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Miracle

Miracle is a 2004 American sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Eric Guggenheim.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Miracle is a 2004 American sports drama film directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Eric Guggenheim. It dramatizes the U.S. men's ice hockey team's unexpected gold-medal run at the 1980 Winter Olympics, an event widely known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The film stars Kurt Russell as head coach Herb Brooks.

Plot and subject

Miracle depicts the U.S. men's ice hockey team's path to the 1980 Winter Olympics and their upset victory over the Soviet Union. The film presents the event as a national sporting milestone and centers on coach Herb Brooks's leadership.

Production

The film was directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Eric Guggenheim. It was produced as a mainstream American studio sports drama and features a cast led by Kurt Russell.

Release and reception

Miracle was released in the United States on February 6, 2004. Available sources identify it as a box-office success, with worldwide grosses reported at roughly $64.5 million.

Historical basis

The film dramatizes the real-life “Miracle on Ice,” the U.S. team's victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The event remains one of the best-known moments in international ice hockey history.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union.
  • Kurt Russell portrays coach Herb Brooks.
  • The story focuses on the team's training, discipline, and Olympic tournament run.
  • The film was released by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
  • It grossed about $64.5 million against a reported $28 million budget.
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Canadian context

The film is relevant to Canadian readers because ice hockey is a major sport in Canada and the 1980 Olympic upset is part of broader North American hockey history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Miracle about?
It is about the U.S. men's ice hockey team’s upset win at the 1980 Winter Olympics, especially the victory over the Soviet Union.
Who directed Miracle?
Gavin O'Connor directed the film.
Who stars in Miracle?
Kurt Russell stars as Herb Brooks, with Patricia Clarkson and Noah Emmerich in supporting roles.
When was Miracle released?
It was released on February 6, 2004.
What is the film’s connection to “Miracle on Ice”?
The film dramatizes the events behind the nickname “Miracle on Ice,” which refers to the U.S. hockey team’s 1980 Olympic upset.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_(2004_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, release date, subject, and box office
  2. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-4933fbbb-ece1-4b6c-a2cc-ac03dfa1a2b2
    Supports: Synopsis, runtime, genre, director, and cast
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/miracle
    Supports: Release date, genre, runtime, rating, and synopsis
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/miracle
    Supports: Plot summary and identification as a film based on the 1980 Olympic hockey victory