The Best Running Movies on Netflix

Who doesn’t have Netflix anymore? And it may be an odd request, but sometimes you’re just looking for the best running movies on Netflix.

There’s something about watching the determination people show in running. It’s inspiring…even if you are just sitting on your couch eating some ice cream.

But, finding running movies on Netflix is difficult. You begin to ask, “Does Netflix have run movies?”

They do, but they’re difficult to find.

So, I’ve put together the best running movies on Netflix so you can narrow down what you’re looking for quickly.

Let’s dive in.

What to watch on Netflix running

There are two different people usually: people who like movies, and those who want documentaries.

So, I’ve divided the following section in the following ways:

Best running movies on Netflix

Netflix used to have a much more extensive selection of running movies on Netflix. But, this list has slimmed down.

While I wish there were films like Finding Traction (Nikki Kimball), Chariots of Fire, Spirit of the Marathon, and much more. 

I mean, where’s the movie about Kilian Jornet or Karl Meltzer?

But, we have what we have. So here are the best running movies on Netflix.

Budhia Sing: Born to Run (2016)

Born to Run is one of the best movies about running on Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.6

Born to Run looks at the true story of a young 5-year-old boy and his mentor coach. 

Buddha Sing was born into poverty in Odish, an Indian state. Not having much money, Budhia’s mother sold him to an abusive bangle seller.

Luckily, he is rescued by Biranchi Das, a judo coach, and an orphanage owner.

But, Das notices early on that Budhia is an exceptional talent as a distance runner and begins coaching him.

Following the trials and tribulations of their story, Born to Run provides a heart-wrenching tale about a young boy, his coach, and a bigger dream.

Zero to Hero (2021)

Zero to hero is one of the most excellent running movies on Netflix

IMDb rating: 6.7

Zero to Hero covers the true story of Hong Kong’s 12-time paralympic medalist, So Wa-wai.

Beginning at his birth and following him up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where he’d win his last gold medal.

But, the movie isn’t solely about So. It’s also about his mother and their difficulties throughout their lives and relationship.

A touching movie (with a great cast) about adversity and the ability to overcome it.

100 Meters (2016)

100 Meters is a great running movie on Netflix

IMDb rating: 7.5

Ramon Arroyo is an ordinary man living in northern Spain. That is until he wakes up one day and can’t move.

Eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Ramon is told by another MS sufferer that he won’t be able to walk 100 meters by the end of the year.

And Ramon accepted this as a challenge. He’d do more than just walk 100 meters, though.

He’d aim to complete an iron man challenge: 2 miles swimming, over 100 miles biking, and 26 miles to finish it off.

A great movie that shows that human beings can do extraordinary things despite how life tries to stop them.

Best running documentaries on Netflix

Like the movies, the running documentaries have been slimmed down on Netflix. You won’t find any about trail running, the Boston Marathon, Skid Row Marathon, Barkley Marathons documentary, or anything like that.

So, here are the best running documentaries on Netflix.

Limitless (2017)

Limitless is heartwarming and one of the best running documentaries on Netflix

IMDb rating: 6.8

Limitless is perfect if you’relooking for inspiration from a runner documentary on Netflix.

Following eight real women across India, the documentary shows how these women turn to running for power and strength in their daily lives.

A documentary seeks reach out to women and motivate them to run and use running as a tool. 

A must-watch.

Sisters on Track (2021)

Sisters on Track is an unknown, but fantastic runner documentary on Netflix

IMDb rating: 5.8

Sisters on Track is a story that follows three young girls: Tai, Rainn, and Brooke Sheppard.

Just a few years before entering high school, they’re all chosen to be Sports Illustrated Kids of the Year.

The movie covers the difficulties the Sheppard family faces moving out of their life in a shelter. 

And it shows the effect people can have as the girls’ cross country coach, Jean Bell, helps the girls dream big and reach for things they thought were unattainable.

If you have a young daughter or niece, this is the perfect Netflix running documentary for them.

Human: The World Within (2021)

Human: The World Within isn't specifically about running, but it's still a great run documentary on Netflix.

IMDb rating: 6.8

Not specifically a running documentary, Human is still a fascinating look into how the human body works.

Covering aspects of running, the information from this documentary is valuable for all runners, especially if you’re curious about your body.

This documentary is a series, so you’ll have multiple episodes to watch.

So, what do you think are the best running movies on Netflix?

I’m always looking for the best movies about running on Netflix and browse trailer after trailer, hoping for something new.

So, let me know, what do you think are the best running movies? Let me know in the comments!


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