SummaryWhen a Jamaican sprinter is disqualified from the Olympic Games, he enlists the help of a dishonored coach (John Candy) to establish the first Jamaican Bobsled Team.
Directed By:Jon Turteltaub
Written By:Lynn Siefert, Michael Ritchie, Tommy Swerdlow, Michael Goldberg
Cool Runnings
Metascore
Mixed or Average
60
User score
Generally Favorable
7.4
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
53% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
35% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
12% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
100
It's the kind of movie you may approach with a show-me attitude, only to be won over to its hip sense of fun and a gentle humanity that lets you walk away with a glow. [1 Oct 1993, p.C1]
80
A sweet-natured, high-spirited comedy, that rare movie that plays effectively to all ages. Even rarer, it celebrates genuine sportsmanship, placing the emphasis back on how the game is played in the face of the winning-is-everything philosophy that permeates every aspect of contemporary life. [1 Oct 1993, p.F4]
User score
Generally Favorable
66% Positive
25 Ratings
25 Ratings
34% Mixed
13 Ratings
13 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Feb 26, 2025
10
I know it sounds silly but this is my favourite film. In school one class after the lesson she would ask if we want to watch a film, most of the time I would pick this film.
Jun 14, 2023
10
This is one of the nicest movies I've ever seen. I remembered it well into my middle age and when I came across it again I made a point to show it to my son. It's a lesson in persevering against the odds and even when everyone is laughing at you and throwing obstacles your way, to keep trying if you believe in yourself. And to show that while the struggle to achieve is what defines people and friendships, winning itself isn't everything. Beautifully made movie.
80
Director Jon Turteltaub has a fresh, uncluttered approach to the story that allows its natural warmth and humor to dominate. The classic underdog script provides a positive minority perspective without the usual downside, self-conscious righteousness.
63
The problem with a story like this is that it's almost too perfect. It tends to break out of the boundaries of the typical sports movie, and undermine those easy cliches that are so reassuring to sports fans.
50
You'll figure out just about everything that's going to happen in Cool Runnings, a congenial Disney comedy, quicker than an icicle melts in Kingston. [4 Oct 1993, p.4D]
50
Cool Runnings has a great premise: a movie based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsledders who amused the world at the 1988 Olympics. But this Disney film, a stale and out-of-date offering, is far less interesting than seeing the real athletes during the Olympic telecasts.
20
In his prime, co-writer Michael Ritchie might have turned this into a caustic Downhill Racer or Bad News Bears-style critique of professional sporting values. Director Turteltaub, on the other hand, patronises both characters and audience with daft knockabout humour, tear-jerking sentiment and racial stereotyping which skates on very thin ice.
May 4, 2023
10
This movie transcends Cinema. It’s story and character development inspires true artistic form. If you think The Godfather is good TRY THIS. It’s cool.
Sep 8, 2024
8
Cool Runnings maintains a light-hearted and lively tone, with smooth and natural performances from the cast. While it lacks some conflict that could elevate the theme, it remains a vibrant film that showcases the Olympic spirit.
Jul 12, 2024
6
A fun littlemovie with some interesting scenes and cool action scenes. However, it's not that great and a bit dumb. Ok, but not more...
Production Company:
- Walt Disney Pictures
- DiNovi Pictures
Release Date:Oct 1, 1993
Duration:1 h 38 m
Rating:PG
Tagline:Inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican Olympic bobsled team.
Awards
BMI Film & TV Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Golden Screen, Germany
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Casting Society (CSA)
• 1 Nomination
