Every four years for the past few decades, the best athletes from around the world come together to compete for a gold medal at the Olympic Games. The thrilling games never fail to evoke a sense of togetherness. Some filmmakers have managed to capture those feelings on cinema. Here is a list of movies based on and around the biggest sporting event ever held, which you can watch to get in the spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics!
The Greatest (1977)
Directed by Tom Gries and Monte Hellman, The Greatest tells the story of Muhammad Ali, the remarkable boxer who was at the top of his game in the 20th century. Ali plays himself in this biopic, which traces his tumultuous journey from winning the 1960 Olympic gold medal to the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight with champion boxer George Foreman.
In addition to the sport, the story also depicts the boxer’s personal struggles, including the prejudice he faced after converting to Islam and the legal battles he fought to avoid fighting in Vietnam.
Although this story is glorified, it is still interesting and provides an insight into the life and mind of one of the greatest players of all time.
Miracle (2004)
If you are looking for a sports movie with a satisfying and uplifting ending, then Miracle is for you! There may be many good sports movies, but what makes Miracle special is that it tells the story of the US men’s hockey team’s historic victory over Russia at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
An inspirational film that focuses on resilience, team spirit and most importantly the journey of coach Herb Brooks (played by Kurt Russell). Miracle will surely create a national spirit and promote the love for sports and sportsmanship. One of the most watched films of Russell’s career.
Top Spin (2014)
Top Spin highlights table tennis, a sport that is often seen as an Olympic sport. The spirit of competition is intertwined with friendship, telling a beautiful tale of three teenagers, Michael Landers, Ariel Hsing, and Lily Zhang.
Hsing and Zhang are best friends who have to compete against each other but that doesn’t diminish their friendship. It also highlights how much support athletes get from their teammates despite competing under high pressure and tough competition.
Foxcatcher (2014)
One of the most heartbreaking sports films about the downfall of an athlete. Directed by Bennett Miller, Foxcatcher tells the story of millionaire John E. du Pont (Steve Carell), whose fascination with 1984 Olympic gold medal-winning brothers David (Mark Ruffalo) and Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) leads him to recruit David to train the wrestlers on his team.
The young champions thought this was a great opportunity to live a better lifestyle. Unfortunately, the arrangement takes a harsh turn that ends with the tragic murder of David Schultz.
Carell played the icy and erratic du Pont well, and the role also marked his transition from comedic to dramatic roles, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Olympia (1938)
The Olympic Games were held in Berlin in 1936 and this highly controversial film aimed to glorify German greatness and use it as propaganda for the Nazi party. However, the international sporting event that year was dominated by non-Aryan athletes, including black American sprinter Jesse Owens, who broke several records.
In terms of cinematic depiction, director Leni Riefenstahl incorporated several filming techniques that had never been used in the history of documentaries, including slow motion, underwater shooting, and tracking shots.
Cool Runnings (1993)
Despite a lack of resources, the Jamaican bobsled team recruits a former US sliding champion to train for the Winter Olympics. The story follows four eager young athletes who overcome all obstacles to compete in the Olympics.
Although they do not win the competition, their resilience, hard work and passion are inspiring. Moreover, it highlights the true spirit of sportsmanship which is more about persistence than glory. The film is based on the true story of Jamaican sprinter Darius Bannock, who lost his chance at the Olympics after missing the trial round.
Race (2016)
The film is based on Jesse Owens, one of the best American field athletes of all time. He broke many records and won the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. This victory not only created sports history but also challenged Nazi propaganda.
German officials conspired to use the event as a means to glorify their country’s greatness, with the controversial 1938 documentary Olympia being one such attempt. However, their plans were completely foiled by Owens’ stunning victory. Owens’ story is beautifully told in the race, brought to life by actor Stephen James.
Munich (2005)
Steven Spielberg’s classic film is inspired by the true story of the infamous attack on the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich. The extremist group Black September attacked the Israeli Olympic team, killing 11 athletes.
The film was critically acclaimed for its emotional and thrilling portrayal of the tragic incident.
I, Tonya (2018)
Directed by Margot Robbie, this film depicts the complicated life of ice skater Tonya Harding. Coming from a broken family and a hard-hearted mother, this athlete breaks into this elite sport through her raw talent and athletic ability. This critically acclaimed film is based on the true story of Tonya Harding. However, some creative elements have been added to it that turn it into an entertaining dark comedy.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
One of the most popular films based on the lives of Olympians, Chariots of Fire tells the story of two British runners at the 1924 Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), being a devout Christian, refuses to take part in the 100-meter race he has been training for and switches places with another athlete who was set to compete in the 400-meter race.
Despite the bigger target than expected, with great perseverance, Liddell defeated the favorite American runner and brought home the trophy. This story is a true example of striving for excellence, no matter how difficult the challenge.
