10 Best Running Films

Looking for something to watch? We’ve put together a list of our top 10 films about running so you can get your running fix from the comfort of your own home, and with a bit of popcorn.

Chariots of Fire (1981) – Drama

Hugh Hudson’s legendary historical drama tells the story of two British athletes at the 1924 Olympics who are running for their own religious convictions. Eric Liddle and Harold Arbahams use their athletic prowess to overcome obstacles in their lives as they aim for Olympic glory.

Forrest Gump (1994) – Drama

Tom Hanks put’s in an Oscar winning performance in this powerful yet charming movie which charts the life of a simple man from Alabama who accidentally finds himself at the centre of some of the 20th century’s biggest moments. This including inspiring people to get physically active by jogging across the country.

Spirit of the Marathon (2007) – Documentary

This documentary film chronicles the journey six marathon runners in the build-up to and competing at the 2005 Chicago Marathon. With interviews with notable marathon runners including Frank Shorter, Dick Beardsley and Paula Radcliffe, the film showcases the highs and lows of serious marathon running.

Unbroken (2014) – Biopic

This Angeline Jolie directed biopic is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Laura Hillenbrand. It chronicles the life of American Olympian and army officer Louis “Louie” Zamperini who is captured during the war and put in a series of prisoner of war camps.

Race (2016) – Biopic

Stephan James stars as Jesse Owens who goes from promising Ohio State athlete to world icon at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler.

I Am Bolt (2016) – Documentary

I Am Bolt follows the life of decorated Jamaican athlete Usian Bolt, the fastest man in recorded human history. The film takes a behind the scenes look at incidents surrounding his record breaking career and his nine gold medals at three different Games. 

Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019) – Comedy

Enjoy some light relief in this funny story of 28-year-old New Yorker Brittany Forgler who goes on a life-changing journey to lose weight and train for the city’s annual marathon.

Run Fatboy Run (2007) – Comedy

Friends star David Schwimmer directs this comedy about an out-of-shape British man’s mission to run a marathon to win back his former fiancée.

Desert Runners (2013) – Documentary

This film follows a diverse cast of non-professional runners in their extraordinary attempt to complete the most daring Ultramarthon on the planet – four 155-mile long (250-kilometer) races in deserts across the globe. Delve into the mindset of ultra-athletes, and the complex ways in which human beings deal with both heartbreak and triumph in this incredible story.

Saint Ralph (2004) – Comedy

Canadian teenager Ralph Walker is forced to joins his school’s cross-country running team in a bid to end his mischievous ways. But the death of his father motivates him to run in the Boston Marathon despite the prospect of being expelled from school by his old mentor.