Best American Football Documentaries on Netflix

Netflix, long-known for its wide collection of nostalgic shows and movies, has recently made a concerted effort and push into more original shows, movies, and even documentaries.

With the rise of rival sites and streaming services such as HBO Max, Disney+, and Peacock, Netflix has been forced to adapt to the changing streaming landscape by offering wider selections and more original programming.

And one such way that Netflix has begun to differentiate itself from its competitors is via documentaries.

Netflix, long the king of streaming services, has begun to produce and purchase a slew of documentaries, ranging from nature, to true-crime, to sports.

Below, however, we are going to look at the absolute best American football documentaries on Netflix.

These football and NFL documentaries are only and exclusively available on Netflix and are not only well-produced but multiple hours long, meaning that you’ll have plenty to watch and binge on for days to come.

Looking for additional sports documentaries to watch on Netflix? Check out our list of recommendations on the best basketball documentaries on Netflix.

Undefeated

A documentary film produced in 2011, Undefeated is directed by Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin. The film portrays the struggles of a high school football team, the Manassas Tigers from Memphis, as they attempt and struggle to have a winning season after multiple losing seasons.

In the film, the team is coached by Bill Courtney, who looks to help the young group of men both on and off the field. From academic to athletic help, Bill Courtney takes an active role in the student athletes lives and their attempt to have a winning and fulfilling season.

Receiving critical acclaim at the South by Southwest conference, the film reportedly closed a seven-figure deal for distribution and remake rights. Holding a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the critical consensus reads, “It covers familiar sports documentary territory, but Undefeated proves there are still powerful stories to be told on the high school gridiron.”

Watch Undefeated on Netflix here.

Last Chance U

Another popular football documentary on Netflix is Last Chance U. A documentary which follows the lives and paths of several collegiate athletes that have had trouble in their lives and struggled with finding structure. The players are then required to perform at the junior college (JUCO) level, under the stewardship of coach Buddy Stephens, in order to prove themselves and return to Division I.

In addition to following the players academic struggles, Last Chance U also explores themes of having to succeed in difficult circumstances and learn how to play the game in a more structured and holistic manner.

Watch Last Chance U on Netflix here.

Titletown High

Although Titletown High is more of a reality tv show then a documentary, it does follow the lives of teenage athletes at Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. The series follows the students as they attempt to balance the needs and demands between athletics, academics, and relationships.

Focusing on the athletes on the school’s Valdosta Wildcats football team during the 2020 season, the series is also shot during the leadership of coach Rush Propst, his first year with the team.

Watch Titletown High on Netflix here.

Coach Snoop

Snoop Dogg, the prolific rapper and hip-hop artist, appears to be capable of almost anything. From music to cooking to reality television, Snoop Dogg has made a name for himself in nearly every industry and pop-culture theme.

And in Coach Snoop, we follow along in 2018 while he attempts to coach a youth football team into greatness and character. Coaching the Snoop’s Steelers in the Snoop Youth Football League (SYFL), we follow along as the rapper attempts to keep his players motivated, committed, and out of trouble.

With the Snoop Youth Football League having been setup in 2005 as an after school program in the Los Angeles area to keep kids focused and out of trouble, Snoop has a personal interest in their success and in the success of the program.

Watch Coach Snoop on Netflix here.

Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez

Mixing American football with true crime, this documentary on Netflix follows the story of the convicted murderer and former professional football player Aaron Hernandez. A three-part documentary, the series explores his conviction for the murder of Odin Lloyd and other murder cases which he was a suspect in.

Speaking with friends, officials, attorneys, journalists, and former teammates, the documentary attempts to understand and discuss the rise and fall of former professional football player Aaron Hernandez.

Watch Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez on Netflix here.

All American

While technically not a documentary, we felt that All American deserved an honorable mention. A sports drama series, the show was inspired by the life of professional football player Spencer Paysinger. The series follows Spencer as he makes his way from playing football in South Los Angeles to Beverly Hills and the wins, losses, and struggles of two families from different social economic statuses.

Captivating, dramatic, and intriguing, the series shows the struggles of youth athletes and the choices they must make to help their families. Spencer, an extremely gifted football player, must decide between what is best for himself and the needs of his family back in South L.A.

An absolute must watch.

Watch All American on Netflix here.