In the realm of cinema, films about horses have a specific niche. They usually encapsulate the themes of friendship, loyalty, and often, thrilling adventure. These movies typically appeal to both the young and young at heart with tales of courage, determination, and bonds between humans and horses. These horse-themed films come in a variety of genres, including drama, comedy, and true-life stories, touching the hearts of viewers and often teaching valuable life lessons in the process.
“The Black Stallion”, 1979
Director: Carroll Ballard
Based on the classic novel, this film tells the tale of a young boy shipwrecked with a wild Arabian horse on a deserted island, and their journey back to civilization and the horse racing world.
Starring: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr, Clarence Muse, Hoyt Axton, Michael Higgins, Ed McNamara, Larbi Doghmi, John Burton, John Buchanan;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: adventure, family, sport;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Black Stallion” on the website imdb.com
“National Velvet”, 1944
Director: Clarence Brown
A timeless family film about a young Elizabeth Taylor who trains a horse named “The Pie” to compete in the prestigious Grand National steeplechase.
Starring: Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Crisp, Anne Revere, Angela Lansbury, Jackie «Butch» Jenkins, Juanita Quigley, Arthur Treacher, Reginald Owen, Norma Varden;
Production year: 1944;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “National Velvet” on the website imdb.com
“War Horse”, 2011
Director: Steven Spielberg
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this war drama follows the adventure of Joey, a horse sold to the cavalry, and his young owner Albert's efforts to bring him home after World War I.
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, Emily Watson, Niels Arestrup, David Thewlis, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Celine Buckens, Toby Kebbell, Patrick Kennedy;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, war, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 146 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “War Horse” on the website imdb.com
“Secretariat”, 2010
Director: Randall Wallace
A biographical sports drama about the legendary racehorse Secretariat, detailing his journey to winning the Triple Crown in 1973.
Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, Margo Martindale, Nelsan Ellis, Fred Thompson, James Cromwell, Scott Glenn, Michael Harding, Otto Thorwarth;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, family, biography, history, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Secretariat” on the website imdb.com
“Seabiscuit”, 2003
Director: Gary Ross
Based on a true story set in the Great Depression, the underdog tale showcases the unlikely success of the racehorse Seabiscuit against all odds.
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy, Valerie Mahaffey, Michael O'Neill, Sam Bottoms, Ed Lauter, Elizabeth Banks, Peter Jason;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, sport, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Seabiscuit” on the website imdb.com
“Hidalgo”, 2004
Director: Joe Johnston
This adventure-drama centers around a Mustang named Hidalgo and its owner, who participated in an endurance competition across the Arabian desert.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, Omar Sharif, Louise Lombard, Adam Alexi-Malle, Saïd Taghmaoui, Silas Carson, Harsh Nayyar, J.K. Simmons, Adoni Maropis;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: action, drama, adventure, western, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 136 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Hidalgo” on the website imdb.com
“Black Beauty”, 1994
Director: Caroline Thompson
Narrated by the horse himself, the film gives an insightful perspective of the Victorian-era society through the life of a black horse, highlighting the importance of kindness and respect towards animals.
Starring: Docs Keepin Time, Alan Cumming, Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Jim Carter, Peter Davison, Alun Armstrong, John McEnery, Eleanor Bron, Peter Cook;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, melodrama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 88 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Black Beauty” on the website imdb.com
“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”, 2002
Director: Kelly Asbury, Lorna Cook
An animated adventure film about Spirit, a courageous Kiger Mustang, trying to preserve his free-spirited nature while held captive by humans.
Starring: Matt Damon, James Cromwell, Daniel Studi, Chopper Bernet, Jeff LeBeau, John Rubano, Richard McGonagle, Matt Levin, Adam Paul, Robert Cait;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: animation, drama, adventure, family, western;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” on the website imdb.com
“The Horse Whisperer”, 1998
Director: Robert Redford
A touching narrative about a horse trainer with the ability to communicate with horses, helping a traumatized horse and its young rider heal after a tragic accident.
Starring: Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Neill, Dianne Wiest, Chris Cooper, Cherry Jones, Ty Hillman, Kate Bosworth, Austin Schwarz;
Production year: 1998;
Genre: drama, melodrama, western;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 169 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Horse Whisperer” on the website imdb.com
“Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story”, 2005
Director: John Gatins
Chronicles the bond between a father and his daughter as they work together to nurse an injured racehorse back to health and compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue, David Morse, Freddy Rodríguez, Luis Guzmán, Oded Fehr, Ken Howard, Holmes Osborne;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, family, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story” on the website imdb.com
These horse-centric films have captivated audiences everywhere, celebrating the extraordinary bond between horses and humans.
In conclusion, films about horses offer a unique blend of emotion, companionship, and adventure that resonates with audiences of all ages. They capture the majestic, untamed spirit of these creatures and often present profound life lessons through their narratives. From thrilling races, heart-wrenching separations, to momentous reunions, these films elevate the beauty and strength of horses into an art form. Whether it’s highlighting the bond between human and horse or the horse's role in historical events, these films have contributed remarkably to the cinematic landscape. A testament to their enduring appeal is the consistent production of such films over the decades, each contributing its unique perspective, but all celebrating the grace, power, and loyalty of these magnificent creatures.
