When you flip through channels on cable today, you are bound to find at least four to five news channels, maybe two or three cartoon networks, two or three sports networks, multiple TV networks such as FX or MTV, and the list goes on.

No doubt you will find something that will entertain you, but what about something that challenges you? A film that educates you and inspires you, instead of a television show that makes you feel as if your IQ is dropping point-by-point per episode. That’s not to say there aren’t good informative shows on television, but what cable is missing is unique stories with important historical relevance.

Here are three sports documentaries that are sure to inspire you, educate you, and teach you sports history.

ESPN 30 for 30 – The Fab 5

A passionate and rebellious group of young, black, high school basketball players started a revolution their freshman year when they stepped on the University of Michigan campus.

As freshmen, all five players (Juwan Howard, Jalen Rose, Ray Jackson, Chris Webber, and Jimmy King) started, and in their first year led the Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA national championship.

However, what made them revolutionize the game was their demeanor and the way they played the game. They talked trash, got in each others faces to motivate one another, and they played with attitude.

One journalist described their play as “street ball translated into the Chrysler Arena.” They wore black shoes with black socks, they had shaved heads, and they shocked the world because they did what no five freshmen have ever done: they played the game the way they wanted to play it, and they backed it up with excellent basketball. Definitely watch this film. Find it on Netlfix, Apple TV or buy it online.

ESPN 30 for 30 – Benji

Another ESPN documentary, but this film is far different from the “Fab 5.” The documentary tells the story of Chicago high school basketball player  Ben Wilson (a.k.a Benji). Wilson attended Simeon High School in the south
side of Chicago, where his rise to the number-one prep player in the nation began.

Standing at 6′ 8″ and weighing in at 185 pounds, Wilson was nicknamed “Magic Johnson with a Jump Shot,” and he had college coaches around the country salivating.

Being the first high school basketball player in Chicago to be named the best in nation and approaching his senior year, it was evident that Wilson was going to make quite a name for himself. The documentary is available on Netflix.

Dog Town and Z Boys: The Birth of Extreme

If basketball isn’t your cup of tea or you would rather watch something a little more intense, then “Dog Town and Z Boys” is your documentary.

The film shows the very beginnings of skateboarding and the evolution of the sport, starting with the original crew from Santa Monica and Venice, California.

It all began in the mid-1970’s when a group of passionate surfers started a skateboarding team called the Zephyr Skate Team, which consisted of 12 members. The team was a group of rough and tough teenagers determined to move the sport from basic riding to stylish moves and eventually vertical air. Watch these crazy adrenaline junkies on Netlfix or buy it online.

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