Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
The Best That Never Was
TITLE DETAILS

The Best That Never Was

2010-11-09 · 102 min · ★ 6.9

Documentary

In 1981, college athletic recruiting changed forever as a dozen big-time football programs sat waiting for the decision by a physically powerful and lightning-quick high school running back named Marcus Dupree. On his way to eclipsing Herschel Walker’s record for the most touchdowns in high school history, Dupree attracted recruiters from schools in every major conference to his hometown of Philadelphia, Miss. More than a decade removed from being a flashpoint in the civil-rights struggle, Philadelphia was once again thrust back into the national spotlight. Dupree took the attention in stride, and committed to Oklahoma. What followed, though, was a forgettable college career littered with conflict, injury and oversized expectations. Eight-time Emmy Award winner Jonathan Hock will examine why this star burned out so young and how he ultimately used football to redeem himself.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Jonathan Hock
Production companies
ESPN Films, ESPN
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Marcus DupreeSelf
Barry SwitzerBarry SwitzerSelf
Peter JenningsPeter JenningsSelf (Archive Footage)
Bryant GumbelBryant GumbelSelf (Archive Footage)

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Recommendations

The Class of ‘92
★ 7.1
The Class of ‘922013Documentary

A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.

Ronaldo
★ 7.0
Ronaldo2015Documentary

Filmed over 14 months with unprecedented access into the inner circle of the man and the sport, this is the first official and fully authorised film of one of the most celebrated figures in football. For the first time ever, the world gets vividly candid and un-paralleled, behind-closed-doors access to the footballer, father, family-man and friend in this moving & fascinating documentary. Through in-depth conversations, state of the art football footage and never before seen archival footage, the film gives an astonishing insight into the sporting and personal life of triple Ballon D'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo at the peak of his career. From the makers of ‘Senna’ and ‘Amy’, Ronaldo takes audiences on an intimate and revealing journey of what it’s like to live as an iconic athlete in the eye of the storm.

More than a Game
★ 7.3
More than a Game2008Documentary

This documentary follows NBA superstar LeBron James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio and James' journey to fame.

Tony Parker: The Final Shot
★ 7.1
Tony Parker: The Final Shot2021Documentary

The background and career of Tony Parker, whose determination led him to become arguably the greatest French basketball player.

Directed by John Ford
★ 7.0
Directed by John Ford1971Documentary

A documentary about the life and films of director John Ford.

Diego Maradona
★ 7.4
Diego Maradona2019Documentary

Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the personal life and career of the controversial football player Diego Maradona who played for SSC Napoli and Argentina in the 1980s.

Gascoigne
★ 6.4
Gascoigne2015Documentary

A feature length, theatrical documentary on the life of Paul Gascoigne, one of the greatest footballers that ever lived: delving deep into his psyche, vulnerabilities, fears and triumphs.

Shawn Mendes: In Wonder
★ 8.1
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder2020Documentary

A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.

Fuck
★ 6.4
Fuck2006Documentary

A documentary on the expletive's origin, why it offends some people so deeply, and what can be gained from its use.

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20
★ 7.2
Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/202022Documentary

An inside look at one of the most anticipated movie sequels ever with James Cameron and cast.

The Final: Attack on Wembley
★ 6.4
The Final: Attack on Wembley2024Documentary

As England reach the final of the Euros at last, 6,000 ticketless football fans storm Wembley stadium, leaving destruction in their wake.

Naqoyqatsi
★ 6.2
Naqoyqatsi2002Documentary

A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

John Candy: I Like Me
★ 7.9
John Candy: I Like Me2025Documentary

Those who knew iconic funnyman John Candy best share his story, in their own words, through never-before-seen archival footage, imagery, and interviews.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
★ 8.4
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me2022Documentary

After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

Stephen Curry: Underrated
★ 7.5
Stephen Curry: Underrated2023Documentary

The remarkable coming-of-age story of Stephen Curry—one of the most influential, dynamic, and unexpected players in basketball history—and his rise from an undersized college player to a four-time NBA champion.

Audible
★ 6.8
Audible2021Documentary

Football player Amaree McKenstry-Hall and his Maryland School for the Deaf teammates attempt to defend their winning streak while coming to terms with the tragic loss of a close friend.

The Last Repair Shop
★ 7.5
The Last Repair Shop2024Documentary

In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.

A Toxic Love Story
★ 6.4
A Toxic Love Story2026Documentary

A string of threatening emails escalates into a revenge plot involving a newly married US marshal and his ex-girlfriend.

You Cannot Kill David Arquette
★ 6.7
You Cannot Kill David Arquette2020Documentary

Following his infamous championship as part of a marketing stunt for the film Ready to Rumble, David Arquette is widely known as the most hated man in pro-wrestling worldwide. Nearly 20 years after he "won" the initial title, through ups and downs in his career, with his family, and with his struggles with addiction, David Arquette seeks redemption by returning to the ring...for real this time.

O.J.: Made in America
★ 8.4
O.J.: Made in America2016Documentary

A chronicle of the rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, whose high-profile murder trial exposed the extent of American racial tensions, revealing a fractured and divided nation.

Similar titles

The Thing About Greece... A Snowboard Documentary
Not rated
The Thing About Greece... A Snowboard Documentary2015Documentary

In 2015 filmmaker Themistocles Lambridis set off on an adventure to shed light on a side of Greece that few are aware of. With his camera in hand and snowboard under foot, he shredded a vast playground of snow, explored fresh tracks and revealed a backcountry unlike any other. From the island of Crete to Mount Olympus, “The Thing About Greece” is an epic documentary that will forever alter your perception of this coastal country.

Gold: You Can Do More Than You Think
★ 6.7
Gold: You Can Do More Than You Think2013Documentary

GOLD – YOU CAN DO MORE THAN YOU THINK is the emotional story about three outstanding top Athletes. Henry Wanyoike, a blind Marathon runner from Kenya, Kirsten Bruhn, paralyzed Swimmer from Germany and Kurt Fearnley, Australian Wheelchair racer.

Jannik Sinner: The Return
Not rated
Jannik Sinner: The Return2025Documentary

One of the leading lights in men’s tennis, Jannik Sinner has earned the respect of his peers and fans for his work ethic and dedication to constantly improve. In “The Return”, part of an exclusive documentary series about the Rolex family, the multiple Grand Slam® champion discusses the focus and determination it takes to return from an extended absence and remain a force in the game.

Steve Guerdat: Dream Team
Not rated
Steve Guerdat: Dream Team2025Documentary

A champion of the equestrian world, Steve Guerdat has risen to the top of show jumping thanks to his exemplary work ethic and technical skill, but also through forging special bonds with his horses. In “Dream Team”, part of an exclusive documentary series about the Rolex family, he recalls what it took to develop profound partnerships with Nino des Buissonnets and Dynamix de Belheme, charges that helped him capture some of the biggest successes of his illustrious career.

Lionel Messi - The Greatest
★ 4.5
Lionel Messi - The Greatest2020Documentary

Winner of a record breaking, 6 Ballon d'Or's, Lionel Messi has proved time and time again that he is the greatest player of all time. He is the most award winning player, the highest scorer in La Liga, and at the age of 32, he is still performing at a world class standard week in, week out at Barcelona. Follow the journey of the Argentine prodigy and witness how he became the greatest player in the world.

Liverpool FC: 501 Goals
★ 9.0
Liverpool FC: 501 Goals2003Documentary

501 goals from 50 of Liverpool's greatest goalscorers. Red's striking legend John Aldridge is your host as he counts down the players and goals that have made Liverpool into the one of the most successful English football clubs.

Um Samurai em São Paulo
Not rated
Um Samurai em São Paulo2023Documentary

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Hartford Whalers: From Heartbeat to Heartbreak2023Documentary

"When you lost the Whalers, you lost the heart and soul of the community." It's the story of a beloved professional hockey team that has been gone longer than it stayed. "Hartford Whalers: From Heartbeat to Heartbreak" is a documentary about how memorable it can be when a professional hockey team finds its perfect place in a loving community.

Riding Giants
★ 7.6
Riding Giants2004Documentary

Riding Giants is story about big wave surfers who have become heroes and legends in their sport. Directed by the skateboard guru Stacy Peralta.

Say Hey, Willie Mays!
★ 6.0
Say Hey, Willie Mays!2022Documentary

Follow Willie Mays’ life both on and off the field over five decades as he navigated the American sports landscape and the country’s ever-evolving cultural backdrop, all while helping to define what it means to be one of America’s first Black sports superstars. He left an indelible mark in New York City and San Francisco, building a love affair with both cities’ fans.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Isenseven: Undermovie2007Documentary

Journey to the UFC: Joe Pyfer
Not rated
Journey to the UFC: Joe Pyfer2024Documentary

Following years of surgeries and grueling rehab, Joe makes an unforgettable comeback, earning his spot in the UFC with a spectacular knockout.

Building a Snowboarders Dream
Not rated
Building a Snowboarders Dream2017Documentary

This behind the scenes feature will put you in the minds and on the boards of these athletes as they create a venue that that allows ultimate innovation and creativity outside of what’s traditionally defined as progression in snowboarding.

The Saint of Brooklyn
Not rated
The Saint of Brooklyn2025Documentary

Docufilm tells the story of Italian-American boxer Chiara Dituri. The film follows her recovery after a serious accident in the ring, highlighting her determination, spiritual strength, and desire to return to fighting.

Germany: A Summer's Fairytale
★ 6.9
Germany: A Summer's Fairytale2006Documentary

A documentary of the German national soccer team’s 2006 World Cup experience that changed the face of modern Germany.

Burn the Ships
★ 5.7
Burn the Ships2017Documentary

The NPF, a women's professional softball league that few know exists, has spent decades struggling for survival in a male-dominated sports world. Its players are forced to choose between their livelihood and their dreams, and this year they've been given another chance.

Men in the Arena
★ 8.0
Men in the Arena2017Documentary

A touching story of friendship, struggle and triumph, the film follows the journey of two Somali national soccer team friends chasing their dreams in the face of impossible odds. After surviving two decades of war, Saadiq, 17, and Sa’ad, 19, the team’s most promising stars, enter the only televised match of the year hoping scouts will be watching. With passports of no value on the world stage, soccer may be their only shot to escape a growing terror threat, persecution and poverty. Against the backdrop of fear and shared sacrifice, they embark on separate but equally improbable journeys. In the opportunity of a lifetime, Saadiq sets off for America with dreams of an education and a soccer career. Sa’ad continues his career in Mogadishu with the hopes of someday being reunited with his friend. Their biggest dream is shared – to be symbols of hope to generations who have only known war.

Nervous Laughter
Not rated
Nervous Laughter2017Documentary

When winter swells collide with a chunk of reef off the north shore of Maui, massive waves up to 60 feet rise and crash to create the best big wave on earth. It’s called Peahi, or “Jaws,” and every year it attracts dozens of elite surfers from around the world to attempt the lethal wave. More and more, however, it’s the local crew that steals the show. An eclectic group childhood friends that followed each other into the Jaws lineup as teenagers, and through peer pressure and rivalries, pushed each other to unprecedented performances in the ensuing years. Then came the El Niño of 2016, which promised to serve up the largest swells in big-wave history. Follow the crew for an inside look at a season rife with nerves, injury, triumph and friendship.

The Endless Summer
★ 7.2
The Endless Summer1966Documentary

Documentary filmmaker Bruce Brown, himself a competition-level surfer, follows surfers Michael Hynson and Robert August on an around-the-world surfing adventure. With Brown's wry, sardonic narration and a twangy, guitar-driven instrumental soundtrack by The Sandals playing over the silent footage, Mike and Rob leave their California home to visit Hawaii, Australia, South Africa and other secluded surfing spots in a search for the surfer's holy grail that Brown dubs "The Perfect Wave.”

Antwerp - The City Game
Not rated
Antwerp - The City Game2014Documentary

"De Pleintjes" is a documentary about Antwerp's street football culture. Rough areas such as Het Kiel, Borgerhout, Deurne and Stuivenberg are the backdrops to the social lives of thousands of youngsters. It's these areas where they grow up, learn about the world, and above all, dream of a better future.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.