussed version of the documentary. Following the East Los Angeles College Huskies, it takes a deep dive into the world of community college basketball.
Watch it on Netflix.
Cheer
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a cheerleader? How hard it is? How competitive? If you’ve never considered cheerleading to be a sport, then give this one a watch – it might change your mind.
Watch it on Netflix.
Drive To Survive
For anyone with any interest whatsoever in Formula 1, this series is absolutely not to be missed. Following the lives, both on and off the track, of today’s F1 drivers, Drive To Survive reveals the ins-and-outs of this high-octane sport in incredible detail.
Watch it on Netflix.
Pelé
Pelé is widely recognised as one of the most legendary icons in the history of football. This compelling film chronicles his rise to becoming the “King of Football” amidst a turbulent era in Brazilian history. Whether you like the sport or not, it’s incredibly interesting to watch the extraordinary career of one of the all-time great footballers unfold before your eyes.
Watch it on Netflix.
Sunderland ‘Til I Die
A controversial inclusion, perhaps, but it would be wrong of us to exclude a documentary that, in the grand scheme of the world, is so close to home. No matter who you support, or how you feel about the team in question, this documentary does a great job of showing how football can sometimes be more than a sport, and can ultimately hold a community together.
Watch it on Netflix.
Tyson -The Movie
This man needs little introduction, because it’s difficult to anyone who’s unfamiliar with his name and his legacy. But no matter how well you think you know him, watching a film about Mike Tyson’s life, with the man himself as narrator, can’t fail to be exciting and interesting.
Watch it on Amazon Prime.
Watch and read for a healthy life
For more stimulating fitness-based entertainment, why not read these 10 fantastic books on swimming, sports, and fitness. Or if it’s pure motivation you’re looking for, here are 9 motivating and inspiring TED talks on fitness, exercise, and wellbeing for you to enjoy.