Every two years we are rewarded with a new Olympic Games constitution. Whether it’s summer or winter, we can expect a host of amazing and inspiring stories from athletes around the world as they build their countries and compete for the gold medal. These stories are so captivating that they deserve a cinematic recreation, with rarely mythical results. Over the years, many films have emerged from the Olympics, but a few have stood out above the rest. From dramatic feature films to iconic documentaries, these respected stories have recreated and immortalized the momentary magic we witnessed during the historic event. It’s an incredible feat to accomplish and this list aims to honor the most productive of the most productive.
Below you will find what I consider to be the 20 most important Olympic films ever made. Throughout this journey, you’ll not only get to know some of the most compelling sports stories in cinema, but you’ll also observe journeys you’ve never experienced and athletes you’ve never heard of. If you’re new to the genre, or even an expert, this list can serve as a roundup of the most important cinematic moments in Olympic history.
Before we get into the official rankings, let’s go over what you can expect to find on this list. While some fictional stories are combined here, the narrative features largely concentrate on true stories of some of the most outstanding athletes of our time (or at least were encouraged by real-life athletes). By way of article, the most prominent athletes are Jim Thorpe (the first Native American to win a pass medal for the United States), Steve Prefontaine (who set American records in the 1970s), and Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams (runners who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics). For documentaries, the most prominent athletes are Michael Phelps (a swimmer who holds the all-time record for most medals approved), Tommie Smith and John Carlos (runners known for their iconic protest at the 1968 Mexico Olympics) and Kevin Pearce (a snowboarder who suffered a career-ending injury).
Dozens of countries are represented on this list, whether from a narrative or directorial perspective. It is not surprising, given that Hollywood produced many of these films, that the United States is represented the most. But also find plenty of stories from other countries, including a top-notch winning film focused on Britain, a respected documentary about a water polo match between Hungary and the Soviet Union, and a standout comedy about a Jamaican bobsleigh team, as well as feature films. . made through filmmakers from Japan, Germany, France and Russia (as well as several other countries).
Although Olympic films fail to achieve box office success, there have been a handful of winners. The highest-grossing Olympic film of all time is the family film Cool Runnings, with an international gross of $154. 8 million, narrowly surpassing the $145. 7 million of the absurd comedy Blades of Glory. However, when it comes to domestic gross receipts, Chariots of Fire holds the record. Although its $58. 9 million gross doesn’t match Blades of Glory’s $118. 5 million revenue, when adjusted for inflation, it generally jumps to $198. 7 million. Other highest-grossing films include Miracle ($64. 4 million internationally), I, Tonya ($53. 9 million) and The Cutting Edge ($25. 1 million).
And now the ranking. Below I have compiled 20 films, ten of which are narrative feature films and ten documentaries. These two categories will disappear one by one as we get closer to the number 1 movies. This way, you will get a wide variety of Olympic movies that can satisfy your tastes at any time. These ratings are based solely on my personal taste, taking into account some ancient meaning. So, without further ado, let’s rank the Olympic movies of all time.
You did it. You have reached the peak of your sports career. You’re at the starting line of the race track, the center line of the hockey rink, or the starting block of the pool. Apparently, that’s the height. But mentally, it’s also too much for many athletes. Consider the 2020 documentary The Weight of Gold, which features candid interviews with notable Olympic athletes such as Michael Phelps, Lolo Jones and Shaun White. Directed by Brett Rapkin, this collage of non-public stories offers a candid look at the anxiety, depression, and immense stress that world-class athletes face in their pursuit of success. This raw and fair portrait of the overlooked mental toll of sport makes for a moving and must-watch for sports enthusiasts. Olympic Games.
Here you can stream The Weight of Gold.
While it’s tempting to think of Cool Runnings as nothing more than a comedy (and indeed it’s a very funny and entertaining movie), the movie is at its core a story of natural determination and unwavering spirit. This beloved film tells the true story of the first Jamaican bobsleigh team to compete in the Winter Olympics. A captivating comedy-drama directed by Jon Turteltaub, who has provided us with other family films such as National Treasure and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, the film stars John Candy as the disgraced coach who leads the team, along with Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, and Malik. Yoba plays brave sleds. An entertaining mix of humor and center, Cool Runnings has been hailed for its feel-good story and has become a beloved family family by unabashedly and sincerely embracing the strength of perseverance and teamwork.
Here you can stream Cool Runnings.
In the midst of the Hungarian Revolution, water polo matches opposed to the Soviet Union have become an obligatory and obligatory symbol of national defiance and pride. Produced by Hollywood heavyweights such as Quentin Tarantino and Lucy Liu, Freedom’s Fury captures this historic and dramatic occasion that is known as the “Blood in the Water” attack, when the match temporarily turned ugly. This gripping documentary about a largely time-lost history was directed by Colin Keith Gray and Megan Raney Aarons, and features revealing interviews with players and historians, losing sight of the intense political climate that loomed over the head and all the emotional issues involved. The film proved that war movies can be approached in many other ways, as Freedom’s Fury was praised for its captivating depiction of how the game can intersect, shine, and bring catharsis to global conflicts.
Here you can stream Freedom’s Fury.
A sequel to the 1944 film National Velvet, starring Elizabeth Taylor as a woman named Velvet Brown who trains her raucous horse for the English Grand National race, International Velvet ups the stakes when Velvet’s niece, Sarah, inherits her aunt’s horse and dreams of being a member of the group. British Olympic team. Directed by Bryan Forbes, this equine-themed film stars Tatum O’Neal (who starred with his father Ryan O’Neal in Paper Moon), Christopher Plummer, and Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins. While the film has earned mixed reviews, it is still a straightforward film. and an encouraging look at how ambition and perseverance can lead him to honor his family’s legacy. The solid performances of its trio of tough actors make it a memorable watch.
Here you can stream International Velvet.
The 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City were full of politically charged moments and unforgettable stories, but most importantly was the resilience shown through John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Against a backdrop of global upheaval, director George Roy’s documentary Fists of Freedom: The Story of the ’68 Summer Games explores the harsh protest of those two mythical track and field and boxing athletes as they each boldly raised their fists on the medal podium, symbolizing the civil rights struggle that was gripping their country (and the rest of the world along the way). at that time. Through interviews with Smith, Carlos, and other key figures, such as boxer George Foreman and activist Dr. Harry Edwards, as well as archival footage, the film examines the immortal intersection of play and politics.
Here you can stream Fists of Freedom: The Story of the 1968 Summer Games.
Sports videos are inspiring because they recreate real events in a dramatized way. But, as The Cutting Edge has shown, rarely is the strength of fictional storytelling (intimate, unpretentious, and downright captivating in its presentation) all that is needed to capture the force of play. One of my favorite videos in development, this Paul Michael Glaser-directed romance stars Moira Kelly as Kate Moseley, a world-class prima donna figure skater who can’t find the right skater spouse for the 1992 Winter Olympics, and D. B. Sweeney as Doug Dorsey, the pragmatic captain of the United States ice hockey team who is forced to retire from the sport afterward He is the unlikely spouse of an injury and eventually becomes Kate’s unlikely spouse. Anyone who is rarely afraid of a bit of humor and romance in their games movies will realize that The Cutting Edge charismatically combines all those flavors for a winning story that captures the spirit of the Olympics.
Here you can stream The Cutting Edge.
In the world of competitive athletics, the hundred-meter final at the 1988 Seoul Olympics stands out as a race that replaced the game forever. As a component of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series, 9. 79* delves into the history of that famous race, where Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson broke records but was later disqualified for doping. Directed by Daniel Gordon, this engaging documentary examines the consequences and upcoming revelations about the prevalence of performance-enhancing ingredients in the game. Through interviews with Johnson and his competitors, 9. 79* offers a comprehensive and gripping look at the scandal, earning praise for its deep and balanced exploration of a dark bankruptcy in Olympic history that potentially tainted the legacy of those many consider the greatest. sprinter in Olympic history. all the time.
Here you can stream 9. 79*.
There are many 21st-century narrative features that have earned a position among the “greatest Olympic films ever made,” but The Boys in the Boat made a compelling argument when it was released last year. Based on Daniel James Brown’s best-selling e-book, this former drama produced and directed by George Clooney tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington rowing team, which overcame immense odds to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This story, whose screenplay was written by Mark L. Smith, who has made films such as The Revenant, The Midnight Sky and the upcoming Twisters, highlights the private and collective struggles of these rowers, in the context of the Great Depression and the rise of the Nazi regime. Alemania. La film, starring Joel Edgerton as coach Al Ulbrickson, as well as Callum Turner and Peter Guinness, stands out thanks to its gripping story and strong performances.
Here you can stream The Boys in the Boat.
Often, sports movies have a rather restrained approach, devoid of stylistic flourishes that can potentially detract from the game. But Visions of Eight presents itself as an exclusive cinematic exploration of sporting events, offering eight distinct perspectives on the 1972 Munich Olympics. The other segments are directed by famous filmmakers from different countries: Miloš Forman (Czechoslovakia), Claude Lelouch (France), Yuri Ozerov. (Russia), Mai Zetterling (Sweden), Kon Ichikawa (Japan), John Schlesinger (England), Arthur Penn (USA)USA) and Michael Pfleghar (Germany): This respected anthology captures the intense festival and the moments of struggle and personal triumph. Each director brings his or her unique taste and vision to the forefront, creating an unforgettable mosaic of experience.
Here you can stream Visions of Eight.
An Olympics-themed movie is one thing, and an Olympics-themed movie starring Oscar winners like Robert Redford and Gene Hackman and directed by sports film gourmet Michael Ritchie is another. A captivating portrait of the magnitude of what is at stake in competitive sports, Downhill Racer stars. Redford as an arrogant but talented skier named Chappellet who aspires to Olympic glory and Hackman as Claire, his difficult and difficult coach, who continually pushes Chappellet to the limit. This critically acclaimed film, which ultimately ended up being a failure in the workplace, portrays the burden of the relentless pursuit of victory, embracing an intense and original depiction of the competitive world of skiing that is more damaging than it seems. Downhill Racer is a wonderful example of old-school Hollywood movies that perfectly navigate the formula of the genre, as a movie. Critic Roger Ebert called it “the most productive film ever made about sports. “
Here you can stream Downhill Racer.
When producer Michael Samuelson was commissioned to make a film about the 1976 Winter Olympics, he enlisted the help of director Tony Maylam. They agreed that, so far, only two films had actually captured the nature of the Games: Leni Riefenstahl’s Olympia. and the Kon Ichikawa Olympiad (considered by many to be the greatest Olympic documentary ever made). With those inspirations in mind, they teamed up to create White Rock, which aimed to feel less like a documentary and more like a movie. This is visually striking. The documentary captures the excitement and drama of the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, combining stunning footage from various winter sports supported by the captivating narration of the inimitable James Coburn. Rarely do documentaries have as much energy, because White Rock brought the Winter Olympics to life like few others do.
Here you can stream White Rock.
When it comes to legendary Hollywood directors, few have earned the respect and prestige of Michael Curtiz. Directing classics like Casablanca, White Christmas, and Mildred Pierce, as well as underrated gems like The Wax Museum Mystery and Doctor X, Curtiz has made a career out of directing genre and drama films to perfection, and Jim Thorpe – All American is no exception. Starring Burt Lancaster, this biographical drama tells the inspiring story of one of the most important athletes of the 20th century. The film chronicles Thorpe’s adventure from his humble beginnings. to his triumphs at the 1912 Olympics and beyond, while also facing racial discrimination because of his club in Bag and Fox Nation. Although unfortunately the cast is mostly white, adding its lead star, Jim Thorpe – All American, nevertheless does an admirable job of capturing the story of the first Native American to win gold for the United States.
Here you can stream Jim Thorpe – All American.
It’s rare for Olympic documentaries to enjoy such an intense audience from the start. But upon the release of The Crash Reel in 2013, it garnered fervent praise from critics and audiences alike. Currently one of the highest-rated documentaries on Letterboxd and owner of a 96% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, this captivating story of snowboarder Kevin Pearce poignantly explores the ups and downs (winning competitions as a teenager) and devastating lows (a traumatic experience that ended his career). injury) from excessive sports. Directed by Lucy Walker, the documentary covers Pearce’s career-ending brain injury and eventual recovery, while also highlighting the dangers athletes face for their greatest passion. Featuring interviews with Pearce’s circle of family and friends, The Crash Reel has been celebrated since its release for its raw depiction of Pearce’s struggles and triumphs.
Here you can stream The Crash Reel.
Rarely do movies offer such a cynical look at the Olympic Games. But given how ruthless some athletes can be, given how ruthless some coaches have traditionally been, a chilling Foxcatcher tale of ambition and tragedy is worth watching as a vital addition to the Olympic film canon. Directed by Bennett Miller, who also brought us the acclaimed sports film Moneyball, this Oscar-nominated biographical drama delves into the dark side of Olympic dreams. Starring Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo (both Oscar nominees) and Channing Tatum, the film follows the true story of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz and his brother Dave as they entangle with eccentric millionaire John du PontArray, whose obsession with coaching a winning team for the Olympics leads to accidental consequences (and, not to mention mortal). Acclaimed for its haunting performances, specifically Carell’s transformative role, and its tense, atmospheric direction, Foxcatcher is a vital document about the dangerous intersection of power, manipulation, and sport.
Here you can stream Foxcatcher.
What began as an experiment by director and manufacturer Bryan Fogel to understand the effects of performance-enhancing drugs temporarily turned into a shocking expose of one of the biggest doping scandals in sports history. Icarus follows Fogel’s adventure as he uncovers a primary doping operation with the help of Russian scientist Dr. Gripassry Rodchenkov, a whistleblower who had to go underground following his involvement in Russia’s state doping program. This incredibly engaging and ultimately earth-shattering documentary shows just how far Russia’s vast state-sponsored doping program has come and how much of a secret it has been, ultimately leading to stricter oversight through the World Agency. Anti-doping and the International Olympic Committee. Icarus was praised for its investigative approach, becoming the only Olympic film to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. .
Here you can stream Icarus.
Thanks to its star, Jared Leto, Prefontaine has become the most prominent representation of the life of Steve Roland “Pre” Prefontaine, a record-setting American long-distance runner. But I would say that Limitless is, in fact, the definitive account of the remarkable and tragic life of this legendary athlete. Produced by Tom Cruise and directed by Robert Towne, this biographical drama stars Billy Crudup as Prefontaine and Donald Sutherland as his trainer, Bill Bowerman (who would later co-found Nike). The film chronicles Préfontaine’s journey from his early days in Oregon to his notable performances at the 1972 Munich Olympics and his untimely death while preparing for the 1976 Games. With his strong performances and insightful look at determination and the rebellious spirit of the athlete, Without Limits captured the essence of a sports icon like few others have done.
This is where you can convey boundaries.
Honestly, this total list may be filled with Olympic documentaries by Bud Greenspan, who compiled a special 22-hour documentary about the Olympics called The Olympiad, for which he won the Olympic Order award in 1985. But if we take only one of the directors it works, it is difficult to surpass the 16 Days of Glory. This comprehensive document, which captures the grandeur and spirit of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, features the most memorable moments and athletes from that year’s Games, including Carl Lewis and Mary Lou Retton. Greenspan’s signature narrative approach combines the athletes’ private stories with the broader social context of competition, offering an exceptionally human look at the Olympic Games. You’ll know when you see it: No one else might make you care about the Olympics as much or excite you as much as Greenspan.
This is where you can stream Days of Glory.
There are few stories in the history of the Olympics (heck, in the history of sports) that chronicle the weight and strength of the U. S. men’s hockey team that won gold at the 1980 Winter Games. Even crazier? That a film was capable of capturing such transcendence. Telling one of the most forlorn stories in a sports story, Miracle tells the story of this legendary hockey team’s unforeseen victory over the favorite Soviet team. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, who has brought us films such as Warrior and The Accountant, this acclaimed sports film stars Kurt Russell as coach Herb Brooks, who led the young American team to a fantastic gold medal, as well as featuring memorable performances by Patricia Clarkson and Noah Emmerich. Teamwork, perseverance and national. Pride is at the forefront of this beloved sporting experience, and Miracle is praised for its thrilling and inspiring depiction of a historic moment.
Here you can stream Miracle.
When compiling the greatest Olympic documentaries ever made, many films were added or removed from my list when I settled on the ten most sensible ones, but the number one documentary was never in doubt. A masterpiece of sports documentary, The Tokyo Olympics offers a stunning and poetic depiction of the Olympic Games in a way that no other feature film has done in cinema history. Directed by Kon Ichikawa, the film eschews classical narrative for a more artistic and contemplative approach, focusing on beauty and drama. of athletes’ performances at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. With stunning cinematography and an eclectic collection of highlights and dark moments, this documentary captures the essence of the Games more than any other. The Tokyo Olympics, acclaimed for its avant-garde taste and remains a benchmark in sports cinema, providing an enduring and humanistic vision of the quadrennial event.
Here you can stream the Tokyo Olympiad.
Icarus might have won Best Documentary at the Academy Awards, but only one Olympic film has won the most sensible award of the night: Best Picture. The winner of this prestigious award was, of course, one of the greatest dramas of our time, the eternal harvest that transcends sport, the inspiring true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics amidst religious beliefs. devotees: Chariots of fire. Array Directed by British filmmaker Hugh Hudson, this monumental film won three more Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, with Vangelis’ supernatural electronic theme becoming arguably the most memorable soundtrack of all time. Starring Ben Cross as Harold Abrahams and Ian Charleson as Eric Liddell, this gritty film offers an in-depth exploration of the ethical dilemmas facing these traditional figures, contrasting the motivations of Abrahams, a Jewish athlete facing anti-Semitism, and Liddell. a devout Christian. who considers running an expression of his faith. Ultimately, Chariots of Fire addresses the political and private motivations that make the Olympic Games so attractive.
Here you can stream Chariots of Fire.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a narrative feature film or a documentary, this list features the most productive and vital cinematic stories in Olympic history. By watching those movies, you’ll gain greater appreciation and a deeper understanding of this ancient event.
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