Toe Loops and Triple Axels: 10 Best Ice Skating Movies and Shows to Watch Before the 2026 Winter Olympics

✦ Edited and fact-checked by Senior Staff Writer Randy Harward, our editorial lead with over 25 years of experience covering TV and entertainment.

As the world turns its eyes to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (Feb. 6–22), figure skating remains the crown jewel of the Games. While the real-life drama unfolds at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, these movies provide the necessary emotional shorthand for new viewers. Historically, the U.S. heads into these Games as a powerhouse, having secured 54 total medals in the sport’s history. These films mirror that prestige, often focusing on the grueling “road to the gold” or the bad boy/girl archetypes that have defined the sport’s public image for decades.

The landscape of figure skating has shifted dramatically since the last Winter Games. For 2026, the absence of the traditional Russian powerhouse teams (now competing as Individual Neutral Athletes/AINs) has opened the door for a new era of dominance. American phenom Ilia Malinin (the “Quad God”) has redefined the technical ceiling, while Alysa Liu’s stunning comeback from retirement mirrors the “underdog returns” tropes found in “Ice Princess” and “The Cutting Edge.”

We’ve rounded up these films and more—along with details on where to stream or rent them—for your pre-Winter Olympics figure-skating movie marathon.

1. “The Cutting Edge” (1992) | AMC+, MGM+, VOD

“The Cutting Edge” remains the gold standard of the genre, cementing the “Toe Pick!” legacy in pop culture history. The chemistry between a spoiled figure skater and a washed-up hockey player perfectly captures the technical rigors of pairs skating while delivering a romance that still holds up. While there are three sequels—”The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold,” “The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream,” and “The Cutting Edge: Fire and Ice”—these are best viewed as supplementary footnotes rather than standalone masterpieces.

2. “I, Tonya” (2017) | Tubi, VOD

“I, Tonya” offers a brilliant, darkly comedic take on the most infamous scandal in skating history. It captures the cynical fatigue regarding judging scandals that many long-time fans still feel today. Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Tonya Harding is empathetic yet unflinching, showing the grit required to compete when the world is against the athlete. It is essential viewing for anyone looking to understand the person behind the reputation and how it fits (or doesn’t fit) within a sport with elitist origins.

3. “Blades of Glory” (2007) | Paramount+, VOD

For those seeking a laugh, “Blades of Glory” is the definitive figure skating movie starring Will Ferrell. It serves as a hilarious satire of the sport’s over-the-top choreography and sparkly costumes. While the tone is pure slapstick, the 2026 Games’ high-flying technical battleground makes this ridiculous take on the sport feel oddly relevant. It is the ideal palate cleanser after the more intense dramas on this list.

4. “Spinning Out” (2020) | Netflix

Treating figure skating with the gravity of a prestige drama, “Spinning Out” dives deep into the mental health struggles and high-stakes pressure of elite competition. The show follows Kat Baker as she balances a bipolar disorder diagnosis with the physical demands of returning to the ice after a devastating fall. It provides a gritty, modern look at the “road to the gold” that feels grounded in today’s athletic climate.

5. “Yuri!!! on Ice” (2016) | Crunchyroll, Hulu

The anime “Yuri!!! on Ice” stands out for its found-family narrative and stunning animation. The film follows Japanese skater Yuri Katsuki as he finds his confidence again under the tutelage of his idol, Victor Nikiforov. The 2026 Games’ emphasis on harmony mirrors the beautiful, artistic bond shared by the characters in this series. It maintains a massive following on Reddit, where fans continue to analyze every frame of its meticulously choreographed routines.

6. “Ice Castles” (1978) | Tubi, VOD

Evoking a deep nostalgia for the “6.0” era of perfect scores, “Ice Castles” is the classic story of a young skater who loses her sight but refuses to give up her dream remains the ultimate tear-jerker of the genre. It highlights the artistry of the sport that many fans hope the International Skating Union (ISU) will prioritize in coming seasons. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the sport’s emotional core before the rise of the Quad Revolution.

7. “Ice Princess” (2005) | Disney+, VOD

“Ice Princess” offers a unique angle on the physics of skating, following a science student who applies her academic knowledge to the rink to become a champion. This “underdog returns” trope is mirrored in real life by Alysa Liu’s 2026 comeback. It is a bright, accessible look at the sport that accurately depicts the sacrifices families make for elite competition.

8. “Go Figure” (2005) | Disney+, VOD

In “Go Figure,” a teenage figure skater joins a hockey team just to train with a legendary coach. The plot leans into a clash of cultures between the grace of figure skating and the roughness of hockey. While it is a lighter watch, it captures the skating culture vibe perfectly for a younger audience or those looking for a nostalgic Disney Channel Original Movie feel.

9. “Zero Chill” (2021) | Netflix

The Netflix film “Zero Chill” showcases the complex sibling dynamics often found in the skating world. When a talented teen figure skater’s family moves across the world for her brother’s hockey career, the narrative follows her fight to stay on the ice. It is a fresh, episodic drama that explores the found family theme relevant to the 2026 Team Event. The show balances teenage drama with impressive, modern skating sequences.

10. “Ice Girls” (2016) | Prime Video, Tubi, VOD

“Ice Girls” provides a heartfelt look at a skater who must relocate and find a new way to compete after an injury. The story emphasizes the “Artistry vs. Athletics” debate, showing the grit required to return to the ice when the technical ceiling keeps rising. Much like the current state of the sport, the film highlights that there is absolutely no margin for error in elite competition. It serves as a great final watch before the 2026 Opening Ceremony.

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