The 2008 Beijing Olympic games are in full swing! Competitors are already breaking records and competing against insurmountable odds. Perhaps their stories will someday play out on the silver screen. Until then, here’s a look at the top 10 classic Olympic-inspired films.
1. “Chariots of Fire”
The story of two British runners, “Chariots of Fire” showcases honor, determination, and a theme song that’s been used in countless sports montages ever since.
2. “Miracle”
The legendary victory of the “Miracle on Ice,” an American hockey team led by coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) defeated the seemingly insurmountable Soviet squad at the 1980 games.
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3. “Cool Runnings”
The true story of one of sport’s most unlikely contenders: the Jamaican bobsled team, who competed at the Calgary Winter Olympics.
4. “The Cutting Edge”
When an injured NHL prospect joins a figure skater to train for the pairs competition, the two must reconcile their differences as they aim for Olympic gold – and a budding romance.
5. “Munich”
Stephen Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated film follows the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics, with Eric Bana leading a team of assassins after the terrorists who captured and killed 11 Israeli athletes.
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6. “Prefontaine”
The tragic life of the Oregon long-distance runner who died in a car crash before he could compete in the Olympic games.
7. “Olympia”
Leni Riefenstahl’s documentary of the 1936 Berlin games was commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (unlike the Riefenstahl-directed “The Triumph of the Will,” which was sponsored by Adolph Hitler) and remains one of the finest portraits of an Olympiad.
8. “One Day in September”
A documentary on the heartbreaking events of the 1972 games, which were interrupted when Palestinian terrorists took 11 Israeli athletes hostage.
9. “American Anthem”
A male gymnast, Steve, gives up his dreams to work at his father’s bike shop – until a new girl at his gym inspires him to return to gymnastics and train for the U.S. Olympic Trials.
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