Who doesn’t love to sit back with a bowl of popcorn and watch a great, feel-good movie? Sports movies are a big hit with the sentimental crowd; just ask Rudy fans. But several fun movies have also been made about horse racing over the years. From classics to comedies, here are a few movies to watch this summer to see these gorgeous horses.
National Velvet
In 1944, a movie launched the career of Elizabeth Taylor. This classic movie is now a part of the National Film Registry for its significant impact on history and the industry. The story centers on Velvet Brown, a twelve-year-old girl crazy about horses from a small village in England. The story is based on a book of the same name and is a heartwarming story about a young girl and her love for a horse named The Pie. It’s well worth revisiting.
Secretariat
The life of Triple Crown winner Secretariat was made for the magic of film, and Disney capitalized on that when they made Secretariat in 2010. Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, who takes over her father’s stables without a background in horse racing. The movie also stars John Malkovich, Margo Martindale, Scott Glenn, and James Cromwell. Relive how Secretariat made history in 1973 when you watch this movie.
Seabiscuit
We’ve shared the story of Seabiscuit here on the blog before, but the movie is also worth mentioning. The movie stars Toby McGuire, fresh off his debut as Spider-Man, as the unlikely jockey who rode the lazy and unmanageable Seabiscuit to victory. The story takes place during the Great Depression but comes across as a heartwarming and sweet story of one of the greatest stories of American sports history.
Let It Ride
If you’re not looking for a saccharine-sweet movie and would rather watch a comedy, Let It Ride is the movie for you. It was released in 1989 and starred Richard Dreyfuss and Terry Gar. The story is about a lovable loser who gambles too much but believes in the power of luck. It’s a funny and classic comedy that will fit right into a movie night.
Phar Lap
We debated including the movie Phar Lap on the list and finally decided to add it and let you decide. It’s less of a feel-good film, but it’s a true story of a New Zealand racehorse with an epic international reputation. It’s a sad tale about a real-life horse, but the movie is well-made, incredibly acted, and worth it for someone who loves thoroughbreds.
Tell us your favorite movies, books, or TV shows about horses!
Meet the Ologists
Follow horseOlogy online and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about our team, thoroughbreds, and services. Call us at 855-HORSIES (855-467-7437) to set up your visit to our facility.
