If you need a break from all the action during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, try these sports films and sports documentaries
By Virgin TV Edit
It isn’t just live sport that has the power to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Toyko 2020 is currently filling our TV screens with unbelievable action from the other side of the globe, with the greatest athletes in the world battling it out for gold. But because Japan is eight hours ahead of the UK, there’s not always daytime sport going on. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered on that as well.
So, to tide you over during the long, hot days, why not check out a couple of these brilliant sporting documentaries and films, available on your favourite streaming services.
One-off documentaries
Andy Murray: Resurfacing
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
From serious injury problems to his gruelling efforts to get back on court, track Murray’s long and painful road to recovery from 2017 to 2019. Prepare to be awestruck.
Building Jerusalem
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
There’s plenty of mud, sweat, and tears in this fascinating look at English rugby’s transformation from the amateur era to 2003’s World Cup triumph.
Icarus
Find it on Netflix
Film-maker Bryan Fogel wanted to make a documentary about doping in sports, but a chance meeting with Russian scientist Grigory Rodchenkov took him in a new direction – and bagged him an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
The Class Of 92
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
They were the young lads at the heart of the most glorious period in Manchester United’s history. This acclaimed documentary film tells the story of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Nevilles in their own words.
Make Us Dream
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Whether you worship him or think Frank Lampard was better, this portrait of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is an emotionally charged ride that delivers the goods.
Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager
Find it on Netflix
A heartfelt look at the life and career of the former England, Barcelona, and Newcastle United manager. There won’t be another like him.
The Dawn Wall
Find it on Netflix
Don’t like heights? Then stay well away from this white-knuckle documentary about two free-climbers and their attempt to conquer all 3,000 feet of El Capitan in California.
When Snooker Ruled The World
Find it in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Featuring contributions from some of the sport’s greatest stars, take a look at how snooker became one of the most unmissable sports of the 1980s.
Davis V Taylor: The ’85 Black Ball Final
Find it in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
Over 18.5 million people tuned in to watch Dennis Taylor take on Steve Davis in the nail-biting 1985 World Snooker Championship final. This is the story of one of British sport’s most gripping chapters.
Running for Good
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Following not one, not two, but 17 invasive knee surgeries, long-distance runner Fiona Oakes is ready to set a brand new record, in the toughest footrace on the planet.
Team Khan
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Unified light-welterweight world champion, Amir Khan, is now moving on from the ring. In his new world without the gloves, he must adapt to fame, family and religion.
Steelers, The World’s First Gay Rugby Club
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Way back in 1995, a group of friends fantasised about a world with an out-and-proud gay rugby club. Fast forward 25 years, and there are now 60 clubs the world over, who meet every two years to compete for The Bingham Cup.
KSI: Can’t Lose
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Is there anything KSI can’t do? What started out with a pretty successful YouTube channel has turned the lad from Watford into a multimillionaire, chart-topping boxer. In this film we see him go toe to toe with Joe Weller, with never-before-seen footage.
Venus And Serena
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
The most famous tennis siblings on the planet, era-defining players, and masters of the sport. But what is life like for the sisters when the racquets are stowed away? With unprecedented access, we get to see where they started, how they got to where they are now, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.
Perfect
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
When it comes to endurance sports, synchronised swimming might not be the first to spring to mind. But those that dedicate themselves to the sport are without a doubt, athletes in every sense of the word.
Everybody’s Game
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Hear from rugby stars, Maro Itoje and Beno Obano, as they explain first-hand where they started and how they got into the wonderful world of rugby, despite their backgrounds.
Pelé
Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix
Get closer to the legend – without doubt one of the game’s finest players. In this biographical film we get a view of what was going on in Brazil during the hero’s rise in popularity, as he transcends the game and becomes the symbol of a nation.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Impossible to Ignore
Find it in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer
The Portuguese superstar is a household name, and has professionally been putting them in the back of net for nearly 20 years. Find more about the idol, the career and the ego, in this one-off BBC doc.
Docuseries
All Or Nothing: Manchester City
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
City were a class apart during the 2017-18 season. Discover how Pep Guardiola and his players did it in this candid docuseries.
All Or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
In this documentary, we go behind the scenes with Spurs, seeing chairman, Daniel Levy, replace Pochettino with Mourinho as manager. While top talent, including Dele Alli and Harry Kane, lead the team against Europe’s finest.
All Or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Get up close and personal to one of sport’s most iconic institutions, as they navigate one of the toughest periods in their recent history.
All Or Nothing: Brazil National Team
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Think the beautiful game and you think Brazil. Follow the team’s attempt to win the 2019 Copa America on home turf with a truly gripping behind-the-scenes series.
The Test: A New Era For Australia’s Team
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Go inside the Australian cricket team’s locker room for an unprecedented look at how they rose from a cheating scandal that rocked the sport to Ashes glory.
Take Us Home: Leeds United
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Follow all the ups and downs at one of English football’s most famous clubs, as they attempt to win promotion back to the Premier League. This is Leeds we’re talking about, so expect a bumpy ride.
Inside Borussia Dortmund
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Head behind the scenes at this German footballing giant, reliving the club’s thrilling 2018-19 season in the process. Fantastisch!
Head Above Water
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Get to know Aussie Olympic swimmers, Ian Thorpe AM, Bronte Campbell OAM, Kyle Chalmers OAM, and former junior champion Cody Simpson. The doc provides an insightful and inspiring peek behind the curtain, highlighting what goes into becoming the best in the world.
The Last Dance
Find it on Netflix
The epic story of Michael Jordan’s career with the Chicago Bulls is expertly told over ten compelling episodes. Even if basketball isn’t your thing, you’ll still be swept up by the drama. Read more about it here.
First Team: Juventus
Find it on Netflix
Thanks to unprecendented access, witness one of football’s most famous clubs aim for a seventh consecutive Serie A title and the UEFA Champions League.
When Eagles Dare: Crystal Palace FC
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Regardless of which side your support, When Eagles Dare will ring true. When Crystal Palace were on the brink of collapse, the club’s dedicated fans came to the rescue. Only to see The Eagles soar from near-relegation in 2010 to playing in the 2013 Championship Play-offs for promotion to the Premier League.
The Playbook
Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix
Hear from world-renowned coaches, including José Mourinho, Jill Ellis, and Patrick Mouratoglou, as they share their secrets to success.
Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez
Find it on Netflix
From professional American football player to convicted murderer, Aaron Hernandez is the subject of a true crime series that explores his rise and fall.
Maradona In Mexico
Find it on Netflix
Unpredictable Argentine football legend Diego Maradona becomes manager at struggling Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa. What could possibly go wrong?
Formula 1: Drive To Survive
Find it on Netflix
From the producer of Senna and Amy comes this emotional, high-octane insight into the lives of Formula 1’s teams and drivers.
Sunderland ’Til I Die
Find it on Netflix
This docuseries isn’t just about Sunderland’s bid to return to the Premier League. It’s also about how a football club is rooted in the DNA of a community like nothing else.
Last Chance U
Find it on Netflix
Troubled young American footballers are given a shot at redemption in this dazzling docuseries with a big heart – but are they ready to seize the opportunity?
OJ: Made In America
Find it in Catch Up > Channels > BBC iPlayer
How did OJ Simpson go from American football superstar to murder suspect? Explore the whole fascinating story with director Ezra Edelman’s Oscar-winning docuseries.
Eat. Race. Win.
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
The Tour de France is arguably one of the most famous sporting events in the world, and an absolute test of human endurance. In this film, we meet Hannah Grant, a chef who’s in charge of providing the Australian team with the ideal diet for such an undertaking.
Movies
The Wrestler
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Mickey Rourke gives an Oscar-winning performance as a veteran pro wrestler who can’t let go of the glory days.
Blades Of Glory
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
Ice-skating rivals Will Ferrell and Jon Heder are forced to team up if they want to reach the Winter Olympics in this laugh-out-loud comedy.
United
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
David Tennant, Dougray Scott, and Jack O’Connell star in this poignant drama about the tragedy and triumph of Manchester United’s “Busby Babes” team of the 1950s.
Borg Vs McEnroe
Find it in Apps & Games > Prime Video
The rivalry between contrasting tennis superstars Björn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf) is brilliantly brought to life in this ace drama.
I, Tonya
Find it on Netflix
Margot Robbie gives it her all as Tonya Harding, the controversial US ice skater who was accused of sabotaging rival Nancy Kerrigan, in this Oscar-winning drama.
Moneyball
Find it on Netflix
Based on a true story, Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill are among the Hollywood big-hitters in this drama about a baseball coach’s unconventional – and pioneering – method of assembling a new team.
The Fighter
Find it on Netflix
A boxer (Mark Wahlberg) tries to emerge from the shadow of his troubled older brother (Christian Bale) in a knockout drama from director David O Russell that picked up two Oscars.
Rush
Find it on Netflix
Buckle up for a high-speed blockbuster from director Ron Howard that shines a light on the intense rivalry between chalk-and-cheese Formula 1 drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl).
Coach Carter
Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix
Samuel L Jackson is Ken Carter, controversial basketball coach whose methods are hard but fair. When his team starts to drop behind on their grades – and get into even worse trouble when school’s out – basketball is proves the universal language.
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How to watch Netflix with Virgin TV
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