Films About Bikes
Films about bikes capture the freedom, adventure, and culture surrounding cycling. These movies often highlight the human spirit, the sense of community among cyclists, and the physical and emotional challenges faced by riders. From thrilling races and daring stunts to heartfelt stories of personal triumph, bike-centric films offer a diverse range of narratives that resonate with both cycling enthusiasts and general audiences.
Notable Films About Bikes
“Breaking Away”, 1979
Director: Peter Yates
This coming-of-age film follows a group of four friends in Bloomington, Indiana, who face the challenges of life after high school. Cycling becomes a metaphor for their aspirations and struggles as they prepare for a local race against college athletes.
Starring: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley, Robyn Douglass, Hart Bochner, Amy Wright, Peter Maloney;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama, comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Breaking Away” on the website imdb.com
“Quicksilver”, 1985
Director: Thomas Michael Donnelly
Starring Kevin Bacon, this drama focuses on a stockbroker who becomes a bicycle messenger after losing his job. The film explores the fast-paced and often dangerous world of bike messengers in San Francisco.
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Jami Gertz, Paul Rodriguez, Rudy Ramos, Andrew Smith, Gerald S. O'Loughlin, Laurence Fishburne, Louie Anderson, Charles McCaughan, David Harris;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,7;
More information about the film “Quicksilver” on the website imdb.com
“The Bicycle Thief”, 2018
Director: Stewart Alexander, Kerry Skinner
Also known as “Bicycle Thieves,” this Italian neorealist classic tells the story of a poor father searching for his stolen bicycle, which he needs to work and provide for his family. It's a poignant exploration of poverty and desperation.
Starring: Maisie Thorn, Richard Costello, Oliver Lang, Daisy O'Shea, Scarlett Perry, Kasey Palmer-Tuck, Stellan Powell;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: short film, drama;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
More information about the film “The Bicycle Thief” on the website imdb.com
“Premium Rush”, 2012
Director: David Koepp
This action thriller stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a New York City bike messenger who picks up a package that attracts the attention of a corrupt cop. The film features high-octane chase scenes and a fast-paced plot.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Shannon, Dania Ramirez, Jamie Chung, Wolé Parks, Aasif Mandvi, Henry O, Anthony Chisholm, Aaron Tveit, Christopher Place;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Premium Rush” on the website imdb.com
“American Flyers”, 1985
Director: John Badham
Kevin Costner stars in this sports drama about two brothers who train for a grueling bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains. The film delves into themes of family, rivalry, and determination.
Starring: Kevin Costner, David Marshall Grant, Rae Dawn Chong, Alexandra Paul, Janice Rule, Luca Bercovici, Robert Townsend, John Amos, Doi Johnson, John Garber;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “American Flyers” on the website imdb.com
“The Flying Scotsman”, 2006
Director: Douglas Mackinnon
A biographical film about Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree, who built his own bike from scrap parts and broke the world one-hour distance record. It highlights his innovative spirit and personal struggles.
Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Sean Brown, Joseph Carney, Crawford McInally-Keir, Jan Plazalski, Niall Macgregor, Julie Austin, Morag Calder, Billy Boyd, Laura Fraser;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The Flying Scotsman” on the website imdb.com
“Rad”, 1986
Director: Hal Needham
A cult classic in the BMX community, this film follows a young BMX rider as he prepares for the Helltrack race. It showcases the subculture of BMX biking and features thrilling stunt sequences.
Starring: Bill Allen, Lori Loughlin, Talia Shire, Ray Walston, Alfie Wise, Jack Weston, Bart Conner, Marta Kober, Jamie Clarke, Laura Jacoby, H.B. Haggerty, Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes, Kellie McQuiggin, Beverley Hendry, Shawna Burnett, Graeme Davies, Logan T. Wotton, Jeff Kress, Gordon Signer, Nancy MacDonald, Rick McNair, Pat Pearson, Maureen Thomas, Bill Berry, Georgie Collins, Darlene Bradley, Ashley Bristowe, G.A. Dahlseide, Norman Edwards, Jack Goth, Pat Kirst, Laird Mackintosh, Roberta Mauer-Phillips, Danny McDonogh, Tara McHugh, Barry Onody, Rod Padmos, Mary Siegel, Benita von Sass, Gerry Whelpton, Bev Wotton, Ken Squier, Larry Day, Michael Gent, Tim Shapiro;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Rad” on the website imdb.com
“Pee-wee's Big Adventure”, 1985
Director: Tim Burton
This quirky comedy directed by Tim Burton follows Pee-wee Herman as he embarks on a cross-country adventure to recover his stolen bicycle. It's a whimsical and entertaining journey.
Starring: Paul Reubens, Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger, Judd Omen, Irving Hellman, Monte Landis, Damon Martin, David Glasser, Gregory Brown;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” on the website imdb.com
“Icarus”, 2017
Director: Bryan Fogel
A gripping documentary that starts with an investigation into doping in amateur cycling and evolves into a major exposé on the Russian Olympic doping scandal. The film highlights the darker side of competitive cycling.
Starring: Bryan Fogel, Grigory Rodchenkov, Dave Zabriskie, Don Catlin, Scott Brandt, Ben Stone, Richard Pound, Richard McLaren, Nikita Kamaev, Thomas Bach, Dick Pound;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: documentary, sport;
Age: 16+;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Icarus” on the website imdb.com
These films span a range of genres and styles, offering something for everyone, whether you're a casual viewer or a cycling enthusiast.
In summary, films about bikes have transcended simple tales of transportation, evolving into compelling narratives that explore themes of freedom, endurance, and adventure. Whether it’s the raw intensity of competitive cycling depicted in “Breaking Away,” the whimsical charm of “Amélie’s” imaginative ride, or the tumultuous historic panorama in “The Motorcycle Diaries,” these films capture the multifaceted relationships humans have with their two-wheeled companions. They remind us that beyond being a mere mode of transport, bicycles can be powerful symbols of our journey through life, vessels for our aspirations, and catalysts in our personal revolutions. From heart-pounding races to reflective lone rides, bike movies offer viewers diverse and resonant stories propelled on two wheels.
