Upamanyu Biswas
Running is one of humanity’s critical survival skills. Without it, we would not have survived the attention of predators seeking to kill us throughout history. However, its role within modern society has transformed into a high-octane sport that rewards winners with unprecedented glory. A prime example of this is witnessed through the achievements of the great sprinters and marathon runners who defy all expectations to push themselves beyond their limits. Thus, to bring more attention to their exploits and epic narratives, here are the best movies about running available on Netflix.
7. 2,215 (2018)
‘2,215’ chronicles the real-life story of Thai singer Artiwara Kongmala, who decides to run a staggering 2,215-kilometer race to generate and collect money for hospitals in and around the country. Under the direction of Nottapon Boonprakob, the film delves into Kongmala’s efforts to prepare himself for a long-distance marathon that starts in the South of Thailand and ends in the North. While marathons are often a means to display the physical powers of athletes, ‘2,215’ examines their cultural and societal responsibilities through awareness raising and charity work. The film also encapsulates Kongmala’s work and determination as he gets ready to bring in some relief money for the hospitals by running across the country. You can watch the inspiring documentary film here.
6. Sisters on Track (2021)
Directed by Tone Grøttjord-Glenne and Corinne van der Borch, ‘Sisters on Track‘ presents the uplifting story of young athletes Tai, Rainn, and Brooke Sheppard. The three sisters form a bond on the track while also living through the struggles of being raised by their single mother, Tonia, in a homeless shelter. The documentary sports drama is full of empathy as it looks into the sisterhood of the three athletes and how they were supported through a dark period to pursue their dreams.
It also provides a rarely-seen glimpse into the authentic lives of a family that has each other’s backs despite having a series of obstacles lined up in front of them. Their mother, in particular, carries them by imparting the right values. She teaches them about the importance of humanity, decency, and the strength of their relationships through her cultivated wisdom and experience, which ultimately stands them in good stead. You can stream ‘Sisters on Track’ here.
5. Sprint (2024- )
The docuseries ‘Sprint’ centers on sprinting athletes as they train for Olympic glory. The training is gruesome, the competition is fierce, and the award is the title of the world’s fastest sprinter. The show offers the viewers an up-close-and-personal look, including backstage moments and professional relationships, of some of the world’s best sprinters as they put their “best foot forward” for Olympic gold. Some of the sprinters you will see are Noah Lyles, Shericka Jackson, Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Gabby Thomas, Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Kishane Thompson, and Oblique Seville. ‘Sprint’ can be streamed here.
4. Lorena, Light-Footed Woman (2019)
In his documentary film, ‘Lorena, Light-Footed Woman,’ Juan Carlos Rulfo depicts the extraordinary abilities of a young woman of the Tarahumara in Mexico named Lorena Ramirez, who wins several ultramarathons despite having no professional training or experience. Originally titled ‘Lorena, La de pies ligeros,’ the film is an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of how the best runners often hail from the least likely places. Rulfo probes into the genesis of talent honed through years of day-to-day existence rather than a special training regime. If you want to experience it yourself, watch the film here.
3. 100 Meters (2016)
Originally titled ‘100 metros’ in Spanish, ‘100 Meters’ chronicles the true story of an Ironman triathlete named Ramón Arroyo, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Arroyo is told by his doctors that he cannot complete the triathlon. However, he persists, showcasing genuine grit and perseverance to try and tip the odds in his favor with the race closing in. Marcel Barrena helms the narrative, which combines high-stakes sports drama with humor while maintaining the film’s do-or-die message. At its heart, ‘100 Meters’ is an illustration of how a sporting event can have major implications on the psychology and well-being of a person and his lifelong goals. You can watch the film here.
2. Zero to Hero (2021)
‘Zero to Hero‘ tells the actual story of a Hong Kong Paralympian named So Wa-wai, who managed to clinch several medals with the aid of his mother. The narrative revolves around So Wa-wai’s private challenges with his health and how his mother helped him through them all. In addition to being a story about sprinting, the film is also an intimate portrayal of a mother-son relationship, illustrating the importance of family in the efforts of top-level athletes to achieve the best performance.
Without her presence, So Wa-wai would not have the resilience to get through his harrowing struggles, even away from the track. Its familial themes are sure to dig into your heartstrings in an epic tale of facing insurmountable obstacles and overcoming them at all costs. The film was Hong Kong’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards. It is available for streaming here.
1. Race (2016)
The Stephen Hopkins-directed drama ‘Race’ tells the story of track and field sensation Jesse Owens, who went on to achieve global icon status at the Berlin Olympics during Hitler’s regime by clinching a record-breaking four gold medals. On his journey to the Olympics, Owens is assisted by his coach, Larry Snyder, who helps him achieve success at home before traveling overseas and proving his worth at the Olympics. The film captures the racial discrimination Owens faced both on and off the pitch and the abuse of a culture and society that was intolerant towards other ethnicities. Despite the obstacles on his path, the protagonist rises above his challenges, showcasing his grit and determination in an inspiring true story about the power of sports. The film can be watched here.
Read More: Best Sports Documentaries On Netflix
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