The Olympic Games have inspired many Hollywood films over the years, each capturing the drama, passion, and triumph of the athletes and the events themselves. Here’s a ranked list of some of the best Hollywood movies based on the Olympics, detailing their plots, casts, critical receptions, and achievements.
The Hollywood Movies Based on the Olympics are here
1. Chariots of Fire (1981)
Plot: This historical drama follows the true story of two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, competing in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Liddell is a devout Christian, while Abrahams, a Jew, faces antisemitism.
Cast: Ian Charleson (Eric Liddell), Ben Cross (Harold Abrahams)
Achievements: Won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and has an iconic score by Vangelis.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes – 83%
2. Miracle (2004)
Plot: This film chronicles the U.S. men’s hockey team’s underdog victory over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics, a game famously known as the “Miracle on Ice.”
Cast: Kurt Russell (Herb Brooks), Patricia Clarkson (Patti Brooks)
Achievements: Praised for its historical accuracy and emotional impact.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes – 80%
3. Cool Runnings (1993)
Plot: A comedy based on the true story of the first Jamaican bobsled team trying to make it to the Winter Olympics.
Cast: John Candy (Irv Blitzer), Leon Robinson (Derice Bannock)
Achievements: A beloved family film that’s both inspirational and humorous.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes – 76%
4. I, Tonya (2017)
Plot: A dark comedy about figure skater Tonya Harding and her involvement in the attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan before the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Cast: Margot Robbie (Tonya Harding), Allison Janney (LaVona Golden)
Achievements: Janney won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.5, Rotten Tomatoes – 90%
5. Eddie the Eagle (2016)
Plot: The story of Eddie Edwards, the underdog British ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Cast: Taron Egerton (Eddie Edwards), Hugh Jackman (Bronson Peary)
Achievements: Celebrated for its heartwarming and humorous portrayal of Edwards’ journey.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes – 82%
6. Blades of Glory (2007)
Plot: A comedy about two disgraced figure skaters who exploit a loophole to compete together in pairs skating at the Winter Olympics.
Cast: Will Ferrell (Chazz Michael Michaels), Jon Heder (Jimmy MacElroy)
Achievements: Known for its comedic performances and over-the-top humor.
Ratings: IMDb – 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes – 70%
7. Race (2016)
Plot: The biographical sports drama about Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, undermining Hitler’s Aryan supremacy myth.
Cast: Stephan James (Jesse Owens), Jason Sudeikis (Larry Snyder)
Achievements: Praised for its historical significance and strong performances.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes – 63%
8. Personal Best (1982)
Plot: A drama about two female athletes training for the 1980 Moscow Olympics and their romantic relationship.
Cast: Mariel Hemingway (Chris Cahill), Patrice Donnelly (Tory Skinner)
Achievements: Notable for its progressive portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships.
Ratings: IMDb – 6.3, Rotten Tomatoes – 75%
9. Jim Thorpe – All-American (1951)
Plot: The biopic of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, who won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics.
Cast: Burt Lancaster (Jim Thorpe)
Achievements: Recognized for its strong lead performance and historical storytelling.
Ratings: IMDb – 6.8, Rotten Tomatoes – 80%
10. Foxcatcher (2014)
Plot: A chilling account of the relationship between Olympic wrestlers Mark and Dave Schultz and their eccentric sponsor John du Pont, leading to tragic results.
Cast: Steve Carell (John du Pont), Channing Tatum (Mark Schultz), Mark Ruffalo (Dave Schultz)
Achievements: Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Director for Bennett Miller.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.0, Rotten Tomatoes – 87%
11. Without Limits (1998)
Plot: The biographical film about Steve Prefontaine, an American long-distance runner who competed in the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Cast: Billy Crudup (Steve Prefontaine), Donald Sutherland (Bill Bowerman)
Achievements: Known for its inspirational story and solid performances.
Ratings: IMDb – 7.2, Rotten Tomatoes – 79%
12. The Cutting Edge (1992)
Plot: A romantic comedy about a spoiled figure skater and a brash ex-hockey player teaming up to compete in pairs figure skating at the Winter Olympics.
Cast: D.B. Sweeney (Doug Dorsey), Moira Kelly (Kate Moseley)
Achievements: Cult favorite among fans of romantic comedies and sports films.
Ratings: IMDb – 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes – 60%
These films capture the essence of the Olympic spirit, from the intense competition to the personal triumphs and setbacks of the athletes. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic retelling of true events or a lighthearted comedy, these movies offer something for every Olympic enthusiast.
Related: https://tinselisland.com/best-hollywood-movies-of-the-90s/
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