Horse films

Films that feature appealing animals are usually a favourite for a lot of fans. Whilst dogs take first place for appearances in films as well as general popularity, horses are a close second. Often seen as elegant, understanding and strong; horses are often featurd in films for the same reason as dogs – to portray the important bond people can share with these social animals.

If you’re film fan who just happens to be enthusiastic about horses then you probably spend some time browsing for films with a perfect balance of entertainment and beautiful four legged creatures. If that is the case then sit back and relax because we’ve got it covered. We present to you our list of fantastic films for horse lovers:

1. Black Beauty (1994)

Black Beauty has five adaptions created from the original novel. Though this is a staggering number and it may be fun to binge watch them all with popcorn, we chose the most recent as it is perhaps the freshest in people’s minds. Any of the films, however, are a good choice.

The novel was created in 1877 by Anna Sewell. It stands as one of the best selling books of all time. Sewell was inspired to write the book about Black Beauty in order to teach people how to responsibly and properly care for animals such as the horse Black Beauty. Sewell also was teaching her readers how to express kindess and empathy to other fellow human beings.

Returning to the 1994 film, it features stars such as Sean Bean, Alan Cumming and David Thewlis and the soundtrack was written by Danny Elfman. Though not the most financially successful version, it captures strong emotions and empathy for the horse and those who try to protect him.

Just be warned: a box of tissues will be needed when watching this.

2. Buck

How could we talk about horses without discussing Buck Brannaman? Brannaman is a horse trainer who believes in bonding with a horse through trust and forging strong bonds. Like many who turn to the comfort of animals, Brannaman experienced abuse from his father and instead spent time with horses where his love for them sparked.

The film follows the life about Brannaman and allows viewers to understand his perception of horses and appreciate what it takes to truly bond with an animal.

One critic summarized the portrayal of Brannaman in Buck as “He does unto horses as he wishes his father had done unto him.”

This one may be a tear jerker as well folks.

3. The Horse Boy

Another film that portrays the real life bonds people can have with horses is The Horse Boy. This film fllows the Issacsons as they try to find a way to make life easier for their autistic son Rowan.

After searching, it is revealed that Rowan’s condition is improved by being around horses. In order to pursue this, the family leave Texas and travel to Mongolia in search of healing.

As well this film, Rowan’s father Rupert published a book which became a New York Times Best-seller.

4. My Little Pony Franchise

Okay, maybe we should give you a break from the emotional films and suggest something a little more fun to watch.

My Little Pony is perhaps one of the most successful child’s franchises to hit the world. Introduced by Hasbro, what do people love more than brightly coloured ponies with wings and cowboy hats?

Video and board games, books, TV shows and even glasses are dominated by My Little Pony images, so why not films?

You will not be short here for choice, let’s give you a little taste of your options:

My Little Pony: The Movie (1986) – if you’re feeling a little retro
My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas (2005)
My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure (2009)
My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) – That is if you can find any seats in the cinema

5. Racing Stripes

Though technically not a horse, they are definitely part of the same family. Besides, zebras are as wonderful as horses, aren’t they?

Racing Stripes is a wonderfully eccentric film about an abandoned circus zebra who desperately wants to take up horse racing. Though zebras are smaller and stouter than horses, you’ll find yourself cheering this little guy on.

Racing Stripes features stars such as Frankie Muniz, Steve Harvey, David Spade, Snoop Dogg, Dustin Hoffman and Whoopi Goldberg so you’ll recogise a lot of faces.

6. Seabiscuit (2003)

It would almost be criminal not to include Seabiscuit on this list. Before we get into the film, let’s discuss the horse that inspired it. Seabiscuit was a racing horse during the Great Depression but was small and overlooked. Being an underdog (or should that be horse?) Seabiscuit became a symbol to the American people much like Superman. He became a champion and inspired many films and books about his unlikely success.

This film is one of many based around Seabiscuit, however it is more inspired by a book about the events by Laura Hillenbrand than the racehorse itself. The film stars Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Elizabeth Banks and William H. Macy.

7. Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Another animated film about a horse but we promise it’s quite a lot different to MLP. Spirit is set in the wild west follows a wild stallion who is captured and taken away from his herd in order to be broken in and put to work. On his journey to get home, he works for the military and assists the building of a railway across the west. He also is taken in by Native Americans who notably treat their horses with more understanding and kindess.

Taking you through Spirit’s thoughts and feelings is Matt Damon and easing you into the soundtrack is Bryan Adams.

If you’re looking for a brief history lesson of the wild west as well as one horses struggle against ropes, chains and saddles, then this film is definitely for you.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list for film fans and horse lovers and you settle in for a night in front of the television to watch your favourite hooved friends.