50 Best Running Movies of All-time

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a huge movie fan. So, after releasing a book about running, I thought it would be cool to compile a list of the best running movies of all time.

I decided to go a step farther though. Instead of just creating a top 10 or top 25 list, I compiled every single running movie I could find and ranked them based on a review algorithm I created (I used to be an engineer after all).

Unfortunately I ran into a small problem when creating the list. There were A LOT of running movies.

So, instead of creating one massive list, I decided to break it up as follows:

1. Movies
2. Documentaries
3. TV Movies

Some of the movies are “pure” running movies, while others involve running as part of the plot. Either way, as a runner, I think you’ll enjoy them regardless.

You’ll also notice I provided links in the table for places to watch the movie. I did my best to search for free places (i.e. YouTube), and if I couldn’t find it for free I gave you a link to Amazon.

Best Running Movies

It’s crazy to think I’ve seen every movie on this list, but remember I’m obsessed with movies. I don’t necessarily believe any of the running movies were bad, but I will admit some where leaps and bounds better than others.

Since there is currently over twenty movies on the list I figured I’d give you a place to start, by telling you my top three:

1. Without Limits. This  was the first movie I watched about Prefontaine, and since then it’s safe to say he has become one of my heroes.
2. Saint Ralph. It can be a little corny at times, but I love, love, love the heart and grit in this movie.
3. The Jericho Mile. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this movie has one of the best endings of all-time. (Note: you can watch it here on YouTube)

Rank	Movie Poster	Movie Name	Where to Watch	Rating
1		Forrest Gump	Watch It Here	9.0
2		McFarland, USA	Watch It Here	8.5
3		The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner	Watch It Here	8.4
4		Run Lola Run	Watch It Here	8.4
5		Saint Ralph	Watch It Here	8.3
6		The Athlete	Watch It Here	8.2
7		Chariots of Fire	Watch It Here	8.1
8		Without Limits	Watch It Here	8.1
9		The Jericho Mile	Watch It Here	7.9
10		Marathon Man	Watch It Here	7.9
11		Prefontaine	Watch It Here	7.9
12		Cliffy	Watch It Here	7.8
13		Endurance	Watch It Here	7.6
14		Run, Fat Boy, Run	Watch It Here	7.6
15		The Robber	Watch It Here	7.6
16		Personal Best	Watch It Here	7.2
17		4 Minute Mile	Watch It Here	7.1
18		Across the Tracks	Watch It Here	6.9
19		On the Edge	Watch It Here	6.9
20		Running Brave	Watch It Here	6.8
21		The Long Run	Watch It Here	6.6
22		Running	Watch It Here	5.8

Best Running Documentaries

I had watched quite a few running documentaries, but was still surprised by just how many there were.

If you’re stuck, I’d recommend starting with Fire on the Track, mainly because you can watch it on YouTube for free, but also because it’s about Prefontaine (sorry I’m a little biased). I also really liked The Barkley Marathons and the story behind the race.

Rank	Movie Poster	Movie Name	Where to Watch	Rating
1		The Barkley Marathons	Watch It Here	9.0
2		Fire on the Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story	Watch It Here	8.9
3		Unbreakable: The Western States	Amazon	8.8
4		Hood to Coast	Watch It Here	8.7
5		Desert Runners	Watch It Here	8.5
6		The Long Green Line	Watch It Here	8.5
7		Transcend	Watch It Here	8.5
8		Spirit of the Marathon	Watch It Here	8.4
9		Spirit of the Marathon II	Watch It Here	8.3
10		Run for Your Life	Watch It Here	7.7
11		Running the Sahara	Watch It Here	7.6
12		My Run	Watch It Here	7.5
13		Running With Demons	Watch It Here	7.5
14		Running on the Sun	Uknown	7.4
15		Running for Jim	Watch It Here	7.4
16		Run Free	Watch It Here	7.3
17		The Corridor Runner	Watch It Here	7.2
18		The Last Mile	Watch It Here	7.1
19		Running America	Watch It Here	6.8
20		There is No Finish Line	Watch It Here	6.7
21		Jim Ryun: America's Greatest Miler	Watch It Here	6.5
22		Fast Women	Watch It Here	5.7

Best Running TV Movies

Before creating this list I had never seen or heard of any of these movies. And I’ll be honest, I kind of wish it had stayed that way. I suppose they were television movies for a reason…

Rank	Movie Poster	Movie Name	Where to Watch	Rating
1		Dragon's Back Race	Watch It Here	9.2
2		100 Seconds to Beat the World	Unknown	7.4
3		Marathon of the Sands	Watch It Here	6.8
4		The World's Highest Race	Watch It Here	5.7

Looking for more?

As I mentioned above, I made this list because I recently released a new book that involves a college runner. So, as a quick shameless plug, I would love if you checked out that book.

Before you go, let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below. Also, be sure to tell me if I left any off the list!

P.S. If you like movie lists, I also made a list of the best dog-sledding movies (and you guessed it, I wrote a book about dog sledding!)