With the 2024 Paris Olympics well underway and our eyes firmly glued to the screen, we’ve been busy taking in all the incredible musical moments. From Celine Dion’s opening performance on the Eiffel Tower, Lady Gaga surrounded by pink pom-poms, and the traditional French melodies that serenaded athletes as they sailed along the Seine, music is an integral part of the Olympic experience.

Music not only enhances the excitement of the Games but also celebrates every aspect of the sporting journey, from heartfelt losses to triumphant victories – and soundtracks are no different. The opening scene of “Chariots of Fire” is one of the most recognisable in film history, with Vangelis’ iconic score defining the film. In celebration of the Olympics, we’re looking at musical scores from the past year that played a crucial role in transforming epic sporting moments into cinematic icons.

“Challengers” (2024)

The score of Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers,” by Trent Raznor and Atticus Ross, is brilliant and tense, featuring a hybrid of orchestral and EDM. The film’s escalating themes of tennis, jealousy and chaos are encapsulated in the climactic final tennis match – a high-stakes, emotionally charged showdown. The track “Challengers: Match Point” underscores the ongoing tension and toxicity between protagonists Art, Patrick & Tashi and the silent yet fierce communication involved in this final game of tennis. What allows the audience to feel this sense of urgency and anxiety is the persistent yet frenzied Techno beats that only give pause with Tashi’s final roar. 

“Air” (2023)

“Air,” directed by Ben Affleck, delves into the historic moment when Nike secured a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Michael Jordan in 1984. Rather than using a traditional film score, the movie relies on a curated selection of 1980s classics to capture the era’s energy and cultural context. The soundtrack features iconic tracks like Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A,” celebrating a pivotal moment in sports history and enhancing authenticity by paying homage to the musical legends of the 80s. 

“The Hill” (2023)

Directed by Jeff Celentano, The Hill follows the true story of Rickey Hill, a young man with a degenerative spinal condition, who defies the odds to pursue his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. “The Hill” is a masterful orchestral score by Geoff Zanelli, that pulls at the heartstrings perfectly. It’s emotionally evocative, sentimental and pays homage to the warmth of Americana. The final track, “Father and Son,” is where emotional barriers break down. This piece celebrates sporting excellence in the face of hardship, highlighting the mending relationship between Rickey and his father.

“King Richard” (2023)

This biographical drama starring Will Smith surrounds Richard Williams, the determined father of tennis prodigies, Venus and Serena Williams. Kris Bowers’ score masterfully blends classical and contemporary elements, weaving thematic threads throughout each track. Key melodies transition seamlessly from Richard’s theme to Venus’ theme, creating a cohesive musical narrative. In the climactic scene where Venus faces Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, the track “Family” underscores the moment. Its hopeful and determined tones reflect Venus’ perseverance and her family’s unwavering support. Starting soft and tentative, the music swells with strings, amplifying the emotional intensity of her debut and ultimate triumph.

“Next Goal Wins” (2023)

“Next Goal Wins” is a 2023 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi. Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, the film tells the inspiring story of the American Samoa soccer team and their journey to recover from their infamous 31-0 defeat against Australia, aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup under their new coach, Thomas Rongen. Michael Giacchino’s score enhances the film’s emotional and cultural depth, blending beautiful orchestral moments and serene soundscapes with traditional Samoan hymns. One notable scene comes after Coach Rongen delivers a comedic yet heartfelt speech to the team. As the team symbolically carries the coach to the water to cure him of his ailments, the track “Coach of Blessing, Coach of Promise” soundtracks the scene, encapsulating the film’s themes of resilience and hope with the angelic choir of a Samoan hymn underscoring the spiritual tone of the moment.

Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your sporting moments? Dive into out our Action Rock, High Energy and Totally Gnarly collections.

Want to learn more about amazing scores written by screen composers?  Check out our blog post, “Top 5 Most Iconic Film Soundtracks.”