Chess: a game of strategy, intellect, and intensity, popular worldwide. However, there are relatively few good sports-drama movies centered on chess. The reason is obvious: it’s not easy to convey the real excitement of the game, as chess is played in complete silence. Another challenge is the complexity of the game itself. It’s difficult to narrate the intricacies of a chess match within a movie.
Yet, there are some chess movies out there, and some of them are my favorites. Here are the top 5 chess movies that I really enjoyed watching.
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
This documentary follows the incredible true story of Intermediate School 318’s chess team, a group of inner-city Brooklyn youngsters who have become national champions by beating teams from across the country. Winning the Chess National Championship has become a tradition there since they have been doing so for a decade. But the school gets hit hard by the budget cut which threatens to turn off the chess program.
The documentary follows some individual characters including teachers, students, and their families, and manages to capture their ups and downs, visions, and emotions properly.
4. Pawn Sacrifice (2014)
IMDb: 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer becomes literally unbeatable shortly after he learns the game. Winning the U.S. Open and U.S. Chess championship at the age of 15, he becomes a national hero. For the first time in history, America began to entertain the idea that Fischer might be strong enough to beat Russian Strongest chess players since there was a cold war going on between these two countries. Thus, his ambition to win the World Chess Championship becomes a national obsession.
Tobey Maguire portrayed Bobby Fischer in the film. Though he looks nothing like Fischer his outstanding performance convinced me that Tobey was the real Bobby Fischer. Alongside portraying Fischer’s brilliant yet troubled life, the movie smartly delved into the Cold War tensions between America and Russia.
3. Magnus (2016)
IMDb: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
“Magnus” (2016) is a documentary about the life of Magnus Carlsen, arguably the strongest chess player of all time. The film thrillingly reveals the story of a Norwegian prodigy becoming the champion of the chess world.
The Magnus we know today, the unbeatable player, exhibited his charisma at a very early age, like any other chess prodigy. But Magnus Carlsen was no ordinary prodigy, was he? He achieved his Grand Master title at 13 and became the World Chess Champion for the first time at just 23!
It is a well-documented film. Sufficient file footage, a well-researched narrative, a dynamic screenplay, and intensified sound design made “Magnus” (2016) one of the best chess documentaries I have ever seen.
2. Queen of Katwe (2016)
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
“Queen of Katwe” is a story about an ordinary girl named Phiona from the slums of Katwe, a small city in Uganda. Growing up in extreme poverty, she had to sell maize with her brother in the streets to afford a square meal. Later, she discovers chess and demonstrates her brilliance at the game. Despite facing numerous problems and obstacles in life, she overcomes them all and succeeds in changing her family’s fortune.
Being based on a true story, “Queen of Katwe” is more of an inspiring and motivational movie for general audiences rather than just for chess lovers. I loved the way they symbolized chess with human life. You will find this movie enjoyable even if you don’t understand chess at all.
1. Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
“Searching for Bobby Fischer” is a film based on the real story of Josh Waitzkin‘s early life. In his childhood, he was recognized as a chess prodigy and trained under Bruce Pandolfini, one of the most experienced chess coaches in America. Recognizing Josh’s remarkable chess talent, Pandolfini begins training him rigorously to make him more like the legendary Bobby Fischer.
The core concept of this movie isn’t solely about chess. It portrays how children often grapple with societal expectations, which can create immense pressure on their young minds. The film illustrates how a chess game, intended for enjoyment, can become brutally competitive for a child. “Searching for Bobby Fischer” is one of my favorite movies of all time due to its relatable storytelling and its delivery of important messages. The underlying message would still work if it were some other game than chess.
