Olympic Games Documentary You Should Know 2024

Just imagine sitting down to watch the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games, feeling the excitement and anticipation building as athletes from around the world compete for glory. As you immerse yourself in the world of sports, have you ever wondered about the history and stories behind the Olympics?

In this article, we will explore the top 10 Olympic Games documentary of all time and revisit these captivating films that capture the essence of the Games.

Part 1. Best 10 Olympic Games Documentary to Watch in 2024

1. Olympia (1938)

Directed by Leni Riefenstahl, Olympia is a groundbreaking documentary that covers the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It's celebrated for its innovative cinematography and pioneering techniques that influenced sports filmmaking.

This documentary on Olympics is divided into two parts, “Festival of Nations” and “Festival of Beauty.” It showcases various athletic events, focusing on the grace and skill of the athletes. Despite its controversial production under Nazi Germany, Olympia remains a significant piece of cinematic history.

Director: Leni Riefenstahl

2. Tokyo Olympiad (1965)

Directed by Kon Ichikawa, Tokyo Olympiad provides a unique and artistic perspective on the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo.

Rather than just documenting the competitions, this film emphasizes the human aspects and emotional experiences of the athletes. It highlights the beauty and drama of the Games, making it a timeless piece that resonates with viewers beyond the realm of sports.

Director: Kon Ichikawa

3. 16 Days of Glory (1986)

Directed by Bud Greenspan, 16 Days of Glory is a detailed documentary about the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

This film captures the excitement and spirit of the Games by focusing on various athletes' stories and significant moments. It provides an in-depth look at the personal and athletic journeys that define the Olympic experience.

Director: Bud Greenspan

4. One Day in September (1999)

Directed by Kevin Macdonald, this Academy Award-winning documentary recounts the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The Munich Olympics documentary provides a detailed and emotional account of the terrorist attack by the Palestinian group Black September, which resulted in the death of eleven Israeli athletes. It combines archival footage with interviews to offer a gripping narrative of the tragedy and its aftermath.

Director: Kevin Macdonald

5. The Olympic Series (2006-2008)

This series, produced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), includes multiple documentaries that explore various aspects of the Olympics.

The documentaries in this series cover a wide range of topics, from the history of the Games to personal stories of athletes and memorable Olympic moments. Each film provides unique insights into what makes the Olympics such a special and enduring event.

Produced by: International Olympic Committee (IOC)

6. Los Angeles 1984: Games of the XXIII Olympiad (2010)

Directed by Bud Greenspan, this documentary revisits the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The documentary on Olympics highlights the most memorable moments and athletes of the 1984 Games, offering in-depth stories that capture the excitement and spirit of the event. It provides a nostalgic look at one of the most successful and vibrant Olympic Games in history.

Director: Bud Greenspan

7. Fire on the Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story (1995)

Directed by Erich Lyttle, this documentary tells the inspiring story of American runner Steve Prefontaine.

The film covers Prefontaine's rise to fame, his remarkable achievements in middle and long-distance running, and his participation in the 1972 Munich Olympics. It also explores his influence on the sport and his tragic death at a young age, highlighting his enduring legacy.

Director: Erich Lyttle

8. The Other Dream Team (2012)

Directed by Marius Markevicius, this documentary focuses on the 1992 Lithuanian basketball team.

The Olympics basketball documentary chronicles the team's journey from Soviet occupation to winning the bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. It emphasizes themes of national pride, resilience, and the significance of sports in Lithuania's struggle for independence, offering a powerful and emotional narrative.

Director: Marius Markevicius

9. Unmatched (2010)

Part of ESPN's “30 for 30” series, Unmatched explores the rivalry and friendship between tennis legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

The documentary delves into their intense competition on the court and their deep off-court friendship. While it's not solely focused on the Olympics, it touches on their contributions to the sport and their experiences with the Games, providing a compelling look at two of tennis's greatest players.

Director: Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern

10. First (2020)

Directed by Caroline Rowland, this documentary follows twelve first-time Olympic athletes as they prepare for and compete in the 2012 London Olympics.

The Olympic Games documentary film provides an intimate look at the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of these athletes. It captures their journey from preparation to competition, offering a fresh perspective on the Olympic experience through the eyes of newcomers.

Director: Caroline Rowland

Part 2. Special-Tips: Enhance Old Olympics Videos with HitPaw Video Enhancer

Have you ever tried watching old Olympic videos only to be disappointed by their low quality and pixelation? By using HitPaw Video Enhancer, you can elevate the quality of these videos and bring them back to life in literally no time.

It is a user-friendly tool that allows you to improve the resolution, brightness, and overall clarity of your videos with just a few simple clicks. Whether you're reliving iconic Olympic moments or discovering new ones, HitPaw Video Enhancer is the perfect companion to take your viewing experience to the next level.

Why Choose HitPaw Video Enhancer

• HitPaw Video Enhancer utilizes advanced artificial intelligence technology to automatically enhance the resolution of your videos.
• You can effortlessly add color to black and white videos and footages while maintaining high quality and authenticity.
• No matter if your old Olympic videos are in low resolution, it can upscale them to stunning 4K and even 8K quality.
• HitPaw Video Enhancer's exceptional noise reduction feature helps eliminate unwanted distortions and enhances overall video clarity.
• This tool offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to upscale and enhance Olympic documentaries of any type with ease.

Steps to Enhance Old Olympics Videos

• Step 1:First of all, begin by downloading HitPaw Video Enhancer and installing the software following the provided directions. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to get started on enhancing your videos.

  

• Step 2:Now, click on the “Choose File” button within the software and select the old Olympic video you wish to enhance. This step sets the stage for transforming your video into a higher resolution masterpiece.

  

• Step 3:Once your video is selected, navigate to the Enhancement Settings and choose the option to increase the resolution. HitPaw Video Enhancer offers various models such as Face Model, General Denoise Model, and Colorize Model to enhance different aspects of your video.

  

• Step 4:Before proceeding with the video processing, take advantage of the preview option to ensure that the enhancements meet your expectations. This allows you to fine-tune the settings before finalizing the changes.

  

Once you're satisfied with the preview, initiate the video processing and witness your old Olympic games documentary videos transform into visually stunning creations. Share these enhanced memories with your friends and family to create new cherished moments while reliving the magic of the Olympic Games.

Learn More about HitPaw Video Enhancer

Crux of the Matter

The journey through the history of the Olympics and the exploration of top-notch Olympic Games documentaries have shed light on the incredible stories and moments that have defined this prestigious event.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of the Olympics game documentary, HitPaw Video Enhancer is your go-to tool for transforming ordinary videos into extraordinary visual experiences.