There are plenty of movies that center on sports. There are also great movies about amazing athletes and their journey to success. These movies are great premises to follow and are typically very inspirational. But what surpasses these sports movies are films about the actual Olympic games. It seems that art imitates life in this situation. Just like in real life the Olympics are a bit more exciting than regular sporting events, movies about the Olympics just have a certain luster that average sports movies do not have. The allure of the Olympics is the exclusivity of the events, and the fact that they only happen every four years. The Olympics bring together people from around the world, in the spirit of competition and patriotism to one’s country. This global competition is inspiring to watch in real life, as well as in fictional depiction in films as well. With the Olympics well underway this year, it is the perfect time to catch up on Olympics related movies in between watching the real games. If you’re ready to stock up on great Olympic films to watch, check out these top 10 best movies about the Olympics.
Blades of Glory: 2017
In this rival figure skating comedy, Will Ferrell and Jon Heder definitely bring the laughs. This is not quite like his other films like Anchorman and Step Brothers, but it is definitely an interesting take on the Olympics. Will Ferrell was not able to get the rights to use the Olympic name, so instead the characters compete in the World Wintersport Games.
Without Limits: 1996
Billy Crudup stars in Without Limits as Steve Prefontaine in this movie directed and written by Robert Towne. It also features Donald Sutherland as Bill Bowerman, a trainer and coach in the film.
The Cutting Edge: 1992
This movie combines sports, romance and laughs and features D.B. Sweeney and Moira Kelly. They staras a hockey player and figure skater two team up for the Olympic pairs competition.
Cool Runnings: 1993
This feel good movie is one of the best films centering around the Winter Olympics. It follows a Jamaican bobsledding team who learn to adapt to the icy slopes of their newfound sport.
Personal Best: 1982
Personal Best follows the story of women training for the Olympics of 1980, and have to come to terms with not fully realizing their dreams of winning the Olympic games.
I, Tonya: 2017
This movie follows the story of a real life figure skater named Tonya Harding. It takes the viewer through so many emotions and pitfalls that really plagued the skater throughout her life.
Visions of Eight: 1973
This interesting vignette of shorts explores what it would be like to shoot mini documentaries at the actual Olympics, all directed by different international directors. The result is iconic.
Miracle: 2004
If you love an underdog story, then this movie is for you. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, this film follows a U.S. men’s hockey team and their pursuit of Olympic gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Tokyo Olympiad: 1965
One of the filmmakers from Visions of Eight, made another movie about the Olympics. This time it follows the inspiring journey of long distance runners in the 1964 Olympics. This was the first ever Olympic games to be held in China, and this Japanese filmmaker Kon Ichikawa definitely created a memorable film with this one.
Chariots of Fire: 1981
This film follows the story of two British runners who are fighting prejudice. The score was created by Vangelis and won and Oscar award.
