Top Ten Greatest Summer Olympic Games

It was like the Commonwealth Games on a grand scale. Superbly organized, great facilities and a real party atmosphere. The athletics stadium was packed to capacity on the first morning and runners with no chance, finishing half a lap behind the 2nd last were given a round of applause. Nearly everything was ready a year ahead and the opening ceremony which factions of the press expected to be a farce was an unequivocal triumph. I believe I am right in saying that in the chaotic run-up to 2016 that London was the first to be approached to bail them out if need be.

It was more than just an opening ceremony. It was 1 and a half islands coming together. It was more than just and English ceremony, as some said it would be. They brought together 4 nations who have not always been close. It represented the making of a country. Development, and memories.They commemorated the wars, and what happened afterwards.

The GOSH/NHS part was truly touching. It was a ceremony that showed what truly made a country. It did not focus on how some people were perfect. There was a deaf/hard of hearing choir that sung the national anthem. It truly represented a community made excellent not by everyone's perfection but by their differences and individual skills and how those came together to the true excellence of community. And the fireworks were real.

It was the most cohesive, definitive, glorious Games for Sport & the Olympic movement, with an incredible "world" atmosphere during the most challenging times internationally. Miraculously executed by the organisers, I was full of envy & admiration for the Brits.

Best ever, end of argument. Iconic city, amazing atmosphere and an absolutely outstanding performance by the host country across a wide range of sports, not relying on sports like swimming that are only strong in a small number of nations.

The first Olympics that were broadcast in HD hi-definition, the opening drum performance was most spectacular, and Chinese gold medal gymnast winner Li Ning "fly-walk" around the top of the stadium was never done before. If you seen the U.S. NBC broadcast at the end, even Bob Costa said this was the "most memorable Olympics" ever in his long Olympics experience.

Those olympic games were amazing! Nothing will be quite the same after Beijing. The opening ceremony was an incredible feat. All other efforts to imitate it will be futile (well, the only possible serious contender will be Tokyo 2020 if they use all of their global soft power - manga characters, Japanese pop music and traditional festivals).

Putting politics aside, it was the best olympic game, by a pretty big margin. Best infrustracture and organization, best ceremonies, most olympic records shattered, and loads of historical and memorable moments (Michael Phelps, Usain bolt...etc).

I think it's undisputable that Beijing had the best opening and closing ceremonies. Coupled with Bolt's and Phelp's rise to global recognition at this event, Beijing was certainly the most memorable Olympic Games for everyone

Set the standard to which Beijjng and London attempted to mimic. Truly spectacular games with filled stadia, a gaggle of volunteers, polished organisation and an unequalled friendliness, sense of security and magical atmosphere. London experienced half filled venues, ordinary weather and security paranoia. How it is frequently labelled 'the best' Olympics (usually by Brits) is ridiculous.

Sydney's olympics was the best because the pool was in good condition and the time keeping was well done and the commentators were great.

I loved these games, friendly, great atmosphere. It shows what a great job London did because until the London games didn't believe it could be beaten

I believe Sydney had a fantastic Olympic Games. Clean and everything but still always the same old Sydney show ponies!

I love how they translated Brazilian culture, colors, and emotions so well in the impeccable designs, the best visual identity among the others. The tropical atmosphere paired with people's heat really suited Brazil's vibe.

Although the media did all they could to jeopardise the atmosphere at the games, there were only a few hiccups and the people really participated. 208 nations "lived under the same roof" respecting each other: it was amazing to see North and South Korea taking a selfie! ; north Korea at the podium with US! ; Hussain Bolt's happiness; the beautiful scenery of Rio and so many other mesmerising moments.

Amazing games despite all fear created by international media. Great venues, breathtaking open ceremony and unforgettable characters. Rio was the best seed since Sidney.

Amazing ceremonies from the Brazilians, great atmosphere of the games despite the concerns and controversies, and most importantly countries coming together under the same roof.

Security was flawless, construction was on time, no major issues reported, birthplace of the movement and a beautiful opening ceremony.

The classiest and most sophisticated opening and closing ceremonies. They set the standard for future games.

Most incredible opening ceremony. Loved seeing Acropolis lit up at night. Truly amazing!

Goverment spent a loot of money for this that's why were the best olympics games ever. And after that... the crisis!

There were better Olympics, but Atlanta pulled it off very well.
Opening / Closing Ceremonies Rocked! Competitions were intense. The City suffered from lackluster Architecture & some logistical problems, but we overshadowed by the Games themselves. The Bombing was tragic, but to blame Atlanta is like blaming the victim of a murder. I think Atlanta deserves more love than it got.

When Kurt Angle won his gold medal.

Great city to bad there won't be another one here for a long time

Dream Team. Summer Sanders. US Swimming was solid. All in all just a solid and very memorable games!

This and Sydney 2000 did much better for the country. 1992 made Spain's image and popularity skyrocket around the world

It showed Barcelona to the world... And the world is still coming to see it.

The best Olympic Games Of the would. A city with soul of country.

The best olympics ever

The best ever

Use of existing stadiums and arenas. No need to build new ones. Green olympics before being green was cool.

Wonderful olympics. Well run. Opening g and closing ceremonies were outstanding and very impressive.

14 year old Nadia Comaneci scores first perfect ten and wins three Olympic gold medals.

Probably one of the most politically moving Olympic Games. I'm surprised this wasn't number one

A struggling world, devastated, damaged empty, just three years after the end of world war 2 a city moved out of the rubble and reignited the flaming passion for sport everyone has deep down.

The world moved on from horror, and London helped that process. The simple Olympics.

Helped put the world back on it's feet!

A boost after the war

Huge olympics for black athletes.

The 1964 Summer Games were the first Olympics held in Asia.