Awesome Horse Movies

Breaking Free was one of my favorite horse movies for a long time. I loved the idea of having a special bond with a horse that allowed you to overcome any obstacle life threw at you. The scenery is really pretty since it is set at a mobility training camp by the water. The movie is also listed under the title A Leap of Faith, which is important to know if you look it up online. Note that while this technically has a PG rating it feels more like a PG-13 movie. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.5/10

Based on a true story, this film follows British jockey Bob Champion, one of the top jockeys of all time. In the movie Bob finds out he has cancer, forcing him to step away from racing during treatment. After beating cancer he returns to racing and rides a special racehorse named Aldaniti in the Grand National Steeplechase. Have tissues handy for this incredible comeback story. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.5/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 69% audience score

I still remember seeing Dreamer in the movie theater and just being in love with the film. Featuring Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, and Kris Kristofferson, the movie follows Cale and her father who buy an injured racehorse mare named Sonador. Not expected to recover, let alone race again, Sonador defies everyone thanks to her new family's dedication. A heartwarming and inspirational must-see for the whole family. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.8/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 78% audience score

Based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Marguerite Henry, King of the Wind follows the incredible story of the Godolphin Arabian — from his birth, to being gifted to the King of France, to becoming one of the most important foundation sires of the Thoroughbred breed. The cast includes Richard Harris, Glenda Jackson, Jenny Agutter, and Nigel Hawthorne. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.4/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 57% audience score

Miracle of the White Stallions takes you through the incredible rescue of the Lipizzaner horses during World War II. Col. Alois Podhajsky, head of the Vienna Riding School, feared the Soviet army would destroy the beautiful white horses and reached out to General George S. Patton for help. You may not even believe this is based on a true story, but it is. IMDb score: 6.6/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 72% audience score

Ask someone to name a horse movie and they will likely say National Velvet. The story centers on horse-crazy Velvet Brown, played by Elizabeth Taylor, who wins a horse named Pie through a local lottery. Mi Taylor, a jockey played by Mickey Rooney, helps Velvet and Pie prepare for the Grand National. A timeless, G-rated film that has stood the test of time beautifully. Rated: G - IMDb score: 7.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 78% audience score

Racing Stripes follows a rescued zebra on his unlikely journey to become a racehorse and compete at the Kentucky Derby. It is not the most realistic horse movie out there but I love how fun and quirky it is. The fact that Stripes can talk to his animal friends makes it even cuter. If you love an underdog story with plenty of laughs this one is worth watching. Rated: PG - IMDb: 5.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 42% audience score

Did you know The Man From Snowy River has a sequel? This one does most sequels right — wrapping up loose ends and giving us a satisfying look at where Jim Craig's story goes. The sequel sees Jim return to the Australian high country where farmers are being pushed out by wealthy ranchers, and his girlfriend is being courted by a wealthy rival. A great adventure sequel. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.6/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 83% audience score

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is on my top 10 list of favorite animated movies of all time. From the story to the animation and the music, everything is exceptional. The movie is told from the perspective of a wild mustang named Spirit, born in the Old West as settlers begin moving across the land. The challenges this brings to Spirit's world make for a stunning and moving adventure. If you have not seen it yet you definitely need to. Rated: G - IMDb: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 77% audience score

A sweet horse movie with just the right amount of excitement. Centered around an orphan girl trying to make a living training horses to care for her younger brothers, she loses her job and is forced to sell her horse Sylvester. To get the best price possible she decides to train him for eventing and compete at the National Equestrian Trials. What happens next? You will have to watch to find out. Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.4/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 90% audience score

Based on a manuscript by Louisa May Alcott, The Inheritance follows young Edith, an accomplished rider who plans to be the first female jockey in an upcoming horse race. Of course many people around her object to the idea. The situation is made more difficult by those closest to her — her friend Amy, her cousin, and even her admirer. A lovely period piece celebrating determination. Rated: TV-G - IMDb: 7.0/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 76% audience score

The Long Shot really captures what horses mean to us and the connection we have with them. The plot centers on a family that moves to California where trouble strikes. Annie gets the chance to work at an incredible dressage barn and ride a special horse, but things soon take another turn for the worst. This is one of those horse movies that I still remember to this day. Rated: TV-PG - IMDb score: 6.5/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 84% audience score

Thicker Than Water is a heartwarming story about family, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Natalie loses her father and while going through his belongings discovers he had a life she never knew about. Her research leads her to a half sister who seems to be her complete opposite — but they may have more in common than either realizes. A touching story about what it means to be family. Rated: TV-PG - IMDb score: 6.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 61% audience score

Two Bits and Pepper is a fun adventure-packed horse movie. Criminals kidnap two girls and intend to ransom them, but the girls' equine friends — including a miniature pony, one of the few horse movies to feature one — are determined to rescue them. As the criminals get more desperate the laughs multiply. I was not expecting much from this one but it really won me over. Rated: PG - IMDb score: 4.0/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 62% audience score

Get your tissues ready for this one. Directed by Steven Spielberg, War Horse follows young Albert whose beloved horse is sold to the cavalry during the First World War. With no way to find his horse, Albert joins the British Army hoping it will lead him back to his best friend. As both horse and man face the realities of war in different ways, neither forgets the other. Whether or not you are a horse lover you will not want to miss this film. Rated: PG-13 - IMDb: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 74% audience score

If you love inspiring horse movies based on true stories, Secretariat is a must-see. The movie tells the story of the legendary racehorse Secretariat and his owner Penny Chenery, who believed in him when no one else did. The film shows not just the races but also the determination and teamwork it took to make history. The racing scenes are thrilling, and the story makes you want to chase your own dreams no matter how impossible they seem. Rated: PG - IMDb: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 76% audience score

This animated film may not be a traditional horse movie but it is absolutely beautiful. The artwork looks like the pages of a storybook come to life, and the messages about friendship, kindness, and courage are timeless. The horse in this story is full of quiet wisdom, reminding us of how horses often mirror the best parts of ourselves. Gentle, heartwarming, and perfect to watch when you need a little inspiration. Rated: TV-G - IMDb: 7.8/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 77% audience score

If you are fascinated by wild horses, this documentary is incredible. It captures the beauty and spirit of America's mustangs like few films ever have. The cinematography is breathtaking and you really get a sense of how special these wild horses are and how important it is to protect them. This is real life, not fiction, and that makes it even more moving. Every horse lover should see this one. Rated: NR - IMDb: 8.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 100% audience score

This documentary follows real-life trainers as they work with wild mustangs in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge. It is amazing to watch how each trainer builds trust with their horse in just 100 days. You see everything — the frustrations, the breakthroughs, and the pure joy of connecting with a wild horse. If you love stories about the deep bond between horses and people, this one will stay with you. Rated: PG - IMDb: 7.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 83% audience score

Lean on Pete is a more serious horse movie but one of the most powerful ones I have seen. It tells the story of a teenager who befriends a worn-out racehorse named Pete and sets out on a journey to save him. This is not a lighthearted movie — it is emotional and sometimes sad — but it shows how much comfort and purpose a horse can bring to someone who feels lost. If you like horse films that feel raw and real, this one is worth watching. Rated: R - IMDb: 7.1/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 75% audience score

Concrete Cowboy is one of the most unique horse movies out there. It is based on the true story of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in Philadelphia, where riders keep horse culture alive right in the middle of the city. I love how it shows that being horse-crazy is not limited to rural life — it can happen anywhere. A powerful and authentic film. Rated: R - IMDb: 6.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 70% audience score

This horse movie takes place in a prison where inmates train wild mustangs as part of a rehabilitation program. Roman, tough and withdrawn, begins to heal and rediscover his humanity through his connection with a powerful horse. The story is intense at times but also incredibly moving. The mustangs in this film are magnificent, and the relationship between man and horse feels raw and genuine. Rated: R - IMDb: 6.8/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 76% audience score

This is a fun and lighthearted animated horse movie perfect for younger horse lovers. Barbie and her sisters travel to a riding academy in the Swiss Alps, where they meet beautiful horses — including a magical-looking one that steals the show. Cheerful, colorful, and full of adventure, it celebrates friendship, teamwork, and the joy of riding. Rated: NR - IMDb: 6.1/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 78% audience score

Wish Upon a Unicorn is a sweet family horse movie with a touch of fantasy. Two sisters discover a unicorn and learn that sometimes magic appears when you least expect it. While it is more of a horse-with-sparkles movie than a traditional riding story, it is a fun choice for younger viewers or anyone who enjoys magical adventures. Rated: PG - IMDb: 5.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 62% audience score