Films about race horses are a captivating genre that often explores the thrilling world of horse racing, the bond between humans and horses, and the triumph of the underdog. These films showcase the beauty, strength, and grace of these magnificent animals while also delving into the competitive and sometimes tumultuous world of horse racing. Here are some existing films about race horses:
“Seabiscuit”, 2003
Director: Gary Ross
Based on a true story, this film follows the journey of Seabiscuit, a small and underestimated racehorse, and his unlikely rise to fame during the Great Depression. With a determined jockey and a dedicated trainer, Seabiscuit becomes an inspiration to a nation in need of hope.
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy, Valerie Mahaffey, Michael O'Neill, Sam Bottoms, Ed Lauter, Elizabeth Banks, Peter Jason, Annie Corley, Michael Angarano, John Walcutt, Carl M. Craig, David McCullough, Paul Vincent O'Connor, Michael Ensign, James Keane, David Doty, Cameron Bowen, Noah Luke, Mariah Bess, Jamie Lee Redmon, Gianni Russo, Royce D. Applegate, William Hollick, Joe Rocco Jr., Dyllan Christopher, Anthony Klingman, Michelle Arthur, Gary Stevens, Danny Strong, Hans Howes, Camillia Sanes, Clif Alvey, Dan Daily, Borden Flanagan, Shay Duffin, Kevin Mangold, Jay Cohen, Frank Mirahmadi, Michael Hunter, Tony Volu, James DuMont, Robin Bissell, Eddie Jones, Paige King, Andrew Schatzberg, Chris McCarron, Roger E. Fanter;
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
“Secretariat”, 2010
Director: Randall Wallace
Another true story, “Secretariat” tells the tale of the legendary racehorse Secretariat and his owner Penny Chenery. Against all odds, Secretariat becomes the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, captivating the nation and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of horse racing.
Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Dylan Walsh, Margo Martindale, Nelsan Ellis, Fred Thompson, James Cromwell, Scott Glenn, Michael Harding, Otto Thorwarth, Richard Fullerton, Tim Ware, Nestor Serrano, Keith Austin, Kevin Connolly, Eric Lange, Drew Roy, Carissa Fowler, AJ Michalka, Sean Michael Cunningham, Jacob Rhodes, Dylan Baker, Graham McTavish, Tom Foley, Grant Whitacre, Forry Smith, Tom Clark, Ken Strunk, H. Jazz Undy, Michael Guthrie, Cullen Wallace, Mike Battaglia, Wynn Reichert, Tony Renaud, Jennifer Trier, Tim Layden, Pam Pryor, Kate Ward, Andrew Wallace, Rusty Hendrickson, Michael Boyd, Michael Mills, Albert Duhon, Audrey P. Scott, Slaid Parker, Joe Chrest, Jason Schwartz, Reid Cherner, Hank Goldberg;
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
“National Velvet”, 1944
Director: Clarence Brown
This classic film stars Elizabeth Taylor as Velvet Brown, a young girl who dreams of riding and training her own racehorse. When she discovers an unruly horse named The Pie, Velvet sets out to train him for the Grand National steeplechase, defying societal expectations and proving that dreams can come true.
Starring: Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Crisp, Anne Revere, Angela Lansbury, Jackie «Butch» Jenkins, Juanita Quigley, Arthur Treacher, Reginald Owen, Norma Varden, Terry Kilburn, Arthur Shields, Aubrey Mather, Alec Craig, Eugene Loring, Dennis Hoey, Matthew Boulton, Gerald Oliver Smith, Ed Agresti, John Alban, Harry Allen, Paula Allen, Rene Austin, William Austin, William Bailey, Frank Baker, Frank Benson, Barry Bernard, Billy Bevan, Edward Biby, Felicity Bilbrook, Ted Billings, Beverly Billman, Arthur Blake, William A. Boardway, Lulu Mae Bohrman, Stephen Bowson, Colin Campbell, Leonard Carey, James Carlisle, Wally Cassell, King Charles, Wallis Clark, Murray Coombs, Donald Curtis, Harold de Becker Jr., Harry Denny, Dick Earle, Ada Ellis, Ray Erlenborn;
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
“Phar Lap”, 1983
Director: Simon Wincer
Set in the 1930s, “Phar Lap” is a biographical film about the Australian racehorse of the same name. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies, Phar Lap becomes a symbol of hope and resilience during difficult times.
Starring: Tom Burlinson, Richard Morgan, Robert Grubb, Simon Wells, Kelvyn Worth, Justin Ridley, Martin Vaughan, Brian Granrott, Celia De Burgh, Steven Bannister, Judy Morris, Ron Leibman, Vincent Ball, John Stanton, Peter Whitford, Gia Carides, James Steele, Richard Terrill, Ross O'Donovan, Ashley Grenville, Les Foxcroft, Warwick Moss, Henry Duval, Pat Thomson, Alan Wilson, Redmond Phillips, Alan Wylie, Don Reid, Brian Harrison, Denzil Howson, Arthur Barradell-Smith, James Wright, Maggie Millar, Tim Robertson, John Stone, Anthony Hawkins, Terry Gill, Stuart Finch, Cliff Ellen, John Russell, Kevin Blackmore, Roger Newcombe, Brian Anderson, Tommy Woodcock, Len Kaserman, Paul Riley, John Higgins, Arthur Sherman, Randall Berger, Brian Adams;
Production year: 1983;
Genre: drama, family, biography, history, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Phar Lap” on the website imdb.com
“Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story”, 2005
Director: John Gatins
This heartwarming film follows the journey of a racehorse named Soñador (Dreamer) and her unlikely bond with a young girl named Cale. Together, they defy the odds and overcome adversity to prove that dreams can be realized.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue, David Morse, Freddy Rodríguez, Luis Guzmán, Oded Fehr, Ken Howard, Holmes Osborne, Haithem Badrani, John Moyer, Kayren Butler, Tommy Barnes, Frank Hoyt Taylor, David Shamieh, Varkas Everest, Dick Allen, Donna Brothers, Dan Beene, John Newberg, Adam Tomei, Rhoda Griffis, Hutchi Hancock, Rex Peterson, Trevor Denman, Ed Burgart, Mark Warrack, Sacrifice, James Bannon, Jim Bishop, Charlie H. Boston, Maryetta Coleman, Bob C. Cooke, Geoff Falk, Jan Falk, Mike Franklin, Cynthia Ganote, Rosemary Garris, China Green, James Wolford Hardin, Abbey Healey, Zac Heath, Bria Hobgood, Mike Holman, Chad C. Hundley, Henry Jaderlund, Don Langley, Don Lincoln, Dan Malo;
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
“Ruffian”, 2007
Director: Yves Simoneau
Based on the true story of the champion filly Ruffian, this film chronicles her meteoric rise in the world of horse racing and the tragic events that led to her untimely demise. It explores the pressures and risks faced by both horses and their jockeys in the pursuit of greatness.
Starring: Sam Shepard, Frank Whaley, Mark Adam, Lisa Arnold, Laura Bailey, Barry Barton, Christine Belford, Tony Bentley, John T. Billingsley, Dodie Brown, Craig Clary, Dave Cohen, Mellinda Craig, Kip Cummings, John F. Daniel, John S. Davies, Tony Devon, Phillip DeVona, Vladimir Diaz, Jean-Claude Dolese, Jason Douglas, David Dwyer, Owl Martin Dwyer, JD Evermore, Keith Flippen, Bill Flynn, Chris Freihofer, Adam Ian Gelfand, Mathew Greer, Stuart Greer, Mary Griffitts, Marion Guyot, Chuck Halley, Michael Harding, Richard Harold, Michael J. Hebert, Louis Herthum, Rodney Hill Jr., Derek Johnson, Lori Knighton, Brian Lafontaine, Jerry Leggio, Terri Marshall, Mike Martindale, Diego J. Martinez, John McConnell, Stan McDonald, Eric Kelly McFarland, Gary McKillips, Frank Mirahmadi;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Ruffian” on the website imdb.com
These films about race horses offer a blend of excitement, drama, and inspiration, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey into the world of horse racing. Whether based on true stories or fictional tales, they celebrate the indomitable spirit of these magnificent creatures and the human connection to them.
The selection of films about racehorses offers a captivating glimpse into the world of horseracing, showcasing the undeniable bond between humans and these majestic animals. From heart-pounding races to the emotional journeys of both horse and rider, these films beautifully capture the thrill of competition and the resilience of the equine spirit. Through their compelling storytelling, these films not only celebrate the athleticism of racehorses but also shed light on the challenges and triumphs inherent in this timeless sport. Whether portraying the indomitable spirit of a legendary racehorse or the dedication of those who train and care for these magnificent creatures, these films about racehorses leave an indelible mark, reminding audiences of the enduring power and grace of these noble animals.
