Horse racing has always appealed to the fans of sports due to its combination of grace, speed and beauty of the noble creatures in the race, in addition to the intrigue of the racing contest. This centuries old sport is not only popular to many people as a game but is also similarly associated with horse racing betting and hence brings in an element of drama. The experience of observing these mighty creatures galloping over the race track as well as the waiting for the photo-finish and spectacular anything-can-happen attitude of horse racing makes it even more appropriate for gripping narratives in cinema. To this end, this article presents some of the best movies that are enlightening and inspiring for horse racing and movie lovers alike. Many of these films present some of the most thrilling and inspiring life stories on and off the track that can be overwhelming for the spectator, which makes watching these movies feel extremely similar to experiencing an impressive race. Find out what we consider to be the best horse racing movies according to IMDb ratings.
1. Hidalgo (2004)
”Hidalgo” (2004) is an historical action and adventure movie telling the story of Frank Holmes, a distance rider of horses, with Viggo Mortensen in the main role. The plot of the film can be described by focusing on Hopkins, who takes part in the most severe race of 3,000 miles ‘Ocean of Fire’ on his mustang Hidalgo in the desert. The movie is directed by Joe Johnston and cinematography by Shelly Johnson, coupled with popular actors such as Omar Sharif, Zuleikha Robinson, and Louise Lombard. “Hidalgo” was fairly successful, with praise from the public and professional critics for the incredible visual spirit of the movie and the deep acting skills of Mortensen. However, the movie was criticized for its historical inaccuracies and a rather weak script. On this note, while its projection of adventure was captivating, the film did not win any awards, although the amazing cast and scenery, as well as the strong plot, are still loved by viewers.
2. Seabiscuit (2003)
Seabiscuit is the 2003 American sports drama film that is based on the nature, spirit and true story of an underdog racehorse in the great depression of the 1930s. The actors portraying the main characters are Tobey Maguire as Red Pollard, Jeff Bridges as Charles Howard, and the reserved trainer Tom Smith as Chris Cooper. The film is directed by Gary Ross. The plot revolves around the three main characters who overcome personal and professional obstacles. The movie “Seabiscuit” was awarded high acclaim due to the purposeful scripting of the plot, the spectacular performances by the cast and the visually appealing pictorial presentation. The critical and audience reception was positive and the film had great commercial success, It even grossed seven Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture, but did not win.
3. Secretariat (2010)
“Secretariat” (2010) is a sport genre movie that is a biographical drama that revolves round the life of the fabulous race horse called Secretariat and his owner, Penny Chenery. The movie was directed by Randall Wallace. It's the story of Penny Chenery, portrayed by Diane Lane, who goes against all the conventional practices and norms of American society to take over her father’s Meadow Stables and to lead Secretariat to the successful run of the Triple Crown in 1973. Also in the cast are John Malkovich as the flamboyant trainer Lucien Laurin, and Dylan Walsh as Jack Tweedy, Penny’s supportive but doubting husband. "Secretariat” became popular due to its moving plot with wonderful horse racing scenes, exciting cast of actors, and, of course, race sequences. The movie became a commercial success and was met with positive feedback from the audience and critics. Despite not getting mainstream accolades, Diane Lane who portrayed Penny Chenery was well received and the movie bagged an ESPY for the Best Sports Film.
4. The Black Stallion (1979)
A marvelous children’s film from 1979, “The Black Stallion” narrates an extraordinary friendship of a boy, Alec, and an Arabian stallion, after being castaway on an island. The movie was directed by Carroll Ballard and stars Kelly Reno as Alec and Mickey Rooney, the latter earned an Oscar nomination in his role as Henry Dailey, a retired jockey who assists in training the stallion to compete in races. The cast includes Teri Garr as Alec’s mother. This movie has been highly recommended for its excellent cinematography and narration, not to mention the marvelous performances of the young Kelly Reno and legendary Mickey Rooney. Soon it became a high-grossing film, universally loved and esteemed by both kids and grown-ups. It received several recognitions and praises, acquiring two nominations to the Academy Awards in the categories of best supporting actor for Mickey Rooney and best film editing, as well as a special achievement award for the sound editing.
5. Bite the Bullet (1975)
”Bite the Bullet” (1975), an outstanding work in the genre of the Western adventure, is about a race of horses across 700 miles in the early years of the twentieth century. There are the ex-Rough Riders, cowboys, and an English peer who, along with other competitors, will have to contend with the harsh terrains and their own demons in a bid to win the race. Richard Brooks directs the movie. The cast includes Gene Hackman as Sam Clayton, Candice Bergen as Miss Jones, James Coburn as Luke Matthews and Ben Johnson as Mister. The wider success of ‘Bite the Bullet’ is due to its high action scenes, good performances, and a realistic depiction of Wild West themes.
6. Dreamer (2005)
’Dreamer’ is a 2005 family drama that is based on a true story of a race horse called Mariah’s Storm. The story revolves around a likable girl named Cale Crane, played by Dakota Fanning, and her father Ben Crane, played by Kurt Russell, trying to get a sick racehorse named Sonador back in shape for a race. Dreamer also stars Elisabeth Shue as Lilly Crane, Kris Kristofferson as Pop Crane, and David Morse as Palmer. The film is directed by John Gatins. The film received moderate success due to an inspiring storyline, the remarkable acting of Fanning and Russell, and the target audience of the family movie. Despite “Dreamer” not being high-grossing in cinemas, it received good reviews and was applauded for its touching story. It received the ESPY Award in the category of the Best Sports Movie and other nominations in the other family and young actor awards, thus placing it among popular and beloved films based on the horse racing theme.
7. Racing Stripes (2005)
‘Racing Stripes’ (2005) is a cute family comedy that revolves around a young zebra named Stripes aspiring to be a racehorse. Abandoned by his circus owners, Stripes is taken in by Channing Walsh, 16, portrayed by Hayden Panettiere, and her father, a one-time horse trainer, Nolan Walsh, portrayed by Bruce Greenwood. The movie was directed by Frederik Du Chau with animals as the main characters with humans providing their voices, including Frankie Muniz, Dustin Hoffman, Whoopi Goldberg, and Snoop Dogg among others. This animated movie uses live-action and Computer Generated Images to depict the animal characters of the movie. The story revolves around the pursuit of one’s passion in life. “Racing Stripes” popularized this idea, at least among youth, because it offered both humor and inspiration, coupled with the uniqueness of the story.
8. National Velvet (1944)
”National Velvet '' (1944) is such a wonderful movie that it still remains on the screen, telling a rather inspiring story of Velvet Brown – a little girl who wants to race her horse, The Pie, in the Grand National Steeplechase. Clarence Brown was the director of this movie with young Elizabeth Taylor playing the part of Velvet and Mickey Rooney as the ex-jockey Mi Taylor, who in turn trains Velvet. Other cast members include Donald Crisp and Anne Revere as Velvet’s supportive mother. “National Velvet '' received a warm response from viewers, who were enthralled not just by the touching plot but also by the outstanding performances of its cast, especially Elizabeth Taylor and a plot that depicts courage and commitment. The film became a box office success and received critical acclaim, winning two Academy Awards: Best Picture Film Editing and Best Supporting Actress for Anne Revere. It got several other nominations and can be undoubtedly considered one of the best equestrian pictures of all time.
9. A Day at the Races (1937)
"A Day at the Races" (1937) belongs to the Marx Brothers’ comedy films in which four brothers try to run a financially troubled sanitarium. The movie revolves around a hilariously comic character Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush, played by Groucho Marx, who assumes the position of chief of staff by mistake. With him are his crazy associates Tony and Stuff, played by Chico Marx and Harpo Marx, and they devise numerous preposterous ways of obtaining the money such as betting on a race horse. The film is directed by Sam Wood with the leading role played by Allan Jones and Maureen O’Sullivan and Margaret Dumont in supporting roles. The Marx Brothers’ film “A Day at the Races" was a massive success when it was first released and is also one of the highest grossing films from 1937, which only strengthens the stereotype of the Marx Brothers as absolute kings of comedy. Although it did not garner significant awards and recognitions, the movie is still highly praised for the clever pattern, coarse jokes and catchphrases, and the colorful, bright, tender, and hilarious songs. This makes it an iconic comedy film of all time.
10. Let It Ride (1989)
“Let It Ride” (1989) is a comedy film telling the story of Jay Trotter, an unemployed cab driver having a series of misfortunes, who wakes up one day having extraordinary luck with horse races. The story of the film is that Trotter, portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss, has a number of bets during the day and wins, risking more and more and thus attracting the attention of the people around him. It was filmed by Joe Pytka and its stars include Teri Garr who plays Trotter’s unhappy wife Pam, David Johansen, Jennifer Tilly and Robbie Coltrane. “Let It Ride” became popular for its comedy about gambling and the absurdity of horse racing. Although it was average at the box-office and failed in receiving many awards, people found it enjoyable for the comedic plot, pleasant acting, and Dreyfuss’s charming character. Eventually, “Let It Ride” found its well-deserved audience among the lovers of offbeat comedies, and those who simply are interested in the feeling of placing a bet and taking a chance.
If you've seen these movies we hope you agree with our list!
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