With the 2024 Paris Olympics in full swing, much energy transcends media from online to television to films. You may want to kick back and watch a sports movie because why not? Competition is in the air, and some great cinemas out there identify with the culture and hit on all cylinders regarding great sports stories. Now, this list is not all derived from the Olympics, but we felt like if it at least is a sport played during the big games, then why not?
“Race”
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Young Jesse Owens (Stephan James) becomes a track and field sensation while attending the Ohio State University in the early 1930s. With guidance from coach Larry Snyder (Jason Sudeikis), Owens gains national recognition for breaking numerous records. After heated debates, the United States decided not to boycott the Olympics in Nazi Germany. Overcoming racism at home and abroad, Owens seizes the opportunity to show Berlin and the world that he’s the fastest man alive.
“Pride”
Director: Sunu Gonera
In 1970s Philadelphia, Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), driven by a love of competitive swimming, fixes up an abandoned pool building with the help of a janitor named Elston (Bernie Mac). But when city officials mark the place for demolition, he fights back by founding an all-black swim team. Facing racism, violence, and a hostile city official, Jim struggles to prepare his novice swimmers for the state championships.
“Cool Runnings”
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Four Jamaican bobsleighs dream of competing in the Winter Olympics despite never seeing snow. With the help of a disgraced former champion desperate to redeem himself, the Jamaicans set out to become worthy of Olympic selection and go all out for glory.
“Invictus”
Director: Clint Eastwood
After his 27-year imprisonment and subsequent election as President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela faced the task of unifying a country divided by race. Only months after the end of Apartheid, divisions still exist between the country’s whites and blacks, something Mandela notices during an international rugby match. Realizing black supporters cheer on the opposing side when their white Springboks take to the field.
“Ali”
Director: Michael Mann
With wit and athletic genius, defiant rage and inner grace, Muhammad Ali forever changed the American landscape. Fighting all comers, Ali took on the law, conventions, the status quo, and the war—as well as the fists in front of him. Ali both ignited and mirrored the conflicts of his time and ours to become one of the most admired fighters in the world. Forget, now, what you thought you knew.
“The Gabby Douglas Story”
Director: Gregg Champion
Gymnast Gabby Douglas (Imani Hakim) makes personal sacrifices to train with coach Liang Chow (Brian Tee) and become an Olympic champion in 2012.
“I Am Bolt”
Directors: Gabe Turner, Benjamin Turner
Following the sprinting legend as he prepares to go for gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Competing in the 100m and 200m races, Bolt attempts to make history by winning these events for a record third time.
