Celebrity Coverage
8 Films About Black Olympians That Will Put You in the Mood of Victory – Essence
Now that the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have officially begun, and we’ve got already had a string of great victories and crushing defeats, the pride in Team USA and our brothers and sisters abroad is immense.
But of course, exciting games aren’t available 24/7 (as much as we’d like them to be)! So in the hours between games, why not watch real movies and documentaries about some of the black athletes who’ve graced the games over the a long time and made history with their determination and strength.
Here are 8 movies that explore the determination and energy of black athletes who’ve performed on the Olympic stage.
Ali – 2001
An in depth-up portrait of the life and profession of the Master himself, who won the gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome when he was just 18 years old.
Cool Runnings – 1993
In reality, the (somewhat loosely) film tells the story of Derice Bannock, a Jamaican sprinter who devises an alternate plan to get to the 1987 Seoul Olympics after being eliminated from qualifying in the 100m in an unexpected accident. Despite never having seen snow, he and several other other aspiring athletes form the first Jamaican bobsleigh team.
Simone Biles Rising – 2024
In this 4-part docuseries, follow Simone Biles’ journey to becoming the most decorated American gymnast of all time after withdrawing from the 2020 Olympics to take care of her mental health.
The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World – 2020
Tommie Smith and John Carlos shocked the Olympic Committee, fans and the rest of the world after they each raised their fists in Black Power at the 1968 Olympics. This PBS documentary reveals what led to that watershed moment and why its impact has lasted for generations.
Venus and Serena – 2012
Take a peek inside the lives of the sisters who’ve a combined 4 gold medals. In 2011, each sister faced enormous physical challenges – Venus, an autoimmune disease, and Serena, a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. See how they overcame all obstacles to return to greatness and GOAT status.
Race – 2016
Fighting racism each at home and abroad, Jesse Owens breaks racial barriers and shows Nazi Germany and the rest of the world that he’s the fastest man in the world during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Naomi Osaka – 2021
Naomi Osaka competed in Tokyo in 2020 and Paris in 2024. In this three-part docuseries, watch as one of tennis’ biggest stars, bred to be a champion, reaches the peak of her game in 2019 while coping with blows to her mental and emotional health – ultimately making the hardest, but best, decision for her well-being.
NAOMI OSAKA. NAOMI OSAKA in episode 1 NAOMI OSAKA: LIMITED SERIES. Cr. NETFLIX © 2021
Stay Close – 2020
This PBS documentary short follows the story of Keeth Smart, a black fencer who overcame adversity to grow to be the best fencer in the world and win a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics.
