16 Must-Watch Movies That Capture the Olympic Spirit

In sports comedies, “Cool Runnings” stands out as a delightful and uplifting tale. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, this 1993 gem follows the improbable journey of Jamaica’s first-ever bobsled team as they defy all odds to compete in the Winter Olympics. Led by the charismatic Derice Bannock (Leon), a group of sprinters, including Sanka Coffie (Doug E. Doug), Junior Bevil (Rawle D. Lewis), and Yul Brenner (Malik Yoba), embark on an extraordinary adventure.

With the guidance of a disgraced former Olympian, Irv Blitzer (John Candy), this unlikely crew overcomes countless obstacles, shattering stereotypes and defying societal norms. “Cool Runnings” masterfully blends humor and heart, reminding us that the true spirit of the Olympics lies in the unwavering determination to pursue one’s dreams against all odds.

Directed by Gavin O’Connor, “Miracle” is a gripping sports drama that transports viewers to the height of the Cold War era. Kurt Russell delivers a commanding performance as Herb Brooks, the charismatic yet demanding coach tasked with molding an underdog American hockey team. Facing the seemingly invincible Soviet Union squad, Brooks employs his unique coaching style to transform a ragtag group of college players into a cohesive unit capable of achieving the impossible.

“Miracle” captures the essence of patriotism, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. As the team defies expectations and overcomes adversity, the film reminds us that true miracles can occur when determination and teamwork collide on the grandest stage – the Olympic Games.

Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, “Chariots of Fire” is a cinematic tour de force that transcends the boundaries of a traditional sports film. Set in the post-World War I era, the film follows the parallel journeys of Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), two British runners driven by personal convictions and a defiance of societal norms.

Director Hugh Hudson masterfully weaves themes of faith, identity, and class distinction into a compelling narrative that culminates in the 1924 Olympics. From training grounds to triumphant tracks, “Chariots of Fire” races through an engrossing journey that leaves a lasting impact on its audience, celebrating the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance.

Directed by Angelina Jolie, “Unbroken” is a powerful biographical drama that chronicles the extraordinary life of Louis “Louie” Zamperini, a former Olympic runner turned World War II hero. Jack O’Connell’s captivating performance as Zamperini takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, from his troubled youth to his remarkable transformation as an Olympic athlete, and ultimately, his harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war.

“Unbroken” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing Zamperini’s unwavering determination to survive even in the face of unimaginable adversity. This film not only celebrates the Olympic spirit but also honors the courage and perseverance of those who have endured the harshest of circumstances, reminding us that the true measure of a person lies in their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher, “Eddie the Eagle” is a heartwarming underdog story that follows the journey of Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), a British athlete determined to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics as a ski jumper. Despite being cut from the Olympic ski team, Eddie’s unwavering spirit leads him to Bronson Peary (Hugh Jackman), a former ski jumper turned snowplow driver, who agrees to train the young underdog.

“Eddie the Eagle” is a celebration of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit. As Eddie defies the naysayers and overcomes countless obstacles, the film reminds us that true greatness lies not in the medals won but in the courage to chase one’s dreams, no matter how improbable they may seem.

“The Cutting Edge,” directed by Paul Michael Glaser, is a delightful romantic comedy set against the backdrop of competitive figure skating. After a fall at the 1988 Olympics, Kate Moseley (Moira Kelly), a talented but arrogant figure skater, is forced to team up with Doug Dorsey (D.B. Sweeney), a former Olympic hockey player with a brash attitude.

As Kate and Doug navigate the challenges of their unlikely partnership, their icy rapport gradually thaws, leading to a captivating on-ice chemistry and a budding romance. “The Cutting Edge” skillfully blends sports drama with heartwarming romance, reminding us that the Olympic Games are not just about athletic prowess but also about the human connections forged along the way.

Directed by Academy Award winner George Clooney, “The Boys In The Boat” is based off the 2013 book of the same name. The movie tells the story of the University of Washington Rowing Team trying to compete in the 1936 Summer Olympics. Despite being an underdog, they try their hardest, and the characters undergo rigorous training. The lead is up-and-coming Hollywood star Callum Turner, who also was the lead in the Apple TV+ War series “Masters of The Air”. The movie is available to stream on Prime Video.

“I, Tonya is based off a real-life scandal that happened 30 years ago. Academy Award nominee and “Barbie” star, Margot Robbie portrays figure skater Tonya Harding during the 1994 attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan (played by Caitlin Carter). The film follows the life of Tonya during her childhood with her wacky mother portrayed by Allison Janney. Janney won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film.

The story is told through the lens of a mockumentary style at times which makes for an interesting watch. Robbie’s performance as Tonya is considered to be her best in a career of many revolutionary performances. The young Tonya played by McKenna Grace also takes over the screen in amazing ways that puts everything in perspective for the events that occurred.

“Foxcatcher” is a gripping drama based on true events, delving into the complex relationship between Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and eccentric millionaire John Du Pont (Steve Carell). As Schultz becomes increasingly involved in du Pont’s world, tensions escalate. The film explores the themes of power, ambition, and the darker side of mentorship with intense performances from its lead actors.

The film received 5 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for Carell and Best Supporting Actor for Mark Ruffalo, who plays Dave Schultz.

“Race” follows the legendary athlete Jesse Owens, who defied racial barriers to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The movie explores Owens’ journey from adversity to triumph, highlighting his groundbreaking achievements on the world stage admits the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s propaganda. With compelling performances by lead Stephan James and Jason Sudeikis, the movie shows Owens’ personal and athletic struggles.

“Race” celebrates Jesse’s enduring legacy in the face of discrimination and political tensions. The film was a commercial success, making over 25 million dollars on a 5 million dollar budget.

“Munich” is a political thriller directed by iconic director, Steven Spielberg. The movie recounts the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games massacre where Israeli athletes were kidnapped and killed by Palestinian terrorists. The film follows a secret Israeli squad led by Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana), tasked with assassinating those responsible for the attack. As Kaufman and his team carry out their mission across Europe and the Middle East, they grapple with moral dilemmas, the consequences of vengeance, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge in the shadow of escalating violence and political intrigue.

In 2017, “Munich” was ranked as the 16th Best Film of the 21st Century by the New York Times. The film received 5 Academy Award nominations.

“Richard Jewell” is a biographical drama directed by Clint Eastwood, portraying the true story of a security guard who discovered a bomb at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, only to later become a suspect in the investigation. The film examines the media frenzy and legal battles that ensued as Jewell, played by Emmy winner Paul Walter Huaser, fought to clear his name with the help of his attorney, played by Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell.

“Richard Jewell” highlights the consequences of sensationalized reporting and the impact of an individual caught in the crosshairs of public scrutiny and law enforcement scrutiny alike. Kathy Bates received her 4th Academy Award nomination for her performance as Richard’s mother in the movie.

For a less serious Olympic movie, “Blades of Glory” tells the story of two rival figure skaters, played by Will Ferrell and Jon Heder. They are banned from men’s singles competition but find a loophole allowing them to compete as a pair. The movie hilariously explores their journey from bitter enemies to reluctant partners as they navigate the world of pairs figure skating with outrageous stunts and comedic rivalry.

With a mix of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments, “Blades of Glory” showcases their unconventional path to redemption and friendship on the ice. Amy Poehler also has a great supporting performance in the movie as a rival skater of Chazz (Ferrell) and James (Heder).

“Without Limits” is a biographical sports drama produced by Tom Cruise. The drama depicts the life of legendary American runner Steve Prefontaine. The film chronicles his rise to fame as a long distance-runner, his relationships with coaches, teammates, and his romantic partner. The movie also displays his enduring commitment to pushing his limits in track and field. With Emmy winner, Billy Crudup portraying Prefontaine, the movie captures his charismatic personality, competitive drive and the tragic end to his career.

The film may have flopped at the Box Office due to a lack of a promotional campaign but it received positive reviews from critics. The late Donald Sutherland received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

“Olympic Dreams” is a unique Olympic film as it is a romantic comedy. The movie follows a cross-country skier (Alexi Pappas) and a volunteer dentist (Nick Kroll) who form an unlikely bond amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Olympic Village in PyeongChang, South Korea. Through quiet moments and poignant interactions, “Olympic Dreams” explores themes of connection, ambition, and the pursuit of personal and athletic fulfillment in a competitive environment.

“Visions of Eight” is a documentary film that captures the spirit of the 1972 Munich Olympics through the lenses of eight acclaimed directors. Each segment offers a distinct perspective on various sports and athletes. Through a blend of artistry and athleticism, “Visions of Eight” provides a comprehensive and visually stunning portrayal of the human drama and triumphs at the heart of the Olympic Games.