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The Best That Never Was poster

FILM

The Best That Never Was (2010)

Film · 2010 · 102 min · Documentary

He could outrun everything except expectations

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.

Directed by Jonathan Hock

Starring Marcus Dupree, Barry Switzer, Peter Jennings, Bryant Gumbel

When and where to watch in the United States

From TMDB release dates and JustWatch offers, as listed on 17 October 2026. Both change often; a missing date or offer means none is listed yet.

Release dates in the United States

In cinemas9 November 2010
Digital releaseNo date listed
Physical releaseNo date listed
First cinema release anywhere9 November 2010 (the United States)

Dates come from TMDB and can change. The digital date is the first rental, purchase or streaming date and does not confirm a launch on a particular service; the physical date does not confirm a Blu-ray or 4K edition. Both are often added closer to release.

Release dates in 1 other country
CountryDigital
France17 Dec 2021

Every release in the United States this month · digital · physical

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