As a film enthusiast with a particular affinity for sports movies, I’ve seen my fair share of films that glorify the triumphs and overlook the complexities of athletes’ lives. But every now and then, a movie comes along that shatters those expectations and offers an authentic portrayal of what it means to be a champion.
Just as ordinary sports events pale in comparison to the Olympics, so does a typical sports drama fall short when set next to an Olympics sports movie. While both share similarities such as showcasing grandeur and human emotion, the Olympics hold unique distinctions. They occur only once every four years, making their significance amplified. Moreover, unlike other competitions, they unite the entire planet in a battle for supremacy across various sports. In our era of division and distraction, the Olympics serve as an exceptional unifying force. Consequently, movies inspired by these Games carry a grandeur that resonates deeply with audiences.
During the exhilarating 2018 Winter Olympics, we chose to compile a list of the 15 finest Olympic movies ever produced. Please note that this ranking is highly subjective, similar to figure skating judges’ scores. We included both narrative films and documentaries in our selection. Three documentaries from Criterion’s extensive “100 Years of Olympics Films” box set, released at the end of last year, were also incorporated into our list. Additionally, we opted not to rank this list based on how much each film focuses on the Olympics; films like “Munich” received equal consideration as “One Day in September.”
Between the fun of watching curling, luge, biathlon, and hockey at the Winter Games, don’t miss out on our list. After all, if there’s one thing that can bring a divided country together, it’s passionate debates among commenters over an online film ranking.
15.
Blades of Glory (2007)
In this comedy starring Will Ferrell, many of the jokes come from the rival pair of figure skaters played by Ferrell and Jon Heder, who were in real life married at the time with Will Arnett and Amy Poehler. The film has its amusing moments, but it’s worth noting that Ferrell’s humor in this movie was more surreal than the family-friendly style he uses now. However, some parts still feel a bit too focused on heterosexual men ice dancing for comfort, and it doesn’t quite reach the anarchy of movies like “Anchorman” or “Step Brothers.” An interesting tidbit: This is one of several films that couldn’t obtain the rights to use the Olympic name; instead, the competition in the movie is called “the World Wintersport Games.”
14.
Without Limits (1996)
If you’re following the count, this is the Steve Prefontaine film that didn’t star Jared Leto. In its place, we have a superior production helmed by Robert Towne, with Billy Crudup portraying Prefontaine brilliantly. This movie skillfully avoids the typical sports-movie tropes that Leto’s film failed to surmount. Moreover, Donald Sutherland delivers an outstanding performance as Bill Bowerman, the devoted coach and trainer. Sadly, Leto’s movie debuted first and underperformed at the box office, leaving no room for this superior film to thrive. With audiences already uninterested in another Steve Prefontaine story after the initial letdown, there was no viable market for this second attempt.
13.
The Cutting Edge (1992)
In this lighthearted sports comedy with a unique twist, an ex-hockey player named D.B. Sweeney, who has unfortunately sustained a head injury and can no longer play hockey, is unexpectedly paired with the spoiled figure skater Moira Kelly for the Olympic pairs competition. Although the plot may seem far-fetched – isn’t there anyone else who could skate besides this former hockey player? – the chemistry between the two leads manages to make it a delightful and undeniably cheerful watch. Written by Tony Gilroy, who later gained fame for writing the critically acclaimed movie “Michael Clayton,” this was his first produced screenplay.
12.
Cool Runnings (1993)
The first Winter Olympics film that springs to mind is an underdog story worth mentioning. Think of it as a Rudy for bobsledding, where the aim isn’t to win but just to keep competing. The Jamaican bobsled team plays the endearing underdogs, out of their element like a fish out of water in the frozen landscape. What sets this sports film apart is John Candy’s performance as the weathered coach with a murky past and an opportunity for atonement. (Although Candy himself being a bobsledder seems implausible.) This movie served as a hint of what was to come from Candy’s career; it was his last film released before his passing.
11.
Personal Best (1982)
Robert Towne makes an appearance once more on the list with the tale of a group of women, headed by Mariel Hemingway, preparing for the 1980 Olympics. You might have exclaimed, “Wait a minute, weren’t those games boycotted?” Yes, that’s the film’s premise: The women, having their Olympic dreams thwarted, must instead focus on attaining their best personal scores as their ultimate accomplishment. Towne brings tenderness and understanding to this narrative. It’s noteworthy that this 1982 studio production explores its lead character in a bisexual love triangle in a thoughtful and mature manner – a rarity at the time, unfortunately, the movie didn’t fare well financially at the box office.
10.
I, Tonya (2017)
Despite the debates over the film’s historical accuracy and Tonya Harding’s involvement in the Nancy Kerrigan incident, “I, Tonya” is an entertaining watch with its unique tone. The movie fails to fully commit to a serious or lighthearted approach, leaving viewers unsure of how to interpret it. However, there are standout elements such as Margot Robbie’s compelling portrayal of Tonya and Allison Janney’s chilling performance as her abusive mother. Additionally, the ice skating scenes are brilliantly executed, making the movie worthwhile even if the production values aren’t consistently strong. Overall, “I, Tonya” showcases its best moments when it’s on the ice and in motion.
9.
Visions of Eight (1973)
David L. Wolper, a renowned film and television producer, proposed an intriguing concept: what if various international directors were hired to create mini-documentaries about the same sporting event? In the instance of “Visions of Eight,” it was the 1972 Munich Olympics, with directors like Milos Forman, Arthur Penn, and John Schlesinger involved. This omnibus film exhibits varying degrees of excellence; for example, Claude Lelouch’s section focuses on athletes who fail to win, providing a unique perspective into the world of sports defeat. Though not every segment is equally compelling, the innovative approach holds an undeniable charm – demonstrating that people can witness the same event and derive vastly distinct interpretations. However, for those seeking a film that encapsulates the fear of the Munich Olympics’ most harrowing moment – the kidnapping and murder of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches – “Visions of Eight” offers limited insight into this tragic event. (Two other films in this list delve deeper into this topic.)
8.
Miracle (2004)
Sports movies about underdog teams are common. But occasionally, one comes along that truly captivates with genuine tension and emotion, surpassing clichés and expectations. A prime example is “Miracle,” directed by Gavin O’Connor, which tells the story of the U.S. men’s hockey team that defied the odds to win gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Kurt Russell stars as Herb Brooks, the gruff coach. In this film, unknown actors portray the team members who set aside their egos for the greater good. Although most viewers knew the outcome – the Americans’ shocking victory over the powerful Russian squad in the semifinals became known as the “Miracle on Ice” – few sports movies have captured the sense of camaraderie and individual personalities like O’Connor did. To top it off, the ending is fantastic.
7.
Tokyo Olympiad (1965)
As a movie critic, I’d say: Ten years prior to my invitation to be part of “Visions of Eight,” Japanese filmmaker Kon Ichikawa created a breathtaking documentary about the essence and grandeur of the Olympics with “Tokyo Olympiad.” It may not be the ultimate depiction of the Summer Games, but this three-hour masterpiece manages to encapsulate weeks of athletic contests and festivities. The 1964 Olympics marked Asia’s first time hosting these esteemed events, making “Tokyo Olympiad” a unique glimpse into Japan’s eagerness to claim the Games as their own. In doing so, Ichikawa poignantly captures the bittersweet transition of his nation from its historical roots to embracing modernity. For marathon enthusiasts, this film offers an up-close and personal look at the endurance and fatigue experienced by these long-distance runners.
6.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
As a longtime film enthusiast and avid runner, I have to express my strong belief that there are certainly films deserving of the Best Picture title that didn’t quite make it, like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Reds,” “Body Heat,” and even “On Golden Pond.” Don’t get me wrong, this particular sports movie is a formidable one, with its stirring portrayal of two British runners overcoming prejudice and pushing each other to be their best. However, the film itself may not stand out as exceptionally memorable in my mind.
5.
Munich (2005)
On September 5, 1972, at the Munich Olympics, Palestinian terrorist group Black September took 11 Israeli athletes and coaches hostage. Tragically, all 11 were killed by the following day. Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-nominated film “Munich” explores the aftermath of this event through the lens of vengeance. The story follows a Mossad agent (portrayed by Eric Bana), chosen to lead a team in retaliating against Palestine. What sets “Munich” apart as a thriller is its tension-filled suspense sequences, which hold a surprising revelation: Spielberg enthralls us with the same vengeful sentiment driving Bana’s character, but eventually reveals that this quest for blood can never be quenched or resolved. A fervent supporter of Israel, Spielberg produced “Munich” out of love for both America and Israel. However, he criticizes retaliatory foreign policies and their harmful consequences for these nations. This complex film remains one of Spielberg’s most contentious and morally intricate works.
4.
Downhill Racer (1969)
Why has the movie featuring Robert Redford as a skiing champion, with Gene Hackman as his coach, slipped into obscurity? Michael Ritchie’s 1969 film, “Downhill Racer,” presents a unique take on sports movies. In this character study, Redford portrays a prickly, self-centered, and incredibly skilled skier who finds happiness only on the slopes. Contrary to typical sports-movie tropes, this movie offers an authentic portrayal of athletes’ complexities – their arrogance, self-absorption, and unyielding determination – which are also the qualities that make them champions. As Roger Ebert noted, this film provides a refreshing perspective on athletic personas, offering insights into the minds of athletes that surpasses most sports films. Therefore, it’s worth revisiting for its captivating exploration of what truly drives athletes to excel.
3.
Olympia (1938)
As a piece of history and as an influential turning point in documentary cinema, Olympia remains indispensable 80 years after its release. Its backstory is almost as famous as the film itself: German director Leni Riefenstahl, after wowing Adolf Hitler with her expert piece of Nazi propaganda Triumph of the Will, got the go-ahead to make a movie about the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, which was meant to celebrate her homeland’s athletic superiority. But unlike Triumph of the Will, Olympia is no hagiography — we see African-American sprinter Jesse Owens dominate the Games, along with medal-winners from other countries. Along the way, Riefenstahl helped popularize several elements of the sports documentary — slow-motion suspense, crowd shots, the emphasis on the individuals involved in these incredible athletic feats — that are still incorporated decades later. Beyond everything else, Riefenstahl (who went to her grave at age 101 swearing she wasn’t a Nazi) created the template of how we think of the Olympics: as a massive event that celebrates the blood, sweat, tears, muscle, and will of athletes pushing themselves to the limit.
2.
One Day in September (1999)
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be drawn to Kevin Macdonald’s Oscar-winning documentary, “One Day in September,” which delves into the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics. This thought-provoking piece serves as an early precursor to documentaries like ESPN’s “30 for 30.” Both formats use archival footage and contemporary interviews to re-create pivotal moments in sports history, providing a modern perspective. However, “One Day in September” goes beyond just recounting the facts; it seeks to explain why the deaths of eleven Israeli athletes and coaches was such a devastating human and moral tragedy.
1.
Foxcatcher (2014)
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the Olympics for the excitement of cheering on American athletes and basking in their victories. It’s an inherent part of our national identity to want to outperform other countries, giving us something to brag about and fueling a sense of superiority. However, my all-time favorite Olympic film defies this notion.
Grierson and Leitch frequently discuss films through their writing and also run a podcast on cinema. Connect with them on Twitter or check out their website for more information.
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2024-07-29 18:54