Movies based on Olympic athletes and their teams that are a must watch
The games are epic, and so are these films.
The 2024 Summer Olympics are almost here. And as we prepare to watch our Indian contingent put their best foot forward, it's also a good time to celebrate some of our reputed sports icons of all time. From Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, to Milkha Singh and Tonya Harding, these awe-inspiring tales of legends and their winning moments will give you some much-needed insight into the making of these champions.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
You may not have seen the film, but you’ve certainly heard Vangelis’ iconic background score for this one. The real-life story of Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), two British athletes at the 1924 Paris Olympics participating for completely different reasons, is a life lesson. Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian, wants to glorify God before returning to his work as a missionary, while Abrahams experiences antisemitism and prejudice at the University of Cambridge. Highlighting their political, professional, and personal motivations is what brought flesh and blood to the film, which went on to win several Oscars including Best Picture and Best Original Score.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Miracle (2004)
Winning and losing is an important part of any sport. But when an underdog emerges victorious, it’s truly inspiring. Achieving the impossible, the USA men’s ice hockey team beat the Soviet Union, winning gold at the 1980 Winter Olympics. In the film, Kurt Russell plays the temperamental coach Herb Brooks, who leads a young team of college boys to believe in themselves and be a united front. What makes the film even more impressive is the fact that it includes commentary from the original matches, leaving you at the edge of your seat despite the film’s apparent outcome.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
Munich (2005)
This Steven Spielberg action thriller is based on the 1984 book Vengeance by George Jonas. It showcases the Israeli government’s retaliation against the Palestine Liberation Organisation after the Munich tragedy at the 1972 Olympics. On September 5, 1972, 11 Israeli athletes and coaches were taken hostage and killed by the Palestinian terrorist group, Black September. Avner Kaufman (Eric Bana) is the man tasked with the job by the Israeli government. He ropes in a driver (Daniel Craig), a forger (Hanns Zischler), a bomb-maker (Mathieu Kassovitz), and a former soldier (Ciarán Hinds) to carry out the operation only to realise that he is on a quest for blood and revenge that will never be resolved.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Inspired by the autobiography, The Race of My Life by Milkha Singh and his daughter, the film recounts the “Flying Sikh’s” career, highlighting his achievements as an Olympian, a Commonwealth Games champion and a two-time 400m winner of the Asian Games during the India-Pakistan partition. Unlike other sports biopics, this film portrays Singh’s personal life as well. You see him battle professional setbacks along with personal demons understanding why he doesn’t want to race in Pakistan only to put his best foot forward in what was his most memorable race to date. The film gets a lot of things right, including the soundtrack, cinematography, and Farhan Akhtar bearing an uncanny resemblance to the legend, both in terms of looks and his body language. This movie highlights the struggle, ambition, and hard work that it takes an athlete to become a phenomenon.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Race (2016)
This biological sports drama revolves around track and field athlete Jesse Owens who won a record-breaking four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics amidst Nazi Germany’s Aryan supremacy propaganda. Starring Stephen James in the lead role along with Jason Sudeikis and Jeremey Irons, the film was supported by the real-life Owens family and the Jesse Owens Foundation. Watching Owen’s remarkable journey helps you realise how sports and politics are connected. The film highlights the challenges he faced and his perseverance that helped him become a global sporting icon.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
I, Tonya (2017)
Margot Robbie portrays figure skater Tonya Harding during the infamous 1994 attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan, leading up to the United States Figure Skating Championships and the Winter Olympics that year. The mockumentary starts from the time when Harding, aged four, is forced into ice skating by her abusive mother. She becomes a talented skater but sees her jump from one relationship to another. Skating is the only good thing in her life, but that too starts to spiral due to her poor decisions. Considering the importance of the Olympics in an athlete’s life, the movie is a fascinating take on how a dream can turn into a nightmare overnight.
Maidaan (2024)
Years before India became a cricketing superpower, it was known as the ‘Brazil of Asia’ in football, finishing fourth at the 1956 Olympics and winning gold at the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962. The film follows the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, whose love and dedication to the sport put India on the world map. The drama and emotion are on display, especially the football scenes. They aren’t cut shortly with the actors having a ball of a time (literally) as they dribble and tackle their way to goal. It’s a remarkable tale of victory that saw a team of nobodies turn into world-beaters and pen their name into history books.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Chandu Champion (2024)
Inspired by the real-life story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, the film is a shining example of the human spirit and an individual’s indomitable will and determination. Directed by Kabir Khan and starring Kartik Aaryan as Chandu, this uplifting sports drama brilliantly portrays resilience, hope, determination, and victory. Aaryan delivers one of his career’s best performances, transforming from being a happy-go-lucky athlete to a champion with his eyes on the prize going on to receive immense love, appreciation, and success from critics and audiences alike. The film is a reminder that champions are not just defined by their victories, but by their ability to rise after every fall.
Lead image: Spice Media
Also read: Must-see movies that celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship
Also read: A look back at some of India's best Olympic wins
