Movies Similar to Jim Leyland: A Life in Baseball

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed(2008)

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

Stand(2023)

Raw and unflinching examination of the courageous life of basketball star and social justice activist Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf. Born Chris Jackson, he overcame tremendous adversity to reach the NBA and found his true calling when he converted to Islam. His decision not to stand for the national anthem, however, turned him from prodigy to pariah. Told candidly by Abdul-Rauf himself more than 20 years later it’s the remarkable story of one man who kept the faith and paved the way for a social justice movement.

The Zen of Bobby V(2008)

The Zen of Bobby V focuses on former MLB manager Bobby Valentine and his current job managing the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan.

Olympia: Part One – Festival of the Nations(1938)

Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes, then goes on to provide thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning a then-unprecedented four gold medals.

Breaking2(2017)

After six months of scientifically advanced training, three of the world's most elite distance runners set out to break the two-hour marathon barrier. These pioneers go on a global trek to defy the unthinkable and break the two-hour feat, from testing in wind tunnels and running labs in the United States, to balancing training with their day-to- day lives in eastern Africa, to the final heart-pounding race in Italy.

STRoNG, aussi forts que fragiles(2023)

Discover STRoNG, as strong as they are fragile, a new documentary which takes a modest look at mental health and depression in high-level sport through the testimonies of surfer Jérémy Florès, swimmer Camille Lacourt, skier Perrine Laffont, handball player Valentin Porte and fencer Ysaora Thibus.

Luc Longley: One Giant Leap(2021)

How a “gentle giant” from Fremantle, Australia, ended up playing alongside Michael Jordan on the “greatest team of all time.”

The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez(2024)

Follow the exceptional spirit and drive of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Tatiana Suarez as she prepares to reenter the cage after nearly four years away from the sport. Suarez reflects on her journey from wrestling prodigy to professional athlete and the legacy she leaves young women, particularly those in the Latina community.

KUBA(2024)

Football is much more than a simple game. It is a passion that connects people from all over the world. The players themselves have the unique ability to capture the hearts of fans and create a deep emotional connection with them. One of these outstanding players, who impresses not only with his footballing brilliance, but also with his impressive personality and life story, is Jakub Blaszczykowski. In this documentary about Jakub, also affectionately known as "Kuba", Jan Dybus tells the inspiring story of a man who consciously decided to pursue a career in football.

Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals(2010)

An exploration of the fierce rivalry between NBA superstars Larry Bird and Magic Johnson during their decade of dominance.

Vince Carter: Legacy(2021)

Explores the fantastic highs and unsettling lows of 8-time All-Star and slam dunk champion, Vince Carter, as he looks back on his record-breaking 22-season professional basketball career.

SCHW31NS7EIGER: Memories - Von Anfang bis Legende(2020)

Schweinsteiger's glittering career, which peaked with lifting the World Cup in 2014.

XXL NAZARE: Scooby Facing His Biggest Fears | RISK VS REWARD(2021)

Brazil’s Pedro ‘Scooby’ Vianna risks everything the moment he hits the water at Nazaré. But what is everything? Risk vs Reward explores Scooby’s upbringing in Brazil and how surfing paved the way for a new life for himself and his family. Becoming a major figure in the world of big wave surfing, Scooby reflects on a nearly life-changing accident at Nazare and what it took to face and overcome his fears.

In the Company of Kings(2024)

In the Company of Kings follows a fight fan's unforgettable journey into the dark heart of American boxing to talk to eight former World Champs and those closest to his hero, Muhammad Ali, about race, struggle, victory, defeat and picking yourself up off the canvas. Features Larry Holmes, Bernard Hopkins, Tim Witherspoon, Earnie Shavers, the Spinks brothers, Bob Arum and more.

Open Brain, dans le cerveau des athlètes(2025)

Sexual Violence in Sport(2020)

Recently, more and more cases of child abuse have been uncovered in elite sport. More and more victims are speaking out worldwide. Young athletes are often promising medal hopes. But at what price? Studies show: Every seventh underage young athlete, regardless of gender, is a victim of sexual assault or abuse.

4 Waves 1 Hour(2016)

The 2013 ASP World Championship was a battle between Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning that came down to just four waves in two 30-minute heats. Join Mick as he describes his journey to the title.

Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story(2024)

Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story dives deep into the lives beyond the court of the next generation of basketball luminaries, Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, and Breanna Stewart, as well as WNBA legend, Sheryl Swoopes. From intense off-season routines to the intricacies of family dynamics to navigating the politics of women's sports, this documentary offers viewers a rare, all-encompassing look at the athletes as holistic individuals.

Undone(2021)

It is a remarkable story of personal endeavour following professional surfer, Laura Enever who leaves a comfortable place on the WSL Championship Tour to explore the unpredictable world of big-wave surfing.

In Search of Greatness(2018)

A cinematic journey into the secrets of genius as told through the greatest athletes of all time. It includes original interviews with Wayne Gretzky, Pelé, Jerry Rice, and features Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan, among others.