The Olympics is a globally celebrated and eagerly awaited event that captures the attention of audiences across the globe. This year, the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France, marking the third time the city has had the honor of hosting the Olympic Games, having previously done so in 1900 and 1924. Whether you’re lucky enough to attend the games in person, sitting in the bleachers and soaking in the electric atmosphere, or are watching the competitions unfold on your television screen, the excitement and energy surrounding the Olympics is tangible. And hence, sports take center-stage as the key topic of conversation for many during this time, as fans actively follow the triumphs of their favorite athletes and teams. To help get you spirited for the upcoming Olympic festivities, here is a curated selection of the latest sports-themed films!
Challengers
Leading off our lineup of sports-themed films is Challengers, a cinematic offering directed by the award-winning Italian director Luca Guadagnino. This riveting movie commences with Tashi Duncan, a one-of-a-kind tennis player poised for a breakthrough athletic career. However, after an accident, Tashi is forced to abandon her dreams of competing and instead becomes a tennis coach. In a gripping twist, she transforms her husband, Patrick Zweig—once a mediocre player—into a global tennis champion. Challengers boasts a celebrated cast, including Zendaya as Tashi, Josh O’Connor as Patrick and Mike Faist as Art Donaldson. The film chronicles 13 years of the captivating love triangle between Tashi, Mike and Art, culminating in a nail-biting ATP Challenger tournament. The on-court action is thrilling, and the emotional performances from the actors are nothing short of brilliant. This cinematic gem is sure to have tennis fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming tennis tournaments at the 2024 Summer Olympics, where 172 players will compete across 5 medal events from July 27 to August 4 at the State Roland Garros stadium!
The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat is laced with the heartwarming message that teamwork and friendship matter more than merely winning races and achieving victory. The film’s protagonist, Joe Rantz, comes from a working-class family in a small town and had a difficult upbringing, which makes him feel like an outsider among his wealthier, more privileged classmates at the University of Washington. Joe uses rowing as a way to find a sense of belonging, and his strong work ethic and resilience earns him a spot on the crew team that would go on to compete at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. The eight young men who make up the crew team face numerous challenges, both in training and competition, yet they persevere as a united front and demonstrate what it means to be part of something greater than oneself. The Boys in the Boat is based on a true story, and is sure to resonate with audiences as they look forward to the upcoming rowing events at the Paris Olympics.
Next Goal Wins
Next up is Next Goal Wins, which is inspired by the true story of the American Samoa national football team. Directed by Academy Award winner Taika Watiti, the film follows the small Pacific Island nation as they suffer a humiliating 31-0 loss to Australia, earning them the reputation as the worst football team in the world. Over the course of 17 years, they only managed to score 2 goals, until Dutch coach Thomas Rongen (portrayed by Michael Fassbender) arrives and sets out to transform the long-time losers into champions. Despite facing complicated challenges and having only one month to prepare, Rongen persists in his mission, leading the team on a remarkable journey. Featuring a talented cast that includes Elisabeth Moss, David Fane and Rachel House, Next Goal Wins is an uplifting story of sport and personal growth that is sure to get audiences fired up for the upcoming football competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Iron Claw
Directed by Sean Durkin, The Iron Claw is a sports drama film that delves into the lives of the legendary Von Erich family, a pro-wrestling phenomenon. The story follows the four Von Erich brothers— Kevin, David, Kerry, and Michael— who have been meticulously trained by their father to become elite athletes. Tragically, the family’s first-born child passed away at a young age, setting off a seemingly endless streak of heartbreak and misfortune that would haunt the family for years to come. Faced with the belief that their family was cursed, the brothers turned to the sport of wrestling as a means of finding protection and purpose. As they step into the ring, the Von Erich brothers must not only contend with the physical demands of their craft, but also the emotional scars that linger from their past.
The film captures the raw intensity of their journey, allowing the audience to feel the visceral violence and brotherhood shared by the characters. Not to mention, the stellar ensemble cast that includes Zac Efron (Kevin Von Erich), Jeremy Allen White (Kerry Von Erich), Harris Dickinson (David Von Erich), Holt McCallany (Fritz Von Erich) and Lily James (Pam Adkisson). This impressive lineup of actors earned The Iron Claw recognition from the National Board of Review, with the film receiving the award for Best Ensemble in 2023. While the specific wrestling style depicted in the film is not part of the Olympic program, the sport of wrestling as a whole remains a core component of the Summer Games, with both freestyle and Greco-Roman events. “The Iron Claw” stands as a raw, emotive tale of competition and the unbreakable bonds of family- a fitting conclusion to our overview of sports-themed films.
We hope you enjoy watching these films and that they ignite your excitement for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games. Whether you're a die-hard sports enthusiast or simply appreciate the thrill of athletic competition, these movies are sure to get you in the spirit of the games. So be sure to mark your calendars between July 26th and August 11th, 2024 to not only tune in to the Olympic festivities, but also revisit these sports-themed titles. One thing is for certain— the combination of world-class athletic achievements and compelling cinematic films is sure to make for an unforgettable summer of sports and entertainment!
