Movies like The Crash Reel (2013)
The best movies like The Crash Reel (2013) are Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022), Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017) and Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019). If The Crash Reel hooked you with its documentary, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Cove (2009)8.0/10 from 705 votes
- NewestHold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022)Released 2022
Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022)
Follow free diver Johanna Nordblad in this documentary as she attempts to break the world record for distance traveled under ice with one breath.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017)
This is the remarkable story of an American icon who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. Transcending the surf genre, this in-depth portrait of a hard-charging athlete explores the fear, courage and ambition that push a man to greatness—and the cost that comes with it.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019)
One of the most fearless and accomplished athletes of her generation, Bethany Hamilton became a surfing wunderkind when she returned to the sport following a devastating shark attack at age 13. As she continues to chase waves she also now tackles motherhood.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Armstrong Lie (2013)
In 2009, Alex Gibney was hired to make a film about Lance Armstrong's comeback to cycling. The project was shelved when the doping scandal erupted, and re-opened after Armstrong's confession. The Armstrong Lie picks up in 2013 and presents a riveting, insider's view of the unraveling of one of the most extraordinary stories in the history of sports. As Lance Armstrong says himself, "I didn't live a lot of lies, but I lived one big one."
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth (2018)
In 2017, the fittest athletes on Earth took on the unknown and unknowable during four of the most intense days of competition in CrossFit Games history. "The Redeemed and the Dominant: Fittest on Earth" captures all the drama as the top athletes resembling chiseled Grecian gods descend on Madison, Wisconsin, to face a series of trials. Hercules faced 12; they take on 13. Emotions run high as a throng of Australian athletes rise to the top. By the end of the competition, some learn tough lessons - that all that glitters isn't gold, or even bronze - and some learn that they're even stronger than they realized. The best among them enter the pantheon of the CrossFit giants and earn the right to call themselves the "Fittest on Earth"
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Andy Irons: Kissed by God (2018)
A film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Being Evel (2015)
In the history of sports, few names are more recognizable than that of Evel Knievel. Long after the man hung up his famous white leather jumpsuit and rode his Harley into the sunset, his name is still synonymous with the death-defying lifestyle he led. Notoriously brash, bold, and daring, Knievel stared death in the face from the seat of his motorcycle, but few know the larger-than-life story of the boy from Butte, Montana.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
I Am Bolt (2016)
Fully authorized, access-all-areas feature doc on the hugely charismatic and globally adored Usain Bolt – officially the fastest man alive. With never-before-seen archive footage of his youth in Jamaica, through to original footage that will be captured at his fourth and final Olympic Games in Rio, where he will compete for the gold in both the 100 and 200 metres races, for a third straight Games before his retirement in 2017. I AM BOLT will reveal the man and define the legacy of this incredible athlete.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhere Dreams Go To Die (2017)
Where Dreams Go To Die is a documentary created by Ethan Newberry (The Ginger Runner) that follows Canadian ultrarunner, Gary Robbins, during his two attempts at completing The Barkley Marathons - a 100+ mile event many consider the toughest endurance run on Earth. Spanning more than 2 years, this journey is emotional, powerful and truly inspirational. Find out what it takes to attempt the impossible and the demons that follow. Learn the sacrifices that come with dedicating one's life to this endeavor. Follow our intimate look at why The Barkley is where dreams go to die.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Cradle of Champions (2018)
Three extraordinary young people battle to change their lives through the three-month odyssey of the New York Daily News Golden Gloves - the biggest, oldest, most important amateur boxing tournament in the world.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Free Solo (2018)
Follow Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite's 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. With no ropes or safety gear, this would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisFroning: The Fittest Man In History (2015)
Rich Froning Jr entered the 2014 CrossFit Games competition with three consecutive victories, a feat that no other athlete had accomplished. After finding CrossFit in 2009, Froning began a history-making career, finishing second at the CrossFit Games in 2010 and dominating the competition for the next four years. His four titles, five trips to the podium, 16 event wins, 35 top-five event finishes and 45 top-10 event finishes are all records, and he's revered in the community. Froning's athletic prowess has been under the microscope for five years, but there's much more to the man from Tennessee than snatches and pull-ups. In this in-depth documentary by Heber Cannon, take a look into the life and childhood of the fittest man in history, follow his quest to a fourth straight CrossFit Games championship, and see him as a son, a husband, and a new father.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Bigger Stronger Faster* (2008)
In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? Director Christopher Bell explores America's win-at-all-cost culture by examining how his two brothers became members of the steroid-subculture in an effort to realize their American dream.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Cove (2009)
The Cove tells the amazing true story of how an elite team of individuals, films makers and free divers embarked on a covert mission to penetrate the hidden cove in Japan, shining light on a dark and deadly secret. The shocking discoveries were only the tip of the iceberg.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisIcarus (2017)
While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, director Bryan Fogel connects with renegade Russian scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country's "anti-doping" program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia's state-sponsored Olympic doping program.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisStuntman (2018)
A veteran stuntman sets out to complete the jump that bested his idol Evel Knievel: clearing the Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered craft.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness (2017)
The 2016 Reebok CrossFit Games were a grueling five-day, 15-event test to find the fittest man and woman on Earth. "Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness" follows the dramatic story of the top athletes who qualified and competed and offers an inside look at what it takes to be among the world's elite athletes, both in training and on the competition floor. The CrossFit Games challenge competitors to perform intense physical tasks, but the hardest part is sometimes mental. Athletes often learn the details of the events only minutes before they begin, and everyone handles the pressure differently. Which of these fierce competitors will rise to the top and earn the title of Fittest on Earth?
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Motivation 2: The Chris Cole Story (2015)
The story of a man that earned his place as an innovator, motivator and legend in skateboarding that now creates inspiration and opportunity for a new generation. Cole's progression from humble neighborhood beginnings to the world of elite street skateboarding is revealed through recently discovered archival footage, presenting a skater that went on to achieve the highest amount of skate contest wins, a list of defining video parts, being twice selected as Thrasher magazine's Skater of the Year, back-to-back X-Games gold medals, and becoming the 2013 Street League Super Crown World Champion
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
State of Play: Trophy Kids (2013)
The growing obsession of parents in the scholastic athletic competition of their children is the focus of this first installment in HBO Sports innovative new documentary series. Each new edition spotlights a topic or person whose impact on the sports world is undeniable, opening with a brief overview, followed by a verite documentary and a roundtable discussion.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Murderball (2005)
Quadriplegics, who play full-contact rugby in wheelchairs, overcome unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like this180° South (2010)
The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAndy Murray: Resurfacing (2019)
A documentary film that tracks the tennis star’s devastating injury journey between 2017-2019. From the front lines of surgical theatres, to the intimate corners of his home, we live alongside and witness Andy at his most vulnerable. Considered Britain’s greatest sportsman ever, we see why Andy puts himself through the unimaginable to get back to the sport he loves.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Breaking2 (2017)
After six months of scientifically advanced training, three of the world's most elite distance runners set out to break the two-hour marathon barrier. These pioneers go on a global trek to defy the unthinkable and break the two-hour feat, from testing in wind tunnels and running labs in the United States, to balancing training with their day-to- day lives in eastern Africa, to the final heart-pounding race in Italy.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Surfwise (2007)
The inspiring and tumultuous story of 85-year old surfer, health advocate and sex guru, Dr. Dorian "Doc" Paskowitz, his wife Juliette, and their nine children who were all home-schooled and raised in a small camper on the beach, where they surfed and had to adhere to the strict diet and lifestyle of animals in the wild.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Dear Rider: The Jake Burton Story (2021)
An irreverent entrepreneur overcomes a series of adversities to create a new sport- and unexpectedly launches a global cultural phenomenon: snowboarding.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist (2014)
In 1998 Marco Pantani, the most flamboyant and popular cyclist of his era, won both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, a titanic feat of physical and mental endurance that no rider has repeated since. He was a hero to millions, the saviour of cycling following the doping scandals which threatened to destroy the sport. However, less than six years later, aged just 34, he died alone, in a cheap hotel room, from acute cocaine poisoning. He had been an addict for five years. This is the story of the tragic battles fought by the most important Italian cyclist of his generation; man verses mountain, athlete verses addiction, Marco Pantani verses himself.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRising Phoenix (2020)
Elite athletes and insiders reflect on the Paralympic Games and examine how they impact a global understanding of disability, diversity and excellence.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisRecovery Boys (2018)
In the heart of America's opioid epidemic, four men try to reinvent their lives and mend their broken relationships after years of drug abuse.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2014)
In its first 25 years only 10 people have finished The Barkley Marathons. Based on a historic prison escape, this cult like race tempts people from around the world to test their limits of physical and mental endurance in this documentary that contemplates the value of pain.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInto the Mind (2013)
From the makers of All.I.Can comes the new feature film Into the Mind. Blur the lines between dream state and reality, as you perceive the world through the minds of many. Into the Mind contemplates the experiences passed between mentors and peers to paint a philosophical portrait of human kind. What drives us to overcome challenge? How do we justify risk? What forces are at the core of a mountain addiction? Unique athlete segments over a multitude of mountain sport genres depict the connectivity of Earth, and window into never-seen-before moments. Explore how we begin our perception of self, construct the foundations of confidence, and are ultimately led up the path of self-actualization.
Why it matches: Fans watch both · both documentary
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like The Crash Reel?
The closest matches to The Crash Reel are Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022), Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017) and Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after The Crash Reel?
People who watched The Crash Reel most often go on to Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022), Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017) and Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019).
What is the highest-rated movie like The Crash Reel?
The Cove (2009), rated 8.0/10 by 705 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like The Crash Reel?
Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like The Crash Reel?
Yes: Hold Your Breath: The Ice Dive (2022), Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017) and Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2019).
How are movies similar to The Crash Reel chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside The Crash Reel, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.