Ten Best 30 for 30 Films

ESPN has been doing an outstanding job with their 30 for 30 movies and with their documentaries in general. The Last Dance was the perfect show to watch during this pandemic and I've been catching up on all of the 30 for 30s during this time as well. Some of you that are looking for something to watch, might enjoy this list of the top 10 movies during the series.

10. The Dominican Dream

This whole story fascinated me about Dominican basketball player, Felipe Lopez. The "Dominican Jordan" was the #1 HS player in the country, even ahead of NBA legend Allen Iverson. His perspective on what happened to him was really interesting.

9. Pony Excess

This film discussed the rise of SMU football in the 80s and the death penalty that resulted from repeated NCAA violations. It was the first and only time that the NCAA instituted the death penalty on a college football program. 

8. Vick

This 30 for 30 focused on Mike Vick and his career with the controversy around his career. I almost didn't put it because it was broken into two parts, but it was very well done. This is perhaps the most unique situation of all the 30 for 30s.

7. Unguarded

The story of can't miss prospect turned drug abuser turned motivational speaker. This story, about Chris Herron, is a truly fascinating one. It is really interesting to see his journey as a basketball player and as a human being.

6. You Don't Know Bo

Bo is the 2nd best athlete that I have ever seen. This is the story of the amazing two sport athlete that many consider the greatest athlete to ever live. Super cool story.

5. This Magic Moment

Maybe I boosted this story up a bit as a Magic fan, but I don't think so. This was really well done. It tells the story of the Penny and Shaq years in Orlando. That Orlando Magic team was the last team to take down Michael Jordan in the playoffs.

4. Without Bias

My dad always said Len Bias was the greatest basketball player that ever lived. I never got to see Bias play because he died of a cocaine overdose in 1986 and I was born in 1987. This story meant a lot to me because of how my dad viewed Len Bias, but it is super interesting to watch for any basketball fan. The guy was able to go toe to toe with Michael Jordan in college and this is one of the most interesting stories around. 

3. Jordan Rides the Bus

This story was touched upon in the Last Dance, but Jordan Rides the Bus really dives into Michael Jordan and his minor league baseball career. Why did the greatest basketball player ever quit basketball in his prime to play a completely different sport. It is discussed here in amazing detail.

2. Deion's Double Play

Perhaps this is biased because Deion is a Seminole. However, Deion Sanders is the greatest athlete to ever walk the planet. He was a larger than life personality. This documentary focuses on Deion playing two professional sports. The story is this guy is amazing and one of a kind. After all, he is the only athlete ever to play in the Super Bowl and the World Series.

1. June 17, 1994

Many consider this story the greatest 30 for 30 and I agree. OJ Simpson is one of the most fascinating figures of all-time and everyone remembers that bronco chase. The way that this movie weaved that event into all of the other legendary sports moments of that day was incredible. This is an absolute must-watch.

- Noland