Best running movies of all time

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, relaxing the night before a race, or hosting a movie night with running pals, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best running movies out there.

Updated!

McFarland

Just released in February, McFarland is the story of a California football coach who turns a group of latino high schoolers into a cross-country powerhouse. We’ve added it to the list because not only is the running central to the plot, it’s a great movie.

1) Chariots of Fire

Every runner is familiar with this soundtrack. Based in fact, the movie tells the story of two men in their quest for 1924. The film won four Academy Awards in 1981.

2) Spirit of the Marathon

The story of six different runners as they train to compete in the 2005 Chicago Marathon, which shows the variety of the running experience.

3) Transcend

This documentary on 2012 Boston Marathon Champion, Wesley Korir was released this year. Featuring interviews with bestselling Canadian author Malcolm Gladwell and renowned Canadian marathon, Reid Coolaset, as well as directed by Canadians Tad Munnings and Michael Del Monte, this film is a must-watch for Canadian runners.

4) Run for Your Life

The story of how Jewish immigrant from Transylvania, Fred Lebow, took the New York Road Runners Club and the New York City Marathon to the next level.

5) Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Set in Britain in the 1960s, a delinquent youth rises as a pro runner. The film is based on the short story by Alan Sillitoe.

6) Der Rauber

Though it is in German, with English subtitles, this film is action packed (with both bank robberies and running–what more can one ask for?) and worth a watch.

7) Unbroken

Okay, so technically speaking, this movie isn’t out yet. But, based on how awesome the book is and the fact that Angelina Jolie is directing, make us pretty excited about it. The movie is set to hit theatres on Christmas Day.

8) Run Fatboy Run

A comedy that accurately portrays how we turn to running to solve the other problems in our lives (whether that is a good idea or not is up for debate).

9) Without Limits

No list of best running movies would be complete without a Steve Prefontaine biopic.

10) Forrest Gump

Who hasn’t had someone yell, “Run Forrest, run!” at them while out on the streets?