We are less than two weeks away from Euro 2024, and what better way to fill that time than watching some of the best fan documentaries ever made to get yourself in the spirit?
With that in mind, here are our top three picks for the best fan documentaries to watch ahead of Euro 2024…
The best fan documentaries to watch ahead of Euro 2024
Contents
3. One Night in Turin
Year released: 2010
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
While the main focus of this documentary is the Three Lions' performance at the 1990 World Cup, which saw England reach the semi-finals, the wider social context and the behaviour of fans is also an important aspect of the documentary.
Gary Lineker's goals, Paul Gascoigne crying on the pitch, One Night in Turin features some of the most iconic moments from England's past all in one piece. However, the reason it makes this list, as alluded to, is its portrayal of England fan culture.
The documentary uses real, authentic footage from Pete Davies, which highlights both the very best and the very worst of supporters from this country. Throughout the competition, fans clashed with the Italian police, who, it must be said, adopted an incredibly harsh approach to all Three Lions supporters.
At the time, England fans had a terrible reputation across Europe with hooligan culture rife in the country, which led to Italian police officers, in some cases, arresting supporters simply for wearing England shirts.
It is not the most professional documentary ever made, but if you want a reminder of just how far we, as England fans, have come since the dark days of football hooliganism and want to relive the magic of Italia 90′ at the same time, then this is the film for you.
2. Inside Borussia Dortmund
The Yellow Wall 🤯 pic.twitter.com/8ocqYVuIeR
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) June 1, 2024
Year released: 2019
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
In a similar fashion to ‘One Night in Turin'. fans are not the main focus of ‘Inside Borussia Dortmund', but they are a huge part of it nevertheless.
The documentary is a four-part series that is reminiscent of the ‘All or Nothing' pieces we have seen Amazon produce on teams like Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham in England. So, as is the case with all three of those, the team is the main focus of this film.
But, littered throughout the documentary are pieces on the famous fanbase of the club. Sequences on the ‘Yellow Wall' are plenty and provide an excellent insight into fan culture at Dortmund – something which can largely be extrapolated to the entirety of Germany.
Given that Euro 2o24 is, of course, hosted in the country, now is the perfect time to watch ‘Inside Borussia Dortmund' if you haven't already and take notes on German fan culture – it truly is one of the best in the entire world.
Just be sure to turn on those subtitles!
1. This is football
Year released: 2019
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
It is easy to get caught up in the emotion of football, especially during a major international tournament when tensions are perhaps at their most intense. However, we must remember that football is much more than just a sport, it is a tool for societal change and progression. ‘This is Football' showcases that perfectly.
A six-part series, each focusing on different impacts football has had on the world, the documentary demonstrates how the sport has improved the lives of millions of fans across the globe. From exploring how anything is possible and the ways in which this has inspired many, to the incredible amount of pride and self-worth that comes from supporting your national team – ‘This is Football' truly has it all.
Released in 2019 as a mini television series, it was well-received by consumers and critics alike, with the Guardian's Barney Rondy stating that “It really is worth a watch.” If you are someone who is interested in the wider impact football has on fans globally, something which is amplified at major tournaments such as Euro 2024, this is definitely the pick for you.
That wraps up our list of the best fan documentaries to watch ahead of Euro 2024, all three of which are excellent starting points to get yourself in the mood for the tournament with 14 June quickly approaching.