Giddy up for a cinematic gallop through the most heart-pounding horse racing tales.
From legendary victories to the intimate bond between rider and steed, these flicks aren’t just horsing around.
Think you’re ready to bet on the top horse racing movies, shows, and documentaries that’ll have you on the edge of your saddle?
Best Horse Racing Movies, Shows, and Documentaries:
- Seabiscuit (2003)
- Secretariat (2010)
- War Horse (2011)
- The Black Stallion (1979)
- National Velvet (1944)
- Phar Lap (1983)
- Dreamer (2005)
- Ruffian (2007) – TV Movie
- Let It Ride (1989)
- Racing Stripes (2005)
Table of Contents
#1 Seabiscuit (2003)
- 🎬 Directed by: Gary Ross
- 🌟 Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks, Chris Cooper
Seabiscuit tells the true story of an undersized racehorse that lifted the spirits of a nation during the Great Depression. Despite his small stature and setbacks, Seabiscuit, with the help of his dedicated team, went on to become a symbol of hope and perseverance for many Americans.
This inspirational film not only captures the excitement of horse racing but also highlights the emotional bonds between the horse, the owner, the trainer, and the jockey, played by Tobey Maguire.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#2 Secretariat (2010)
- 🎬 Directed by: Randall Wallace
- 🌟 Starring: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Scott Glenn, James Cromwell
Secretariat is the biographical film about the legendary American Thoroughbred that won the Triple Crown in 1973. The movie focuses on Penny Chenery, played by Diane Lane, the owner of Secretariat, who overcomes great personal and professional challenges to lead her horse to victory.
Highlighted by powerful performances and thrilling race sequences, the film is a tribute to one of the greatest racehorses of all time and an empowering story of determination and courage.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu
#3 War Horse (2011)
- 🎬 Directed by: Steven Spielberg
- 🌟 Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch
War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg, is an epic adventure set against the backdrop of World War I. It tells the story of Joey, a horse beloved by a young boy named Albert.
When Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the front lines, the film follows the horse’s journey through the war, affecting every person he meets along the way. The film is a beautiful and moving depiction of loyalty, hope, and the enduring bonds between humans and animals during the horrors of war.
Where to watch: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
#4 The Black Stallion (1979)
- 🎬 Directed by: Carroll Ballard
- 🌟 Starring: Kelly Reno, Mickey Rooney, Teri Garr, Clarence Muse
The Black Stallion is a film adaptation of the classic children’s novel by Walter Farley. After being shipwrecked with a wild Arabian stallion, a young boy named Alec forges an incredible friendship with the horse.
They are rescued and eventually train to race against the fastest horses in the world. With stunning visuals and a touching narrative, the movie is a timeless tale of friendship and the extraordinary potential that lies within every creature.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#5 National Velvet (1944)
- 🎬 Directed by: Clarence Brown
- 🌟 Starring: Mickey Rooney, Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Revere, Donald Crisp
National Velvet is a classic family film that features a young Elizabeth Taylor as Velvet Brown, who dreams of her horse, The Pie, winning the Grand National steeplechase.
With the help of a former jockey, played by Mickey Rooney, Velvet poses as a male jockey to get The Pie in the race. The movie captures the love of a girl for her horse and her pursuit of an almost impossible dream, making it an enduring piece of cinematic history with its heartfelt storytelling.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#6 Phar Lap (1983)
- 🎬 Directed by: Simon Wincer
- 🌟 Starring: Tom Burlinson, Tommy Woodcock, Richard Morgan
Phar Lap is a film that recounts the life and career of the famous New Zealand-bred, Australian-raced Thoroughbred racehorse who captured the public’s imagination during the early 1930s.
The movie depicts his rise from obscurity to become a champion, overcoming the vagaries of fate and the machinations of those who sought to take advantage of his prowess. Phar Lap’s touching storyline and incredible true tale of triumph, against the odds, have kept audiences captivated for decades.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#7 Dreamer (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: John Gatins
- 🌟 Starring: Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Elisabeth Shue, Kris Kristofferson
Dreamer is inspired by a true story about a father and his daughter who work together to nurse an injured racehorse back to health.
After the horse, named Sonador, breaks a leg during a race, the pair decides to take a leap of faith and aim for the high stakes of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The movie is a heartwarming and uplifting tale of hope, perseverance, and the love between a family and their horse.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#8 Ruffian (2007) – TV Movie
- 🎬 Directed by: Yves Simoneau
- 🌟 Starring: Sam Shepard, Frank Whaley, Christine Belford, Laura Bailey
Ruffian is a television film that dramatizes the life of the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame racehorse, Ruffian. Known for her speed and spirit, the movie captures the filly’s career, including her untimely death due to an injury sustained in a match race.
Ruffian is remembered as one of the greatest female racehorses in history. The film pays tribute to her legacy and the impact she had on the horse racing world, touching on themes of greatness, tragedy, and the bond shared by humans and horses.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
#9 Let It Ride (1989)
- 🎬 Directed by: Joe Pytka
- 🌟 Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, David Johansen, Teri Garr, Jennifer Tilly
Let It Ride is a comedy film focusing on a day in the life of a gambling man, played by Richard Dreyfuss, who experiences a rare winning streak at the horse races. Offering a humorous take on the passion and excitement of horse racing, the movie also delves into the gambler’s psyche and the unpredictability of luck.
The film is a lighthearted depiction of the highs and lows of betting, filled with witty dialogue and entertaining scenarios.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV
#10 Racing Stripes (2005)
- 🎬 Directed by: Frederik Du Chau
- 🌟 Starring: Hayden Panettiere, Bruce Greenwood, Frankie Muniz (voice), Mandy Moore (voice)
Racing Stripes is a family movie about a misfit zebra named Stripes who dreams of becoming a racehorse. With the help of a teenage girl and a variety of barnyard friends with their own quirky personalities, Stripes trains to compete against thoroughbreds in a prestigious race.
The movie is an inspiring and comedic story that encourages audiences to believe in themselves and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how improbable they may seem.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
FAQ
What is the best Horse Racing movie of all time?
“Seabiscuit” (2003) is the best Horse Racing movie of all time, telling the uplifting story of an underdog racehorse during the Great Depression.
What are some good Horse Racing movies?
“Secretariat” (2010), “Phar Lap” (1983), and “The Black Stallion” (1979) are good Horse Racing movies, each chronicling legendary horses and their inspiring journeys.
What Horse Racing movies, shows, and documentaries are on Netflix?
The best Horse Racing movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix currently are “Riding Faith” (2020), “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” (2019), and the docuseries “7 Days Out” (2018), which features a Kentucky Derby episode.
