Yahoo Movies Five great running films
We support the brave souls running the London Marathon.
Countless brave souls are preparing themselves for the London Marathon this morning. Not being fit, exercise types ourselves, we can only applaud those capable of making their bodies move for 26.2 miles without stopping for a pie or a pint.
So, while we cheer them on from the considerable comfort of our sofa, we also pay homage with the five best, most air punch-worthy running moments in film.
Marathon Man
“It isn't safe.”
Famous for that horrific scene, there’s more to Marathon Man than shock value. There’s running in it too. Arguably one of the best espionage thrillers of the 70s, the film sees Dustin Hoffman put his hobby to good use to escape Laurence Oliver’s sadistic Nazi dentist.
On the Edge
"I'm going to take your bloated carcass and teach you how to be a mountain racer!"
Bruce Dern stars in this unpredictable flick that gets to the heart of what drives an athlete. A disgraced runner, he’s attempting to reclaim his former glory at the grand age of 44 by competing in a gruelling mountain race. Expect training montages aplenty, and quite a bit of emotion.
Forrest Gump
“Run, Forest! Run!”
He might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but Forrest Gump can move like the wind blows when he wants to. Everybody remembers the scene in which mean bullies propel young Forrest to overcome his disability and leg it. And let’s not forget his epic three year, two month, 14 day, and 16 hour heartbreak-inspired feat later in the movie. Beat that, Mo Farah.
Run Lola Run
“What happened to you? Did you run here?”
Tom Tykwer’s action/adventure might be more existential art than run-of-the mill movie, but its race against the clock, as Franka Potente sprints to save her lover from certain death, is nonetheless compelling. The result is 80 minutes of urgent action that leaves us as breathless as Lola by the end.
Chariots of Fire
“If I can't win, I won't run!”
As if number one could possibly be anything else. Hugh Hudson’s 1981 drama that follows British athletes Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams as they compete in the 1924 Olympics is a bona fide classic. And we’re willing to bet that every Marathon runner has its memorable opening theme in mind as they start their test of endurance.
