Top 10 Olympic-Themed Films You Can't Miss

The Olympics, set to make a grand return to Paris this month, are a treasure trove of dramatic moments—be it the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat, the climax of fierce rivalries, or the triumph of an unlikely hero. It’s no surprise that Hollywood has repeatedly turned to both the Summer and Winter Games for cinematic inspiration. Excluding documentaries (like Olympiad or Visions of Eight) and films where the Olympics are merely a setting (such as Richard Jewell or Munich), here’s a curated list of 10 Olympic-themed movies deserving of a gold medal.

Downhill Racer (1969)

Despite featuring stellar performances from two of the era’s most acclaimed actors and earning high praise from Roger Ebert, who described it as “the finest sports film ever made—though it transcends the genre,” Downhill Racer has faded into obscurity. Directed by Michael Ritchie in his debut, the film immerses audiences in the high-stakes world of competitive skiing with a raw, documentary-like realism that was groundbreaking for its time. Robert Redford and Gene Hackman deliver captivating performances, with Redford portraying the detached and self-centered David Chappellet, a skier who shuns teamwork, and Hackman as Eugene Claire, the no-nonsense coach striving to harness that arrogance for Olympic glory.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

While Chariots of Fire is often celebrated for Vangelis’s iconic synth-driven soundtrack, its inspiring true story continues to stir emotions. The film, named after a line from a William Blake poem, follows two British sprinters—Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian, and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), a Jewish immigrant—as they navigate prejudice, personal struggles, and royal expectations to pursue gold at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Garnering seven Oscar nominations and winning three, including Best Picture, the movie serves as a poignant reminder of the purity of Olympic values in an era often overshadowed by controversy.

Personal Best (1982)

Before helming 1998’s Without Limits, writer-director Robert Towne crafted a groundbreaking track and field drama. Personal Best features Mariel Hemingway and former hurdler Patrice Donnelly as two athletes whose intense bond evolves into a romantic relationship. Despite their relentless efforts, their Olympic dreams are dashed when the U.S. boycotts the 1980 Moscow Games, mirroring real-life events. However, the film’s portrayal of their queer love story adds depth and resonance, transcending the disappointment of their athletic ambitions.

Cool Runnings (1993)

Jamaica has since competed in bobsleigh at nine Winter Olympics, but in 1988, the notion of a tropical nation excelling in a winter sport was met with skepticism and ridicule. The 1993 film Cool Runnings, featuring Leon, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Roba, and the legendary John Candy in one of his most uplifting roles, turned this unlikely story into a comedic triumph. Originally conceived as a drama titled Blue Maaga (a Jamaican term for “deep trouble”), the film not only delivered laughs but also showcased how four Jamaicans rose from mockery to global admiration, embodying the Olympic spirit through their resilience and sportsmanship, even as they finished behind 25 other teams.

Without Limits (1998)

The late ‘90s saw Hollywood’s penchant for parallel films reach new heights of specificity. A year after Jared Leto starred as Steve Prefontaine in a biopic, Billy Crudup took on the same role in Without Limits, produced by Tom Cruise and directed by Robert Towne. While the earlier film underperformed, this deeper exploration of the runner’s psyche—cut short by his tragic death at 24 while preparing for the 1976 Montreal Olympics—stands as the more compelling portrayal of the athlete’s life and legacy.

Blades of Glory (2007)

Arguably the standout in Will Ferrell’s string of sports comedies from the late 2000s (Kicking and Screaming, Talladega Nights, Semi-Pro), Blades of Glory isn’t technically an Olympics movie. Unable to secure the rights to the Olympic name, Ferrell and Jon Heder’s unconventional figure skaters compete in the “World Winter Sport Games.” Nevertheless, the film brilliantly parodies the “going for the gold” tropes with sharp humor and memorable lines. The odd-couple pairing shines, but it’s Amy Poehler and Will Arnett’s scheming rivals who steal the show. Fun fact: Actress Busy Phillips originated the concept and, as reported by Vulture, played a key role in developing the screenplay.

Foxcatcher (2014)

Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell earned Oscar nominations for their nuanced performances as Olympic gold medalist Dave Schultz and the eccentric coach John du Pont in the wrestling drama Foxcatcher. However, it’s Channing Tatum, often underrated, who anchors the film with his poignant portrayal of Mark Schultz, Dave’s brother and du Pont’s protégé. While the journey to qualify for the 1988 Seoul Olympics drives the narrative, it’s the intricate dynamics and power struggles among the three central characters that make the film a masterpiece.

Eddie the Eagle (2015)

Move over Eric the Eel, Trevor the Tortoise, and The Sculling Sloth—the Olympics’ first beloved underdog was Eddie the Eagle (Michael David Edwards), the British ski-jumper whose determination and thick glasses won hearts worldwide, even as he finished last in both ski-jumping events at the 1988 Calgary Olympics. This uplifting biopic stars Taron Egerton, nearly unrecognizable with ginger hair, a wispy mustache, and thick glasses, capturing the spirit of this unlikely hero with warmth and admiration. The film leaves viewers with a deep appreciation for a man who defied the odds to chase an Olympic dream many thought impossible.

Race (2016)

Following standout roles as a football player in When the Game Stands Tall (2014) and a hockey star in Across the Line (2015), Stephan James seized the opportunity to display his acting range and athletic talent by portraying one of track-and-field’s most legendary figures. In Race, James embodies Jesse Owens, the African-American sprinter who shattered Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan dominance by winning four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Jason Sudeikis delivers a strong performance as the coach who fuels Owens’ historic achievements, blending an inspiring sports story with a compelling historical narrative.

I, Tonya (2017)

Long before sparking a Barbie craze, Margot Robbie took on the role of another iconic blonde, this time the infamous figure skater once vilified by the public. Based on a mix of “totally true” and “contradictory” accounts, this Oscar-nominated mockumentary reimagines the story of Tonya Harding, portraying her as a victim of the scandal that nearly ended Nancy Kerrigan’s 1994 Winter Olympic aspirations. Robbie, who trained rigorously to perform her own skating scenes, captivates as the fourth wall-breaking protagonist. Yet, it’s Allison Janney who truly shines as Harding’s abrasive, chain-smoking mother, redefining the concept of tough love.