Basketball extends far beyond a game — it is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped sports history, inspired generations, and showcased the world’s greatest athletes. Documentaries can provide a deeper look beyond highlight reels and box scores, offering insight into the players, teams, and moments that defined the sport. The Last Dance, Court of Gold, and The Redeem Team each tell unique stories. By evaluating the documentaries overall, I will grade each one to determine which best captures the essence of basketball.
Released in 2020, The Last Dance is an in-depth look at Michael Jordan’s return to the Chicago Bulls while also revisiting his rise to NBA superstardom. The documentary captures the intensity of Jordan’s competitive spirit and the endless drama surrounding the Bulls’ dynasty.
Featuring unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, from raw locker room footage to emotional discussions, this documentary takes viewers into the soul of the Bulls’ 1998 season. Jordan’s perspective is also brutally honest — whether discussing teammate Scottie Pippen’s contract disputes or his notorious competitiveness, like when he verbally and physically berated teammates in practice to push them harder.
“Phil put Steve Kerr guarding me. He hauls off and hits me in the chest, and I haul off and hit him in the [explicit] eye,” Jordan said on getting in a fight with teammate Steve Kerr during practice.
Admittedly, while the documentary effectively tells a story, a key element to honorable documentaries, this storytelling often framed Jordan in a favorable light. Although a documentary highlighting his career and the Bulls’ fame should be centered around him, moments such as the “flu game” (later revealed as food poisoning) are portrayed heroically while alternative accounts raise questions. Yes, a roster with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman clasp the spotlights, but role players crucial to the team’s reign such as Luc Longley fail to be mentioned. My verdict is if you’re an NBA fan, this is a must-watch, even for those who merely appreciate legendary athletes. If my verdict isn’t enough, hear it from other students. “Watching it was truly convincing me that Jordan is the greatest of all time,” junior Joe Young said.
Following Team USA’s shocking Olympic failure in 2004, The Redeem Team tells the story of how the U.S. rebuilt its basketball legacy in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Featuring stars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade, the documentary captures the pressure of restoring America’s dominance on the hardwood. The documentary excels in an emotional peak when discussing the leadership of the team. Specifically, Kobe Byant — when he sets the tone for the team by taking a hard foul on his current Lakers teammate Pau Gasol — proves that a friendship wasn’t getting in the way of a gold medal.
Despite being loaded with talent, Team USA had to earn back respect after their 2004 letdown. The film effectively highlights their struggles in early exhibitions, showing that talent alone wasn’t enough. The documentary flawlessly conveys training sessions, team meetings, and locker room speeches, including head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s motivational talks, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the team’s chemistry and strategy.
“You have to give me the egos that you have on your current basketball team, bring them to this team, and put them all under one ego umbrella,” Krzyzewski said.
Unfortunately, the focus on the emotional and leadership aspects overshadowed what could have provided more breakdowns of how Team USA adapted to international basketball, as well as the scope of perspectives. Hearing from Spain’s team, particularly Gasol and Ricky Rubio, would have brought insight into the tournament.
If you love basketball overall or are a fan of the late Kobe Bryant, this is a must-watch. While not as detailed or analytical as The Last Dance, it’s an inspiring reminder of how teamwork and redemption define greatness.
Finally, a brand-new documentary, Court of Gold, explores the story of the 2024 U.S. men’s basketball team at the Olympics from multiple countries’ perspectives. In light of a resurgence of international talent, the film follows teams’ journeys from training camp to the final buzzer of the gold medal game.
The documentary is pivotal and impactful, capturing the Summer Olympics as it unfolds and giving an inside look at how Team USA built its way to the gold medal. A particularly gripping moment is the emotional locker room scenes, capturing the adversity each team had to face.
“If nothing else, we can stand against that Team USA… It’s just one game. Not best out of three or out of five. It’s just a single final game. Everything is possible when you play just one single game,” Serbian head coach Svetislav Pesic said.
Unlike Redeem Team, the documentary also highlights the rise of powerhouse teams like France and Serbia, adding an element of tension and unpredictability.
Some moments of the series feel rushed, especially when covering the early group-stage struggles and adjustments made by teams. The documentary could also benefit from a deeper comparison to past Olympic teams to give viewers a fuller perspective.
All three documentaries bring value to the table, but your choice depends on your preferences. The Last Dance is ideal for fans who love Jordan, drama, and legacy. Court of Gold is ideal for those who want an inside look at modern Olympic basketball. The Redeem Team is perfect for those who enjoy Olympic-level competition and a powerful redemption story. Each tells a different story but reminds us why basketball is more than a game.
