Chariots of Fire

Play trailer

Chariots of Fire

PG

1981

2h 3m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

113 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil (Alice Krige) in his single-minded quest.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Decidedly slower and less limber than the Olympic runners at the center of its story, Chariots of Fire nevertheless makes effectively stirring use of its spiritual and patriotic themes.

Read Critics Reviews

Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

07/26/2024

4/5

Never, with the possible exception of Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, has running looked so cinematic.

Go to Full Review

Pauline Kael

The New Yorker

07/18/2022

The picture is a piece of technological lyricism held together by the glue of simpleminded heroic sentiment; basically, its appeal is in watching a couple of guys win their races.

Go to Full Review

David Denby

New York Magazine/Vulture

07/18/2022

A handsome, well-acted, frequently charming film that would not be out of place on Masterpiece Theater. In other words, it is precisely what art-house audiences want at the moment -- a cautious, "distinguished," slightly boring good movie.

Go to Full Review

Brian Viner

Daily Mail (UK)

08/08/2024

5/5

Chariots Of Fire is one of the glories of British cinema...

Go to Full Review

Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

06/27/2023

The opening scene, thanks in large part to Vangelis’ immortal score, is cinematic beauty in the highest form.

Go to Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

02/27/2023

It is a film that understands the sweetness of victory...

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Peter V

@RT78913669 Feb 8

The university scenes in England are witty and good-natured, with Sir John Gielgud's refined performance adding a nice touch. The scenes in Scotland offer a refreshing change of pace. While some may view it as a stuffy costume drama, the film's unconventional form, refinement, and pitch-perfect performances make it stand out. The ending is particularly sublime, with memorable music that will be remembered for a lifetime.

See more

Johnny H

@RT44531721 Jan 3

A beautiful and moving film celebrating resilience, quiet moral courage and determination. A must-see for everyone, particularly poignant during these turbulent times. How to be the hero, not the victim.

See more

Brian H

@RT85999140 Oct 7

This is such a beautiful and rich film with great actors and soundtrack, and looks amazing. The way they've recreated the 1920's is so impressive. Love this film.

See more

Stephen C

@bob25009 Jul 8

The worldwide gross is $59,318,980.00.

See more

Robert H

@RT67230581 Jun 22

I watched this movie three times in the theaters and couldn't wait to see it again. Absolutely my favorite sports movie.

See more

Max W

@MaxthorWoo May 25

Aside from Vangelis’s iconic theme, there’s little here that leaves a lasting impression, the combination of classical British accents and a slow, subdued narrative is practically tailor-made for inducing sleep.

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Hugh Hudson

Director

Ben Cross

Harold M. Abrahams

Ian Charleson

Eric Liddell

John Gielgud

Master of Trinity (as Sir John Gielgud)

Nigel Havers

Lord Andrew Lindsay

Nicholas Farrell

Aubrey Montague

All the President's Men

95%

92%

All the President's Men

Watchlist

Cool Hand Luke

100%

95%

Cool Hand Luke

Watchlist

East of Eden

86%

90%

East of Eden

Watchlist

Reds

90%

82%

Reds

Watchlist

Gallipoli

91%

83%

Gallipoli

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Chris Parnell’s Five Favorite Films

View more photos

Synopsis

In the class-obsessed and religiously divided United Kingdom of the early 1920s, two determined young runners train for the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, sees running as part of his worship of God's glory and refuses to train or compete on the Sabbath. Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross) overcomes anti-Semitism and class bias, but neglects his beloved sweetheart Sybil (Alice Krige) in his single-minded quest.

Director: Hugh Hudson
Producer: David Puttnam
Screenwriter: Colin Welland
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: Allied Stars, Warner Brothers
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 26, 1981, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 2016
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2010
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now