Spirit of the Games

Top 8 Billed Cast

Bob Mathias
Bob Mathias

Himself

Bob Richards
Bob Richards

Himself

Al Oerter
Al Oerter

Himself

Mae Faggs
Mae Faggs

Herself

Bob Kurland
Bob Kurland

Himself

Sammy Lee
Sammy Lee

Himself

Patricia Mccormick
Patricia Mccormick

Herself

Liev Schreiber
Liev Schreiber

Narrator

Loading Trailer Videos...
  • HomePage

  • Overview

    Documentary examines the history and evolution of the Olympic Games, taking a close look at the Olympic charter, oath and ideals. Also featured are rare home movies and interviews with Olympic athletes and the oldest known color footage of the Olympic Games from Berlin in 1936.

  • Release Date

    1996-05-01

  • Average

    5

  • Rating:

    2.5 starts
  • Tagline

  • Genres

  • Languages:

    English
  • Keywords

Similar Movies

13 Days in France
60%

13 Days in France(fr)

1968-09-27

This colorful documentary chronicles the events of the 1968 Winter Olympics in France. The events made international celebrities of skater Peggy Fleming and skier Jean-Claude Killy for their gold-medal performances. The camera accurately catches the speed of bobsleds and downhill racers and ski jumpers as they race for the gold. President Charles DeGaulle is shown observing the action over 13 days, which saw France earn the best performance to date in the winter games.

Personal Best: Paris 2024
100%

Personal Best: Paris 2024(en)

2025-08-05

Relive the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through the journeys of eight remarkable athletes who pushed past limits, defied expectations, and inspired the world. Featuring Noah Lyles, Faith Kipyegon, Jack Robinson, Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, Leon Marchand, Olga Kharlan and Cindy Ngamba.

The Unpredictable Factor
0%

The Unpredictable Factor(de)

2022-11-03

In today's climate debate, there is only one factor that cannot be calculated in climate models - humans. How can we nevertheless understand our role in the climate system and manage the crisis? Climate change is a complex global problem. Increasingly extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and more difficult living conditions - including for us humans - are already the order of the day. Global society has never faced such a complex challenge. For young people in particular, the frightening climate scenarios will be a reality in the future. For the global south, it is already today. To overcome this crisis, different perspectives are needed. "THE UNPREDICTABLE FACTOR" goes back to the origins of the German environmental movement, accompanies today's activists in the Rhineland in their fight against the coal industry and gives a voice to scientists from climate research, ethnology and psychology.

One Day in September
73%

One Day in September(en)

1999-10-22

The full story of the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre and the Israeli revenge operation 'Wrath of God.' The 1972 Munich Olympics were interrupted by Palestinian terrorists taking Israeli athletes hostage. Besides footage taken at the time, we see interviews with the surviving terrorist, Jamal Al Gashey, and various officials detailing exactly how the police, lacking an anti-terrorist squad and turning down help from the Israelis, botched the operation.

Beijing 2022
0%

Beijing 2022(zh)

2023-04-22

Shot over more than two years, the official film of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing goes behind the scenes to share the stories of international and Chinese athletes, volunteers, medical personnel and officials - against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

Do You Believe in Miracles? The Story of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team
89%

Do You Believe in Miracles? The Story of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team(en)

2002-01-08

At the Winter Olympics of 1980, after two tense weeks amidst growing Cold War fears, the U.S. Olympic hockey team found themselves playing improbably against the legendary unbeatable Soviet Army hockey team for Olympic Gold. From the live footage taken at Lake Placid, NY, and through interviews beginning with the team's assembly through the experience of winning the gold medal.

Lane 0
80%

Lane 0(en)

2017-01-01

A feature length documentary about the struggle of a group of swimmers from developing nations trying to qualify for the Olympic Games for the first time. A story about pursuing your dreams and overcoming adversity.

London 2012: Gymnastics - Going for the Gold
100%

London 2012: Gymnastics - Going for the Gold(en)

2012-09-18

At the 1996 Atlanta Games, the Magnificent Seven became the first American women to ever win gymnastics team gold. Sixteen years later, in London, the Fierce Five joined them in the history books. Relive all the excitement as Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross take the lead from the first rotation and never look back on their way to gold. Follow Gabby Douglas on her way to the podium to make it three straight American gold medals in the individual all-around competition. Every individual event final is featured on this DVD, including Aly Raisman's historic gold-medal performance in the floor exercise, her bronze on the balance beam, as well as McKayla Maroney's silver medal in the vault.

Ancient Olympics: Let the Games Begin
0%

Ancient Olympics: Let the Games Begin(en)

2004-01-01

Come back with us to Ancient Greece, 2,500 Years ago to the original Olympic Games. The ancient Games, like our modern Olympics, included champions and cheaters, glory and scandals, bitter rivalries and contests of strength, speed and savage combat. Set in 448 BC when the pounding of horse's hooves and the brutal hand-to-hand combat could be heard and seen by the crowds that filled the Olympic stadium. This one-hour special event follows the glory and corruption of the arc of a single, five-day Olympiad. The competitions include chariot racing, running, jumping, discus, javelin and two man-to-man combat finals-boxing and pankration, a form of extreme fighting in which death was not uncommon. With the help of sports historians and great athletes such as George Chuvalo and Olympic medallists Donovan Bailey and Angela Schneider, viewers travel back to a very different life-in a very different world.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony
79%

Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony(zh)

2008-08-08

The 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony was held at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest. It began at 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time (UTC+8) on August 8, 2008, as 8 is considered to be a lucky number in Chinese culture. Featuring more than 15,000 performers, the ceremony lasted over four hours and cost over $100 million USD to produce.

Salute
66%

Salute(en)

2008-07-17

The black power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico Olympics was an iconic moment in the US civil rights struggle. Far less known is the part in that episode in history played by Peter Norman, the white Australian on the podium who had run second — and the price paid afterward by all three athletes.

As the Bell Rings
0%

As the Bell Rings(ko)

2025-11-12

For seventeen fleeting days, the mountain wore a crown of glory. This documentary is not about those days, but about the whispers that echo in the wind long after the last torch is extinguished. We journey through time, witnessing the mountain's silent transformation - years of preparation etched in its slopes, scars of change left on its ancient form. Through intimate interviews with the locals who witnessed the transformation and the professionals who shaped it, we piece together the mountain's Olympic journey. We'll hear firsthand accounts of the years of preparation, the challenges faced, and the lasting impact on the landscape and community.

Thirty Years with the Whip
65%

Thirty Years with the Whip(de)

2024-10-25

A portrait of Rosa von Praunheim's neighbor, who worked for decades as a professional dominatrix in Berlin's Wilmersdorf district. While the real Lady MacLaine reflects authentically and wittily on her life and work, her life is retold in dramatized scenes.

Tuna on Tour
0%

Tuna on Tour(de)

2019-06-22

The world’s biggest fish market is to make room for a highway during the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo. After more than 80 years in daily business, the relocation of over 14,000 dealers is a turning point. Especially for old-established dealers this step is not easy. Within four days, all dealers, souvenir and shoe shops, restaurants and service providers such as knife sharpeners are to be relocated to the new location on an artificial island. The closure of Tsukiji is a step towards modern digital real-time trading and we are the only foreign reporter with exclusive access to accompany this adventurous relocation.

Atlanta 1996: Games of the XXVI Olympiad - Opening Ceremony
0%

Atlanta 1996: Games of the XXVI Olympiad - Opening Ceremony(en)

1996-07-19

Live coverage of the opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics which took place in the evening on Friday 19 July in the Centennial Olympic Stadium, Atlanta, United States.

Ich will da sein - Jenny Gröllmann
0%

Ich will da sein - Jenny Gröllmann(de)

2008-06-19

The film accompanies Jenny Gröllmann, a German actress, during the last two years of her life.

Sapporo Winter Olympics
67%

Sapporo Winter Olympics(ja)

1972-06-24

A documentary about the 1972 Winter Olympic Games in Sapporo, Japan.

YUNGBLUD. Are You Ready, Boy?
70%

YUNGBLUD. Are You Ready, Boy?(en)

2025-08-20

Ahead of releasing 'Idols', his most personal album to date, and before anyone had heard a note, Yungblud and his touring family travelled to Berlin, where he would perform and record these brand new songs live for the very first time. A personal journey of change, confidence and rock-and-roll chaos, set against a city that has always celebrated counterculture and creativity, this is a revealing and uncompromising documentary about a generational artist finding his own voice.

Official Film of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Side B
60%

Official Film of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Side B(ja)

2022-06-24

From a vast record of 750 days, 5000 hours, Official Film of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 SIDE A and SIDE B are the official documentaries by Naomi Kawase capturing not only the athletes gathered from all over the world, but also their families, people involved in the Games, volunteers, medical personnel, and protesters shouting for the cancellation of the Olympics.

The Third Man
0%

The Third Man(en)

2016-09-16

The moment where American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved hands in defiance on the podium at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics is one of the most memorable images in sports history. But there is a third man in the photo, the white Australian who finished second to Smith and ahead of Carlos in the 200 meters. His name is Peter Norman, and he stands in quiet solidarity with them. Norman’s story is retold in this film with passion and perspective.

Recommendations Movies

Icarus
76%

Icarus(en)

2017-06-03

While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, director Bryan Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country’s “anti-doping” program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program.

The Redeem Team
74%

The Redeem Team(en)

2022-10-07

Using unprecedented Olympic footage and behind-the-scenes material, The Redeem Team tells the story of the US Olympic Men's Basketball Team’s quest for gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing following the previous team’s shocking performance four years earlier in Athens.

Naqoyqatsi
61%

Naqoyqatsi(en)

2002-09-02

A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

Being James Bond
78%

Being James Bond(en)

2021-08-29

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The Class of ‘92
71%

The Class of ‘92(en)

2013-12-01

A detailing of the rise to prominence and global sporting superstardom of six supremely talented young Manchester United football players (David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville). The film covers the period 1992-1999, culminating in Manchester United's European Cup triumph.

Tyson
68%

Tyson(en)

2008-05-16

Director James Toback takes an unflinching, uncompromising look at the life of Mike Tyson--almost solely from the perspective of the man himself. TYSON alternates between the controversial boxer addressing the camera and shots of the champion's fights to create an arresting picture of the man.

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me
60%

Anna Nicole Smith: You Don't Know Me(en)

2023-05-16

From the heights of her modeling fame to her tragic death, this documentary reveals Anna Nicole Smith through the eyes of the people closest to her.

Gilbert
67%

Gilbert(en)

2017-04-20

The life and career of one of comedy's most inimitable modern voices, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.

McQueen
75%

McQueen(en)

2018-06-08

Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.

Listen to Me Marlon
75%

Listen to Me Marlon(en)

2015-07-29

With exclusive access to his extraordinary unseen and unheard personal archive including hundreds of hours of audio recorded over the course of his life, this is the definitive Marlon Brando cinema documentary. Charting his exceptional career as an actor and his extraordinary life away from the stage and screen with Brando himself as your guide, the film will fully explore the complexities of the man by telling the story uniquely from Marlon's perspective, entirely in his own voice. No talking heads, no interviewees, just Brando on Brando and life.

Ferrari: Race to Immortality
70%

Ferrari: Race to Immortality(en)

2017-11-03

The late 1950s were known as golden years in the world of motor racing, champions were made and lost on a Sunday, and no losses were greater than those of Enzo Ferrari’s Scuderia. Based on Chris Nixon’s bestselling biography Mon Ami Mate, Ferrari: Race to Immortality tells the story of the loves and losses, triumphs and tragedy of a turbulent era that shook the motor racing world.

I Am Ali
67%

I Am Ali(en)

2014-10-10

Unprecedented access to Muhammad Ali's personal archive of "audio journals" as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends are used to tell the legend's life story.

Diego Maradona
74%

Diego Maradona(en)

2019-06-14

Constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage, this documentary centers on the personal life and career of the controversial football player Diego Maradona who played for SSC Napoli and Argentina in the 1980s.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century
65%

Capital in the Twenty-First Century(en)

2019-09-12

Film adaptation of French economist Thomas Piketty's ground-breaking global bestseller of the same name: an eye-opening journey through wealth and power.

Williams
74%

Williams(en)

2017-08-14

This sports documentary tells the story of the Williams Formula 1 team founded by the legendary Sir Frank Williams

Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country
72%

Burma VJ: Reporting from a Closed Country(en)

2008-11-12

Going beyond the occasional news clip from Burma, the acclaimed filmmaker, Anders Østergaard, brings us close to the video journalists who deliver the footage. Though risking torture and life in jail, courageous young citizens of Burma live the essence of journalism as they insist on keeping up the flow of news from their closed country.

1
66%

1(en)

2013-09-30

Set in the golden era of Grand Prix Racing '1' tells the story of a generation of charismatic drivers who raced on the edge, risking their lives during Formula 1's deadliest period, and the men who stood up and changed the sport forever.

Hawking
76%

Hawking(en)

2013-03-11

The extraordinary story of the planet’s most famous contemporary scientist, told in his own words and by those closest to him. Made with unique access to Hawking’s private life, this is an intimate and moving journey into Stephen's world, both past and present.

For the Love of Spock
74%

For the Love of Spock(en)

2016-09-09

The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.

Mountain
69%

Mountain(en)

2017-11-30

An epic cinematic and musical collaboration between SHERPA filmmaker Jennifer Peedom and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, that explores humankind's fascination with high places.