Have you been swept away by the inspiring stories and dramatic triumphs during the Olympics this year? Here are 10 films to keep the flame alive long after the closing ceremonies.
"Cool Runnings" (1993)
One of the funniest comedies made about the Olympic Games, the film is “loosely” based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team’s unlikely entry into the 1988 Winter Olympics. John Candy gives a memorable performance and the film has an overabundance of heart and humor.
"Race" (2016)
This film is a powerful, moving portrait of a turbulent moment in history. In the 1930s, the United States is deeply entrenched in policies of segregation and institutional racism. In Germany, the Nazi’s have begun engineering a political movement that will result in the greatest atrocity of modern history. Considering these horrific circumstances, Jesse Owen’s heroic journey to the 1936 Berlin Olympics becomes even more amazing and poignant. A young African-American athlete blessed with amazing speed and agility, Jesse must struggle against racism, poverty, and politics to make it to the games. This is a truly impressive story of faith, friendship and courage and a film not easily forgotten.
"Miracle" (2004)
"Miracle" is based on the true story of the stunning defeat of the heavily favored Soviet team by the American men’s hockey team in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Dubbed the Miracle on Ice, the USA’s unexpected victory, in the midst of the tensions of the Cold War, created an exhilarating moment of pride and patriotism for many Americans. The film perfectly captures the surprise and elation of one of the biggest upsets in sports history.
"The Bronze" (2016)
Think of this raunchy comedy as the "Bad Santa" of figure skating movies. Melissa Rauch ('The Big Bang Theory") stars as a foul-mouthed, spoiled rotten former gymnast famous for earning a bronze medal while injured in the Olympics 12 years ago. She has been living off her mediocre fame ever since. When she learns of a promising young gymnast also from her small town, she sets out to destroy her. Funny performances by Rauch, Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) and Gary Cole elevate a predictable plot but the R-rated language may turn off some viewers.
"The Cutting Edge" (1992)
This film is an intelligent romantic comedy (yes they do exist) that delves into the question of what it takes to be a champion. The story follows an ex-hockey player (D.B. Sweeney) and a professional figure skater (Moira Kelly) forced to partner in pair skating and work through all their issues on the way to the gold.
"Prefontaine" (1997) / "Without Limits" (1998)
Both films, released within a year of each other, chronicle the life of long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine who died at the age of 24. Prefontaine stars Jared Leto as the famous runner and Ed O’Neill as his coach. Without Limits stars Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland in the same roles. Both films do a decent job portraying an intriguing life cut tragically short
"Blades of Glory" (2007)
Very silly and very funny depiction of figure skaters starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, and Amy Poehler. Imagine Will Ferrell in tights, on skates gyrating, enough said.
"Eddie the Eagle" (2016)
For as long as he can remember, Eddie Edwards has had a dream to compete in the Olympics. Unfortunately he is clumsy, awkward, has terrible eyesight and is kind of a dweeb. Luckily, he stumbles across a slightly crazy, chain-smoking drunk (played by Wolverine, I mean Hugh Jackman), and a disgraced former skier who becomes his coach. The film is based on a true story of Eddie “The Eagle” an amateur ski jumper who entered the 1988 Olympics on a technicality as the first jumper to represent Great Britain since 1929. What follows is an authentic underdog story promoting the value of perseverance and the joy found in living out a dream.
"Chariots of Fire" (1981)
This film is a solemn, thoughtful story of two athletes (one Christian and one Jewish) competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Delving into serious issues of religious convictions and prejudice, the film won several Academy Awards including Best Picture. The stirring instrumental score by Vangelis, is primarily the reason the film is remembered.
"Foxcatcher" (2014)
Based on a true story, the film details millionaire John E. du Pont’s recruitment of and obsession with Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz that eventually led to the murder of the wrestler’s brother. This strangely compelling story features strong performances by Mark Ruffalo and Channing Tatum.
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