Movies about running can be inspirational, funny, heart-warming, and most importantly: relatable. If you are a runner, you’ve likely seen a movie or two about running. While the movies are enjoyable for audiences of many kinds, runners are usually the ones who enjoy them the most.
Where can I watch movies about running?
Finding running movies on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or whatever your preferred streaming service may be, is especially convenient. There’s nothing better than getting motivated and inspired about running with a movie right from the comfort of your own home.
Luckily, nearly every streaming service offers at least a few different running movies. And for those looking for a particular movie, Amazon Prime has just about every movie available for rent (whether you’re a Prime member or not).
The 43 Best Movies About Running
These running movies cover just about all aspects of the sport – from sprinting to distance, road to trail, connection, redemption, discovery, grit and perseverance. Here is a comprehensive list of the best running movies on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and more!
Running Movies on Netflix
It can be hard to sort out running movies on Netflix without having an idea of what to look for. Some movies might land in this category just because of a single scene of tangent. If you’re looking for a movie about running, here are some Netflix options that won’t disappoint.
Zero to Hero (2021)
This movie is filmed in a different language and contains English subtitles, but is well worth the “read”. The plot centers around a man born in Hong Kong with severe hearing loss and cerebral palsy. Despite the obstacles, he perseveres, resulting in gold medals at the Paralympic Games.
Sisters on Track (2021)
This documentary follows the three Sheppard sisters into high school in Brooklyn, New York. All three kids were chosen as Sports Illustrated Kids of the Year, which propels them into fame and gives us a glimpse of their journey after they transition away from their life in a shelter.
Lorena, Light-Footed Woman (2019)
This short documentary features Lorena Ramirez, a young woman of the Tarahumara. Despite running in sandals, Lorena finds sudden success winning ultramarathons.
Limitless (2017)
Limitless is a documentary that showcases 8 women from across India. The inspirational stories of these runners are meant to motivate women across the country to pursue running.
Budhia Singh: Born to Run (2016)
This movie is based on a true story about the world’s youngest marathon runner, Budhia Singh. After being sold at the age of 5, he is rescued by a local coach, where is talent is discovered.
100 Meters (2016)
This film is about a Spanish man with multiple sclerosis. Based on true events, it follows his story of attempting to finish an Iron Man competition after being told he would not make it 100 meters.
Running Movies on Disney+
If Netflix isn’t your preferred streaming platform, or you’re simply looking for more running movies to inspire, here are some options available on Disney+.
Breaking2 (2017)
This documentary follows three of the world’s most elite distance runners as they attempt to break the 2 hour barrier by running a marathon in 1:59:59 or faster. These athletes have completed 6 months of the most advanced, scientifically structured training in order to set themselves up for success.
McFarland, USA (2015)
McFarland, USA is a movie based on the true story of a cross country team from a high school in McFarland, California. The plot follows the 1987 team in their primarily Latino high school as their coach seeks to motivate, inspire and push the team to excel.
Running Movies on Hulu
Another option for streaming some of the best movies about running is Hulu. Here are a few options available on the platform.
Sprinter (2018)
Also available on YouTube, Sprinter tells the story of a boy who is destined to be Jamaica’s next track-and-field star. The movie follows his story after he is separated from his mother and moves to the United States for a better life.
30 for 30 (2009)
This unique series of films features documentaries that highlight interesting people and sports events in history. These stories may not all be directly related to running, but will certainly inspire the athlete in us all.
Forrest Gump (1994)
This classic movie tells the story of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who wishes to be reunited with his childhood love. This unique story takes place during major historical moments, such as the Vietnam War and the start of college football. Although it is not about running specifically, its iconic running scene is one that makes the movie worth the watch.
Running Movies on HBO Max
Some of the most inspirational documentaries and movies about running can be found on HBO Max. Here are a few to keep you motivated.
The Courage to Run (2022)
This documentary shares an inspirational story, as Chip Gaines meets Gabe Grunewald, a professional runner, and forms a friendship.
Kipchoge: The Last Milestone (2021)
This documentary takes us through the journey of Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge, as he train and prepares to attempt to run a marathon in less than two hours.
Jim Thorpe, All American (1951)
This movie shares the story of Jim Thorpe, a Native American who won gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon at the same Olympics, only to have them taken away due to a technicality.
Running Movies on Amazon Prime
If you’re looking for a running movie that isn’t available on Netflix, Hulu or any of the other many streaming platforms, Amazon has you covered.
There are so many running movies on Amazon that we can’t even begin to list them all – but here are some of the best documentaries and movies about running that are worth checking out, listed from newest to oldest.
- Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
- Running for Good (2018)
- Skid Row Marathon (2018)
- Icarus (2017)
- Boston: The Documentary (2017)
- 1 Mile to You (2017)
- Free to Run (2016)
- Race (2016)
- Bannister: Everest on the Track (2016)
- I Am Bolt (2016)
- Patriots Day (2016)
- Tracktown (2016)
- Guy Runners (2015)
- Unbroken (2014)
- The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014)
- Desert Runners (2013)
- Finding Traction (2012)
- Run for Your Life (2008)
- The Long Green Line (2008)
- Spirit of the Marathon (2007)
- Saint Ralph (2004)
- Run Lola Run (1998)
- Without Limits (1998)
- Prefontaine (1997)
- The Running Man (1987)
- On the Edge (1986)
- Running Brave (1983)
- Personal Best (1982)
- Chariots of Fire (1981)
- The Jericho Mile (1972)
- The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
Running movies may be drastically different in their content, but somehow still provide the same message: when you pursue your dreams, nearly anything is possible.
Whether you’re looking for a documentary that shows triumph over adversity or a movie with humor and inspiration, there is certainly one for you. Check out some (or all!) of these running movies on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max and Amazon Prime for motivation, inspiration and thrill.