The Paris Olympics are sadly now just a memory. The question remains what to do with all our newfound free time? If you are looking for some sports-themed entertainment, we have just the thing.
The 10 films and TV shows on this list will fill your Olympic void. As a bonus, some of them even tell stories about the games. So grab your snacks and a friend or two and have a watch party.
'The Boys in the Boat'
This 2023 film produced and directed by George Clooney is based on the book of the same name by Daniel James Brown. It tells the remarkable true story of the University of Washington men's rowing team. These boys overcame great odds to complete in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin. Hitler wanted to show the world that Nazi Germany was superior in the games. Watch this movie on Amazon Prime to see how Team USA fares. The film features Joel Edgerton as Al Ulbrickson Sr. and Callum Turner as Joe Rantz.
'Welcome to Wrexham'
This FX sports documentary series is already on its fourth season, so there is lots of content to binge. In 2020, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought a Welsh football club called Wrexham AFC. These are their stories. You can catch up on all the action on Disney+. This series has already won five Emmys so you know it's good.
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'Miracle'
This 2004 movie will get you ready for the Winter Olympics. It tells the story of the US men's ice hockey team's quest for gold in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The Soviets think they have the gold in the bag, but Team USA has other ideas. See who comes out on top by watching this on Disney+. It features Kurt Russell as coach Herb Brooks and Patricia Clarkson as the coach's wife, Patti Brooks.
'Cool Runnings'
Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it's bobsled time! This 1993 comedy tells the true story of the Jamaican bobsleigh team at the 1988 Winter Olympics. This was the nation's debut year in the event. Some details were charged for the sake of the film. John Candy stars as coach Irving "Irv" Blitzer, but in real life it was Howard Siler. Bust out your winter coat and watch this on Disney+.
'Ted Lasso'
This uplifting AppleTV series will have you getting curious instead of judgmental. It stars Jason Sudeikis as title character Ted Lasso. He moves to London to coach soccer despite being an American football coach with no experience. Along the way, he listens to people and creates a family while struggling with his own mental health. He never learns to like tea, though, despite his British friends' best efforts.
Speaking of Jason, he plays another coach in this 2016 biographical sports drama. This time it is Larry Snyder, who coached Jesse Owens to glory in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. This is the same games as portrayed in The Boys in the Boat but this time from Owens' perspective. The Nazis also did not want to be beaten by a Black American. The title character is played by Stephan James. You can watch Owens run his races on Netflix.
'Friday Night Lights'
Flag football is making its debut in the Olympics in 2028. Prepare for this by watching the hit NBC drama Friday Night Lights about high school football in the fictional small town of Dillion, Texas. There's also a movie if you want extra credit. In the series, Kyle Chandler plays coach Eric Taylor, who teaches his team that clear eyes and full hearts can't lose. He is supported by wife Tami Taylor, played by Connie Britton. Watch all the touchdowns on Netflix.
'Blades of Glory'
This 2007 movie is a great option for comedy lovers. It stars Will Ferrell and Jon Heder who play figure skiers who were banned from competition. That won't stop Chazz Michael Michaels and James "Jimmy" MacElroy, who find a way to get back into the game. The all-star cast also includes Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer, and Craig T. Nelson. You can have your laughs on ice by watching this on Hulu or Disney+.
'Make It or Break It'
If you are missing gymnasts Simone Biles and Stephen Nedoroscik, this ABC Family teen drama is the perfect cure. You can get your twisting and flying fix. This series tells the story of teen gymnasts with big Olympic dreams. It ran for three seasons and stars Ayla Kell, Josie Loren, Cassie Scerbo, and Chelsea Hobbs. Watch these girls stick their landings on Hulu or Disney+.
'Chariots of Fire'
This 1981 Hugh Hudson film won four Academy Awards including Best Picture. It tells the true story of two British runners who competed in the 1924 Olympic Games. Harold Abrahams, played by Ben Cross, is Jewish and wants to race to combat prejudice. Eric Liddell, played by Ian Charleson, is a devout Christian who glorifies god by racing. This film sports an unforgettable score by Vangelis. It is available to rent on Amazon Prime or AppleTV.
