Six Great Sports Movies to keep you in the Olympic Mood

The Rio Olympics have just come to a close, and while it is sad, we can always depend on the movies to deliver us inspirational montages and grueling training regimes.

Here I list six of my favourite feel-good sports movies to keep you in the Olympic Mood:

  1. Stick It

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One of my favourite movies of all time. Rebellious teen Hayley Graham finds herself in some trouble with the law, and is forced to return to the cutthroat world of elite gymnastics she thought she’d left behind. Peregrym gives a sassy and moving performance as Hayley, and is well partnered with gruff but caring coach, played by Jeff Bridges. The gymnastics sequences are well choreographed and impressive to watch, and the fun and engaging story makes you want to re-watch all the Olympic gymnastics events.tumblr_msgdg6K9Vv1r8bor0o1_500.gifgiphy

Best Quote

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  1. Cool Runnings

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A classic. The hilarious true story (to a certain extent) of the 1988 Olympics and the first Jamaican Bobsled Team. The main cast have great chemistry, and the banter between the four teammates is really entertaining to watch as each have distinct and strong characters. Hughes is good as the washed-up coach who inspires the team to do their best. Zimmer’s music is uplifting and inspiring and set the optimistic mood of the piece. A great feel-god flick about the perseverance and teamwork.

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Best Quote

“I am feeling very Olympic today”

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  1. Eddie the Eagle

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Another film set in the 1988 Olympics, Eddie the Eagle is a charming and feel-good film about a real underdog who famously became the first athlete from Great Britain to compete in the Ski jumping competition. Edgerton and Jackman work well together and a great soundtrack and uplifting montage makes this a fun movie about never giving up.

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Best Quote

Eddie Edwards: Any tips then?

Bronson Peary: Don’t die

  1. Blades of Glory

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On a less serious note, this comedy about two rival men’s Olympic figure skaters who join forces to take the Olympics by storm is a light-hearted romp with some humorous performances. The lead characters, played by Ferrell (of Anchorman fame) and Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite), bicker constantly but still manage to feign a sense of comradery. Arnett and Poehler are great villains, with ridiculous schemes and mischievous intentions in their quest to maintain world No 1’s in the pair’s figure skating. Featuring a climactic finale fit with a chase sequence and an (almost) believable figure-skating routine, this is a light-hearted romp brings a less-serious attitude to the world of competitive Figure Skating.

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Chazz: Personal philosophy? Clothing optional.

  1. Bend it like Beckham

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Considering the Aussie Matilda’s recently making it to the semi-finals, this is a great movie for some kick-ass girl power. In a classic tale of family values vs individual desires, young Jess is an aspiring elite footballer, but her orthodox Sikh parents want her to settle down and get married. Jess befriends Jules, and together they train, ignoring the wishes of their disapproving parents. One of the reasons this coming-of-age film is such a charmer is the exuberant and lively cast. Nagra is sassy as Jess, and has good chemistry with Knightley as Jules. The parents provide wonderful comic moments, particularly Jules’ mum Juliet Stevenson. A fun upbeat film about following your heart.

giphy (3).gifBest Quote

“There’s a reason why Sporty Spice is the only one without a fella.”

  1. Bring it On

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A classic teen movie which paved the way for many inferior sequels, Bring it On is fun and upbeat insight into the world of competitive cheerleading. A champion cheerleading squad discover their routines have been plagiarised, and are forced adapt in order to compete at the National Championships. The cast are as energetic and feisty as one would expect from a teen flick, with great performances from the idealistic team captain Torrence (Dunst), sassy sidekick Missy (Dushku), dreamy boyfriend Cliff (Bradford) aggressive rival captain Isis (Union). The competition sequences have great choreography and punctuate a fun and spirited movie.

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Best Quote

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So there you have it- Six Great Sport Movies to keep you in the Olympic Mood! What have I missed? Comment below!

Jo Bradley.

6 Comments Add yours

  1. Adam Schultz says:

    “Eddie the Eagle” was a surprise favourite for me. I enjoyed that film a lot, and Taron Egerton was amazing.

    A couple of sport films that are perhaps less in the comedic vain of your list, but I feel deserve a mention are “Coach Carter” and “Chariots of Fire”. Both movies that I love a lot, and watch regularly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. JoBradley says:

      I agree, I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Yes I need to watch both of those movies! Thanks for commenting.

      Like

  2. I think Chariots of Fire would have to be my favorite.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. JoBradley says:

      I have seen it, but it was a long time ago and I do need to revisit it before I can make a judgement…

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jack Dowd says:

    I completely forgot that Bend it like Beckham was a thing until I saw this. Brings back good school memories.

    Liked by 1 person

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