9 Best sports movies to get you pumped for Paris 2024 Olympics

As excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Olympics, what better way to dive into the spirit of sportsmanship and competition than through the lens of sports movies? Whether you’re a fan of tennis, cycling, boxing, or any other sport featured, these films offer a blend of drama, inspiration, and pure entertainment. Here’s a list of nine movies that will surely ignite your passion for sports and leave you eagerly anticipating the upcoming Olympic games. 

1. Challengers 

Challengers immerses viewers into the world of high-stakes professional tennis, following the journeys of three up-and-coming players as they navigate on-court rivalries and off-court entanglements. Fair warning if you’re watching with your parents: there’s a threesome scene. Starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, the film captures the passion and dedication required to excel in this demanding sport.

2. The Boys in the Boat 

Based on a true story, The Boys in the Boat chronicles the inspiring journey of the University of Washington’s underdog rowing team as they overcome tremendous odds to compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Directed by two-time Academy Award winner George Clooney, the film’s stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances celebrate the power of teamwork and perseverance through adversity in Nazi-occupied Germany.

3. Rocky and Creed franchises

The Rocky and Creed franchises depict the epic journeys of boxers Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed, showcasing their rise from rookie fighter to underdog to champion. Featuring powerhouse performances by Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan, these films highlight the grit, determination, and immense personal sacrifices required to compete in the boxing ring.

4. King Richard 

King Richard offers an intimate look at the life of Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Portrayed by Will Smith, this biographical drama showcases Williams’ unyielding commitment and unconventional methods that propelled his daughters from the streets of Compton to becoming two of the greatest female players in the sport’s history. 

5. Icarus

Icarus, which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2018, takes viewers on an investigative journey into the dark world of doping in sports. Focusing on director Bryan Fogel’s personal exploration into performance-enhancing drugs in amateur cycling, this geopolitical thriller sheds light on the lengths some athletes and organisations will go to for victory.

6. Soul Surfer

Be inspired by the touching true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who makes a remarkable return to competitive surfing after a life-changing shark attack. Soul Surfer embodies the resilience and courage seen in Olympic athletes, particularly those who compete in the Paralympics, driven by unwavering faith and the power of the human spirit.

7. Step Up franchise

Get into the rhythm with the Step Up film series, where captivating choreography and dynamic dance battles come to life. As breaking is now an official Olympic sport, the beloved franchise is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of street dance, as it highlights the athleticism and complex artistry involved in the craft. With Channing Tatum starring in the first film, each following movie celebrates creativity, community, and the need to express oneself through movement.

8. Chariots of Fire 

Chariots of Fire is a timeless classic that follows the true stories of British track athletes, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, as they prepare to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics. With its iconic score and compelling narrative, the film explores themes of faith, honour, and the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence, making it a quintessential sports drama watch.

9. I, Tonya 

Margot Robbie stars in I, Tonya, delivering a gripping portrayal of the controversial figure skater Tonya Harding. This darkly comedic biopic explores the complexities of Harding’s life and career within the intense world of figure skating, a popular Winter Olympics sport. Plus, it covers the real-life incident and ensuing scandal involving her rival, Nancy Kerrigan, which shocked the world.

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