Ice skating has been a fascinating spectacle for generations, captivating audiences with its unique blend of athleticism and artistry. Its inherent drama, excitement, and charm have made it a popular subject in cinema, resulting in numerous memorable ice skating movies. This guide will provide a list of the best ice skating movies, from heartwarming stories of budding talents to inspiring tales of extraordinary resilience and triumph.
Contents
1. “Blades of Glory” (2007)
“Blades of Glory” is a hilarious comedic take on the world of competitive ice skating. The film stars comedic heavyweights Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as two rival skaters who are forced to team up as a pair after being banned from solo competition. Their comedic chemistry and the film’s absurd premise make for an unforgettable viewing experience.
- Available on: Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Vudu
2. “The Cutting Edge” (1992)
“The Cutting Edge” is a classic ice skating movie that tells a heartwarming story of a partnership between a figure skater and a former hockey player. Their starkly different backgrounds and contrasting personalities result in a captivating tale filled with romance, tension, and thrilling ice skate sequences.
- Available on: The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Tubi TV, and Freevee
3. “The Mighty Ducks” (1992)
“The Mighty Ducks” is not strictly an ice skating movie, but it deserves a mention for its significant contribution to ice sports cinema. This film tells the story of a group of underdog kid ice hockey players coached by a reluctant lawyer. It’s a heartwarming tale of teamwork, perseverance, and the sheer joy of the sport.
- Available on: Disney Plus
4. “I, Tonya” (2017)
“I, Tonya” is a darkly comedic retelling of the infamous rivalry between American figure skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. Starring Margot Robbie as Harding, the film is a gripping exploration of the events leading up to the shocking incident at the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
- Available on: HBO Max
5. “Ice Princess” (2005)
“Ice Princess” is a heartwarming Disney film about a young girl who aspires to become a figure skater. The ice skating movie, which features Michelle Trachtenberg in the lead role, is an inspiring tale of following one’s passion and overcoming challenges to achieve one’s dreams.
- Available on: Disney Plus
6. “Go Figure” (2005)
“Go Figure” is another Disney film that appeals to younger audiences with its engaging story about an Olympic figure skating hopeful. The film effectively combines the playful energy of Disney Channel movies with a sincere reverence for the sport of ice skating. The movie perfectly tells the story of Randy Gardner, and what happened at the Winter Olympic Games.
- Available on: Disney Plus
7. “Ice Girls” (2016)
“Ice Girls” is a Canadian film that underlines the popularity of ice skating in the country. It tells the story of a talented ice skater whose dreams are dashed due to her family’s financial troubles, but she learns to make the best of her situation, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the sport.
- Available on: The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Plex, and Freevee
8. “Ice Castles” (1978 & 2010)
“Ice Castles” is a poignant tale of a talented figure skater who loses her sight in a tragic accident, but she returns to the ice against all odds. The ice skate movie, which was remade in 2010, is a touching testament to the power of hope, determination, and the human spirit. Some of the actors that got famous thanks to the movie include Lynn Holly Johnson, Robby Benson, and Jennifer Warren.
- Available on: Amazon Prime
9. “The Ice King” (2018)
“The Ice King” is a documentary about John Curry, a figure skater who revolutionized the sport and became the first openly gay Olympian. The film is a moving tribute to Curry’s groundbreaking achievements and the challenges he faced both on and off the ice.
- Available on: The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, and Plex
10. “Unbroken” (2020)
“Unbroken” is a documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the grueling and competitive world of figure skating. The film follows two figure-skating pairs, one from Russia and one from the United States, as they navigate the highs and lows of a competition season in pursuit of gold.
- Available on: Vudu
Honorable Mentions
There are several other notable ice skating movies that didn’t make the top 10 but are still worth checking out. These include “Ice Angel”, a film about an ice skater who becomes a guardian angel for another skater; “The Ice Follies of 1939”, a musical drama featuring actual skaters from the national touring group the Ice Follies; and “Mystery, Alaska”, a dramedy about a small-town hockey team that gets the chance to play against a team from the National Hockey League.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the sport, a movie buff, or simply looking for a good film to watch, these ice skating movies offer a thrilling blend of engaging storylines, captivating performances, and breathtaking ice skating sequences. They not only provide entertainment but also showcase the beauty, grace, and athleticism inherent in the sport of ice skating.
