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The 10 Best ESPN "30 For 30" Films

Sports storytelling at its finest.

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The 10 Best ESPN "30 For 30" Films
Pixabay

ESPN's film series "30 for 30" is always filled with interesting sports history. Since 2009, "30 for 30" has chronicled memorable moments in sports with catchy titles. The name "30 for 30" comes from the 30th year of ESPN with 30 one-hour films per volume. From ice skating to baseball, "30 for 30" has something for every sports fan.The series is currently in volume 3 with the most recent film being "The Two Bills," a film about famed NFL coaches Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.

Here are my top 10 "30 for 30" films, in no specific order.

1. "Four Days in October"

My all-time favorite "30 for 30." "Four Days in October" recaps the 2004 ALCS after the Boston Red Sox came back from 3 games down to rally and beat the New York Yankees, advancing to the World Series. This perfectly indicates the passion of Red Sox Nation. The Red Sox would go on to win the 2004 World Series, finally breaking the curse of the Bambino.

2. "The U"

"The U" is the one that really made "30 For 30" the popular series it is today. The film focuses on the University of Miami football program turnaround in the 1980s and their "bad boy" reputation.

3. "Roll Tide/War Eagle"

One of the biggest rivalries in college football. If you live in Alabama, you pick a side. With no professional team, Alabama fans live for the Iron Bowl. This film shows the rivalry from the beginning to what it is today with the fans, alumni, and more.

4. "You Don't Know Bo"

Bo Jackson — a professional football and baseball player who changed the game. The two-sport pro played in the NFL and the MLB in the late '80s until a harsh hip injury ended his reign. The film shows Bo Jackson's iconic career.

5. "The Price of Gold"

Just before the 1994 Winter Olympic games, Nancy Kerrigan was hit in the knee by a club, injuring her at the 1994 US Figure Skating Championships. The culprit was no other than Jeff Gillooly, rival US skater, Tonya Harding's ex-husband. "The Price of Gold" focuses on the scandal and the aftermath with Harding, and the questions she's still facing today.

6. "Brian and The Boz"

At the University of Oklahoma, linebacker Brian Bosworth was a force to be reckoned with. Although things changed when he made it to the NFL and his alter ego "The Boz" came out. He was less successful in the NFL, retiring after just 3 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. "Brian and The Boz" discusses Brians internal struggles and his rise and fall from college to the NFL, along with his family life and rocky relationship with his father.

7. "Of Miracles and Men"

"Of Miracles and Men" shows the Soviet Unions side of Team USA's 1980 "Miracle on Ice." In the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, Team USA upset the Soviet Union 4-3 to go on to win gold — one of the greatest upsets in hockey and sports history.

8. "Ghosts of Ole Miss"

"Ghosts of Ole Miss" focuses on the history of Mississipi with segregation and racism and Ole Miss pride. In 1962, Ole Miss was shocked when African-American, James Merideth, enrolled at the University of Mississipi. This resulted in riots and chaos while the football team was undefeated.

9. "June 17th, 1994"

Many things happened on June 17, 1994, the biggest being the police chase of O.J. Simpson. "June 17th, 1994" relates sports events occurring this day along with the police chase happening, from the New York Rangers winning the Stanley Cup to game 5 of the NBA finals, this was a wild day in June.

10. "King's Ransom"

The very first "30 for 30" film, "King's Ransom" chronicles the outrage of Edmonton Oiler fans when Canadian, Wayne Gretzky, was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. This changed the way the NHL is in the United States today and how it's grown. Probably the greatest hockey player of all time with the nickname, "The Great One," Gretzky altered the world of hockey with one trade.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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