ESPN's 30 for 30 films have taken off since their creation in 2009. The sports documentaries that are most notably popular on Netflix give sports fans an in-depth view behind the most horrifying and brilliant stories ever told. The series has been producing films since 2009, so here is a guide to the 10 must-watch 30 for 30 films produced so far.
10. Ghosts of Ole Miss
Documenting the violence and outrage of the University of Mississippi's integration in 1962, this film connects the undefeated Ole Miss football team to the tragedy that surrounds them.
9. Winning Time
It was the "Hicks vs. Knicks" in this story that shows the tension between the farming community that the Indiana Pacers represent, and the big city feel of the New York Knicks. Reggie Miller and Spike Lee butt heads throughout the bouts between the two teams in the 90s.
8. The Best That Never Was
Marcus Dupree was the best thing going in high school football, and when he arrived for his first season at Oklahoma nothing had changed. That is, until he left the school in the middle of his sophomore season to attend Southern Mississippi.
7. June 17th, 1994
It was on this date that OJ Simpson could be seen flying down the freeway in his white Ford Bronco. A captivating day for America as they watched one of their sports stars have his life crumble down. The new T.V. series "The People vs. OJ Simpson" further proves that Americans cannot get enough of this story.
6. The Two Escobars
During Pablo Escobar's reign over Columbia during his infamous drug smuggling prime he had a connection with the Colombian National Soccer Team. The team was headlined by another star of the country, Andres Escobar, who was taking Colombian soccer where it had never been before.
5. No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson was as exciting off the court as he was on it, but that was fueled by his troubled past. Allen Iverson was one of the most wanted basketball players out of high school and his arrest didn't change that.
4. Catching Hell
When Steve Bartman reached over the wall at Wrigley Field to catch a foul ball, he didn't realize that 30 minutes later he would have the weight of an entire (frustrated) fan base crashing down on him. Follow the man who made Cubs fans wait a little longer.
3. The U
This is the 30 for 30 that got the ball rolling for the fans who watch the series religiously. Much anticipated, this documentary covers the swagger that was created at the University of Miami. Labeled as thugs, these players knew how to have fun.
2. Pony Excess
The Death Penalty. It's the worst punishment that a school can receive for an athletic team. The Southern Methodist Football Team received that penalty. This documentary shows the classic story of never learning your lesson.
1. Fantastic Lies
Fantastic Lies is one of the newest, and also the best documentary the 30 for 30 project has produced. The tale of injustice that the University of Duke Lacrosse Team faced as a result of a made-up rape case leaves viewers glued to the TV. It is a must-watch for all sports fans and those with interest in the justice system.
The official trailer is here.
