Films and Documentaries About Michael Jordan You Might Have Missed After *The Last Dance*

Michael Jordan’s cultural resurgence following the release of *The Last Dance* in 2020 sparked renewed global interest in his life and legacy. While the docuseries provided an in-depth chronicle of his journey with the Chicago Bulls, it left many fans wanting more. Since then, a wealth of additional films, interviews and documentaries have emerged, offering new perspectives on the man behind the legend. This article explores those lesser-known but equally compelling works that have surfaced up to February 2025.

Beyond the Game: Post-*The Last Dance* Films

One of the most critically acclaimed follow-ups is the 2023 film *Air*, directed by Ben Affleck. The movie tells the origin story of the Air Jordan brand, focusing not on Michael himself but on Nike’s pursuit to sign him as a rookie. With Matt Damon portraying Sonny Vaccaro and Affleck as Phil Knight, the film offers unique insight into the commercial side of Jordan’s legacy. It premiered to enthusiastic reviews at SXSW and was later acquired by Amazon Studios for worldwide distribution.

Another standout is *Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty*, which, while not directly about Jordan, provides vital context on the NBA landscape during the 1980s. The show, streamed via HBO Max, allows viewers to appreciate how Jordan redefined success in an already star-studded league. Jordan’s later rivalry with Magic Johnson and the Lakers is framed with more depth thanks to this narrative.

Jordan also features indirectly in *The Redeem Team* (2022), a Netflix documentary about the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team. Though he was not on the squad, his influence on players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James is heavily emphasised, highlighting how Jordan’s mindset shaped the next generation of basketball excellence.

Streaming Platforms Expanding the Archive

ESPN+, YouTube Originals, and Prime Video have significantly expanded their libraries with Jordan-related content since 2020. One gem on ESPN+ is the *More Than an Athlete* series, where peers like Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley share unfiltered reflections on Jordan’s competitive nature and leadership style. These discussions go beyond the court, focusing on his approach to business and personal discipline.

On YouTube, several verified creators and sports channels have produced long-form retrospectives on Jordan’s college years, Wizards comeback, and Hall of Fame speeches. These pieces often combine archival footage with fresh narration and have collectively gained millions of views. They’re particularly popular among younger audiences discovering MJ anew.

Amazon Prime also hosts a documentary titled *Jordan Rises Again* (2024), which explores the renewed relevance of Jordan’s values in modern sports leadership. Featuring interviews with contemporary athletes, the documentary underscores the timeless impact of Jordan’s mentality on performance psychology and brand-building.

Rare Interviews and Podcast Appearances

Though famously private, Michael Jordan has granted several rare interviews in the years following *The Last Dance*. A standout is his 2022 appearance on *The Dream Team Tapes* podcast, where he revisits the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Here, Jordan addresses long-standing rumours about Isaiah Thomas’s exclusion from the team, offering frank and reflective insights.

He also contributed to ESPN’s *30 for 30* podcast episode titled *Legacy Load*, which examines how athletes balance personal brand and team loyalty. Jordan’s voice appears alongside other NBA legends in a candid roundtable discussion recorded in early 2023. The tone is introspective, and his commentary adds richness to ongoing debates about athlete responsibility.

One of the most unexpected gems came in 2024, when Jordan participated anonymously in an episode of the *Smartless* podcast, later revealing his identity in the closing minutes. The light-hearted tone and banter with hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes showed a rarely seen side of MJ—relaxed, humorous, and unguarded.

Insights from the People Around Him

Many recent documentaries feature voices from Jordan’s inner circle. The 2023 YouTube series *Inside the Jumpman* includes interviews with his former personal security, long-time agent David Falk, and his siblings. Their collective accounts offer an intimate look at how Jordan navigated fame, competition, and personal challenges.

On Showtime, the mini-series *MJ: Off the Record* explores his ventures in NASCAR, the Charlotte Hornets ownership, and his philanthropic work in underfunded American communities. This angle helps viewers see Jordan as more than a sports icon—he’s a complex business figure and community advocate.

Perhaps the most touching is a short film from the NBA Foundation titled *Give Back Like Mike* (2024), which profiles the impact of the $100 million Jordan pledged to racial equality initiatives. It features beneficiaries and community organisers sharing their stories, tying Jordan’s legacy not just to basketball, but to social change.

How His Legacy Continues to Evolve

Michael Jordan’s legacy is no longer confined to six NBA championships or his jump shot. The post-*Last Dance* era has seen his influence expand into education, fashion, politics, and digital media. Documentaries now capture this evolution in real-time, revealing layers that were only briefly touched on in the original series.

The emergence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rights in college sports in 2021 sparked discussions where Jordan’s early brand deals are often cited as precursors. His model is being studied in university business courses, some of which now include Jordan as a case study. This adds academic weight to his cultural relevance.

Finally, in the metaverse and AI space, Jordan’s likeness has been licensed for various virtual experiences. From NBA 2K avatars to interactive museum-style walkthroughs of his career, these innovations keep his story accessible for new generations while preserving his status as the ultimate benchmark of greatness.

The Ongoing Demand for Michael Jordan Content

The continued production of content about Michael Jordan points to an unyielding appetite for his story. From film studios and streaming giants to podcast hosts and YouTube creators, everyone seems eager to contribute a new angle. Each work adds dimension, reframing Jordan not only as a historical figure, but as a living brand and inspiration.

What distinguishes post-*Last Dance* content is the maturity of tone and thematic expansion. It’s less about highlight reels and more about character exploration. Audiences now want to understand his decisions, relationships, and personal philosophies—not just his stats.

As of February 2025, there is no indication that interest in Michael Jordan will wane. If anything, the evolving digital landscape ensures that more stories will surface, each deepening the understanding of why MJ remains, for many, the GOAT.