Chariots of Fire
This interfaith Olympic film is fondly remembered by nearly
everyone who has seen it, from it’s uplifting plotline to the heroic
theme. The movie follows a Christian and
a Jewish runner who are competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. The two men have an interesting and
competitive relationship, and the movie does an interesting job of exploring
their faith along with their running. If
you haven’t seen it yet, then what are you waiting for?
One Day In September
Unlike the others on this list, this film is a documentary
that takes a factual look at the kidnapping and killing of 11 Israeli athletes
prior to the 1972 Summer Olympics. It is
a well researched, sensitive, and engaging, making it a worthwhile watch.
Munich
This dark, engaging drama follows a fictional account of the
events of One Day in September, showing the Israeli government’s counter
attack. It is a multi-layered film that
looks at the events from many angles, and will certainly make you consider the
international stakes of the Olympic games in a different light.
Miracle
Miracle tells the story of the 1980 US Olympic hockey time
that managed to win a gold medal despite being an extreme underdog. In addition to being a fun and encouraging
film, it contains one of the greatest sports speeches of all–time. If you love a good underdog story, and you
love America, then you must add this one to your collection.
Cool Runnings
It’s bobsled time!!
This crazy Olympic romp stars John Candy and a team of Jamaican
bobsledders who have their sites set on being the first Jamaicans to compete in
the winter Olympics. They are successful
– to some degree – but along the way they learn a lot about teamwork, bobsleds,
and most of all, about themselves. Their
story inspired their home country, and it can inspire you today!
Prefontaine/Without Limits
These two films take a look at the life of the same man and
come away with two very different interpretations. Steve Prefontaine was a long distance runner
in the ‘70s who excelled all through college, breaking numerous records on his
way to an unfortunately disappointing performance at the Olympics. His life ended in tragedy, but his journey is
one that can make you ponder how you spend the days that you have.
The Cutting Edge
Ice skating and romance seem like a pretty irresistible
combination, and this 1992 film proved that to be true. This classic tale of a hockey player bad boy
and spoiled rich girl teaming up has been tearing up audiences on TBS ever
since, and when the two fall in love and beat the Soviets in the Olympics you
know that it’s truly a match made in athletic heaven.
