
Chariots of Fire
1981 · Movie · PG · 123 min · ★ 6.8 · 81% critics
In early-1920s Britain, two driven runners prepare for the Paris Olympics while navigating a society shaped by class divisions, prejudice, and faith. As training intensifies, personal convictions and outside pressures force hard choices about ambition, identity, and what they’re willing to sacrifice for their goals.
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Details
- Years
- 1981
- Release date
- 1981-05-15
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 123 min
- Critic score
- 81/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (1,039 votes)
- Box office
- $59,303,359
- Budget
- $5,500,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an uplifting, character-focused sports drama about conviction, faith, and prejudice, with a classic, stately feel; Not for you if you need fast pacing or constant action like Eight Men Out.
Pros: inspiring true-story drive; iconic music and mood; strong period detail | Cons: slow middle stretch; too many side characters; some race scenes awkward
Themes
- underdog
- sports
- scotland
- missionary
- olympic games
- jewry
- patriotism
- mayor
- praline
- olympian sports team
- ambition
- based on true story
- +10 more
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1982
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1982
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1982
- Academy Award — Best Original Score · 1982
- National Board of Review Award — Best Film · 1981
Show all 13 awards →
- Toronto International Film Festival People's Choice Award · 1981
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Film Editing · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Original Score · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Original Screenplay · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Picture · 1982 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Director · 1982 · nominated
Cast & crew

Ben Cross
as Harold Abrahams

Ian Charleson
as Eric Liddell

Cheryl Campbell
as Jennie Liddell

Alice Krige
as Sybil Gordon

Nigel Havers
as Lord Andrew Lindsay

Ian Holm
as Sam Mussabini

Nicholas Farrell
as Aubrey Montague

Daniel Gerroll
as Henry Stallard

John Gielgud
as Master of Trinity

Lindsay Anderson
as Master of Caius
Directed by Hugh Hudson