From Underdogs to Champions, Celebrate the Olympic Spirit with These Inspiring and Thrilling Films
When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with the Olympics. Like, OBSESSED. I insisted on having an Olympic-themed birthday party to coincide with the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games. My friends and I competed in silly competitions and relay races and received plastic medals. My birthday cake was shaped and decorated like a stadium, with a Starburst-and-frosting podium in its center. Particularly fascinated with/inspired by Dominique Dawes and Kerri Strug, I begged my parents to let me try gymnastics. I had one lesson at the local Y before the coach quit because the gym was "too hot." In her defense, southern summers are pretty miserable.
I never made it to any podiums—let's be honest, I'd be surprised if I could even do a summersault—but I've always loved watching the games. Who knew badminton or table tennis could be so exhilarating? Why would anyone invent a sport where participants willingly slide down a 120 m, or nearly 400 ft, hill and launch themselves into the air? With skis strapped to their feet? Can someone please explain race walking?
So, to commemorate Olympic Fever, I wanted to round up ten great films representing the Olympic spirit. This listicle contains plenty of underdog stories, dramatic accounts, and the first documentary about the Olympics (with its own storied history).
Do you prefer the Winter Games or the Summer Games? Let me know your favorite events! Besides gymnastics and swimming, I prefer the Winter Games over the Summer Games. My favorite Olympic-themed movie is Cool Runnings!
Olympia (1938)
Commissioned to make a propaganda film about the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany, director Leni Riefenstahl created a celebration of the human form. This first half of her two-part film opens with a renowned introduction that compares modern Olympians to classical Greek heroes. The production then provides thrilling in-the-moment coverage of some of the games' most celebrated moments, including African-American athlete Jesse Owens winning an unprecedented four gold medals.
Director & Writer: Leni Riefenstahl
Featuring: Jesse Owens
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | YouTube
Why It's Essential: This groundbreaking documentary about the 1936 Berlin Olympics, directed by Leni Riefenstahl, one of the earliest female filmmakers, is celebrated for its innovative cinematography, which includes the extensive use of tracking shots, aerial footage, and inventive camera angles. Despite its controversial origins due to its association with the Nazi regime, the film remains a significant and influential piece of film history, showcasing Riefenstahl's pioneering techniques and contributions to the art of documentary filmmaking.
DYK? The famous dissolve in the Prologue—a gradual transition from the Classical Greek statue of the Discus Thrower of Myron to a real athlete— was achieved by placing Erwin Huber behind a glass pane overlayed with the outline of the statue. A German decathlon champion, Huber was chosen because he had almost the exact proportions of the sculpture.
Downhill Racer (1969)
Smug and overly self-assured downhill skier David Chappellet joins the American ski team and quickly makes waves with his arrogant behavior and even flashier maneuvers on the slopes. He falls into conflict with the team's coach and develops a rivalry between David and Johnny Creech, the man who is considered the team's best skier. Both push themselves and each other in a race to the Olympic Games.
Director: Michael Ritchie
Writers: James Salter & Oakley Hall
Starring: Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Camilla Sparv, Karl Michael Vogler, Jim McMullan & Dabney Coleman
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Why It's Essential: Downhill Racer offers a gritty and authentic portrayal of the world of competitive skiing, emphasizing professional athletes' intense pressures and challenges. Its focus on the technical aspects of skiing and the dedication required to succeed provides an immersive experience for viewers.
DYK? Downhill Racer was Sylvester Stallone's feature film debut; he played a restaurant patron.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias but neglects his beloved sweetheart, Sybil, in his single-minded quest.
Director: Hugh Hudson
Writer: Colin Welland
Starring: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Ian Holm, Lindsay Anderson, John Gielgud, Cheryl Campbell & Alice Krige
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Why It's Essential: This classic film is considered essential due to its captivating portrayal of the true story of two British athletes during the 1924 Olympics. The movie beautifully showcases themes of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of glory, making it a timeless classic. Notably, it clinched four Academy Awards, including the esteemed Best Picture accolade.
DYK? Despite receiving a standing ovation at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival, Chariots of Fire faced harsh criticism from French critics who were offended by the movie's portrayal of the French. To counteract this negative response and protect its international distribution, Roger Ebert urged American critics to award the film the "American Critics Prize," which they did with a 6-5 vote. This was the only time in the festival's history that this award had been given.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Based on a true story, four Jamaican athletes go to extremes to compete as bobsled racers at the 1988 Winter Olympics. With virtually no clue about winter sports, it's an uphill course for this troupe from the tropics as they go for gold in Canada. After enlisting some professional help, it's now up to a reluctant ex-champion American slider to bring a team of complete novices up to Olympic speed.
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Writers: Lynn Siefert, Tommy Swerdlow & Michael Goldberg
Starring: John Candy, Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, Raymond J. Barry & Larry Gilman
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Disney+
Why It's Essential: Cool Runnings is a heartwarming and comedic underdog tale based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team. It emphasizes determination and teamwork. The Jamaican squad exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of working together to achieve their goals through their resilience and cooperation.
DYK? In 1993, Cool Runnings was Walt Disney Pictures' highest-grossing live-action film. Against an estimated $14,000,000 budget, the film earned $68,856,263 in North America and $154,856,263 worldwide.
Without Limits (1998)
Before Steve Prefontaine makes it to the 1972 Olympics in Munich, he is an unlikely track star at the University of Oregon. Steve develops a strong bond with coach Bill Bowerman after initially clashing over his front-running style—running the race at maximum speed from beginning to end. Steve also has a profound effect on a beautiful co-ed named Mary, who becomes the object of his affection.
Director: Robert Towne
Writers: Robert Towne & Kenny Moore
Starring: Billy Crudup, Donald Sutherland, Monica Potter, Jeremy Sisto, Judith Ivey, Matthew Lillard & William Mapother
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Tubi
Why It's Essential: This biographical film provides an in-depth portrayal of the remarkable life of Steve Prefontaine, a celebrated long-distance runner. It delves into his journey to the 1972 Munich Olympics, shedding light on his unwavering determination, fierce competitiveness, and relentless drive to succeed in the face of formidable challenges.
DYK? Producer Tom Cruise initially considered playing Steve Prefontaine but decided against it, citing that he was too old for the part.
Miracle (2004)
When college coach Herb Brooks is hired to helm the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team, he brings a unique and bold style to the ice. After assembling a team of hot-headed college all-stars (who are humiliated in an early match), Brooks unites his squad against a common foe: the heavily favored Soviet team. As the U.S. squad tries to overcome impossible odds and win the gold medal, the group becomes a microcosm of American patriotism during the Cold War.
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Writer: Eric Guggenheim
Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann, Kenneth Welsh, Eddie Cahill, Patrick O'Brien Demsey, Michael Mantenuto & Nathan West
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Disney+
Why It's Essential: Chronicling the remarkable and historic upset of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's improbable victory over the Soviet Union, "Miracle" is a thrilling and patriotic sports drama. Led by Coach Herb Brooks, the underdog team's determination and resilience are captured in this exciting sports drama. Kurt Russell delivers a standout performance in his portrayal of Coach Brooks, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.
DYK? More than 4,000 men auditioned for only twenty roles on the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team in the movie. One of the actors cast was Billy Schneider, who played his real-life father, Buzz Schneider of Team USA.
Foxcatcher (2014)
When wealthy John du Pont invites Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz to move to his estate and help form a wrestling team for the 1988 Olympics, Mark sees a way to step out of the shadow of his charismatic brother, Dave. However, du Pont begins to lead Mark down a dark road, causing the athlete's self-esteem to slip. Meanwhile, du Pont becomes fixated on bringing Dave into the fold, eventually propelling all three toward an unforeseen tragedy.
Director: Bennett Miller
Writer: E. Max Frye & Dan Futterman
Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum & Mark Ruffalo
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Why It's Essential: This intense psychological drama delves into the tragic true story of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz and his complex relationship with wealthy sponsor John du Pont. Channing Tatum plays Mark Schultz, who grapples with his inner demons while navigating du Pont's increasingly manipulative and ominous influence, portrayed by a haunting and powerful performance from Steve Carell.
DYK? Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo would film all day and then go to intense wrestling practice. They were so exhausted by the end of the shoot that Tatum and Ruffalo cried after their final practice.
Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Cut from the Olympic ski team, British athlete Michael "Eddie" Edwards travels to Germany to test his skills at ski jumping. Fate leads him to Bronson Peary, a former ski jumper working as a snowplow driver. Impressed by Edwards' spirit and determination, Peary agrees to train the young underdog. Despite an entire nation counting him out, Eddie's never-say-die attitude takes him all the way to a historic and improbable showing at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta.
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Writers: Simon Kelton & Sean Macaulay
Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Iris Berben & Jim Broadbent
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | Max
Why It's Essential: The film provides an in-depth look into the extraordinary and unlikely journey of British ski jumper Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards. Despite many challenges, his determination and spirit inspired people around the world during the 1988 Winter Olympics. The story showcases Eddie's pursuit of his dreams and the impact of his journey on millions of people.
DYK? According to the film, when Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards competed at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics for Great Britain in ski-jumping, Britain had not had a ski jumper since 1929.
Race (2016)
Young Jesse Owens becomes a track and field sensation while attending the Ohio State University in the early 1930s. With guidance from coach Larry Snyder, Owens gains national recognition for breaking numerous records. After heated debates, the United States decided not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany. Overcoming racism at home and abroad, Owens seizes the opportunity to show Berlin and the world that he's the fastest man alive.
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Writers: Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse
Starring: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, Carice van Houten & William Hurt
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Netflix | YouTube
Why It's Essential: This biographical sports drama about Jesse Owens shows how he overcame racial discrimination to become a successful track and field athlete. The film focuses on his incredible performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals despite the challenges of Nazi Germany. Through Owens' story, the movie delivers a powerful message about courage, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in tough times.
DYK? Very little historical information is known about track and field coach Larry Snyder. To develop his character, Jason Sudeikis took inspiration from Gene Hackman in Hoosiers (1986) and Kevin Costner in Bull Durham (1988).
I, Tonya (2017)
In 1991, talented figure skater Tonya Harding became the first American woman to complete a triple axel during a competition. In 1994, her world came crashing down when her ex-husband conspired to injure Nancy Kerrigan, a fellow Olympic hopeful, in a poorly conceived attack that forced the young woman to withdraw from the national championship. Harding's life and legacy instantly become tarnished as she's forever associated with one of the most infamous scandals in sports history.
Director: Craig Gillespie
Writer: Steven Rogers
Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Caitlin Carver, Paul Walter Hauser & Bobby Cannavale
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | Max
Why It's Essential: This darkly comedic biopic explores the life of figure skater Tonya Harding and the infamous attack on her rival, Nancy Kerrigan. It offers a nuanced and gripping exploration of the intense pressures and challenges that come with competitive sports, providing a captivating portrayal of the events and their impact on the individuals involved.
DYK? Although Margot Robbie trained extensively for the role, she could not perform a triple axel, nor could a skating double be found to do so. Because of its difficulty, very few female figure skaters can actually complete a triple axel, so the shot was achieved with visual effects. Of the stunt, producer Tom Ackerly said, "There have been only six women since Tonya Harding who has done a triple axel, even if there was one who was doing it today, she'd be training for the Olympics and couldn't risk doing it for the film."
These films not only capture the excitement and drama of the Olympics but also share the personal stories and historical contexts that make the games so compelling. They are a must-see for both film enthusiasts and sports fans. Happy watching!
P.S. Don't forget to share your favorite Olympic-themed movie in the comment section below!
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