Every movie genre has its fans, from drama to comedy. But true story horse movies combine the essences of most of them, giving their fans something to cry and laugh about.
True story horse movies are perfect for watching alone or with family or friends and always have good morale. Everyone needs a piece of advice sometimes, so box check on the educational aspect.
So, if one craves to follow the herd of horses on Saturday evening, here is the list of movies to consider.
The Emotion That Only True Horse Movies Can Evoke
Horses bear great significance for people. When one thinks of horses, the images that come up one’s head are power, freedom, and wisdom一something people wish to acquire.
But what is truly valuable in the true story racehorse movies is that it actually happened. And the love that exudes from these movies can’t help but make anyone hopeful. So, anytime one feels depressed, horse movie therapy is the cure.
A List of Our Favorite True Story Horse Movies
- Champions
| Original title | Champions |
| Director | John Irvin |
| Leading actor | John Hurt |
| Year | 1984 |
| Why to watch | A real-life story of strength and dedication |
| Platform | Vudu, Prime Video, or Apple TV |
The story follows Bob Champion (played by John Hurt), a real-life British steeplechase jockey. In 1979, his road to success abruptly stopped after he received a testicular cancer diagnosis.
However, he refuses to end his career. Instead, he commits to recovery and directs all his energy to winning the 1981 Grand National on his lucky horse Aldaniti 一 its prototype actually played in the movie.
The film is inspiring in retrospect but maybe a little dull for those not used to old movies.
Final Point: 6.5/10
- A Sunday Horse
| Original title | A Sunday Horse |
| Director | Vic Armstrong |
| Leading actor | Nikki Reed, Ryan Merriman, Cassi Thomson, Linda Hamilton |
| Year | 2016 |
| Why to watch | A cheerful movie for when a fatality robs of confidence and support |
| Platform | Prime Video |
Debi (Nikki Reed) goes through a near-fatal accident and ends up on the side road from horse riding. A former junior horse jumper champion, Debi now takes care of horses and other chores on a ranch.
However, when the opportunity came to rehabilitate herself, she took a chance to fulfill her lifelong dream of winning a national jumping championship.
Debi receives criticism for even trying to go back on track, in all meanings. However, she is determined to win and prove everyone wrong.
Unfortunately, the fall from a horse puts her in a coma and paralyzes her left side. The story must go on.
The film originates from the story of a real horse rider Debi Connor. He heroically persevered to achieve her dream through disbelief and pain.
Final Point: 7/10
- Hidalgo
| Original title | Hidalgo |
| Director | Hidalgo |
| Leading actor | Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinston, Omar Sharif |
| Year | 2004 |
| Why to watch | A wholesome film for fans of Westerns |
| Platform | Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV, Redbox, or Vudu |
An epic biographical western tells the story of the legendary American distance rider Frank Hopkins and his loyal horse Hidalgo.
Amid the plot, Frank has to enter an annual 3,000-mile (4,828 kilometers) race through a desert with Hidalgo. The challenge is life-threatening with purebred Arabian horses as opponents.
But as the race sets off, the hero goes through a profound personal transformation and makes life-long friends. He also lets go of the dearest one. But whether the film is sad is up to the audience.
Critics mentioned “too much cheese,” but the audience is the judge.
Final Point: 7/10
- Miracle on the White Stallions
| Original title | Miracle on the White Stallions |
| Director | Ron Miller, Walt Disney |
| Leading actor | Ron Miller, Walt Disney |
| Year | 1963 |
| Why to watch | A Disney drama set during the World War II |
| Platform | Retro Reels |
Miracle on the White Stallions follows the evacuation of the Lipizzaner horses from Vienna, Austria. In 1945, Col. Alois Podhajsky, the director of the Spanish Riding School there, was anxious to save the herd from refugees and the impending Soviet Army. He is afraid these purebred horses will become food for both.
Former and future Olympics champion Alois Podhajsky and his fight melt into a moving story for a cozy Saturday evening.
Final Point: 7.5/10
- Ride like a Girl
| Original title | Ride like a Girl |
| Director | Richard Keddie, Rachel Griffiths |
| Leading actor | Teresa Palmer, Sam Neill, Sullivan Stapleton |
| Year | 2019 |
| Why to watch | The first female jockey winning the Melbourne Cup |
| Platform | Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV |
The movie conveys the story of real-life female jockey Michelle Payne 一 the first female jockey who won the 2015 Melbourne Cup. The awe comes from knowing it’s the toughest two-mile (3.22 kilometers) horse race in the world.
The film shows Payne from her childhood years and into adulthood. The movie’s end follows her when she snatches the victory in front of the nation.
The movie is a great dose of inspiration for those who feel down or seek something to put a smile on their face.
Final Point: 7.5/10
- Ruffian
| Original title | Ruffian |
| Director | Yves Simoneau |
| Leading actor | Sam Shepard |
| Year | 2007 |
| Why to watch | For fans of sports docudrama |
| Platform | Netflix |
The film tells the story of the thoroughbred horse race champion Ruffian. Undefeated till her last breath, Ruffian breaks down in her final match race at Belmont Park in 1975 in front of the whole nation.
The film is a depiction of a real-life story that all fans of horse racing must know.
Final Point: 7.5/10
- 50 to 1
| Original title | 50 to 1 |
| Director | Jim Ulson |
| Leading actor | Christian Kane, Skeet Ulrich |
| Year | 2014 |
| Why to watch | Movie based on the real story of a Mine That Bird group, who won the 2009 Kentucky Derby |
| Platform | Apple TV |
The film comes from the real story of Mine That Bird, a group of reckless cowboys from New Mexico that sets on a journey to take the prize for winning the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
The story had put the whole world on its ears when Mind That Bird’s thoroughbred horse, which had 50 to 1 odds of victory, made it first in the race.
But between starting the engine and winning the Kentucky Derby, the journey takes the horse’s owner Mark Allen (played by Christian Kane), and its trainer Chip Wooley (portrayed by Skeet Ulrich), through numerous hardships, challenging the relationship between the three.
The film sends a green light to all the underdogs who are either fond of horses or anything else that makes one’s eyes spark.
Final Point: 8/10
- Dark Horse
| Original title | Dark Horse |
| Director | Louise Osmond |
| Leading actors | Jan Vokes, Howard Davies, Brian Vokes |
| Year | 2015 |
| Why to watch | For the drama and documentary in one film lovers |
| Platform | Apple iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube |
Dark Horse is a true story of how care and team enthusiasm can win people’s hearts. A group of friends from South Wales decides to breed a racehorse and compete in the “sport of kings.”
Together, Howard Davies, Jand Vokes, and her husband Biran Vokes 一 all played by real-life prototypes一raise a beautiful Dream Alliance to make him a future champion of the 2009 Welsh Grand National.
A great movie that goes hand-in-hand with real events for every fan to follow.
Final Point: 8/10
- Walk. Ride. Rodeo
| Original title | Walk. Ride. Rodeo |
| Director | Conor Allyn |
| Leading actor | Spencer Locke |
| Year | 2019 |
| Why to watch | Interesting for all age groups, especially teenagers |
| Platform | Netflix |
The story follows the life of a real rodeo barrel racer Amberley Snyder. Having survived a near-fatal car accident, she is paralyzed from the waist down.
However, the trauma doesn’t stop her from achieving her dreams. Not only does she find herself able to continue horse riding, but she also enrolls in the Utah South college.
In less than a year since the accident, Amberley successfully participates in rodeo. Not only that, but she also finds love and more passion than she could ever ask for.
Final Point: 8/10
- Phar Lap
| Original title | Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation |
| Director | Simon Wincer |
| Leading actor | Tom Burlinson, Martin Vaughan |
| Year | 1983 |
| Why to watch | A moving flashback story about a friendship between a horse and a human |
| Platform | Netflix |
An incredibly touching story of Phar Lap, a thoroughbred racehorse, who becomes the Agua Caliente Handicap champion at the expense of all its efforts.
Despite coming exhausted and ill to his trainer, Phar Lap soon shows his true talent, not without the help of his beloved strapper Tommy Woodcock, played by Tom Burlinson.
The film is not easy to watch, so one has to be prepared. However, it’s a story we all occasionally need to feel humane.
Final Point: 8.5/10
- Dreamer
| Original title | Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story |
| Director | John Gatins |
| Leading actor | Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russel |
| Year | 2005 |
| Why to watch | A pleasant family film with horses |
| Platform | Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV |
Dreamer follows a real story of a thoroughbred racehorse, Mariah’s Storm (Sonya in the movie), who injures herself badly.
Upon former frustration after failing to breed Sonya, her caretaker Ben Crance (played by Kurt Russell) finds her to still be fast enough despite the trauma.
Throughout the journey, he makes Sonya a champion. He builds a bond with his little daughter Cale (played by Dakota Fanning).
The movie generally gives a great time for family bonding with beloved actors.
Final Point: 9/10
- Seabiscuit
| Original title | Seabiscuit |
| Director | Gary Ross |
| Leading actor | Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks |
| Year | 2003 |
| Why to watch | An Academy nominated racehorse movie |
| Platform | Prime Video, Paramount Plus, The Ruko Channel, Apple TV, Vudu |
The movie is a screen adaptation of the 1999 nonfiction book Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillebrand. The director Gary Ross loosely based his vision on the life and career of a thoroughly bred yet unexpectedly skillful horse named Seabiscuit.
Seabiscuit became a national sensation during the Great Depression. The movie shows how a broken-down horse can get a second chance with love and innovation.
The film is the only one on the list that received attention at the Academy Awards, with seven nominations, including Best Picture.
Final Point: 9/10
Wrapping Things Up
Horse movies can seem dull and all the same for someone outside. But the secret is those horse movies are rarely just about horses, competitions, or bets. What they are about is the power of friendship, spirit, and unstoppable faith in yourself and your neighing friend—truly eternal philosophies.