The Top 10 Running Movies Every Runner Should Watch for Marathon and Ultramarathon Inspiration
Last Update December 11, 2025 by Etienne Durocher
Every runner has a moment when motivation dips. Maybe it’s during a rainy long run, a cold early morning, or mile 18 of a marathon. When that happens, nothing fires up the spirit quite like a great running movie. These films show the grit, heartbreak, humour, and pure joy of long-distance running. They remind us why we train, why we chase finish lines, and why we push ourselves far beyond our comfort zone.
Whether you’re preparing for your first half marathon or dreaming about a big ultramarathon challenge one day, this list brings you the ten best running movies to fuel your next block of training. So grab a warm drink, relax, and enjoy a curated selection every runner should watch at least once.
What You Need to Know First
Running movies are more than entertainment. They can help you stay consistent, push through low-motivation weeks, and reframe how you see your training. They offer emotional storytelling that makes running feel more meaningful, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and the everyday challenges of adult life.
Watching running stories can help you:
build resilience
understand the mindset of endurance athletes
learn from other people’s successes and failures
feel connected to the global running community
stay inspired while training for a marathon or half marathon
These films are especially powerful during a taper week, recovery week, or anytime you’re questioning your running goals.
Quick Takeaways Before the Full List
Running movies help reduce pre-race anxiety
They make long treadmill sessions feel more enjoyable
They can help beginners understand the emotional side of running
They remind experienced runners why they love the sport
They’re excellent mental training tools for marathon and ultramarathon prep
The Top 10 Running Movies Every Runner Should Watch
Below are the ten films in the exact order you requested, each one offering its own unique flavor of endurance, hope, and adventure.
1. Gun Runners (2016)
This powerful documentary follows two Kenyan warriors who trade their rifles for running shoes in search of a new life. It’s a story about transformation, discipline, and hope, showing how running can change a person’s destiny.
Perfect for: runners who love deep, meaningful stories about personal reinvention.
2. Unbroken (2014)
Based on the life of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini, this film blends running with a survival story of incredible courage. While not a traditional running movie, the athlete’s mindset is central to everything. It’s emotional, historic, and unforgettable.
Perfect for: runners who enjoy resilience-driven storytelling.
3. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014)
A cult classic. This documentary shows one of the toughest and most bizarre ultramarathons in the world. The runners navigate unmarked trails, extreme terrain, and mental collapse — all while the mysterious race director laughs in the background.
Perfect for: runners who appreciate quirky race culture and impossible challenges.
4. Brittany Runs a Marathon (2019)
A fun, honest story about a woman who decides to turn her life around by training for the New York City Marathon. It highlights the emotional ups and downs every beginner runner knows well. Funny, heartfelt, and relatable.
Perfect for: new runners who need courage to take their first step.
5. Prefontaine (1997)
This biographical film tells the story of Steve Prefontaine, one of America’s most iconic runners. His fierce competitive spirit and refusal to hold back remind us why running is such a passionate sport.
Perfect for: runners inspired by talent, speed, and raw determination.
6. Desert Runners (2013)
Follow amateur runners who take on the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series — some of the hardest multiday races on Earth. Expect sandstorms, emotional breakdowns, and unbelievable perseverance.
Perfect for: anyone curious about the extreme world of ultrarunning.
7. Unbreakable: The Western States 100 (2012)
A legendary ultrarunning documentary. It follows four elite athletes battling for the win at the Western States 100, the world’s most famous 100-mile trail race. You’ll feel the intensity, terrain, strategy, and pain of real endurance racing.
Perfect for: trail runners and those who dream of big mountain races.
8. A Long Way From Nowhere (2023)
This film explores the emotional and mental journey of ultrarunners completing a difficult multi-day event. It focuses on storytelling rather than competition, highlighting why people run far beyond the marathon distance.
Perfect for: runners who appreciate the psychological side of endurance.
9. Human Race Documentary (2019)
A celebration of everyday runners who find purpose, identity, and joy through the sport. It covers seniors, beginners, and lifelong runners. It’s uplifting, relatable, and a great reminder that running is truly for everyone.
Perfect for: anyone looking for a boost of positivity and community spirit.
10. Running On The Sun, The Road To Hell Is 135 Miles Long
Forty runners compete in the most grueling race on earth, the Badwater. The film documents the trials and tribulations of these athletes as they run 135 miles through Death Valley in July and explores the motivations behind this seemingly masochistic contest. A celebration of the perseverance of the human will beyond the limits of the human body.
Perfect for: runners fascinated by endurance, suffering, and superhuman grit.
Bonus Track: Like Harvey, Like Son (2023)
A beautiful father-son story about ultra-running legend Harvey Lewis and his dad. This film mixes family, adventure, and endurance into one emotional journey. It’s a perfect bonus movie when you want something motivational, warm, and uplifting — think of it as the “free” extra track at the end of an album.
Inspired yet? If any of these movies spark motivation for your next marathon, half marathon, or ultramarathon, explore more running tips and beginner-friendly guides on philotimorunningcoach.ca/blog. Staying curious is a powerful training tool.
Read those extra inspiring blogs for more hype:
Practical Tips: How to Use Running Movies in Your Training
Watching running movies can actually make you a better runner. Here’s how to integrate them into your training lifestyle.
Watch Them During Easy Indoor Runs
Treadmill or indoor cross-training sessions feel easier when paired with a great running documentary. Save the longer films for longer Zone 2 runs.
Use Movies During Race Week
Taper week brings nerves. Watching running movies helps you relax, stay confident, and build mental readiness.
Make a Movie Night With Non-Running Friends
Sharing these films with family helps them understand why running matters to you — especially during heavy marathon training.
Use Films as Motivation During Slumps
If your running feels repetitive or uninspiring, spending 90 minutes watching runners face their limits can shift your mindset instantly.
Build Mental Toughness
Seeing other athletes overcome physical and emotional challenges strengthens your own internal dialogue. Film storytelling can make your next long run feel lighter.
Final Thoughts
Running movies are powerful emotional tools. They remind us of the joy of movement, the courage required to tackle long distances, and the deep community behind our sport. Whether you’re training for your first marathon or preparing for a big ultramarathon goal, these films offer the perfect mix of inspiration and reality.
Choose one for your next rest day or recovery evening, and let it fuel your spirit for the miles ahead.
Which running movie is your favourite? Have you seen any on this list? Share your thoughts — your recommendation might inspire another runner.
If you’re training for a marathon, half marathon, or your first big running goal, feel free to reach out for personalized coaching. I’d love to help you train smarter and enjoy the journey.
