Horse Movies

There have been plenty of films about horses shown on our cinema screens throughout the years – so if you feel like a horsey night in, grab some popcorn and work your way through the list of horse movies documented below.

 

 

 

 

Horse Movies: Five Cinematic Classics

1.    Seabiscuit (2003)

Directed by Gary Ross and starring Hollywood stars Toby Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper, this film chronicles the dramatic life and racing career of a Seabiscuit, a thoroughbred horse that came through adversity to triumph in post-Great Depression America.

This life-affirming film is sure to leave even the most cynical of viewers in floods of tears by the conclusion, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in its year of release, narrowly missing out to the final film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.


2.     The Horse Whisperer (1998)

This 1998 film was an adaptation of the award-winning 1995 novel of the same name by Nicholas Evans. The film was directed by Robert Redford, who also stars in this horse movie in the title role. Also starring Scarlett Johansson in one of her earliest roles, the plot sees the eponymous Horse Whisperer help both an injured teenager and her horse back to health following a devastating accident. The film was a box office hit, making over $187 million worldwide.

3.    National Velvet (1944)

A classic of the genre now as we revisit the film that brought Elizabeth Taylor to worldwide fame. Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney also stars in the film, which sees a 14-year old girl living in Sussex saves a horse from the knackers’ yard, and after extensive training, leads him to glory in the Grand National Sweepstake – disguised as a male jockey. There won’t be a dry eye in the house after watching this horse film.
 

4.    Dreamer (2005)

Returning to the modern day, this family friendly tale sees Dakota Fanning bond with her father over an injured racehorse, Sonador. The father, played by Kurt Russell, realises the importance of family life through the racehorse. A must-watch for fathers and daughters.

5.    The Black Stallion (1979)

This horse movie is perhaps the best adaptation currently available for this popular children’s story, first written in 1941 by Walter Farley. The film tells the story of Alec Ramsay, a man who is shipwrecked with only a wild Arabian stallion for company. Once rescued, the two combine for a race challenging two champion race horses. Interestingly, the film stars Mickey Rooney, who also features in National Velvet (see above).

Rewarded with two Academy Award nominations, the film has been chosen for preservation by the United States National Film Registry. In terms of horse movies, there’s little that can match this timeless tale.