12 amazing triathlon movies that will inspire you

Are you looking for some inspiration to take that last step and sign-up for your first Ironman? Searching for some extra motivation to keep you going during your triathlon training schedule? Or do you just want to grab some bites, sit on the couch and be entertained? 

Here are the best triathlon movies and documentaries that will give you just that. Randomly ordered. 

Wired Differently (2018)

Can be found on Youtube (1 M views).

This short 10-minute video is pure motivation and inspiration. It is packed with audio pieces that give you an amazing energy boost. Put it on when you are training, when you are just hours away from your race, when you’re on the couch and need some motivation to get you going. This video will pump up your confidence.

“All you have to do is ring the bell and quit. If you want to change the world, if you want to change yourself, never ever ring the bell.” 

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon | The Hardest Triathlon In The World? (2019)

Can be found on Youtube (1.5 M views).

The toughest triathlon in the world? The Norseman is renowned as one of them. The Global Triathlon Network (one of the Instagram accounts that I recommend you to follow) sent one of their own Mark Threlfall to take it on! Mark is an ex-pro but this is his first ever long-distance triathlon! How did he get on? 

A great 20 minute documentary that shows the harshness of this full Ironman. 

100 meters (2016) 

IMDB rating: 7,5/10. Can be found on Netflix

Based on true events, a Spanish man with multiple sclerosis tried to finish an Iron-Man competition despite being told that he could not make 100 meters.

Ramón Arroyo is a man who lives in Bilbao with his wife Inma working as CEO. But his daily life ends when one day he wakes up to find himself briefly paralyzed, being unable to stand up from the bed. Ramón is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a muscular degeneration that progressively will stop any movement of his body, leaving him in a wheelchair the rest of his life. 

One day Ramón reads in the hospital about an Ironman competition. Determined to win it, Ramón enlists to participate, receiving an unwanted help from Manolo, his wife’s father, a former professional athlete in his youth days. Ramón is looking for a way to prove that the real Iron Man aren’t superheroes embodied in a metal suit, but ordinary people ready to fight until the end to defeat their inner evil and show that human beings can be extraordinary.

We are triathletes (2018)

IMDB Rating: 7,4/10. Can be found on Amazon Prime and Youtube.

This documentary is about six triathletes from four countries (U.S., China, Germany, and Australia) who train and prepare for the world’s largest long distance triathlon race – the legendary Challenge Roth in Germany. 

All of these triathletes have different backgrounds and different reasons for participating in this major event. Whether they are a professional athlete, a busy CEO, or a person with a handicap, they all want to cross that finish line. A beautiful documentary that shows anything is possible. 

Ironmind (2018)

IMDB Rating: 8/10. Can be found on Youtube.

This one is especially interesting for athletes out there that are, or are thinking of becoming, vegan or use a plant-based diet. 

The documentary is the story of Brian Rose, as he undergoes the challenge to race the Ironman 70.3 triathlon. With just 90-days to train on a 100% plant-based diet, under the guidance of the hardcore punk icon John Joseph. 

Making this movie forced him to confront the dark demons from his past, including a struggle with drug addiction and subsequent overdose. This movie was made to inspire millions worldwide to face their demons head on and heal themselves mentally, physically and spiritually.

The Last Mile (2018)

Can be found on Youtube (530 K views)

This documentary gives you an insight into the journey of four athletes who are trying to finish the Penticton Triathlon World Championships. Two of them are professional athletes, the other two are age groupers (amateur athletes).

The documentary shows clearly each of their journeys, struggles they need to overcome, victories they celebrate, and which strength they find in themselves. 

Black & Whyte – A Norseman Story (2020)

Can be found on Youtube (250 K views).

The Norseman has been dubbed ‘The Toughest Triathlon on the Planet’. In Norway each year, some of the best triathletes in the world compete to try and win the coveted ‘Norseman Black’ shirt.

In 2019, Olympian, endurance expert and five times Iron Man, Professor Greg Whyte (52 years) decided that he would attempt to add this hard won prize to his already incredible list of achievements.

‘Black & Whyte’ provides a unique training blueprint for any athlete looking to push themselves further and harder. Perhaps most importantly though, this is a film that shows that with the right preparation and mental resilience, age is nothing more than a number.

The Man With The Halo (2018)

Can be found on Youtube (600 K views).

On teams up with Emmy®-award-winning director Andrew Hinton to bring you The Man with the Halo. This inspirational short documentary tells the unfathomable comeback story of Tim Don, the fastest Ironman triathlete of all time, after breaking his neck in a cycling crash.  

Coming just days before the Ironman World Championships, where Tim was a favorite to top the podium, the crash looked to have ended not only Tim’s hopes of becoming World Champion, but potentially his career. 

Despite the long road to recovery ahead, Tim’s resolve to fight for his dream was clear. Walk the comeback trail with Tim on a journey filled with bravery in the face of adversity, determination and, above all, inspiration.

The Journey (2017)

Can be found on Youtube (500 K views).

This 13-minute documentary can be inspirational for everyone who’s in doubt whether or not to start with doing a triathlon. The subject – Joe – needs to change his diet and fitness level. For that, he chooses to get involved in triathlons. 

He starts from scratch, not having experience in any of the three disciplines. And works for years towards….race day. 

Chasing Ten (2018)

Can be found on Youtube (600 K views).

Triathlon is a sport that requires endurance and dedication in order to succeed. Adam is an amateur triathlete who is attempting to break the 10 hour mark in only his second ever full distance Ironman event. 

This documentary follows his lofty challenge and covers what it takes to try and break 10 hours over 140.6 miles of swim, bike and run.

Heart: Flatline to Finish Line (2016)

IMDB rating: 7,7/10. Can be found on Youtube.

Heart: Flatline to Finish Line is a remarkable and truly inspirational documentary. The film follows several people who have survived cardiac surgery who are now attempting to complete the grueling IRONMAN race. The organization that David Watkins, also director of the film, has created to support these athletes is an amazing one. Each of the athletes in the film have their own amazing personal stories and you can’t help but root for all of these inspiring individuals on their journey.

Beyond Human (2021)

Can be found on Youtube (600 K views).

Beyond Human takes you behind the scenes with some of the greatest triathletes in the world as they gear up towards the biggest triathlon event this year, The Collins Cup. Follow the journey as they battle to qualify and prepare to go head to head with the best triathletes on the planet.

If you are looking for more inspiration, please have a look at the blog where I provide motivational Instagram accounts for you to follow!