Netflix is currently streaming two powerful documentaries that examine the rise, fall, and complex legacy of Lance Armstrong, one of the most controversial athletes in modern sports. These films present an in-depth look at the cyclist’s triumphs, struggles, and the scandals that ultimately reshaped public perception of his career.
“Lance” (2020) is a two-part documentary that delivers a thorough and personal portrayal of Armstrong’s journey. It charts his early beginnings and rapid rise in the world of professional cycling, highlighting his remarkable accomplishments, including seven consecutive Tour de France victories. A major focus of the film is Armstrong’s battle with cancer and his remarkable recovery, which once made him a global symbol of resilience and determination. However, the film also explores the darker chapters of his story—his involvement in a widespread doping scheme that shattered his image as a sports hero.
What makes “Lance” particularly compelling is its candid storytelling. The documentary includes interviews with Armstrong himself, offering raw and often self-reflective insights into his choices and the consequences of his actions. Viewers also hear from former teammates, journalists, and critics who have closely followed his career. This balanced approach presents a full picture of Armstrong—not just as a disgraced athlete but also as a complex individual who achieved greatness while simultaneously engaging in deceit. The documentary avoids painting him as purely a villain or a victim, instead portraying a man whose ambition drove both his success and his downfall.
“The Armstrong Lie” (2013) takes a different but equally engaging approach. Directed by Alex Gibney, the film was originally intended to chronicle Armstrong’s unexpected comeback to cycling in 2009. However, after Armstrong’s fall from grace due to the revelation of his long-term use of performance-enhancing drugs, the direction of the documentary changed significantly. It evolved into an investigative piece that dissects the scandal that rocked the sports world and led to Armstrong being stripped of his titles.
“The Armstrong Lie” provides a more journalistic perspective, digging into the intricate web of deception that Armstrong built over the years. Gibney, who had extensive access to Armstrong during the filming, offers behind-the-scenes footage and a firsthand account of the unraveling story. The film contrasts Armstrong’s charm and charisma with the layers of dishonesty he maintained, showing how he manipulated the media, his fans, and even those closest to him. By revealing how the truth came to light, the documentary presents a gripping account of one of the biggest sports scandals in history.
Together, these two documentaries offer a comprehensive view of Armstrong’s life and legacy. They explore the duality of his persona—the inspiring survivor and determined champion, and the deceptive figure who orchestrated one of the most elaborate doping schemes in professional sports. Through intimate interviews, archival footage, and investigative reporting, viewers are given the tools to understand not only what happened but why it mattered.
Both films also serve as broader reflections on the nature of fame, the pressure to succeed, and the moral compromises that sometimes accompany ambition. Armstrong’s story is not just about cycling or cheating—it’s about the human capacity for reinvention, denial, and eventual reckoning. His public disgrace serves as a cautionary tale about how far someone might go to preserve an image, and what is lost when that image inevitably collapses.
For fans of sports, these documentaries are essential viewing. But even for those with no particular interest in cycling, the story of Lance Armstrong remains deeply compelling. His life touches on universal themes such as perseverance, ego, redemption, and the cost of deceit. The films challenge viewers to grapple with questions about forgiveness, accountability, and the gray areas that often lie between heroism and wrongdoing.
Available now on Netflix, “Lance” and “The Armstrong Lie” offer a rich and thought-provoking look at one of the most fascinating figures in recent sports history. Whether you’re seeking a personal portrait or a hard-hitting exposé, these documentaries provide a gripping exploration of a man who once stood at the pinnacle of athletic achievement—and fell just as spectacularly.
