What horse lover does not love a good horse movie? Admittedly, some are cheesy and the riding is questionable at times but they fed our horse love as kids and bring us fond memories today. Anyways, I have thought and "researched" (aka watched to many horse movies) in order to bring you my top ten horse movies list.Though some are based on true stories and some are fictional, they still hold the wonder and majesty of the horse in the cinema.
A cute story about a young girl, Sunny, who lost her father and some use of her legs in a car accident. After she and her mother move to a trailer park next to a ranch, Sunny befriends a "crazy" horse that also has an injured leg. Through trials, hardships, rivalries and more, Sunny makes a sacrificial decision that teaches all involved a lesson about winners.
- One of the first horse movies I saw as a child, this one will always be a favorite.
Every girl dreams of loving the un-lovable horse and having said horse win a major competition bringing her glory and proving those that doubted her and the horse wrong. With Elizabeth Tailor as the lead it is hard to go wrong. The whimsical story is interesting and I always loved dreaming about riding in a big horse race.
- As a
review on IMDB said it "is such a wonderful little heart felt drama."
Chronicling the story of race horse Secretariat from his humble beginnings to his glorious triple crown win, Secretariat is a lovely movie about his rise to stardom with a female owner, quirky trainer and other difficulties.
- I was so excited when I heard Secretariat was coming out. I have always loved watching the power and beauty of horse racing and Secretariat was (controversially) one of the best race horses that has ever lived.
The Man from Snowy river is a Australian epic about a young man's journey to manhood in the outback with horses and an independent woman. The dynamics between a ranch owner, his father and the girl create a touching story.
- Horses, romance, independence, what else could one want from a movie?
A young boy named Alec is stranded on an island where he befriends and tames a black Arabian that was also shipwrecked. After they return to the states a retired jockey help Alec and 'the black' train and win a race against some of the fastest horses in America.
-The dialogue is sparse but the story is well fleshed out and and beautifully portrayed.
About a cowboy that is out of work and pretty much only has his horse, Hidalgo. They travel to Arabia in order to race in an endurance horse race across the dessert for a large cash prize. Though many doubt the paint's ability, Hidalgo and his owner prove to themselves and others of what they have to offer.
- Adventurous as well as tender at times, Hidalgo is one of my favorites because of its diverse mix of story and action.
Based on Margaret Henry's
Misty of Chincoteague, this movie tells the true story of the historic pony penning day from the viewpoint of Paul and Maureen Beebe as they try to tame and love a wild horse named "the Phantom"and her filly Misty.
- I loved the book
Misty of Chincoteague and equally loved the movie. Though it doesn't exactly follow the book (what movie really does), it still inspired my dreams of one day attending pony penning day.
One of the rougher movies on my list,
Seabiscuit tells the story of an unlikely racehorse, handicapped jockey, and rookie owners overcoming many odds to win against the favorites. Set during the great depression, the movie explores many darker areas of racing as well as the glory.
- Hmmm another racing movie? I'm sensing a pattern here. But, there are so many beautiful and true stories of horses that have been chronicled through film.
An epic that centralizes around a horse named Joey. From a plow horse to riding horse to war horse, Joey shows his versatility and heart. Through out the whole journey, Joey always has owners and human companions that love and care for him as he gives his best to them.
- Ahhhh War Horse I love a movie that makes me sad and happy all in the same story while having beautiful scenery, music and arc.
Another story focusing on the life of a horse, Black Beauty goes through the hands of good masters, bad masters and many in between. In the end, Beauty makes his final home in a good place but not without the scars of his past. The book the movie is based on was written by
Anna Sewell to raise awareness for cruelty to horses in 18th century England.
- The quintessential horse movie and the start of many people's (read
mine) horse passion. Though not based on a true story, the book captured the hearts of many and the movie carries on the legacy.
This is by no means an exhaustive or complete list. What are your favorite horse movies? I have not seen them all so I am always looking for more good equine flicks to add to my viewed list. Are there horse movies that are on your do not watch list? Tell me below in the comments!
