5 figure skating movies and shows that actually get the sport right — and where to watch them

Figure skating is a whole lot more cutthroat than the rhinestones suggest. That shouldn’t be surprising for a sport that requires participants to strap knives to their feet and spin through the air at high speeds. While the general public usually only tunes in during the Winter Olympics, the grind typically starts before most skaters hit double digits. These athletes only have a handful of performances a year to dictate their standings, showcase new programs, and prove they belong on the ice.

This high-stakes environment creates a unique subculture, one where the costumes are delicate, but the athletes are made of steel. It is a world built on precise geometry and raw emotion, making it the perfect breeding ground for cinematic drama.