7 Christian running movies to watch (Inspiring sports)
If you're looking for a great movie about running, these seven movies share a faith-based message of hope that will resonate with the whole family.
I highly recommend "Overcomer," which was an inspiring Kendrick Brothers film about a high school girl who's faltering, and the reluctant coach who becomes a mentor who encourages her faith and identity in Christ.
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At a glance: Christian movies about running
If you're looking for faith-based films about cross country, track and field, or the Olympics, here's a quick guide. Scroll down for more information about each movie.
Christian movies about cross-country
"Overcomer" — A coach helps a struggling student athlete discover her true identity through faith while training for cross-country. (Watch trailer)
“Remember the Goal" – A determined high school cross-country coach inspires her team to pursue excellence and personal growth rooted in Christian values. (Watch trailer)
"Saint Ralph" – A 1950s Catholic schoolboy runs cross-country to win a miracle race, believing it will save his dying mother. (Watch trailer)
Christian movies about track and field
"Run the Race" – Two brothers find hope and purpose after losing their mother through faith and athletics, including track. (Watch the trailer)
"The Perfect Race" – A college runner learns the true meaning of success and perseverance through her relationship with God. (Watch the trailer)
Christian movies about Olympic running
"Chariots of Fire" – Two British runners compete in the 1924 Olympics, one driven by faith and the other by personal ambition. (Watch trailer)
“Unbroken" – Olympic runner Louis Zamperini survives WWII as a POW, later finding redemption through faith. (Watch trailer)
Top 7 inspiring Christian running movies
Please note: Streaming and free movie availabilities are subject to change.
1. Chariots of Fire (1981)
Rating: PG
Two British runners compete in the 1924 Olympics, but with different motivations.
Harold Abrahams is driven by personal ambition to overcome prejudice, and Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish missionary, runs to honor God and refuses to compete on the Sabbath.
Their journeys culminate in triumph, highlighting conviction and purpose. The film explores how faith and determination intersect in high-stakes competition.
Why watch: Iconic portrayal of running for God’s glory, standing firm in convictions, and the biblical idea of running the race of life with integrity.
Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell
Where to watch:
Stream: Prime Video, Criterion Channel (frequent)
Free with ads: Tubi, Pluto TV
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
2. Overcomer (2019)
Rating: PG
High school basketball coach John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) faces job loss and reluctantly takes over a cross-country team with just one runner.
The coach’s prospects don’t look good: Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson) has asthma and is struggling with identity and family issues.
Through mentoring Hannah and discovering hidden truths, John rediscovers his own faith and purpose in Christ.
The story emphasizes Ephesians 2:10 (NIV): "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Why watch: Powerful message on Christian identity, overcoming obstacles through faith, and coaching/mentoring with biblical truth.
I also enjoyed how Amy, the wife of Coach Harrison (Shari Rigby), is supportive throughout the film and joins her husband in mentoring Hannah and leading her in faith. It's an inspiring Kendrick’s film.
Cast: Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Cameron Arnett
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix, Netflix (rotation)
Free with ads: Tubi
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
3. Unbroken: Path to Redemption (2018)
Rating: PG-13
While not exactly a running movie, any running movie list without “Unbroken” would be lacking. It follows Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner and WWII POW, who battles PTSD and anger.
Zamperini attends a Billy Graham crusade, surrenders to Christ, and finds forgiveness and healing. It’s a powerful movie of redemption with running flashbacks.
Why watch: True story of grace transforming a broken life, forgiveness (even of enemies), and the power of the Gospel to redeem suffering.
Cast: Samuel Hunt, Merritt Patterson, Bobby Campo
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix
Free with ads: Tubi
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
4. Run the Race (2019)
Rating: PG
Two grieving brothers rely on each other after their mother’s death. One turns to football while the other to track.
The brothers chase college scholarships as they deal with loss, injury, and an absent father. They are bolstered by their faith and community, where they find hope and healing.
Why watch: Explores brotherhood, perseverance through pain, and leaning on God when life feels unfair—perfect for “running the race” metaphors from Scripture.
Cast: Tanner Stine, Kristoffer Polaha, Evan Hofer
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix
Free with ads: Tubi
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, DVD
5. Remember the Goal (2016)
Rating: Not Rated
A new female coach takes over the girls’ cross country program at a private Christian school. She implements a new regimen of training while addressing the runners’ personal struggles.
The coach’s faith-based approach leads the team toward the state championship and their first state title, but more importantly, her players grow spiritually.
Why watch: Uplifting look at biblical womanhood, teamwork, discipline as discipleship, and applying Scripture to everyday challenges.
Cast: Allee Sutton Hethcoat, Quinn Alexis, Sydney Marks
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix
Free with ads: YouTube (full movie channels), Tubi
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
6. The Perfect Race (2019)
Rating: Not Rated
A college track athlete at a small Christian school pushes to overcome odds and win a national 800m title under a tough coach.
But first, she must learn that true victory comes through surrender as personal trials test her faith along the way.
Why watch: A sequel to”Remember the Goal,” this film emphasizes dying to self, trusting God’s plan in competition, and running with an eternal perspective.
Cast: Allee Sutton Hethcoat, Bethany Davenport, Clarence Gilyard Jr.
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix
Free with ads: YouTube (full movie channels)
Rent or buy: DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
7. Saint Ralph (2004)
Rating: PG-13
A 14-year-old Catholic boy in 1950s Canada believes winning the Boston Marathon will create a miracle to wake his comatose mother.
With help from a priest-coach, he trains relentlessly while growing in faith and maturity. If you're looking for a great movie about running, you’ll love this heartfelt fictional story.
Why watch: Heartwarming exploration of childlike faith, prayer, perseverance, and how God works through unlikely circumstances.
Cast: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Jennifer Tilly
Where to watch:
Stream: Great American Pure Flix (occasional)
Free with ads: Tubi
Rent or buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, DVD
➡️ Watch the trailer ⬅️
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Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story” and the editor of the Faith Storytellers website, which publishes Christian testimonies and curated lists of Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning former education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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