The dog days of summer are here. If you’re getting excited for the 2025 CrossFit Games in Albany and need something to pass the time, or if you’re looking to reminisce while staying out of the heat, we’ve got the perfect solution: Binge-watch the CrossFit Games documentaries while sitting inside with the air-conditioner blasting!
- Starting in 2008 with Every Second Counts and continuing through 2023’s Fittest on Earth: Final Showdown in Madtown, each documentary features compelling stories of athletes and drama.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the best parts in each film, along with a suggested viewing order.
Our CrossFit Games Documentary Viewing Order
Where to Start
Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness (2017)
Similar to watching the Marvel Cinematic Universe in its entirety, you don’t have to begin with the earliest film. It’s like watching the pilot episode of a show you love – they were likely still finding their footing at the start.
If you’re new to the sport or just eager to learn about it, I wouldn’t recommend starting with 2008’s Every Second Counts. Instead, go with Fittest on Earth: A Decade of Fitness, which documents the 15-event test of the 2016 Games.
The main storyline here is the evolution of the Games from “The Ranch” in Aromas, CA, to a global phenomenon.
Key Storylines
- After finishing second twice, Mat Fraser wins his first title.
- Katrin Davidsdottir repeats as the female champ.
- Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr (neé Toomey) finishes second for the second year in a row.
Grab the Popcorn
Every Second Counts: The Story of the 2008 CrossFit Games (2009)
After a strong introduction with A Decade of Fitness, you can jump back to the film chronicling the second-ever CrossFit Games. In Every Second Counts, you get a glimpse into the early CrossFit community and how the sport has developed, along with an appreciation for the venues that came after.
Key Storylines
- Jason Khalipa’s come-from-behind victory.
- A young Annie Thorisdottir gets her first muscle-up.
The 2014 Games (2015)
Jump ahead six years to knee socks and Reebok Nanos, and recall Rich Froning Jr.’s fourth straight win and last individual competition through a series of YouTube videos. A guy named Mat Fraser also appeared.
Key Storylines:
- Camille Leblanc-Bazinet wins for the women.
- CrossFit Invictus wins its first Affiliate Cup.
- Froning’s come-from-behind charge to the title after a 37th-place finish in the Triple-3.
Froning: The Fittest Man in History (2016)
After watching Froning conclude his individual career, watch this documentary to learn more about his journey to reach that point.
Key Storylines:
- That rope climb failure in 2010 that cost Froning another title.
- The transition to team competition
The Fittest on Earth (2016)
The first year of the post-Froning Era, 2015, starts off with a bang as OG Games veteran Ben Smith finally earns the title of Fittest. Katrin Davidsdottir achieves her first of two championships on the women’s side, while the athletes endure tough conditions—from being crushed by waves during an open water swim in the Pacific to facing the relentless SoCal heat during “Murph.”
Key Storylines:
- Ben Smith’s journey from his parents’ garage in Virginia to the top of the podium in Carson.
- Iceland’s “Dottírs” continue to dominate.
- Scary moments during “Murph.”
The Glory Years
Fittest on Earth: The Redeemed and the Dominant (2018)
The story of the first Games in Madison in 2017 featured even more unknowns and unknowables. It was the first time Toomey stood on top of the podium, but it was not the only big story from the Australian contingent.
Key Storylines:
- Fraser dominated, winning by over 200 points.
- Kara Webb (Saunders) almost snuck out the win.
- Ricky Garard was disqualified and lost his podium finish after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Ultimate Test (2021)
Known in some circles as the “Lost Year,” the 2018 documentary didn’t see the light of day until 2021 and felt different from those covering the 2017 or 2019 Games.
It focuses more closely on the inner workings of CrossFit than the other films of its era. This documentary discusses the rumors surrounding major changes at CrossFit HQ and the struggles of the media and organizational teams.
Key Storylines:
- Fraser and Toomey continued dominating, both winning the title.
- The debut of a powerhouse named Laura Horvath
The Fittest (2020)
In an experiment that many ultimately disliked, the 2019 Games expanded to include over 100 men and women, who qualified through the Open, national championships, Sanctionals, and special invitations. Massive cuts quickly followed suit throughout the weekend.
Key Storylines:
- Fraser narrowly beat out Noah Ohlsen to win another title.
- Toomey stands on top of the podium for the third straight year.
- Many veteran athletes were cut early: Brent Fikowski, Sam Briggs, and Ben Smith.
Fittest on Earth: Resurgence (2021)
After a season marred by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Games made a strong pivot, hosting a modified event back at Aromas with five men and women who qualified through an online format. It was hard to imagine, but they made it work.
Key Storylines:
- More dominance from Fraser and Toomey
- Kari Pearce and her incredible performance on Atalanta.
- The quiet assassin that became Sam Kwant, snagging a second-place finish.
The Next Generation
Fittest on Earth: Next Gen (2022)
The 2021 Games film highlights the rise of the younger athletes, fresh off Haley Adams’ fourth-place finish in the previous year.
Key Storylines:
- Following up on his surprise performance in Aromas in 2020, Justin Medeiros won and became a household name.
- Toomey-Orr won her fifth title.
- Annie Thorsdottir returned to competition after the birth of her daughter, hit the snatch heard round the world, and returned to the podium.
Fittest on Earth: Retro/Active (2023)
Retro/Active paid homage to CrossFit’s history, while also looking forward, discussing the community’s growth and the athletes in 2022.
Key Storylines:
- Medeiros and Toomey-Orr both win again.
- Roman Khrennikov finally competed in person at the CrossFit Games, winning hearts and securing second place.
- Phenom Mal O’Brien sets the record as the youngest woman to reach the podium.
Fittest on Earth: Final Showdown in Madtown (2024)
The final competition year in Madison occurred in 2023, and this film highlights the legacy of that era.
Key Storylines:
- A new men’s champ is crowned, with Jeff Adler finally breaking through.
- With Toomey-Orr welcoming her first child this season, Laura Horvath is the women’s champ.
- Khrennikov gives us one of the best moments in CrossFit history as he injured his foot during Event 10, but continues the competition, ultimately making the podium.
More CrossFit Stories
- World Fitness Project Tour Stop II Takes Shape: Unofficial Challenger Qualifier Results
- Mat Fraser’s Tips for Improving 4 Vital CrossFit Movements
- CrossFit Legends Share Words of Wisdom for 2025 Games Rookies
Credit: @evillmediasports / Instagram
