Running is more than just a sport; it’s a test of willpower, determination, and incredible speed and endurance. People run to prove that they can achieve anything and create meaningful change in their lives. It’s no wonder that running is so popular in cinema. The journey of self-overcoming is a powerful conflict that resonates with audiences. In our collection of the best films about running and runners, you’ll find thrilling stories of perseverance and determination. Beware: you might find yourself going for a run the very next morning.
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Forrest Gump
IMDb: 8.8/10
1994, Drama, Romance
USA, PG-13
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Top cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise
Over the years, Forrest Gump has become a cultural meme. The kind and open-hearted character has turned into a symbol of perseverance in life. From a young age, Forrest struggled with leg problems, and the neighborhood kids often teased him. This went on for some time until one day, Forrest discovered his incredible talent for running. His childhood friend Jenny always stood by him and defended him, but eventually, their paths diverged. Despite this, Forrest Gump continued to run, undeterred by anything. Few people know that the film is based on Winston Groom’s 1986 novel Forrest Gump. The movie differs significantly from the original book, where Forrest is portrayed as a sharp, insufferable cynic. Interestingly, Tom Hanks agreed to star in the film only on the condition that all the events depicted would resonate with real historical occurrences.
Spirit of the Marathon
IMDb: 7.4/10
2007, Documentary, Sport
USA, PG
Director: Jon Dunham
Top cast: Dick Beardsley, Ryan Bradley, Leah Caille
Spirit of the Marathon is a fast-paced sports movie that takes you on the course of one of the largest marathons in the world. The movie tells the story of five very different people united by one goal - to finish the famous Chicago Marathon. From seasoned professionals, for whom every step is the result of years of training, to ordinary people who decided to challenge themselves and overcome their limitations, each of the characters brings with them a unique story and motivation. Spirit of the Marathon shows in detail all stages of preparation: from the development of individual training programs to psychological adjustment. The story centers on competition and mutual assistance, overcoming physical and psychological barriers, and the pursuit of personal goals. The filmmakers provide a heartfelt exploration of running as a sport. We follow runners of all levels, from beginners to world-class competitors, witnessing their training journeys and the race itself. Vintage footage and commentary from experts, including historians and champions, enrich the story. Spirit of the Marathon will surely resonate with anyone who can’t imagine life without running and who never misses a marathon in major cities around the world.
100 metros
IMDb: 7.5/10
2016, Biography, Comedy, Drama
Spain, Portugal, PG-13
Director: Marcel Barrena
Top cast: Dani Rovira, Karra Elejalde, Alexandra Jiménez
The film 100 Metros is based on true events. The main character, Ramón, is living a fulfilling life: he has a well-paying job, and his wife is expecting their second child. The only issue is that his father-in-law is temporarily staying with them, and their relationship is quite tense. Then, out of the blue, Ramón receives shocking news about a devastating diagnosis. He is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the severe attacks quickly leave him disabled. Ramón undergoes treatment in an effort to regain his former fitness, but he can barely walk 100 meters. Frustrated by his helplessness, he decides to challenge himself and begins training for a triathlon, with his father-in-law — a former physical education teacher — supporting him. The hospital scenes feature real patients and doctors from the Institut Guttmann neuro-rehabilitation clinic in Barcelona, and some episodes include actual athletes.
McFarland, USA
IMDb: 7.4/10
2014, Biography, Drama, Sport
USA, PG
Director: Niki Caro
Top cast: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez
A professional coach is unwilling to remain stagnant in the small town of McFarland. In 1987, he decided to form a track and field team. These aren’t elite athletes, but ordinary kids — some even troublemakers. However, Jim White is determined to turn this team into champions. The film is based on the true story of the high school team led by Jim White, which triumphed in the California State Championship for cross country in 1987. Striving for authenticity, the film was shot in Camarillo, California, with local residents of McFarland appearing as extras.
Free to Run
IMDb: 7.3/10
2015, Documentary, History, Sport
Switzerland, France, Belgium, Not rated
Director: Pierre Morath
Top cast: Denis Alcade, Neil Amdur, Gaby Andersen-Schiess
Fifty years ago, professional sports were a tough business. Ordinary runners, amateurs, and even women faced significant barriers to competition. Fortunately, the 1960s brought a wave of change, marked by struggles for rights across various fronts. explores the story of running as a major social movement, highlighting its evolution from romantic provocations to the establishment of a vast industry accessible to people of all genders and backgrounds.
Unbroken
IMDb: 7.2/10
2014, Action, Biography, Drama, Sport, War
USA, Japan, PG-13
Director: Angelina Jolie
Top cast: Jack O’Connell, Miyavi, Domhnall Gleeson
Based on real events, the movie Unbroken tells the story of American track and field athlete Louis Zamperini. It is a cinematic adaptation of Laura Hillenbrand's bestselling novel, which tells the story of how one man was able to overcome unthinkable difficulties and preserve the human spirit. The story centers on American track and field athlete Louis Zamperini, whose life changed after participating in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The young, promising athlete attracted the attention of Adolf Hitler, who was impressed by his tenacity and determination. However, fate had prepared a very different role for Zamperini. During World War II, he was forced into the service. After an airplane crash over the Pacific, he and his comrades spend 47 agonizing days on the high seas, fighting hunger, thirst and sea predators. Japanese captivity becomes a new ordeal where physical torture is combined with psychological pressure. The movie shows how Zamperini, after going through hell, not only survived but also found the strength to forgive his tormentors.
I Am Bolt
IMDb: 7.1/10
2016, Documentary, Biography, Sport
UK, PG
Director: Ben Turner, Gabe Turner
Top cast: Usain Bolt, Nugent Walker Jr., Ricky Simms
Usain Bolt is a remarkable athlete who has won gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games, receiving applause in Beijing, London, and Rio. He has also set eight world records and is celebrated as the greatest Jamaican sprinter of all time. I Am Bolt is a documentary that combines broadcasts and archival footage to explore who Usain Bolt is and how he achieved his extraordinary success. The film presents Bolt not only through the perspectives of other athletes but also through his own voice. He shares his story, dispelling stereotypes about his height and discussing the challenges he faced in becoming a professional athlete due to his background.
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