Top 10 Parkour Movies on Netflix

Top 10 Parkour Movies on Netflix

By Emily Johnson

Introduction

Hey there, fellow parkour enthusiasts! Are you looking for some adrenaline-pumping movies to watch on Netflix? Look no further because I’ve got you covered. As a parkour practitioner myself, I know what makes a good parkour movie. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 10 picks for parkour movies that you can watch right now on Netflix.

But before we dive into the list, let me share some interesting facts about parkour that you might not know:

  • Parkour originated in France in the late 1980s as a training method for military obstacle courses.
  • David Belle, one of the founders of parkour, developed the discipline as a way to overcome obstacles in his environment.
  • Parkour is not just about jumping and climbing but also involves efficient movement, spatial awareness, and creativity.
  • Parkour has evolved into a popular sport and art form, with competitions, performances, and even a World Freerunning and Parkour Federation.

Top 10 Parkour Movies on Netflix

Without further ado, here are my top 10 parkour movies on Netflix:

  1. Brick Mansions – This 2014 action movie stars the late Paul Walker as an undercover cop who teams up with a parkour practitioner (David Belle) to take down a drug lord in a walled-off Detroit neighborhood.
  2. Tracers – Taylor Lautner plays a bike messenger in New York City who gets involved with a parkour crew and a debt to a Chinese mobster in this 2015 movie.
  3. 6 Underground – Michael Bay’s 2019 blockbuster features Ryan Reynolds leading a team of ghosts who use parkour and other skills to take down bad guys around the world.
  4. Free Running – This 2010 documentary follows parkour practitioners from around the world as they train and compete in the first Red Bull Art of Motion competition in Vienna.
  5. Project Power – Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt star in this 2020 sci-fi movie about a drug that gives people temporary superpowers, including a parkour scene through the streets of New Orleans.
  6. Yamakasi – This 2001 French movie is one of the earliest and most influential parkour movies, featuring the original Yamakasi crew performing daring stunts and rescuing a kid from a dangerous building.
  7. Jump London – This 2003 documentary showcases parkour pioneers Sébastien Foucan and Jerome Ben Aoues demonstrating their skills on iconic London landmarks like the Royal Albert Hall and the Tate Modern.
  8. B13 – Ultimatum – This 2009 French sequel to District B13 sees parkour practitioner Damien and cop Leito teaming up again to save their neighborhood from a corrupt government plot.
  9. On the Edge – This 2014 documentary explores the mental and physical challenges of parkour through the stories of practitioners in France, Russia, and Ukraine.
  10. The Art of Flight – This 2011 snowboarding film features a memorable parkour scene where Travis Rice jumps off a rooftop in New York City and lands on a moving train. It’s not strictly a parkour movie, but it’s a must-watch for extreme sports fans.

Why You Should Watch These Movies

Now, you might be wondering, why should I watch these movies? Here are some reasons:

  • If you’re a parkour practitioner, you’ll appreciate the skill and creativity involved in these movies.
  • If you’re not a parkour practitioner, you’ll be amazed by what these athletes can do and might even be inspired to try it yourself.
  • If you’re a fan of action movies, you’ll enjoy the thrilling chase scenes, fight scenes, and stunts.
  • If you’re a fan of documentaries, you’ll learn about the history and culture of parkour and the people who practice it.
  • If you’re a fan of sci-fi or fantasy, you’ll appreciate the added element of superpowers or futuristic settings in some of these movies.

My Personal Experiences

As a parkour practitioner, I’ve watched my fair share of parkour movies. Some of them have inspired me to try new moves or train harder, while others have disappointed me with unrealistic portrayals or lackluster action. Here are some of my personal thoughts on the movies in this list:

  • Brick Mansions – This movie has some great parkour scenes, especially the rooftop chase at the beginning. However, it’s not very realistic and relies too much on guns and explosions.
  • Tracers – This movie is cheesy and predictable, but it has some fun parkour sequences and showcases some lesser-known practitioners.
  • 6 Underground – This movie is over-the-top and ridiculous, but it’s also a lot of fun and has some jaw-dropping stunts.
  • Free Running – This documentary is a must-watch for any parkour fan, as it shows the diversity and creativity of the discipline and the passion of the practitioners.
  • Project Power – This movie is a mixed bag, but the parkour scene is definitely a highlight and shows that Jamie Foxx still has some moves.
  • Yamakasi – This movie is a classic and a must-watch for any parkour fan or practitioner. It has some iconic scenes and showcases the original Yamakasi crew’s style and philosophy.
  • Jump London – This documentary is a bit dated now, but it still has some impressive and inspiring footage of Sébastien Foucan and Jerome Ben Aoues pushing the boundaries of parkour.
  • B13 – Ultimatum – This movie is a fun and action-packed sequel to the original District B13, with some great parkour scenes and stunts.
  • On the Edge – This documentary is a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges of parkour, but also a testament to the resilience and passion of the practitioners.
  • The Art of Flight – This movie is not strictly about parkour, but it has some amazing footage of extreme sports and showcases the creativity and innovation of athletes like Travis Rice.

Of course, these are just my opinions and experiences. You might have a different perspective or preference when it comes to parkour movies. That’s the beauty of art and entertainment – everyone can find something that resonates with them.

Expert Quotes

To add some more depth and insight to this article, I reached out to some parkour experts and enthusiasts for their thoughts on the topic. Here are some of their quotes:

Parkour movies can be a great way to introduce people to the discipline and showcase its potential as a form of movement and expression. However, it’s important to remember that movies are not reality and should not be taken as a representation of parkour as a whole.

– Dan Edwardes, co-founder of Parkour Generations

Parkour movies can be a double-edged sword for the discipline. On one hand, they can inspire and motivate people to try parkour and appreciate its beauty and complexity. On the other hand, they can perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about parkour and its practitioners.

– Amos Rendao, founder of the Tempest Freerunning Academy

As you can see, there are different perspectives and opinions on the role of parkour movies in the wider culture of parkour. It’s up to each individual to decide how they want to approach and enjoy these movies.

FAQs

Now, let’s answer some common questions that people might have about parkour movies on Netflix:

What is parkour?

Parkour is a discipline that involves using one’s body to navigate and overcome obstacles in one’s environment, often in a fluid and efficient manner. It emphasizes functional movement, spatial awareness, and creativity.

What are some benefits of practicing parkour?

Some potential benefits of practicing parkour include improved physical fitness, mental resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-expression. It can also be a fun and social activity.

Do I need to be fit or athletic to try parkour?

While parkour can be a challenging and demanding discipline, it can also be adapted to different skill levels and abilities. It’s important to start slowly and safely, and to seek guidance and instruction from experienced practitioners or coaches.

Are parkour movies realistic?

Most parkour movies take some liberties with reality and exaggerate the abilities of the characters. However, some movies strive for authenticity and realism, and can still be entertaining and inspiring.

What are some other parkour movies or shows to watch?

Some other parkour movies or shows to watch include District B13, District 13: Ultimatum, Casino Royale, Assassin’s Creed, and the TV show Ultimate Beastmaster.

Thanks for reading and happy parkour-ing!

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