CinéSchool’s Recommendations of French Sports Films for Young Cinephiles

This selection provides a unique opportunity for families to explore the theme of sport and celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics through cinema. They spark meaningful conversations about how different countries view sports and foster a deeper understanding of Olympic values, including friendship, respect, excellence, fair play, and sharing.

The Summit of the Gods (Le Sommet des Dieux)
Directed by Patrick Imbert, PG, 2021, 1h34, France-Luxembourg, recommended for ages 13+

Were George Mallory and his companion Andrew Irvine the first men to scale Everest on June 8, 1924? Only the little Kodak VPK camera they took with them might reveal the truth. In Kathmandu, 70 years later, a young Japanese reporter named Fukamachi recognizes the camera in the hands of the mysterious Habu Jôji, an outcast climber believed missing for years. Fukamachi enters a world of obsessive mountaineers hungry for impossible conquests on a journey that leads him, step by step, towards the summit of the gods. Based on the Japanese manga series of the same name by Jiro Taniguchi.

Available on Netflix

Tip: Be sure to click on “Audio & Subtitles” and select audio in French.

Astérix at the Olympic Games © Pathé Distribution

Astérix at the Olympic Games (Astérix aux jeux Olympiques)
Directed by Thomas Langmann and Frédéric Forestier, PG, 2008, 1h56, France, recommended for ages 10+

In their new adventures, Asterix and Obelix come to the aid of their friend Alafolix, who must fight Brutus, Cesar’s son, to win both the Olympic Games and the hand of beautiful Irina. But heinous Brutus is determined to beat the Gaul and take his father’s place.

Les Jeux de la Fontaine
Directed by Florian Thouret, 2023, 13×3 min, France, recommended for ages 6+

Every four years, the finest athletes of the animal kingdom come together at the Coubertin Fountain for their very own version of the Olympic Games. Dog, crow, frog, bear: each will be competing in a series of sporting events in the hope of winning a medal.

Available on TV5Mondeplus (in French)

Rookies (Allons enfants)
Directed by Thierry Demaizière and Alban Teurlai, Documentary, 2022, 1h50, France, recommended for 15+

“Dancing is drive. You have it or not.” “The Turgot is not a country club,” the school’s principle warns, welcoming the newcomers, “here, we don’t give in, and we don’t give up.” In the middle of Paris, young people are trained to become professional dancers, and, at the same time, they are prepared for their A-levels. That’s the deal. The training motivates, strengthens and allows the students to surpass themselves, including overcoming setbacks. Everyone brings his or her own story: complex family relationships, problems in the social environment and in school. Through dance, the students learn to translate their experiences into physical energy. The intimately immersive camera interweaves explosive movement with moments of reflection. There are highs and lows, but also hopes, dreams, and inner transformations.

Available on YouTube | Goog lePla y | Amazon Video | AppleTV

Leap! (Ballerina)
By Eric Summer & Eric Warin, PG, 2016, 1h29, France-Canada, recommended for ages 8+

Félicie, a spirited orphan from Brittany, yearns to dance her way to stardom at the prestigious Paris Opera, and with her inventive friend Victor, they hatch a daring plan to escape their orphanage and head for Paris. In the bustling and vibrant city, with the Eiffel Tower rising in the distance, Félicie discovers the transformative power of dance, and with determination and resilience, she learns to overcome the odds and pursue her passion.

Taris (Taris, roi de l’eau)
By Jean Vigo, 1931, 10min, France, recommended for ages 13+

Jean Vigo’s short documentary is a portrait of great French swimming champion Jean Taris, depicting his talents as he performs different acts. The film is notable for the many innovative techniques that Vigo uses, including close ups and freeze frames of the swimmer’s body.

Available on The Criterion Channel

Foot Go
Directed by Abel Kouamé, 2023 15x8min, France, recommended for ages 6+

Eight-year-old Tata arrives at a new school. She wants to join the football team but isn’t allowed to – after all she’s a girl! Refusing to be beaten, Tata decides to set up her own girls’ team with the help of her gang of friends.

Available on TV5MondePlus (in French)

The Finishers (De toutes nos forces)
By Nils Tavernier, 2013, 1h34, G, France-Canada, recommended for ages 11+

Julien dreams of adventure. But when you live in a wheelchair, such dreams are difficult to fulfill. To do so, Julien challenges his father to compete with him in the “Ironman” triathlon in Nice. A whole family comes together and reconnects in an attempt to see this incredible exploit through.

Available on Hoopla | Apple TV | Vudu | Amazon Video

The Triplets of Belleville © Sony Pictures Classics

The Triplets of Belleville (Les Triplettes de Belleville)
By Sylvain Chomet, 2003, Animation-Adventure, PG-13, 1h20, France-Canada-Belgium, recommended for ages 13+

Champion, a melancholy boy adopted by his grandmother, Madame Souza, discovers his passion for cycling. Under her guidance, he trains relentlessly, becoming a cycling prodigy. When he competes in the Tour de France, he’s kidnapped by two mysterious men. Determined to rescue him, Madame Souza and her faithful dog Bruno embark on a journey to find him, leading them to the bustling city of Belleville.

Available on AppleTV | Amazon Video | Microsoft Store

The Olympic Games in Paris 1924 © The Criterion Channel

The Olympic Games in Paris 1924 (Les jeux olympiques, Paris 1924)
By Jean de Rovera, 1924, 1h26, France, recommended for ages 13+

A century ago, Paris hosted the Olympic Games. Set in the unique social, cultural, and political context shortly after WWI. The documentary looks back at the exploits of Johnny Weissmuller (USA) and Paavo Nurmi (Finland) in Paris, which turned them into international sports heroes, and the coverage of the tennis tournament, including footage of legendary players, such as Jean Borotra (France), René Lacoste (France), and Helen Wills (USA).

Available on Max | The Criterion Channel

Tony Parker: The Final Shot
Directed by Florent Bodin, 2014, 1h38 min, France, TV-14, recommended for ages 14+

June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world. With a new perspective, audiences of all ages will discover how this landing changed the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology, and human values, the film promises to appeal to all.

Available on Netflix

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