Horse racing is one of the world's oldest sports, carrying a lot of history and tradition. And we can see that in the movies! Fortunately for horse racing enthusiasts, there are plenty of horse racing movies, even Blockbuster movies with a budget of millions of dollars.
But why horse racing movies?
Well, movies are all about sharing an incredible story, and The Sport of Kings is full of unbelievable mostly underdog stories, where horses go against all odds and become champions. But the thrill of rising to the top is only part of the story. Horse racing movies also showcase humans' incredible bond with these animals, which is hard to describe with words.
So, if you are up for some horse racing action, or to get your feelings tingling, here are some of the best horse racing movies you should watch.
Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney
We start with an evergreen movie that might not be the first choice for most people, but there is a reason why this movie is so popular after all those years. The story is about Velvet Brown, a young girl that has a dream to race her horse, The Pie, but not in any race, but in the Grand National - one of the toughest races in the world.
The path to entering an elite horse racing championship is not easy, especially for a girl during that time. This movie captures the incredible determination of Velvet Brown (Elizabeth Taylor), which turned out to be one of the biggest movies that will put Taylor on the Hollywood scene.
Want to know a fun fact? This movie was so impactful that it was preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry for being “culturally and historically significant.”
So, that’s why we’ve decided to feature National Velvet first. It is a good starting point for everyone who wants to get into horse racing movies.
Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich
Now, any best horse racing movie list wouldn’t be complete without the BIG BOY. We are talking about the Secretariat, one of the fastest horses that ever lived on this planet. Just to put in perspective, this is a horse with an exceptionally big heart (literally), which probably gave him the ability to set record times that still remain unbeaten.
But how do you tell the story of one of the greatest racehorses of all time? You go all-in on the drama and triumph. Secretariat's story isn’t just about the horse but also his owner, Penny Chenery, who faced a male-dominated world to take her colt to glory. The 1973 Triple Crown winner broke records that still stand today—how’s that for legendary?
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges
Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Seabiscuit, a small, scrappy horse, became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. The movie showcases his rise from overlooked racehorse to national sensation, with Tom Smith as his trainer and Red Pollard as his jockey.
With Tobey Maguire as the determined jockey and Jeff Bridges as the visionary owner, the film combines nail-biting race sequences with a heartwarming underdog tale.
Fun Fact: Seabiscuit grossed over $148 million worldwide and earned seven Academy Award nominations.
Based on Laura Hillenbrand’s bestselling book, this film dives deep into the cultural significance of Seabiscuit during hard times.
Starring: Tom Burlinson, Judy Morris
Want a tearjerker? Phar Lap’s story is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking. This New Zealand-born racehorse dominated Australian tracks in the 1930s but tragically died under mysterious circumstances. The film delves into his journey from an unknown to a beloved champion, plus the controversies surrounding his untimely demise.
What happens when a misfit group from New Mexico decides to take their unassuming gelding to the Kentucky Derby? Magic! This movie tells the true story of Mine That Bird, a 50-1 longshot who shocked everyone by winning the 2009 Kentucky Derby.
With a cowboy trainer and quirky owners, this movie screams "don’t judge a horse by its odds."
It is a great movie for people who are into horse racing betting strategies or people that often watch horse racing just to place a bet.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning
Loosely based on the true story of Mariah’s Storm, Dreamer is a feel-good family drama. It’s about a trainer and his young daughter who bring an injured racehorse back to life—and success. While the real Mariah’s Storm became a star on the track, the movie takes some creative liberties to keep things family friendly.
Starring: Richard Dreyfuss
Not all horse racing movies are about the horses. Let It Ride is a comedic take on the gambling world, focusing on Jay Trotter, a down-on-his-luck bettor who has one magical day of wins at the track. It’s a lighter, hilarious contrast to the emotionally charged dramas on this list.
These are just a couple of good horse racing movie picks that should cover everyone’s perspective of the sport. There are some emotional pieces, underdog stories, true stories, and betting action.
So, get your popcorn ready, and prepare to be amazed.