Top 50 Best Ice Skating Movies Of All Time

Directed by Craig Gillespie, "I, Tonya" features standout performances by Margot Robbie and Allison Janney in central roles. This gripping biopic delves into one of sports history’s most notorious scandals.

Even those unfamiliar with the world of ice skating know the dramatic story of Tonya Harding, a gifted skater, and her rivalry with Nancy Kerrigan.

The Academy Award-nominated film employs a mockumentary approach to trace Tonya's meteoric rise and subsequent fall within the skating world.

Beyond retelling the infamous events, "I, Tonya" highlights the remarkable perseverance and finesse required to succeed in the sport. Using a clever mix of narrative techniques and interviews, the movie crafts a truly engrossing story.

The well-timed injections of dark comedy add depth and uniqueness to the film's tone and storytelling.

As the film unfolds, viewers witness the profound impact the scandal had on an athlete’s career. Robbie delivers her best performance yet, while Janney’s portrayal earned her a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

As ice skating films gained popularity among younger viewers, Disney seized the opportunity to expand their production of skating-themed movies in the early 2000s.

"Go Figure" stands out as one of the most underrated Disney Channel Original Movies, following the journey of Katelin, an aspiring Olympic figure skater determined to train under a renowned Russian coach at a prestigious boarding school.

To achieve her dreams, Katelin tries to convince the school's hockey coach to award her a scholarship, making it possible for her to afford the advanced training she needs.

Directed by Francine McDougall, this lighthearted television film may take creative liberties, but its entertaining story and charming characters make it an enjoyable watch.

While many ice skating films focus on honoring the sport's discipline and seriousness, Blades of Glory boldly takes a comedic route that sets it apart from the rest.

Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, this outrageous comedy follows two Olympic skaters who, after losing their medals and facing a ban from men's singles events, form the first all-male pairs team to reclaim their glory.

A box office hit and one of Will Ferrell's standout comedies, Blades of Glory thrives on its zany humor and the energetic performances delivered by its talented cast.

Directed by John Stimpson, "Christmas on Ice" tells the heartfelt story of a former figure skater and a former hockey player who find themselves falling in love amid the charm of a local ice rink.

Together, they team up to stop the mayor from closing down the beloved skating rink, rallying the community and sparking hope during the holiday season.

While the storyline may be predictable, the film's genuine execution brings warmth and sincerity, helped by its authentic setting that mirrors the plot.

The dialogue, though undeniably cheesy at times, is delivered with earnestness by the cast—especially Abigail Klein, whose engaging performance adds a special sparkle to the film.

Like any sport, figure and ice skating have inspired powerful stories of athletes overcoming adversity to achieve greatness.

Directed by James Erskine, The Ice King explores one such inspiring tale — that of John Curry, regarded as one of the most celebrated ice skaters in history.

More than just a documentary about a lost cultural icon, The Ice King weaves together themes of art, athleticism, individuality, sexuality, and defiance.

This compelling film is essential viewing for anyone interested in discovering how Curry revolutionized the sport with his extraordinary artistry.

After watching, you might be convinced there has never been a more artistically talented skater. For insight into the story of the first openly gay Olympic champion, this acclaimed documentary is a must-see.

Although "Ice Princess" is one of the most beloved ice skating movies for younger audiences, this Disney-backed film surprisingly underperformed at the box office when first released in theaters.

The movie centers on Casey Carlyle, a dedicated Ivy League science student who discovers her true passion and dreams of becoming a champion ice skater.

Throughout her journey, Casey receives encouragement from her coach, her supportive mother, and a friendly Zamboni driver who becomes part of her personal story.

The film features beautifully choreographed skating sequences, showcasing director Tim Fywell’s skill and expertise in bringing the ice rink to life.

Furthermore, the solid preparation for the film is evident, and the cast—Michelle Trachtenberg, Kim Cattrall, Joan Cusack, and Trevor Blumas—each deliver engaging performances that bring warmth and authenticity to this coming-of-age story.

Directed by David Burton Morris, 'Ice Dreams' follows the story of Amy Clayton, a former Olympic ice skater who takes on the challenge of coaching a young aspiring skater.

As Amy trains her student, she is forced to confront painful memories of a tragic accident that abruptly ended her own promising career.

Throughout this journey, Amy also attempts to rebuild fractured relationships with her loved ones, adding depth to her character's emotional arc.

While 'Ice Dreams' may initially seem like a typical sports drama, its strong cast and thoughtful execution set it apart.

This feel-good film delivers its message and emotional impact effectively, providing an uplifting viewing experience in a concise runtime.

Directed by Donald Wrye, this romantic sports drama centers on the journey of a determined young skater with Olympic aspirations. The film follows her as she faces an unexpected tragedy that leaves her partially blind, yet refuses to let her dreams slip away.

With unwavering support from her family and friends, she finds the courage to pursue her passions despite the odds. The story beautifully illustrates that, even in the face of adversity, hope and resilience can lead to triumph.

While "Ice Castles" encounters some continuity issues in certain scenes, it succeeds in inspiring audiences by showcasing the transformation of tragedy into victory. The film is memorable for Lynn-Holly Johnson’s graceful skating performances and a moving soundtrack composed by Marvin Hamlisch.

Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone and featuring stars like Sonja Henie, John Payne, Glenn Miller, Milton Berle, and Lynn Bari, this classic film unfolds the tale of a Norwegian war orphan. Adopted by a pianist as little more than a publicity stunt, she blossoms into an extraordinary young woman.

We include Sun Valley Serenade on our list because Sonja Henie's character, Karen, dazzles in an elaborate yet seemingly spontaneous ice-skating performance that remains a highlight of the movie.

With lively toe-tapping music and captivating dance routines, the film’s enduring charm lies in its light-hearted, entertaining spirit—making it an absolute delight for viewers of all ages.

Directed by Peter Hewitt, Christmas at the Palace follows Katie, an ice skating choreographer who is invited by King Alexander of San Senova to help his daughter prepare for a special holiday performance celebrating a significant event.

As Katie spends more time in the royal palace, she develops a close bond with the king, and a heartfelt romance blossoms between them.

What sets this Hallmark film apart is that, while the romance feels familiar, it is genuine and not overly contrived.

The performances are sincere without being exaggerated, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience. Fans of Hallmark movies will find this holiday story both charming and enjoyable.

Directed by Christie Will Wolf, Falling for Christmas follows the journey of an injured champion figure skater who is sent to a mountain rehabilitation center to recover quickly.

During her stay, she meets a former hockey player and his young daughter, who show her that there is more to life than constant competition.

While the film's execution may feel familiar, Falling for Christmas delivers a comforting sense of holiday joy.

It stands out for its unique mountain setting, heartfelt storyline, and festive Christmas spirit, resonating with its intended audience.

"Sonja: The White Swan" is a captivating biopic that chronicles the remarkable journey of Sonja Henie, a legendary Norwegian figure skater. The film follows her bold decision to leave her distinguished athletic career in 1936 and pursue a new life in Hollywood.

As Sonja's debut film captures widespread attention, the story poignantly explores how fame gradually wanes with age. Despite the fading spotlight, Sonja's unwavering determination shines through, embodying the spirit of a true athlete.

Directed by Anne Sewitsky, the film shifts its focus to Sonja's life in America, highlighting her transformation into a savvy businesswoman while staying rooted in her indomitable sportsmanship.

While we recognize that this beloved Stephen Herek-directed film isn't strictly about ice skating, it still earns a spot on our list for good reason.

Two team members in the movie are former ice skaters, and their unique abilities play a vital role in helping their hockey team succeed.

The story follows Gordon, who gets a chance at redemption as the coach of a struggling hockey squad after losing a crucial game in his own youth.

Over the years, The Mighty Ducks series has become a cult classic, winning over fans—including many top professional athletes—around the world.

"My Life on Ice" is a French quasi-documentary that explores the life of a 16-year-old boy with a passion for figure skating, who also obsessively documents his daily world using a video camera.

Through his camcorder, viewers gain intimate insight into his journey to compete in the National Figure Skating Championship, as well as his relationships with friends and family.

As the film reaches its conclusion, it becomes clear that the act of filming not only brings deeper purpose to his existence but also helps him unravel the complexities of the world around him.

"Kiss and Cry" is a heartfelt romantic drama inspired by the true story of Carley Allison, an ambitious 18-year-old figure skater and singer who made medical history by facing an exceptionally rare form of sarcoma afflicting just 1 in 3.5 billion people.

Directed by Sean Cisterna, the film features characters whose warmth and inner beauty shine through. The unwavering support Carley receives from her family and friends is both uplifting and touching, bringing moments of hope and joy throughout her journey.

While the cast delivers commendable performances, "Kiss and Cry" also weaves in elements of comedy, adding a layer of lightness and making the viewing experience even more enjoyable.

Adapted from Fred Mustard Stewart's novel, 'Six Weeks' is a poignant drama directed by Tony Bill and starring Dudley Moore and Mary Tyler Moore in pivotal roles.

The film also features Katherine Healy, a real-life professional figure skater and ballerina, who showcases her diverse talents throughout the story.

Driven by outstanding performances from its three leads, 'Six Weeks' captivates audiences with a heartfelt narrative brought vividly to life by its charismatic cast.

If watched with an open heart, this moving film may leave you reaching for the tissues.

Released in 1992, "The Cutting Edge" captivated audiences to such a degree that it eventually spawned a franchise.

This Paul Michael Glaser-directed film is often celebrated as one of the most underrated sports movies. It follows the unlikely partnership of a self-absorbed former hockey player and a disciplined champion figure skater, as they team up to chase Olympic gold.

Upon its release, the movie received mixed reviews—some critics calling out its formulaic blend of romance and sports drama.

Though some viewers pointed out perceived inaccuracies in the depiction of skating, it's notable that renowned skater Robin Cousins served as both the skating scene coordinator and technical advisor.

The film stands out not only for its impressive skating sequences but also for the engaging chemistry between its leads, making it a memorable entry in the genre.

"Ice Castles" (2010) is an official remake of the beloved 1978 film, directed by Donald Wrye. This direct-to-DVD romantic sports drama stars Taylor Firth as Alexis and Rob Mayes as Nick, delivering heartfelt performances in the lead roles.

The story follows Alexis, a talented young figure skater whose dreams are shattered after a devastating accident leaves her blind. Despite her tragedy, the movie chronicles her incredible journey of resilience and hope.

With unwavering support from her boyfriend Nick and her family, Alexis finds the courage to believe in herself again and pursue the future she once imagined possible.

Whether or not you have seen the original, this remake offers a compelling and touching story that will resonate with viewers. It encourages you to embrace life's challenges and appreciate its beauty with an open and loving heart.

Set in early 1900s Russia, this sweeping romantic adventure follows the journey of 18-year-old Matvey Polyakov. Warm-hearted and resourceful, Matvey finds himself drawn into the world of pickpockets as he learns their ways on the wintry streets.

Amidst his new life, Matvey attempts to win the heart of a rebellious aristocrat's daughter, even as external forces conspire to keep them apart. The film beautifully weaves their struggle with themes of love and social divide.

Though not centered exclusively on ice skating, director Michael Lockshin incorporates the enchanting sport as a recurring motif, enhancing the story's magical, frosty atmosphere.

"Silver Skates" offers viewers a captivating glimpse into the elegance and wintry charm of early 20th-century Russia, leaving a memorable impression long after the credits roll.

Inspired by the beloved classic fairy tale, this film marked the final directorial effort of Walter Lang before his retirement.

In this adaptation, Snow White—portrayed as an ice skater—seeks sanctuary from the Wicked Queen with help from the Three Stooges, adding a unique twist to the story.

While the movie is a treat for fans of ice skating, it also appeals to viewers curious to see the Stooges in a romantic and fantastical setting.

Although Olympic gold medalist figure skater Carol Heiss stars as Snow White, the film did not achieve box office success.

Critics noted their disappointment with the trio's limited screen presence, particularly since it came at the expense of their signature slapstick humor.

One of the most expensive feature films to be put out by Monogram Pictures at the time, Suspense is a film noir that has been helmed for the screen by Frank Tuttle.

The ice-skating-themed movie stars Barry Sullivan and former Olympic skater Belita in pivotal roles. It was also apparently the last screen appearance of actor Eugene Pallette.

Not only is Suspense an unjustly overlooked motion picture but it also comprises a rather underappreciated performance from Belita, who does her best to prove that besides being an astonishing beauty, she can also act and skate rather well.

Director H. Bruce Humberstone's Iceland tells the story of Marine James Murfin, who is unaware of Icelandic customs. So, when he starts to get flirtatious with Katina, her Icelandic family takes his actions as a proposal of marriage to her.

Finding himself in a dilemma and desperately wanting to get out of the situation, James seeks the help of one of his most reliable pals.

Even though it is one of the weakest titles starring Norway's ice queen Sonja Henie, Iceland can still be seen by fans of ice and figure skating; especially the ones who have seen most of the projects headlined by Henie.

Helmed for the screen by Sidney Lanfield, Thin Ice traces the journey of a Swiss hotel's ski instructor, who falls head over heels in love with a man who goes skiing every single day.

Starring Tyrone Power and figure skater Sonja Henie in crucial roles, this one is a light but fun watch.

It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Dance Direction for 'Prince Igor Suite'.

While the ice skating scenes have been shot ably, what is a bit frustrating about this motion picture is the fact that its storyline comes across as ridiculous and unconvincing from time to time.

This coming-of-age story tells the story of five Canadian teens who decide to leave their small town behind to skate across Lake Ontario to New York on the coldest day of the year.

While the Charles Minsky directorial venture opened to unfavorable reviews at the ticket counters, it does carry a moment or two that might resonate with teenagers.

Based on an exciting true story, Skating to New York banks heavily on its enticing cinematography to make an impact.

All we can say is that the highly unpredictable adventure of a group of teenagers shown in the movie will not disappoint you.

In this William A. Seiter-helmed feature film, we get introduced to a star hockey player, Don Martin, who spends most of his time drinking after having been banned for life.

While his lover, Chris, manages to get him a job at an ice rink, things go haywire when Don goes missing right before an important ice skating show.

This Technicolor comedy-drama musical motion picture was one of the several credits that allowed its lead star Sonja Henie to put her undeniable skating talent on display.

Even though it does not have anything extraordinary to offer, It's a Pleasure is an occasionally decent ice skating feature to pass your time with.

Released in 1939 and helmed for the screen by Reinhold Schünzel, this full-length feature stars Hollywood legends James Stewart and Joan Crawford as Larry Hall and Mary McKay, respectively.

Mary and Larry are a modestly successful skating team, who end up taking their love for the ice a step ahead when they decide to get married.

While Mary gets an opportunity to feature in a picture, Larry is seen sitting at home, mostly out of work.

One of the first mainstream movies to ever feature ice skating, The Ice Follies of 1939 was known to have included actual skaters from the national touring group Ice Follies in its storytelling.

This is filmmaker Sharidan Sotelo's praiseworthy attempt to bring the story of Randy Gardner, of the champion figure skating team Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner, to the screen.

We get to catch hold of how the two-time Olympian and World Champion went on to explore his true identity while skating on the ice.

In addition, we also get a glimpse of the personal tragedy that Gardner experienced along with his skating partner of over fifty years, Tai Babilonia.

This hour-long feature is an endeavor to tell his magical and meaningful life story to the fans of the sport.

Written and directed by Junga Song, this Canadian sports drama film tells the gritty and inspiring tale of Maya; a former figure skater who fails two attempts at a senior international competition.

However, she musters the courage to take inspiration from her skating idol Igor Rusky, and, therefore, decides to get back on the ice at the age of 30.

The Petrichor aims to convey the message that there is no specific age to either learn or chase your dreams.

It very implicitly asks us to do what we love and love what we do.

Filmmaker Danil Grinkin's Unbroken strives to tell its viewers just how gritty the sport of ice skating can be. It portrays how the skaters put their bodies through rigorous training, which affects them both physically and mentally over time.

The documentary introduces its viewers to two figure-skating pairs, one from Russia and one from the United States of America, who are both trained by the world's most renowned coaches.

The viewers get to see how the competitors and their coaches manage to tackle the highs and lows of the tough competition as they put everything on the line for gold.

The third installment in the Cutting Edge franchise documents the journey of an ice skater and his new partner, who develop feelings for each other while training to compete in Paris.

But, will they allow their sentiments to get the better of each other even before the fierce competition commences?

The best way to enjoy this Stuart Gillard directorial venture is perhaps by keeping your expectations to a bare minimum.

You will certainly find it to be a reasonable one-time watch; something that works for a film made exclusively for television.

Helmed by John A. Alonzo, Champions: A Love Story tells the story of Carrie, whose mother is willing to do everything in her capacity to make her a champion figure skater.

However, despite being committed to the sport, Carrie seems to be failing at her singles career. Soon enough, she teams up with a converted ice hockey player named Peter, and her game visibly improves.

Expectedly, the duo ends up falling in love. But, there are plenty of hurdles to overcome both on the ice skating front and in the relationship.

If you're willing to sit through a sappy and innocent love story that blends sports into its storytelling, this television flick, which is full of the late 1970s atmosphere, might just get the job done for you.

In this inspirational sports drama, the viewers get to enter the gripping and sensational world of two elite-level figure skaters, who learn to balance the complexities of life in the highly competitive space of women's elite figure skating.

Even though this motion picture has failed to make its presence felt among the mainstream audience, it should be given a try due to the positive energy that it exudes.

The heartwarming story focuses on how we all tend to make sacrifices to achieve something way beyond the superficial in the repetitive cycle of life.

This musical romantic drama motion picture tells the story of a Czech figure skater, who falls in love with her rich U.S. uncle's junior partner.

Helmed for the silver screen by Steve Sekely and starring Vera Ralston, Eugene Pallette, and Barbara Jo Allen in crucial roles, it aims to cast a light on the German invasion of Czechoslovakia.

One of the major highlights of this title has to be its cinematography. John Alton's skilled use of backlighting creates a sense of warmth that goes amazingly with the spectacular music composed for the dazzling skating sequences.

Directed by John Brahm and distributed by 20th Century Studios, Wintertime tells the tale of Nora, who falls in love with the dashing owner of a rundown hotel.

Not only that but she also tries to convince her millionaire uncle to invest in the hotel to give it a new lease of life and attract visitors.

Even though it stars Sonja Henie and Cesar Romero in pivotal roles, the critics thought that the feature film lacks originality, humor, and verve.

While the story of Wintertime is sketchy and just an excuse for the few musical numbers, what one will appreciate the most about this title is Sonja Henie's scintillating athletic moves.

Helmed for the screen by Steven de Jong, this Dutch sports drama feature has been inspired by the 1963 edition of the Elfstedentocht, which is a 200-kilometer-long ice skating race in the Netherlands.

The tour has been considered so brutal by those who have read, seen, or participated in it that the few who have managed to complete it successfully have gone on to become legends of sorts.

While the cinematography is top-notch and the music is great, we would like to suggest this movie to people who'd love to see a real fight for survival on the ice.

Helmed for the screen by Sidney Lanfield, One in a Million outlines the journey of an American theatrical manager, Ted Spencer, who discovers a competent ice skater named Gretchen Muller preparing for the Olympics in Switzerland.

After being convinced that she can make them all rich with her heroics, he decides to make her a part of his line-up and brings her to Madison Square Garden.

It is imperative to mention that this motion picture was Sonja Henie's American film debut. It can be seen for its vintage skating technique and to gauge how the popular figure skater performed in her maiden screen appearance.

This Erle C. Kenton-helmed feature film, which hit the screens in the late 1930s, tells the story of the wise-cracking Roscoe Karns who turns his little niece into an ice skating star.

However, her success starts to take a toll on his mind and he starts to spend more money than she makes.

Even though the plot does not carry a lot of meat in this far-from-perfect motion picture, what our readers have to understand is that it can serve as an escape mechanism for those who like to revisit the middling flicks of the 1930s.

Not a lot of ice skating movies are known to have set the cash registers ringing, but they certainly do well when they premiere on television.

Yet another made-for-TV movie is Ice Girls, which tells the story of a 15-year-old figure skating champion, who makes the tough decision to let go of the sport after her mother loses her job.

Soon after, her family moves to a small town but she finds it incredibly difficult to fit in. However, her life changes for the better when she stumbles upon the owner of a local skating arena who goes on to help her in finding her true calling.

This feel-good feature, which is about competitive girls' figure skating, focuses on good sportsmanship.

Films or cartoons starring Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck in a prominent role have seldom gone wrong, and Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas is a testament to this statement.

The viewers get to relive the magic of both Christmas and ice skating in this feature. We see how Mickey and Minnie decide to teach Donald Duck the true meaning of Christmas after the latter refuses to be happy and excited about the beloved global festival.

While this anthology flick does not entirely deal with ice skating, its opening story showcases Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck competing in an ice skating competition.

This project has a festive vibe to it and should resonate with most of you out there for it ends with a message about friendship and teamwork.

Helmed by Nanette Burstein, this documentary aims to bring to the fore the events that followed the Kerrigan-Harding scandal that rocked the world of sports.

While the critically acclaimed Margot Robbie vehicle I, Tonya provided a clear-cut perspective of Tonya Harding about what transpired and what her role was in it, this documentary feature showcases the media coverage that followed the infamous incident.

The project doesn't make the final judgment on Tonya Harding, but it does elucidate the fact that sport is, indeed, stranger than fiction.

Just like I, Tonya, The Price of Gold is for anyone who continues to be interested in the Kerrigan-Harding saga.

Bradley Walsh's Love on Ice brings to us the charismatic on-screen pair of Julie Berman and Andrew W. Walker.

This mildly entertaining motion picture chronicles the life of Emily James; a 27-year-old lady who gets an improbable shot at reclaiming skating glory when a young coach figures out her true potential.

Together, they discover that the love that they share for ice skating goes beyond the realm of performing on the ice.

While Walker delivers a promising performance in this one, Julie takes her time to settle in with the storyline.

Once she does, the couple comes across as a bit more likable. That said, Love on Ice is a good-looking television film that manages to provide harmless entertainment to those looking for it.