Best Running Documentaries to Inspire Your Next Run

Running is a popular exercise that many people enjoy. It's a great way to stay active and healthy while enjoying the outdoors. However, sometimes it can be challenging to stay motivated and keep up with your running routine. This is where running documentaries come in. Running documentaries can be a source of inspiration and motivation for runners of all levels. They showcase the journeys of different runners, their struggles, and their triumphs.

When looking for the best running documentaries, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, the documentary should be engaging and well-produced. It should capture the essence of running and inspire viewers to get out there and hit the pavement. Secondly, the documentary should be informative and offer valuable insights into the world of running. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, there should be something in the documentary that you can learn from.

We spent hours researching and testing different running documentaries to identify the ones that are worth your time. From documentaries that follow the journeys of elite runners to those that highlight the power of running to transform lives, we've got you covered. So, whether you're looking for a little inspiration or just want to learn more about the world of running, we've got the best running documentaries for you.

Best Running Documentaries

We know that running is more than just a physical activity, it's a mental and emotional journey as well. That's why we've compiled a list of the best running documentaries out there, to inspire and motivate you on your own running journey. From ultramarathons to Olympic races, these films capture the grit, determination, and triumph of runners from all walks of life. So grab some popcorn and get ready to be inspired by our top picks for the best running documentaries.

Born to Run

This documentary is a must-watch for any running enthusiast looking to explore the world of ultra-distance running and the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico.

Pros

• The documentary provides an inspiring and captivating story of ultramarathon runner Caballo Blanco and his quest to understand the Tarahumara tribe's running secrets.
• The film is visually stunning, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Copper Canyon and the Tarahumara people's unique way of life.
• Born to Run offers valuable insights into the benefits of barefoot running and the importance of finding joy in running.

Cons

• The documentary may not be suitable for those looking for a structured and informative guide to running, as it focuses more on the story and cultural aspects of running.
• Some viewers may find the film's portrayal of the Tarahumara tribe as overly romanticized or simplified.
• The documentary is not available for free on any streaming platforms, and viewers must pay to rent or purchase it.

Overall, we highly recommend Born to Run for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and spiritual aspects of running and the world of ultramarathons. The film offers a unique and inspiring perspective on the joy of running and the power of human connection.

Devil

If you're looking for a suspenseful and thrilling movie with a unique plot, Devil is a great choice.

Pros

• The storyline is unique and intriguing, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
• The acting is superb, with each character adding depth and complexity to the story.
• The film is well-directed, with excellent pacing and cinematography.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the movie too intense or frightening.
• The setting is limited to a single location, which may feel claustrophobic to some.
• The plot twists may be predictable to some viewers.

Devil is a gripping thriller that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The story takes place entirely in an elevator, where five strangers become trapped and realize that one of them is the devil in disguise. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the characters must confront their deepest fears and sins in order to survive.

The acting in Devil is top-notch, with each character bringing their own unique perspective and backstory to the table. The film is well-directed, with excellent pacing and cinematography that adds to the tension and suspense. The ending is satisfying and unexpected, leaving viewers with plenty to think about.

That being said, Devil may not be for everyone. Some viewers may find the movie too intense or frightening, while others may feel claustrophobic due to the limited setting. Additionally, while the plot twists are well-executed, some may find them predictable.

Overall, Devil is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers. If you're looking for a unique and well-crafted movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Devil is definitely worth checking out.

Born to Run

If you're looking for a documentary that will inspire you to take up running, "Born to Run" is a great choice. This film follows author Christopher McDougall as he investigates the secrets of the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico, known for their incredible long-distance running abilities.

Pros

• The documentary is well-made and engaging, with beautiful scenery and interesting interviews with runners and experts in the field.
• The film provides a lot of useful information about running technique, injury prevention, and the benefits of barefoot running.
• "Born to Run" will motivate you to get outside and start running, whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a complete beginner.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the film a bit too focused on McDougall's personal journey and not enough on the Tarahumara runners themselves.
• The documentary doesn't delve too deeply into the science behind the Tarahumara's running abilities, which may disappoint some viewers.
• While the film is inspiring, it may not be the best choice for those looking for a more comprehensive guide to running.

Overall, we would definitely recommend "Born to Run" to anyone interested in running or fitness in general. The documentary is informative, entertaining, and inspiring, and will leave you feeling motivated to hit the pavement and start running. Check out the DVD or stream it online today.

Jurassic World

We highly recommend purchasing Jurassic World as it is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pros

• The movie features an amazing cast, including Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, who deliver outstanding performances.
• The special effects are top-notch and will leave you in awe.
• The storyline is engaging and will keep you hooked until the very end.

Cons

• The movie contains violence, foul language, and sexual content, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• Some scenes may be intense and scary for younger audiences.
• The movie may not be as enjoyable for those who are not fans of action and adventure films.

Jurassic World takes you on a thrilling journey to a dinosaur-filled island, where a new breed of genetically modified dinosaurs is created. The movie follows the story of Owen, a skilled animal trainer, and Claire, a park manager, as they try to contain the chaos that ensues when the dinosaurs escape from their enclosures.

The movie features stunning visuals and breathtaking action sequences that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The cast delivers outstanding performances, making the characters feel real and relatable. The storyline is engaging and will keep you hooked until the very end.

However, the movie contains violence, foul language, and sexual content, which may not be suitable for all viewers. Some scenes may be intense and scary for younger audiences. Additionally, the movie may not be as enjoyable for those who are not fans of action and adventure films.

Overall, Jurassic World is a must-watch for anyone who loves action and adventure films. It is a thrilling ride that will leave you wanting more.

Women Talking

We highly recommend purchasing Women Talking if you're looking for an insightful and thought-provoking film about women's empowerment.

Pros

• The film features an all-star cast, including Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley, who deliver powerful performances that will leave you captivated.
• The film is directed by Sarah Polley, who masterfully conveys the themes of the novel through her use of cinematography and sound design.
• The film's exploration of the themes of women's agency and empowerment is timely and thought-provoking, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in feminist issues.

Cons

• The film may be triggering for some viewers, as it deals with themes of sexual violence and trauma.
• The film's pacing may be slow for some viewers, as it is largely dialogue-driven and relies on character development to drive the story forward.
• The film's ending may be unsatisfying for some viewers, as it leaves many questions unanswered and may not provide the closure some viewers are looking for.

In Women Talking, viewers are transported to a remote Mennonite colony where a group of women must grapple with the aftermath of a series of sexual assaults committed by men in their community. The film is a powerful exploration of women's agency and empowerment, and features an all-star cast that delivers powerful performances. While the film may be triggering for some viewers and its pacing may be slow for others, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in feminist issues.

The Running Man

If you're a fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, then you might want to check out The Running Man. It's a classic action movie that features the iconic actor as the main protagonist. However, if you're looking for a documentary about running, then this isn't the right choice for you.

Pros

• The movie is a classic action movie that features Arnold Schwarzenegger.
• The plot is fast-paced and action-packed.
• The special effects are impressive for the time.

Cons

• The movie isn't a documentary about running.
• Some viewers might find the violence and language too intense.
• The movie might not be suitable for younger viewers.

If you're looking for a documentary about running, then The Running Man isn't the right choice for you. However, if you're a fan of classic action movies, then you might enjoy this film. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, and the special effects are impressive for the time. However, some viewers might find the violence and language too intense, and the movie might not be suitable for younger viewers.

Overall, we think that The Running Man is a good choice for fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger and classic action movies. However, if you're looking for a documentary about running, then you should look elsewhere.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best running documentaries, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you browse through your options:

Genre

First and foremost, consider the type of documentary you're interested in. Some running documentaries focus on the history of the sport, while others follow specific athletes or races. Some are more inspirational and motivational, while others are more technical and informative. Determine what kind of story you're looking for and seek out documentaries that fit that mold.

Production Quality

While the content of a documentary is certainly important, the quality of the production can also make a big difference. Look for films that are well-shot, well-edited, and have high-quality sound. A poorly-produced documentary can be difficult to watch and detract from the overall viewing experience.

Expertise

Consider the filmmakers behind the documentary and their level of expertise in the running world. Have they produced other documentaries in the past? Do they have a background in running or sports journalism? Knowing that the filmmakers are knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter can give you added confidence in the quality of the film.

Availability

Finally, consider where you can access the documentary. Some films may be available for free on streaming platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, while others may require a subscription to a specific service. Make sure the documentary you're interested in is available in a format that works for you and your budget.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can narrow down your options and find the running documentaries that are best suited to your interests and preferences.