An In-Depth Guide to The 7 Best CrossFit Films of All Time

In a world dominated by strength and endurance, the best CrossFit films are worthy of discussion. Across two decades, these films have captivated audiences, drawing on personal details and insight from the lives of real-life success stories. Some of these success stories feature heartbreaking losses. Others, showcase repeated victories. It’s the winners who keep winning who are recognized, as these are the athletes who keep trying in the face of resistance.

Whether you're an intermediate-level trainee or a veteran fitness coach teaching others, watching these exciting films can add depth and understanding to your athletic surroundings. Gather your inner toughness and get ready to get inspired. Read on to uncover the seven best CrossFit films of all time.

1. Fittest on Earth: Redeemed and Dominant

Available on:

• YouTube
• Amazon Prime Video
• Netflix

The determination and grit needed to succeed in CrossFit aren’t without their fair share of personality and emotions. It’s the emotions you feel when viewing this film that make Fittest on Earth such a great watch. The U.S. release showcased the courage and strength needed to compete in the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games. For one, the competition took place in Madison, Wisconsin. But we’re also talking about an event that was elevated to increased viewership. Not to mention an appreciation for all things related to CrossFit. The film wins because the directors found ways to reveal the true strength of the greatest competitors. For this year’s competition, that’s the Australian, Tia-Clair Toomey. She went on to become the first individual competitor from her country to win.

For the record, Matt Fraser’s performance reminded me of his courageous comeback following a back injury in 2009 in Bucharest, Romania. There was a time when the world’s fiercest competitor turned down spinal fusion surgery and instead, opted for experimental techniques to treat his back. But remember, it wasn’t until 2021 that Fraser retired, so, seeing him at his finest at these games was well worth the hour-and-forty-four-minute runtime. Indeed, I felt compelled to watch it again.

Notable CrossFit film detail

A glimpse into performance-enhancing drug use among athletes. Does it happen? Why or why not? And what do the fans think? My conclusions regarding this film’s excellence come from years of battling depression. The easy way out was dumbing myself up with antidepressants, then skipping out on the most intense feelings of sadness altogether. But a CrossFit athlete’s challenges compare to a mental health crisis. When overwhelmed with adversity, the athletes experimented with performance-enhancing drugs. So, the film excels by increasing the discussion surrounding substance abuse. And athletic performance, both of which no one wants to see mixed.

Key takeaways from the film:

• Hard lessons: The competitors must undergo extraordinary physical and mental battles while competing. Many experiences will lead to scenarios where life-changing decisions must be made. Enjoy the honesty in this film as you're confronted with the realities surrounding winning and losing.
• Talking steroids: Many fans and athletes believe steroid use is the reason behind the amazing feats accomplished by competitors. The discussion raises aggressive questions that force any viewer to confront their stance. The conversation is worth having. The film is worth watching. Definitely worth a rental to determine where you stand.

Kevin’s conclusion

The sport wouldn’t be honest without communication. Talk about performance-enhancing drugs? It's worth the time given the effect these drugs have on the outcome of a competition. The film builds on the backdrop of that story. And it does it all without taking away from the responsible, proud competitors. Not only Fraser but many more. For certain, I could say I’d watch it twice.

2. Every Second Counts: The Story of the 2008 CrossFit Games

Available on:

• YouTube
• Google Play
• Amazon Prime Video

This 2009 film runs for about an hour and twenty-six minutes. That's plenty of time for the winner of the Audience Favorite Choice Award, (Sevan Mattosion, Our House, 2003), and director Carey Peterson to team up together to explore beyond the surface of competition. The film is a comprehensive exploration, one meant to increase awareness of the competition so that all viewers can dive into the sport’s culture. With hundreds of thousands of athletes competing, it’s not surprising at all that just as many were interested in training. The 2008 CrossFit Games documentary centered around persevering as a competitor. That’s a big win for viewers for certain.

For viewers who want context, remember that the ferociously challenging Hill Run consisted of 750 meters of running up steep terrain. Competitors competing in the B Workout completed five rounds of five deadlifts weighing 275 pounds. With those workouts in mind, it’s hard to watch this film without feeling some sort of awe as the narrative unfolds. From the competition’s location in Aromas, California to the individual CrossFit gym competitor’s portrayal of determination, the film pushes viewers to see beyond their initial definition of strength. Only through grasping the sheer resilience needed to succeed in the 2008 Games can this film be of any significance to anyone other than the experienced CrossFitter. Fortunately, the documentary illuminates this resilience, providing plenty of discussion opportunities surrounding the Games. Every Second Counts is a rich, conversation-worthy documentary, and definitely one worth adding to your collection.

Reflection time for CrossFit enthusiasts

Thanks to a surprise turn of events, this film is sure to make you question how deep this sport is. Questions pop into your mind and you start to think, “Is there ever a time when a CrossFit competitor settles for less than the best?” Probably not, you might assume, as the film descriptively points out the athlete’s refined physical capacities. You know from the beginning of the documentary that every second of the CrossFit competition counts more than the one before.

Key takeaways from the film:

• The men's winner: Standout Jason Khalipa later won the Spirit of the Games Award in 2009. What’s worth pointing out? How the father and athlete overcome adversity. How he overcame the odds to emerge successfully then became victorious in his personal life and inspired others in the process.
• The women's winner: Caity Matter was the winner of the games for the 2018 year. Her remarkable poise and sustained effectiveness through both workouts? They're worthy achievements that could attract thousands of viewers. CrossFit competitors should appreciate the strength of female competitors. As Caity Matter stood out among other athletes, her story throughout the film puts this best CrossFit film near the top of the list.

Kevin’s conclusion

This year’s takes from the competitors stand out among many other CrossFit films. Jason Khalipa is a fierce competitor to watch. It’s worth being reminded of his struggles in life. Of course, seeing how Caity Matter climbed to the top added to the importance of witnessing female CrossFitters prove they’re among the fittest. If you want the best viewing, watch every second of this film. You’ll be glad you did, especially, if you’re an athlete.

3. 2018: The Ultimate Test

Available on:

• iTunes
• Amazon Prime Video
• Vudu

The turnout itself was one of the biggest achievements seen in the 2018 CrossFit games. Roughly 415,000 people confronted the five-week journey featuring handstand walks, 500 meters of swimming, and 2,000 meters of running, among other challenges. The film provides a documentarian's inside look at the 2018 games that brought so many in attendance, proving to CrossFit competitors around the world that the sport will forever reign as the ultimate test of endurance and strength. Director Mariah Moore, a colleague, and participant in many other films led the way in this film. A film, which by the way, was once was at risk of being abandoned all due to the CrossFit media layoffs. Viewers waited several years for the film's much-anticipated release. So, the largest test for CrossFit audiences was staying patient. The wait to get a closer look at the 2018 games was never-wracking for certain. But this film proves that the wait was worth it, anyway.

For one, it's the success stories and experiences shared by the year’s athletes that are sure to bring a smile to any CrossFitter’s face. Not just the most advanced athletes around. Overall, the film shows the kind of commitment needed to succeed in especially challenging events. The lineup included hard parallette handstand pushups and repetitive kettlebell deadlifts, and yes, we’re talking the kind of exercises that put a strain on the backs of the strongest competitors. Still, trainees can benefit from watching this film, especially if they want an all-around, in-depth look at the CrossFit competition at once. The result is what proves to be one of the best CrossFit films of all time. Definitely another one to add to your collection.

A moment to remember

Read it again: Four-hundred-and-fifteen-thousand participants. Whether you’re a veteran competitor who’s worked the WOTD’s for years or a newbie trainee looking to see what you’ve got, visuals of the 2018 turnout are sure to inspire any athlete. So, it’s foolish to think CrossFit athletes compete only for fame and bravado. In reality, The Ultimate Test prepares viewers with what they need to get started in the sport.

Key takeaways from the film:

• CrossFit challenges and the media: The layoffs that affected the media had a wayward impact on audiences. People were anticipating the immediate release of the documentary and wanted it fast. Thanks to its late release, viewers wanted to take a look back in CrossFit history and knew the excitement of the 2018 games had a storyline worth remembering.
• Large turnout spreads awareness: One huge benefit behind the best CrossFit film--or, at least one of them--is that with 415,000 competitors, this game garnered plenty of attention and even more feedback, all while improving the learning experience for tens of thousands of competitors. Viewers can appreciate this film since CrossFit won big that year. The ensuing documentary is worth remembering for years to come.

Kevin’s conclusion

Part of enjoying CrossFit films? Comparing your weakness to the pure strength of CrossFit competitors. That’s the truth and it shows from the start of this film. I think of how often I think about movies and the staffers behind them. Then I see how the media layoffs serve to add to the discussion surrounding the 2018 games. CrossFit competition is supposed to be fair and equal. So, it’s nice to watch this film, then read about how audiences perceived a significant CrossFit-related event.

4. Resurgence: 2021

Available on:

• Amazon Prime Video
• iTunes
• Google Play

Released on July 20, 2021, Resurgence is one of the most respectable and highly rated films that’s associated with CrossFit. For one, the athletes and fans were expected to respond and be satisfied. With what? A change like no other. A format change--now, only 5 men and 5 women, meaning the competition to compete among the greatest would be even fiercer than before. Now, the film puts viewers in the mindset to never settle for less when training, as even the smallest degree of higher output translates to greater performances among superior athletes. The film proves that those who outperform their competitors may do so by marginal amounts. But in CrossFit, it’s marginal gains that translate to big victories worth remembering.

Notably, the 2021 competition puts one problem at the center of attention. The problem was the COVID-19 pandemic that made in-person attendance dangerous, yet so revolutionary to see. With a limited audience, the film also served as a tribute to the recently retired Mathew Fraser. So, it’s a much-watch for CrossFit viewers. Especially those who want as much emotion as rich storytelling.

CrossFit lives on

The pandemic affected industries worldwide. The sports industry was one of them. People thought CrossFit would go away. But the challenge the pandemic posed to the sport showcased the resilience behind the competition. It’s that resilience and fight to keep the sport in the public eye that earns this title a spot on the list of the best CrossFit films of all time.

Key takeaways from the film:

• CrossFit and COVID-19: How will CrossFit competitors learn to deal with training and competing when in-person events pose a risk? The ins and outs of the pandemic took months of understanding. For athletes and trainers at home, you'll find opportunities. Special chances to think closely about how you can be a healthier CrossFit competitor. Chances you need to get healthier faster.
• Mathew Fraser, again: The film will leave viewers in awe over the accomplishments of five-time CrossFit title winner Mathew Fraser. Having won the games between 2016 and 2020, Fraser's excellence is worth studying further by watching the film. In all, each competitor stands out in this year's competition. But a tribute is worthwhile, as this is the athlete who won repeatedly before partnering with renowned filmmakers Buttery Bros. When watching, think about what you can learn most from the sport's fiercest competitor. Something valuable will emerge with every repeated viewing.

Kevin’s conclusion

COVID-19 reminded me of some health issues a close member of my family faced. A situation where inner strength would impact the outcome. Resurgence is about mental toughness and how it contributes to physical strength. This year’s competitors showed all-around toughness. Competitors pushed themselves to the extreme, even despite seeing people they knew suffering from COVID symptoms. Without question, the year was hard, but CrossFit still found a way to live on for another year.

5. Ogar: Will of Steel

Available on:

• Vudu
• Peacock
• YouTube
• Amazon Prime Video

Ogar: Will of Steel just might be one of the best CrossFit films available. That's all in part to the story centering around Kevin Ogar, a CrossFit champion who later suffered paralysis and fought the odds to bounce back. Ogar, like many of the fiercest competitors, knew what kind of mindset was required to rehabilitate himself to later work with disabled patients. If the film doesn't provide you with enough insight into the story, then rest assured you’ll be convinced of the dedication seen in Kevin, who is also a member of the International Paralympic Committee.

Since the film shines bright in areas concerning storytelling and depth, if it's not the best CrossFit film, the storyline is still enough to motivate or encourage you. All athletes and viewers can feel emboldened now that they’ve found memorable sports entertainment. Ogar has that wrapped in a box, and yes, within that box are solutions.

Solutions that Ogar used to overcome tragedy are similar to what trainees need to keep going. Pain and heartbreak didn’t end Ogar’s life. He was motivated despite hardship and relentless in his pursuit to help others. So, for viewers looking for inspiration and an emotional watch, Will of Steel is a film that's sure to please.

More than just you

Let’s take a closer look. If an athlete needed inspiration, what better source than the story of someone who emerged victoriously? And then, went on to share and teach others? Most CrossFit audiences will agree this film stands out as one of the best CrossFit films of all time. The film proves that competition isn’t limited to the individual. Family is involved. Friends are involved. Students are involved. And teachers? They’re the best. So, fix your mind on the details surrounding Kevin’s story. Then, think of how you can connect with other CrossFitters like yourself.

Key takeaways from the film:

• What’s in a dream job: You’ll see in the movie that Kevin is now the owner and head coach of CrossFit WatchTower. He coaches athletes and trains up-and-coming competitors, so there are parts of the film where you’ll hear bits and pieces of Kevin’s belief system. The values that kept him motivated to help others will stay on your mind long after finishing this film.
• Profound for every viewer: Kevin Ogar’s accomplishments can help more than just CrossFit competitors and trainees. Coaches, other athletes, people with disabilities, and mental health professionals can benefit from watching this inspiring story. A story that happens to be presented in a documentary worthy of hours of intense conversation. Every viewer wins from viewing. Even a self-development writer teaching you to better yourself.

Kevin’s conclusion

Stories of resilience, hope, courage, and faith connect me closer to the meaning of life. I never imagined a CrossFit film could impact me in a way that Ogar’s story did. But I’m not surprised. For future CrossFit films, I want to see greater emphasis placed on each competitor’s story. I also enjoyed how the directors followed Kevin’s journey to coaching with a disability.

6. The Fittest

Available on:

• Amazon Prime Video
• YouTube
• iTunes

Great phrase for a CrossFit documentary, right? The film is directed by Buttery Bros Marston Sawyers and Heber Cannon and centers on the legendary 2019 games. Here, a variety of challenging events captivated audiences worldwide. A close viewing of the film showcases the emotion surrounding the victorious pursuits of national champions from 114 countries. The athletes competed in challenges including the 400-meter run, the 1,000-meter swim, squats, air biking, pull-ups, and a heart-pounding 172-foot sled push. Of course, when you're viewing a CrossFit film you're likely looking to see athletes competing in a broad category of workouts. The Fittest will keep you entertained with just one competition. One of the greatest competitions of all time.

The 2019 CrossFit Games consisted of rope climbs and bar muscle-ups, sled pushes, and handstand walks. Before you even purchase the film, picture yourself doing as many reps as possible with the speed and consistency seen among the athletes from the 2019 competition. With the added changes from that year, a viewing of The Fittest provides audiences with a broad look at the world of CrossFit, as well as the details that tend to often be misconstrued. Among all the best CrossFit films, The Fittest stands out. The film gives viewers a closer look at an important reality: CrossFit is bound to keep changing, so be ready. Be prepared for the kind of action that only these athletes can handle.

The change of all changes

The format change is exciting to experience. In the final round, it's ten men and ten women. That’s a change for 2019 that led to riveting results. I would assume CrossFit audiences would want a nail-biting competition presented in a documentary-style format. In this film, viewers are pushed to think outside the box. And all thanks to a change in the competition format. However, the question remains: How do these competitors adapt to change? That’s an answer you can explore by watching the documentary. An answer you should be sure to secure to understand the film.

Key takeaways from the film:

• Respect for repeating champions: The event marked Fraser’s record-tying fourth title. Tia-Clair Toomey won her third consecutive title making her the first woman to do so. The return of previous champions puts pressure on competitors worldwide. The truth is, there’s plenty to learn from when you see the same athletes winning repeatedly. Together, Toomey and Fraser show that to better yourself in every way is to improve your strength more effectively in the long run. The changing format presented the winners with challenges they hadn’t imagined.
• Filling in the void: CrossFit laid off its media staff in 2018. The layoffs left no room for the Fittest on Earth 2019 release. What would normally be bad news for captivated CrossFit audiences ends on a high note. And that’s all thanks to the Buttery Bros teaming up for this year’s release. So, if you’re looking to add to your CrossFit video collection, The Fittest is the fittest option you can choose.

Kevin’s conclusion

You don’t have to be a regular CrossFit film viewer to notice a gap in the coverage. Fortunately, the release of The Fittest gives audiences a look at the 2019 competition. Even without the usual media professionals on board, as long as CrossFit keeps finding ways to release titles, releases like this one add to the terrific memories viewers can’t forget.

7. Froning: The Fittest Man in History

Available on:

• YouTube
• Vudu
• Amazon Prime Video

Froning is all about showing audiences how Rich Froning Jr. went about earning the title of Fittest Man in History. Professionally, his reputation was sturdy, as the CrossFit great arrived at the competition with three consecutive victories. From there, it was obvious his eyes were set on a fourth and beyond. But in the film, you get a sense that the directors wanted to humanize Froning. At least, partly in a way that lets us see his struggles to success. After all, the documentary, which was directed by Heber Canon, reminds viewers that in addition to being a fierce competitor, Froning is a son, husband, and father.

For CrossFit audiences, a good story features a competitor who earned more than $1 million in his career. Froning is that guy. Froning is my final CrossFit film selection. And it’s the one I want you to remember forever.

Why, you’d wonder? The idea here is in line with a statement Rich Froning once made. After earning first place at the 2015 Central Eastern Regional, Froning pointed out that he hated losing. Those words in context create a strong statement in this film. The fiercest competitors aren’t just tough winners. They also have to be hard on themselves after every loss. Overall, it’s unforgettable, much in part to the depth Heber Cannon went to humanize Froning. Portraying his story with accuracy was clearly a must. You’ll want to add this film to your documentary to go deeper into the life of one man. He’s one great CrossFitter. And one competitor worth discussing for years.

Worthy of discussion, worthy of debate

Titling a film in a way that claims one man is the best at something is sure to draw fierce debate. The kind that lasts decades. The discussions are valid, with the media and critics going in different directions. But the point of this film goes beyond proving Froning is the fittest man in history. A detailed look into Froning’s life makes it easier for viewers to find ways to connect to his passion. Mostly, every unique viewer of this documentary will come away with an opinion on who’s the fittest man in history. The trick is to be sure not to let your judgments stop you from learning something important from this film.

Key takeaways from the film:

• Journeys jog motivation: Rich Froning once worked out at the Cookeville Fire Department in Cookeville, Tennessee. It was there that Froning found his love for coaching, training, competing, and winning. For viewers who want to get motivated, Froning’s early beginnings as a competitor shed light on the fact that everyone has to start somewhere. One of the worlds’ strongest began playing baseball.
• New fathers fight: Froning and his wife adopted their third child in 2018. But as early as 2012, you can see the making of a family man as Froning later went on to pen a memoir. That’s First: What it Takes to Win, and it’s a real treat, according to reviewers, as Froning showed he had others to care about, in addition to plenty of meaningful ideas worth sharing. His passion for putting his family first, all while competing hard is what makes this film one of the best of all time.

Kevin’s conclusion

CrossFit wouldn’t be as fun to watch if the competitors didn’t have the desire to be the greatest. Judging by the title of this film, even Froning would have had to consider that he’s among the fittest athletes in the world. Everyone can appreciate what it’s like to strive for greatness. But when we think of great films, we think of the ones that have superlatives in their title. Froning, for certain, is a film worth talking about for a while.

Future CrossFit films focus on health

CrossFit is an amazing sport. It’s a sport where toughness and self-discipline top the list of in-demand traits. Audiences worldwide are fortunate enough to have a steady supply of CrossFit documentaries to watch. But the best CrossFit films take viewers on a journey worth thinking about.

Think you won’t be a CrossFitter by the time you watch these films? You’ll still have more appreciation for the sport after finishing these documentaries. Now you have my top 7 to choose from.

In the future, CrossFit films will need to explore the health of the athletes, given how hard they train over time. Viewers at home might be tempted to push themselves too hard. Stay up too late. Maybe push their bodies to the extreme without care. If you’re worried you might be trying so hard you can’t sleep, read The 3 Catastrophic Health Effects of Living a Hustler’s Lifestyle.