Great Horse Movies

Don't you just love great horse movies? Here are 20 great horse movies that horse crazy girls have told me are their favorites. Can't find a horse movie you love on this list check out:

What are your favorite ones?

Leave a comment and review on the ones you've seen!

8 seconds

A picture of the movie 8 seconds.

8 Seconds is a great movie based on the life of Lane frost who was a champion bull-rider. You will need some tissues for this one. As you watch Lane Frost's life play out in this movie you can't help but be wowed by how much he accomplished and overcame. From his tough life as a boy in Oklahoma to a famous bull-rider you can't help but root for the underdog. Unfortunately the greats often don't live long enough and that is especially true for Lane, when his young life gets cut short. Still, I have a feeling you will be impressed by how much he accomplished during his time here on Earth and the legacy he made for himself. 

Rated: PG-13 - IMDb score: 6.6/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 94% audience score

50 to 1

A picture of the movie 50 to 1.

50 to 1 is a horse movie is based on an incredible true story about an unlikely racehorse named Mine That Bird and his unlikely group of owners. This incredible thoroughbred, owned by a group of New Mexico cowboys, somehow qualifies for the Kentucky Derby taking his owners on a wild ride. How will the horse do in the Kentucky Derby? Will he become a Triple Crown winner? If you love the underdog story and want something fun then this movie is a great option. I can't wait to hear what you think of this exciting horse movie. 

Rated: PG-13 - IMDb score: 6.5/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 71% audience score

Archer's Adventure 

A picture of the movie Archer's Adventure.

I bet you didn't know that Nicole Kidman is one of the main actors in this great horse movie. Set in the 1860s this movie looks at the first horse and rider to win the Melbourne Cup. The Melbourne Cup is a famous horse race held in Australia with big prize money. So when they need to get Archer to the race in Melbourne Dave Powers volunteers to ride the horse some six hundred miles to the race. The trek is filled with adventure and adversity forcing Dave and Archer to work together. Follow them as they race to reach the race in time, get Archer into the competition, and claim victory. You won't want to miss Archer's Adventure.

IMDb: 5.7/10 

Cloud: Wild Stallion of the rockies (documentary)

A picture of the documentary series Cloud Wild Stallion of the Rockies.

I know Cloud: Wild Stallion of the Rockies is technically a documentary series, but honestly it deserves a place on this list. The documentary series is incredible as it follows a beautiful white stallion in the Rockies named Cloud. From defending his herd to trying to stay alive himself this series shows what life is like in the Rocky Mountains for stallions like Cloud. While the series is a little older now it still provides great insight into these wild horses. Overall, I would say that if you are interested in wild horses and what their lives can be like this is definitely a must watch.  Plus it was filmed by Ginger Kathrens who is an Emmy winner.  

IMDb score: 8.3/10 

Danny

A picture of the movie Danny.

Chances are if you grew up loving horses, but didn't have a lot of money for them (like myself). As a child you dreamed of getting a free horse who was incredible and you could turn into the most amazing show horse ever. Well clearly the writers of Danny had this same dream, because that is essentially what the movie is about. Janie is the name of the young girl who is dreaming of a pony of her own but in the meantime is working at Longvue stable. Of course watching everyone at the barn with their horses and ponies is hard especially when Andrea, who is a young rich girl, gets a cute pony named Danny. Andrea struggles with Danny though, so Janie gets to help out with him. The more time Janie spends with Danny the closer the bond between them deepens. But does Janie ever get the pony of her dreams? You will have to watch to find out.

Rated: G - IMDb: 7.5/10 

flicka

A picture of the movie Flicka.

You have probably already seen the movie Flicka, but on the off chance you haven't yet I highly recommend it. This is the quintessential horse movie. A young woman wants to prove to her father that she is capable of handling the family ranch and the horses on the ranch, which she decides to prove by taming a wild mustang. The wild mustang is a beautiful black mare named Flicka who is afraid of humans. Katy is willing to put in the time to gain the mare's trust. Together they will help each other overcome their fears and find happiness. There is one scene that is scary in my opinion so just know that before you watch it.

Rated: PG - IMDb score: 6.1/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 82% audience score

into the west

A picture of the movie Into The West.

I love how fun, sweet, and exciting the film Into the West is. You won't want to miss this cute and quirky movie. This horse movie is centered around two young boys and a white stallion who appears to have magic abilities. The boys have difficult lives, so when this horse comes to them it is a wonderful bright spot in their lives. Unfortunately, the horse is stolen by an evil horse breeder. Luckily, the boys won't give up the stallion easily. They set off to rescue the horse once and for all and embark on a better life together. 

Rated: PG - IMDb score: 7.0/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 79% audience score

misty

A picture of the movie Misty.

Misty is a wonderful horse movie based on the beloved book Misty of Chincoteague book by Marguerite Henry. If you loved the book you are sure to love this movie. In case you haven't read the book the premise is that two orphan kids fall in love with a wild pony on Assateague island who is called the Phantom. The kids desperately want this horse and with the yearly roundup coming they hope that this is the year they can finally buy her. However, when the horse is found with a foal everything changes.

IMDb score: 6.5/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 63%

moondance alexander

A picture of the movie Moondance Alexander.

If you haven't seen Moondance Alexander yet you definitely need to. This is a great horse movie that is super cute and it has a paint horse so of course it makes it that much better. The movie is actually inspired by a true story, which is super cool. What exactly is this wonderful horse movie about? It is about a girl who doesn't fit in and is wondering where her journey will take her when she comes across a paint horse. Upon finding the horses owner she makes an unlikely friend in an incredible horse trainer who helps her find a purpose in life. Like many of the great horse movies it has an underdog story combined with a coming of age element that makes it special.

Rated: G - IMDb score: 6.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 66% audience score

ride a wild pony

A picture of the movie Ride A Wild Pony.

I love an inspirational horse movie, which is why Ride A Wild Pony is so great. This film is focused on two different children growing up in Australia who both come from different backgrounds and struggles. One is Josie, a young girl who is handicapped, and the other is a young boy who comes from a poor family. Scott unfortunately can't get to school. That is until he gets a pony that can take him to school. One day the pony escapes and Scott is devastated, that is until he finds his pony pulling Josie's cart. But Josie doesn't want to give up her new pony and she is not even convinced that it is Scott's pony to begin with. It is a fun and wild ride watching both of them try to get back their pony.

Rated: G - IMDb score: 6.3/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 60% audience score

Ride like a girl

A picture of the horse movie Ride Like A Girl.

Girl power is front and center in this thrilling horse movie. You may not have heard of Michelle Payne, who was the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, but you will find out about her in Ride Like A Girl. This movie takes you through the incredible true story of a capable jockey who made history in Australia and around the world. You don't want to miss this inspiration movie that has horse and non-horse fans alike praising it.

Rated: PG - IMDb score: 7.0/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 73% audience score

ruffian

A picture of the movie Ruffian.

Hopefully, you aren't tired of horse racing movies because Ruffian is another great horse movie. If you aren't familiar with the thoroughbred mare she was an incredible racehorse who won her first ten races. Many were impressed by this filly and wanted to see her compete against Foolish Pleasure, who won the 1975 Kentucky Derby. A race was set up between the two, but during the race tragedy struck when she broke her leg. Her owners were determined to try and save the mare, but unfortunately sometimes situations don't end well. Even though you may know the plot of the story and you will need tissues you can't miss this incredible true story.

Rated: TV PG - IMDb: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 96% audience score

secretariat

A picture of the movie Secretariat.

Talk about a great horse movie. Secretariat is based on the true story of one of the greatest racehorses of all time. You have probably already heard about Secretariat and all his accomplishments but you probably don't know all the incredible people in this horse's life. The movie not only explores Secretariats incredible racing career, but also really dives into the stories of the people who helped this thoroughbred achieve fame as a Triple Crown winner. If you like a well made movie with good acting, a great storyline, and beautiful horses than this is a wonderful movie for you.

Rated: PG - IMDb score: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 76% audience score

shergar

A picture of the movie Shergar.

If you like some imagination mixed in with a true story Shergar is a great horse movie for you. In the film, which is based in Ireland, the famous racehorse Shergar is kidnapped by IRA terrorists. While the horse is being held for ransom by the terrorists a young man happens upon the horse and ends up conducting a harrowing plan to try and rescue the horse. Will the young man be able to save the horse and outsmart the terrorists? What does fate have in store for both of them? You will have to watch the movie to find out the answers.

Rated: TV 14 - IMDb: 5.4/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 82% audience score

the black stallion

A picture of the movie The Black Stallion.

Based off the novel by Walter Farley comes the movie adaptation of The Black Stallion. The plot is centered around Alec who discovers a beautiful Arabian stallion. When the horse and the boy end up alone together they form an unbreakable bond. Eventually Alec decides he wants to race the horse and while he knows he could be a winner one day he also understands the importance of a good trainer. That's why he seeks out Henry Dailey, who is widely considered to be the best horse trainer around. Together they may just find success. As a side note there are a lot of versions of this movie out there and the ratings I pulled and the review I am writing is for the 1979 version.

Rated: G - IMDb: 7.4/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 83% audience score

the littlest horse thieves

A picture of the movie The Littlest Horse Thieves.

The Littlest Horse Thieves is a cute film that tells the story of three kids and their mission to save some ponies that are used at the coal mines. What happens is that when three kids find out that the local coal mine is going to kill their ponies because they are switching to steam powered engines, the kids come up with a plan to save the ponies. Not everything goes to plan though. But just as all hope seems loss a shocking turn of events may be just the situation to prove why these ponies are worth their weight in gold. 

Rated: G - IMDb: 7.0/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 75% audience score

the saddle club: Adventures at Pine hollow (tv Series)

A picture of The Saddle Club: Adventures at Pine Hollow.

While The Saddle Club: Adventures at Pine Hollow is not technically a horse movie if you watch all the episodes back to back it sort of becomes a movie and I just had to put it on this list. This is after all the greatest horse TV series ever in my opinion. Yes there are some unrealistic parts to the show, but for the most part I think it is pretty accurate and really shows what it is like to be part of a barn family. I love the fact that the riders are in different stages of their riding and horse knowledge as it makes it easy to connect with the characters. This is definitely a series that I would recommend to any horse lover that wanted something to watch.

IMDb: 8.0/10 

touching wild horses

A picture of the movie Touching Wild Horses.

Touching Wild Horses is a wonderful movie about a young boy who gets sent to live with his Aunt after a car accident rips his family apart. Struggling with the results of the accident Mark finds solace in studying the wild horses that are apart of the horse preserve on the island. But life on the preserve can be tough for the horses, especially for the orphan foal Mark and his Aunt spot. While people aren't suppose to interfere with the horses they feel compelled to do something to save the young foal.

Rated: PG - IMDb: 6.5/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 71% audience score

virginia's run

A picture of the movie Virginia's Run.

Virginia's Run is a great horse movie that focuses on a young woman who loves riding and horses. Her mother passed on this love of horses and when she was around she encouraged her daughter to ride. But once she dies in a riding accident Virginia's father is determined to get rid of the horse he blames for his wife's death. But Virginia isn't ready to give up on horses quite yet, so she is elated when she is able to work at the barn that has Stormy. As the big race approaches Virginia may be able to overcome the obstacles and remind her dad what there is to love about horses. 

Rated: PG - IMDb score: 6.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 78% audience score

wild hearts can't be broken

A picture of the movie Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken is a wonderful horse movie that is based on a true story. The main character is an orphan girl who, at the local fair, sees an impressive traveling group and decides to join them. Upon joining the group Sonora decides that she wants to learn the art of diving on horseback. Luckily, the son of the groups owner is knowledgeable in this art and is willing to help her perfect it. As things begin to take a positive turn for Sonora tragedy strikes again, thankfully she has a great support system to help her through. 

Rated: G - IMDb: 7.2/10 - Rotten Tomatoes: 89% audience score