Whether it’s the built-in drama or their penchant for underdog victory, Sports have always been indelibly linked to the world of film. Well, with the Big Game (that’s “Superbowl” for you laymen) quickly approaching, we here at Short of the Week thought it best to highlight some of the best short-form sports narratives being told.

As with the best playlists, it attempts to showcase a wide variety of films—from the genuinely inspirational to the comedic to the downright hallucinogenic—the gridiron superstar who forges an impossible comeback to a meditation on masculinity and cocaine. So, sit back, crack a Bud with your bros and give these a watch. Heck, we all know that the halftime show is going to be boring anyway…

Sports Playlist

Duration: 62 minutes

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Documentary Nathan Caswell & Jeremiah Zagar

Always A Fire

Chad Jones, athletic superstar and NFL hopeful, was brutally injured in a 2010 car crash. His journey to recovery is documented is this virtuosic short from the team at Union HZ.

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Comedy Rawson Marshall Thurber

Terry Tate Office Linebacker

A retired NFL linebacker is recruited by a corporate firm to maintain order in their office, in this classic short mockumentary from the writer-director of Dodgeball.

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Documentary Rod Blackhurst & Dave Targan

Early Innings

A brief documentary that looks at the story of the Burlington Bees, the Low-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals, from a variety of perspectives.

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Documentary Joshua Z Weinstein

I Beat Mike Tyson

In 2005, an unknown Irish boxer beat Mike Tyson, then he disappeared. Filmmaker Joshua Z Weinstein rediscovers boxer Kevin McBride, raising his children in a gritty Boston suburb. Kevin's body is deteriorating, yet he compulsively continues to fight.

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Documentary James Blagden

Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No

It's the 70's, and pitcher Dock Ellis is high as a kite and pitching the game of his life.

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Documentary Rob Perri

I'm Keith Hernandez

The mostly true look at the wild escapades of 80's baseball legend, Keith Hernandez [NSFW].

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Documentary Matt Devine

TMB: Panyee FC

They wanted to play soccer but had no land. They didn't let that stop them. Watch the origin story of Thailand's famous youth soccer club, Panyee FC in this inspiring branded film.