Where to Watch Chariots of Fire (1981) in the US

What it's about

It's the post-World War I era. Britons Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell are both naturally gifted fast sprinters, but approach running and how it fits into their respective lives differently. The son of a Lithuanian Jew, Harold, who lives a somewhat privileged life as a student at Cambridge, uses being the fastest to overcome what he sees as the obstacles he faces in life as a Jew despite that privilege. In his words to paraphrase an old adage, he is often invited to the trough, but isn't allowed to drink. His running prowess does earn him the respect of his classmates, especially his running teammates, and to some extent the school administration, if only he maintains what they consider proper gentlemanly decorum, which isn't always the case in their minds. Born in China, the son of Christian missionaries, Eric, a Scot, is a devout member of the Church of Scotland who eventually wants to return to that missionary work. He sees running as a win-win in that the notoriety of being fast gives him an added outlet to spread the word of God, while he sees his speed as being a gift from God, and he wants to run to honor God and that gift. This view does not sit well with his sister, Jennie Liddell, who sees his running as only taking away time from his work to God. Harold and Eric's lives do intersect in national races, but it is the one hundred meter track event at the 1924 Paris Olympics which the two men and their supporters most anticipate. Beyond the fact that Americans Charles Paddock and Jackson Scholz are favored in the event, the much anticipated head to head between Harold and Eric may be further shadowed by other issues, especially as it affects Eric's Christian beliefs.

Cast and crew

Director

Hugh Hudson

Writer

Colin Welland

Starring

Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell

Details

Release date

Apr 9, 1982

Language

English, French

Country

United Kingdom

Box office

$58,972,904

Awards

Won 4 Oscars. 18 wins & 19 nominations total

Where to Watch Chariots of Fire (1981) in the US — common questions

Where to watch Chariots of Fire in the United States?

Chariots of Fire is available with a subscription or to rent in the United States. Watch the movie with a subscription on Howdy (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Spectrum On Demand.

Can I stream Chariots of Fire or do I have to rent it in the United States?

Watch the movie with a subscription on Howdy (HD). Rent the movie on Apple TV Store, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Spectrum On Demand.

Can I watch Chariots of Fire for free in the United States?

We have not confirmed a free option for Chariots of Fire in the United States.