10 Best Movies And TV Shows To Watch During The 2026 Olympics

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The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off on Friday, February 6th in Milan, Italy. In the U.S., you can watch the events on NBC and stream them on Peacock. If you’re interested in shows and movies about the Olympics, there are plenty of options that highlight the excitement and challenges of the Winter Games.

The Olympics represent the highest level of success for athletes, which is why so many great sports movies are set during the Games. Here are 10 of the best films and TV shows – based on true stories or simply inspired by the world of sports – to help you get excited for the Winter Olympics.

Spinning Out (2020)

Skating TV Series

As a total movie and TV buff, I stumbled upon this show called Spinning Out, and it really grabbed me. It’s about Kat Baker, a talented figure skater who gets hurt and gets a second chance – but this time as part of a pairs team. The really compelling part? She’s trying to keep her family’s struggles with mental health a secret while navigating the intense pressure and politics of competitive skating. It’s a shame it didn’t last long, but it was a powerful watch.

Like watching the Olympics, Spinning Out is full of intense emotion, but it shows what life is like for skaters off the ice – dealing with injuries, mental health challenges, and difficult family dynamics. The show highlights how easily success can turn into failure, making every performance feel incredibly important.

Watching Spinning Out while the Olympics are on makes the show even more impactful, giving a realistic and emotional story about the pressures of striving for perfection in figure skating.

The Cutting Edge (1992)

Skating Movie

The movie The Cutting Edge offers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of competitive figure skating, showcasing both its drama and beauty. It tells the story of an unlikely pairing – a hockey player and a dedicated skater – and realistically portrays the rigorous training, intense competition, and the fine line between success and defeat.

Like athletes competing in the Olympics, the characters in this film face challenges built on connection, confidence, and the pressure of performance. Released in 1992, The Cutting Edge is considered one of the greatest ice skating movies ever made because it beautifully captures both the artistic and athletic sides of the sport. The film makes watching the Olympics even more enjoyable by showing the personal stories and struggles behind the perfect performances and impressive moves.

Yuri On Ice (2016)

Skating TV Series

Yuri on Ice realistically portrays the intense emotions and fierce competition of professional figure skating, and uses animation to showcase the sport in a way that live-action films can’t. The story centers on Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese skater who struggles after a disappointing loss. His life changes when his idol, five-time world champion Victor Nikiforov, surprisingly becomes his coach and helps him attempt a return to international competition.

Animation gives athletes a sense of fluid motion – jumps feel longer, spins build momentum, and movements connect seamlessly without needing special effects or camera angles. When you add a diverse group of competitors, the high stakes of the Olympics, and personal stories of struggle, triumph, and resilience, the series truly captures the energy and drama of the Games.

As a huge fan, watching Yuri on Ice while the Winter Olympics were happening was just magical. Every skating performance on screen felt even more meaningful, reminding me of all the hard work, beauty, and courage it takes to chase a dream. And I truly believe Yuri on Ice paved the way for shows like Heated Rivalry with its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ love story – it really opened doors!

Downhill Racer (1969)

Skiing Movie

Downhill Racer realistically portrays the demanding and mentally challenging world of competitive alpine skiing. The film centers on American skier David Chappellet (played by Robert Redford) and his relentless drive to win an Olympic gold medal, a pursuit that often isolates him from others and makes teamwork difficult.

Robert Redford was deeply involved in Downhill Racer, not only as the lead actor but also in ensuring the film felt realistic. Though often overlooked, it’s one of his strongest works. Instead of being a feel-good story, the film offers a stark look at the drive to succeed, the impact of ego, and the loneliness that can come with striving for the top.

The movie’s racing scenes are thrillingly realistic, capturing the speed, risk, and skill of Olympic downhill skiing. Watching Downhill Racer during the Olympics offers a more serious and reflective perspective, reminding viewers of the challenges and sacrifices behind achieving athletic success.

I, Tonya (2017)

Skating Movie

The movie I, Tonya tells the story of the infamous 1994 attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, and Tonya Harding’s connection to it. It’s a tough film to watch because it doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of the scandal – the abuse, chaos, and self-sabotage. However, this unflinching honesty is also what makes it so captivating.

Beyond just telling the story of a ‘bad guy,’ the movie I, Tonya looks at issues of social class, how the media can take advantage of people, and the complicated ways Tonya Harding’s choices were influenced by her life. The film is compelling because it mixes humor with intense drama and presents the story through multiple, often conflicting, perspectives.

Margot Robbie received an Oscar nomination for her powerful and complex portrayal of the main character, and Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress for her convincingly cold performance as Tonya Harding’s mother. The film is a disturbing, memorable, and ultimately impactful watch, especially considering its release alongside the Winter Olympics.

Heated Rivalry (2025-Present)

Hockey TV Series

Sabrina Lantos/©HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection

Heated Rivalry is a perfect match for the Olympic Games. It blends intense competition with a touching LGBTQ+ love story, mirroring the drama and thrill of the Olympics. The show’s first season quickly covers several years and Olympic cycles, showcasing the long-term commitment, victories, and challenges inherent in professional athletics.

The show skillfully combines exciting competition with heartfelt moments, funny scenes, and a touch of romance, making it a genuinely enjoyable experience. The satisfying conclusion feels complete, yet hints at future storylines, leaving viewers feeling uplifted and wanting more.

HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry unexpectedly became a hit by combining competitive sports with stories of personal development and romance. The show shares the inspiring themes of determination, human connection, and love that also make the Winter Olympics so enjoyable to watch.

Blades Of Glory (2007)

Skating Movie

Despite its silly humor, Blades of Glory is a surprisingly good sports movie because it genuinely appreciates figure skating. The film stars Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as two competitive skaters, Chazz Michael Michaels and Jimmy MacElroy, who are forced to become partners if they want to achieve their Olympic dreams.

This movie is a fun and energetic tribute to the skill and beauty of competitive skating. It highlights the incredible athleticism and dedication required to perform these routines, even while making you laugh. Primarily set during a made-up Winter Olympics, the film delivers all the excitement, competition, and grandeur of the sport, combined with hilarious moments and a fantastic soundtrack featuring Aerosmith.

The movie Blades of Glory is funny and heartwarming because you can clearly see the filmmakers’ passion for figure skating. It’s a film that celebrates the hard work and artistry of the sport, and it’s always enjoyable to watch again and again.

Eddie The Eagle (2015)

Ski Jumping Movie

Eddie the Eagle is a feel-good movie about never giving up and achieving your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s based on the real story of Eddie Edwards, a British skier who overcame a lack of experience and official roadblocks to compete in Olympic ski jumping.

I was completely captivated by Taron Egerton’s performance – he really nailed Eddie’s incredible positivity and brought a lot of humor to the role. And Hugh Jackman is fantastic as the coach who helps him focus and really go for it. It’s such a great movie because it’s funny and heartwarming, but also shows how incredibly difficult ski jumping is, and what it takes to chase a dream when everyone doubts you.

The movie Eddie the Eagle reminds us that the Olympics are about more than just winning; it’s about bravery, being yourself, and the happiness that comes from striving to achieve your best, even when facing challenges.

Cool Runnings (1993)

Bobsled Movie

Many consider Cool Runnings a classic sports movie because it’s based on the inspiring true story of Jamaica’s first bobsled team. The film celebrates teamwork, perseverance, and the Olympic dream, taking some creative liberties with the actual events to make it both funny and exciting.

At its core, Cool Runnings is an inspiring story about perseverance, challenging what people expect, and the power of teamwork. It’s one of John Candy’s most beloved films, and its humor, charming characters, and positive energy appeal to everyone. Plus, the movie really captures the excitement and skill involved in the sport of bobsledding.

More than just a funny movie, Cool Runnings really captures the spirit of the Olympics – things like bravery, never giving up, and teamwork. Seeing it during the Winter Games is a good reminder that competing isn’t only about winning; it’s about the fun of challenging yourself and working together, even when things are tough.

Miracle (2004)

Hockey Movie

The movie Miracle is considered a top sports film and the definitive Olympic movie because it’s a truly inspiring underdog story filled with emotion, excitement, and high stakes. It’s based on the incredible true story of the 1980 U.S. Men’s hockey team’s shocking win against the seemingly unbeatable Soviet team during the Cold War. You can learn more about the team in the Netflix documentary Miracle: The Boys of ’80.

As a real cinema lover, what struck me most was how every single play – every pass, shot, and save – was crafted to really ramp up the tension. Sure, the movie sometimes uses familiar tropes, but honestly, they’re the kind that genuinely move you and get you rooting for the characters. It’s not groundbreaking, but it works emotionally.

Kurt Russell delivers a compelling performance as coach Herb Brooks, skillfully showing his strictness, game plan, and ability to motivate his players. Watching the movie Miracle during the 2026 Winter Olympics really brings the excitement of the games to life, highlights the power of working together, and reminds us that anyone can achieve something amazing when they face a challenge.

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2026-02-05 18:34