July 25, 2023

Best Horse Movies: Here is Your Guide to the Greatest Equine Flicks of All Time

What’s a weekend without a horse movie? If you’re searching for some recommendations, here are 12 of our very favorite films––from old classics to modern tales. With more ways to stream horse movies than ever before, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to discover cherished equestrian films to add to the top of your watchlist.

Horse Movies to Watch and Stream Now

Dreamer (2005)

Inspired by a true story, Dreamer is a horse movie that follows a racing trainer and his family as they work to rehabilitate a filly with a broken cannon bone. A feel-good film, this story explores the family relationship between a father and his young daughter as they repair their bond. Starring eleven-year-old Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell, this horse film is an absolute must-watch.

Dreamer is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.

horse movie secretariat — Diane Lane in *Secretariat*.

Secretariat (2010)

Based on the true story of the triple crown winner Secretariat, this film illustrates the beginning of Secretariat’s life to his final win in an incredible redemption arc for the Chenery family. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery decides to take over her father’s horse-racing operation and tackle the male-dominated industry to deliver the first Triple Crown winner in twenty-five years. Starring Diane Lane, John Malkovich, and Margo Martindale, this is one of those horse movies guaranteed to make you cry.

Secretariat is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, or stream with Disney+.

horse movies National Velvet elizabeth taylor — Elizabeth Taylor in *National Velvet*.

National Velvet (1944)

This classic horse film from 1944 challenges the horse world when a young girl, played by Elizabeth Taylor, attempts to live out her dreams to prepare a horse for the Grand National, a prestigious steeple chase event. She meets a young, but retired jockey, played by Mickey Rooney, who eventually agrees to help her train the horse she has her eye on. Chaos ensues as they discover a secret between the young jockey and the girl’s family, as well as a last-minute change where the young girl must put her life on the line to let her horse compete. One of the most iconic horse movies of all time.

National Velvet is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.

horse movie Flicka — *Flicka*, based on the 1941 novel *My Friend Flicka*.

Flicka (2006)

A horse movie based loosely on a beloved classic novel, Flicka (2006) tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl, played by Alison Lohman, living with her family on their mountain ranch. She falls in love with a wild mustang and decides to train it to prove to her father she can take over the ranch someday. Her father (played by country music star Tim McGraw) forbids her from having anything to do with the horse, but she disobeys his orders and does everything she can to make Flicka her own.

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Flicka is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or free with an HBO Max subscription.

best horse movies lean on pete charlie plummer — Charlie Plummer in *Lean on Pete*.

Lean On Pete (2017)

This bittersweet drama tells the tale of a young teenager, played by Charlie Plummer, who is caring for an aging racehorse. When he finds out the racehorse is headed for slaughter, and his life is upturned by a shocking death, the young teenager sneaks off with the horse in search of a fresh start. This horse film is a portrait of loss, grief, and the search for home and belonging.

Lean on Pete is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or stream for free with a Premium Subscription.

horse films the rider chloe zhao — Director Chloe Zhao’s western, *The Rider*.

The Rider (2017)

In this emotional drama, the story centers around a young rodeo rider (Brady Jandreau) who tries to find his way in the world after a near-fatal accident leaves him with frequent seizures and a weak right hand. Brady Blackburn refuses to stop despite the danger of riding, bonding with a new horse as he struggles with a difficult family dynamic. This horse movie from breakout director Chloé Zhao is full of gorgeous scenery, poignant emotional moments, and powerful character arcs is one you won’t want to miss.

The Rider is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or stream for free on Pluto TV.

best horse movies black beauty — Everyone’s favorite ’90s horse flick, *Black Beauty*.

Black Beauty (1994)

Based on the best-selling novel, this film lets Black Beauty take the lead, sharing his unique story of life in England during the late 1800s. This is one of the most popular horse movies of all time, so much so that it was remade last year, with none other than Kate Winslet as Beauty.

Black Beauty is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime Video.

horse movies on netflix — Steven Spielberg’s WWI drama, *War Horse*.

War Horse (2011)

A horse movie not for a lighthearted, War Horse is a beautifully directed film by Steven Spielberg that follows Albert, a young boy played by Jeremy Irvine, who enlists to serve in World War I after his cherished horse is sold to the cavalry by his father. Albert journeys through battle in war-torn Europe, wondering if he’ll ever be reunited with his beloved horse. Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this film is a must-see––just be prepared for an emotional ride.

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War Horse is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or free with a Netflix subscription.

best horse films the black stallion — A scene from *The Black Stallion*.

The Black Stallion (1979)

In this classic rendition of the Walter Farley novel, Alec, played by Kelly Reno, and a horse bond after tragedy strikes and leaves them stranded on an island together. Their friendship strengthens as they are rescued and begin to start training for races with the help of a once-successful horse trainer, played by Mickey Rooney.

The Black Stallion is available to watch for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription or for free on Pluto TV.

*The Man from Snowy River* proves that a good Western can take place outside of the U.S.

The Man from Snowy River (1982)

This horse movie proves that not all great Westerns are set in the American West. After eighteen-year-old Jim Craig (played by Tom Burlinson) loses his father, he takes a job at a cattle ranch in the lowlands of the Australian mountains in order to sustain his father’s farm. His story becomes complicated as he falls in love, works to win the respect of the other ranchers, and a final betrayal that Jim must overcome.

The Man from Snowy River is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.

horse films The Mustang — Matthias Schoenaerts in *The Mustang*.

The Mustang (2019)

Based on a true prisoner rehabilitation program, violent convict Roman Coleman (Matthias Schoenaerts) takes on the task of breaking and training wild horses before they’re sold at auction. Roman must learn to control himself in order to make progress and be in harmony with his horse. Through tragedy and triumphs, this horse movie is an emotional rollercoaster that you don’t want to miss.

The Mustang is available to stream for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription, and free with a Max subscription.

Seabiscuit horse movie — Tobey McGuire in *Seabiscuit*.

Seabiscuit (2003)

Based on the true story of the racing legend Seabiscuit, this film tells the story of the trainer, jockey, and owner in their hardships during the Great Depression, and how they were united by a horse that changed their lives. This iconic quote from the film sums up the entire story: “You know, you don’t throw a whole life away just ‘cause he’s banged up a little.” Add this tear-jerker to the top of your horse movies watch list.