Now Streaming: Netflix Unveils The Underdog — A Powerful Documentary on Wrexham’s Legendary Coach Phil Parkinson, Celebrated as the Greatest in Club History. Witness His Grit, Glory, and the Unbreakable Spirit That Transformed Wrexham Into a Global Football Fairytale.
Netflix continues its streak of groundbreaking sports storytelling with The Underdog, an emotional and inspiring documentary chronicling the rise of Phil Parkinson, the man widely hailed as the greatest Wrexham AFC coach of all time. This gripping film delves deep into the journey of a manager who turned doubt into belief, and belief into legacy—one season, one challenge, and one win at a time.
The documentary opens with a powerful montage of Wrexham’s past—grainy footage of underdog battles, heartbreaking defeats, and the echo of a once-proud club nearly lost to history. Then comes Parkinson, stepping into the picture in 2021 amid a whirlwind of renewed hope and Hollywood headlines, as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club with a vision to revive it. But The Underdog makes it clear from the outset: this is not just a story of celebrity ownership. It’s the story of the man on the touchline, the strategist, motivator, and quiet architect of a football renaissance.
Phil Parkinson arrived at Wrexham with experience, but little fanfare. His hiring was met with cautious optimism, but few could have predicted the cultural shift he would engineer. Through a mix of disciplined tactics, heartfelt man-management, and a relentless belief in his squad, Parkinson transformed a National League team into a side capable of competing on the global stage.
The documentary skillfully juxtaposes behind-the-scenes footage with intimate interviews, not only with Parkinson himself, but also with players, fans, club staff, and the owners. These personal insights paint a vivid portrait of a leader who demands excellence but earns loyalty—not through ego, but through authenticity. “He made us believe again,” says Wrexham captain Ben Tozer in one emotional scene. “He made us feel like giants, even when no one else did.”
The Underdog follows the key moments that defined Parkinson’s era: the near-promotion heartbreaks, the FA Cup runs, the tactical masterclasses against stronger teams, and finally, the triumphant 2022–23 season, when Wrexham finally secured promotion back to the Football League after 15 years. The moment is captured with raw emotion—players in tears, fans storming the pitch, and Parkinson standing calmly on the sidelines, overwhelmed but composed, as if absorbing the weight of an entire town’s dream finally realized.
Beyond the football, the documentary is a powerful exploration of community. Wrexham, a working-class Welsh town with proud roots and a resilient spirit, is as much a character in the film as any player or coach. Parkinson’s bond with the community is palpable—his respect for the fans, his understanding of the club’s heritage, and his role in mending the connection between the stands and the dressing room. Whether he’s greeting fans outside the stadium or giving a pep talk in the locker room, Parkinson comes across as a man deeply aligned with the values of the people he represents.
Netflix’s production team deserves credit for the documentary’s cinematic depth. The visual storytelling is rich and dynamic—from slow-motion shots of critical goals to soaring aerial views of the Racecourse Ground packed with red and white. The score underlines the emotional beats with elegance, swelling at the right moments and fading to silence when Parkinson’s voice alone is enough.
Critics and fans alike have already started calling The Underdog one of the finest football documentaries of the decade. It’s not just a story of wins and losses; it’s about resilience, leadership, and how one man can galvanize an entire institution. While Reynolds and McElhenney gave Wrexham the spotlight, it was Parkinson who ensured the club was ready to shine in it.
In a particularly poignant segment toward the film’s end, Parkinson reflects on his journey with humility. “I’ve had highs and lows in this game,” he says. “But Wrexham—it’s different. It’s not just football here. It’s family. And when you wear that badge, it means something. You’re fighting for more than just a result. You’re fighting for everyone who still believes.”
That sentiment sums up The Underdog perfectly. It’s not just a documentary—it’s a tribute to the heart and soul of football, embodied by a coach who never stopped fighting for belief, and in turn, earned eternal respect.
Whether you’re a die-hard Wrexham supporter or a newcomer to the sport, The Underdog is essential viewing. It’s an emotional, thrilling, and deeply human portrait of how the right leader, in the right place, at the right time, can change everything.
Rating: ★★★★★
Streaming now on Netflix