Chariots of Fire is perhaps the most recognizable film about the Olympic Games. According to film critic Sam Hollis, the film is slow, but definitely worth watching.
Photo: AFP / Photos12.com / Collection Cinéma

If the hustle and bustle of the rainy opening ceremony and the excitement of the first games haven’t got you in the sporting mood, then grab a footstool and warm up the popcorn. RNZ has the perfect schedule of Olympics and sports films.

RNZ producer and film critic Sam Hollis has compiled a wide range of films themed around the Olympics or sport.

“When I think about the Olympics, I think about things like dedication to mastering something, blood, sweat and tears, that sheer determination to be the best,” he says.

“I hope there are some obvious photos in there, but hopefully some less obvious photos that people will want to look at as well.”

I, Tonya (2017)

Starring Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding, who rose to infamy in the ’90s when she was linked to the assault of rival skater Nancy Kerrigan in the run-up to the U.S. Winter Olympic team selections. “What makes this film really memorable is the mockumentary style it takes, where Tonya breaks the fourth wall and acts as the narrator of her story … it just shows you a lot of the context of her life and how she got to where she did,” Hollis says.

Available on TVNZ+.

Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding in I, Tonya.
Photo: Neon

Free Solo (2018)

A National Geographic documentary about the story of rock climber Alex Honnold, who became the first person to free solo (without ropes or safety gear) the famous El Capitan rock face in California’s Yosemite National Park. “The way it’s filmed … is incredibly compelling. You feel like you’re there on the wall with him, and it’s also a fascinating psychological study into the mind of a hardcore adrenaline junkie — why he’s doing this?”

Available on Disney Plus.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Based on the true story of two British runners who competed in the 1924 Olympics, the film won four Academy Awards. Hollis says it offers an interesting look at some of the social and political issues of its time, and “I think it’s worth seeing, even though I find it a little on the meandering side.”

Watch it on Disney Plus.

whiplash (2014)

Although it’s about a drummer striving to master the art, Hollis chose it for this lineup because: “If there was ever a movie about someone obsessed with mastering a certain exercise that really captures the level of drive it takes, this is it. “It takes a really in-depth look at the relationship between coach and player … it’s so intense and shocking that I guarantee you by the end you’ll feel like you just watched a nail-biting sporting event.”

Watch it on TVNZ+ and Amazon Prime.

In Blades of Glory, Will Ferrell and Jon Heder play a doubles figure skating team competing in the Winter Olympics.
Photo: Delivered

Knives of Glory (2007)

A figure skating comedy starring big names in the comedy world, starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.

After being banned for life from skating as individual figure skaters, two flamboyant athletes with big egos are teaming up. “I think it’s really funny and a fun thing to watch,” Hollis says.

Available on Apple TV+

Bonus choice: Hollis says ski movie Downhill racer (1969), starring Robert Redford and Gene Hackman, is another oft-recommended film about the Olympics and is next on his wish list.