Top 15 Horse Movies You Absolutely Have to See

The horse has always played an important role in cinema due to its elegance and the emotions it can transmit on screen. We have therefore put together some horse films that we advise you to watch if you have some time. Find in our article 10 films which are among the best films about horses.

Jappeloup (2013)

The film Jappeloup is adapted from the novel “Crin noir” by Karine Devilder, it tells the true story of Pierre Durand, a horse riding enthusiast, who chooses to abandon his career as a lawyer in order to devote himself to show jumping discipline. However, his horse Jappeloup is as magnificent as it is unpredictable. Director Christian Duguay delivers a spectacular biopic with Guillaume Canet in the lead role, himself a rider in life.

Flicka (2006)

This film tells the story of a young girl who finds a wild mustang and sets out to tame it herself in the hopes of convincing her parents to let her take over the family ranch

Flicka is a story that deals not only with the bond between a girl and a horse, but also with the relationships within a family. You witness a father's struggle to connect with his daughter and that of a sister and brother who do everything to protect each other. You will witness the devotion that the horse and the girl have for each other and the devotion that the family also has for each other.

In Balance (2015)

Marc Guermont was a highly sought-after horse stuntman in films. One day, unfortunately, he had a bad fall with his mount while filming a historical film.

And not only has he become a paraplegic, but his insurance company is trying to scam him. Two good reasons for Marc to feel bitter and angry. It goes without saying that Marc is resolutely awaiting the arrival of his insurance “advisor”. But when the latter reports to him, the insurer turns out to be an... attractive woman, Florence Kernel.

Spirit, the Plains Stallion (2002)

Released in 2002 by DreamWorks Animation, Spirit: Stallion of the Plains is a very well-made animated horse film. Instead of talking horses like any other animated animal movie, these horses communicate through sounds and body language, just like a real horse would. It impressed critics and earned him an Oscar nomination.

The story is about a young colt who becomes a proud stallion and the leader of his herd. However, he is captured by humans, who try to tame him in a very cruel way. Spirit also meets a Native American child and the two develop a friendship that saves both their lives.

Spirit reminds us of the real spirit of the horse; there will always be a part of them that is free and wild.

War Horse (2012)

The War Horse film is directed by Steven Spielberg which received six nominations for the Oscars in 2012. It is the touching story of a horse who is thrown into the chaos of Europe during the First World War.

The story begins with the birth of Joey, then his training by a boy named Albert. However, when Albert's father sells Joey to the army when they need money to pay the rent after a downpour destroys their crops, Albert watches as his horse is sent to war.

Thoroughbred, the legend of Seabiscuit (2003)

Seabiscuit is a 2003 horse film based on the champion thoroughbred who was the top racehorse until the 1940s. However, Seabiscuit was much more than just a racehorse. The horse became a symbol of hope for Americans during the period of the Great Depression.

Automaker Charles Howard is no different, trying to rebuild his life after the tragic death of his only child and the resulting end of his first marriage.

With his second wife Marcela at his side, Charles wants to get into horse racing and finds himself with a team of outsiders who are also pursuing their own dream. The first is trainer Tom Smith, who has a natural instinct for spotting horses' abilities. The second is the horse that Tom chooses for Charles, Seabiscuit, an unconventional choice because despite his lineage, Seabiscuit is small and has a slight limp.

Dance with Him (2007)

Three years after separating from a womanizing husband and having a dramatic fall during a horse show, Alexandra Balzan (played by actress Mathilde Seigner), Parisian architect, rediscovers her appetite for life and love after a chance encounter with an aging misanthrope of a horse master (Sami Frey) and his horse, in a dilapidated and disused equestrian center near Beauvais.

Miguel (Jean-François Pignon), the only boy to have remained at the equestrian center out of loyalty to the master and his values, is at the same time a stuntman for the cinema, and suffers from the contempt of the film crews for the risks he must take.

These three, despite their mortal wounds, are the heirs of ancient equestrian science and know-how, inherited from generations of master riders. The film is about how these three people use this science and know-how to right a magnificent horse's training, training that was sabotaged by an ignorant and negligent previous owner.

The Man Who Whispered Horses (1998)

The Horse Whisperer is a film directed by Robert Redford, who also starred in the film. Based on the 1995 novel by Nicholas Evans, Redford stars as a horse trainer known as the "Horse Whisperer" who comes to the rescue of a young girl Grace MacLean (Scarlett Johansson) to help her understand horses.

The film begins by showing Grace and her horse involved in an accident with a truck and them seriously injures her and her horse. Grace has a partially amputated leg and is bitter as her horse is traumatized.

To help heal her troubled and injured daughter and horse, the mother, Annie MacLean (Dame Kristin Scott Thomas), takes them to Montana to rest at the ranch of Tom Booker (Robert Redford), a horse healer with mystical talents. Annie also falls in love with him.

Secretariat (2010)

While Seabiscuit was a racehorse that took America by storm during the Great Depression, Secretariat remains known as one of the most successful thoroughbred racehorses of all time. He has won five Eclipse Awards and is second, after Man o' War, in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame's list of the greatest racehorses of the 20th century.

In 2010, the film which tells the story of this astonishing horse was brought to the big screen by Disney. The racehorse film was not as successful as other horse films, but it received high praise as an authentic film.

Penny Chenery, a housewife and mother, agrees to take over her ailing father's Meadow Stables in Virginia, despite her lack of knowledge of horse racing. Against all odds, Chenery, with the help of experienced trainer Lucien Laurin, managed to navigate this predominantly male environment, and obtain the first Triple Crown in twenty-five years.

Hidalgo (2004)

Held every year for centuries, the Ocean of Fire, a 5,000 km survival race across the Arabian Desert, was a challenge reserved for the best Arabian horses ever bred, from the purest and noblest bloodlines, belonging to the greatest royal families.

In 1890, a wealthy sheikh invited an American, Frank T. Hopkins, and his horse to compete in the race for the first time. During his career, Hopkins was a cowboy and messenger of the United States Cavalry, considered the greatest horseman the West has ever known.

The sheikh puts his claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the greatest Arab horses and riders in the world, some of whom are determined to stop a foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but also a race for his very survival, as he and his horse attempt the impossible.

The Rider (2017)

The Rider, directed by Chloé Zhao, is a poignant drama inspired by true events, where Brady Blackburn, a young cowboy and talented horse trainer, must face an accident that compromises his career and his dream. This film mixes reality and fiction, featuring Brady Jandreau in his own role, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

This feature film explores the deep bond between man and horse while addressing universal themes such as identity, resilience and courage in the face of adversity. The naturalist approach of the film offers a unique immersion into the life of modern cowboys, enhanced by majestic landscapes.

Nevada (2019)

Nevada, directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, tells the story of Roman Coleman, a taciturn inmate who participates in a rehabilitation program involving the training of wild horses. While working with an indomitable Mustang, Roman begins to reconnect with his humanity and confront the wounds of his past.

This powerful film illustrates the personal transformation that the relationship between man and animal allows. Matthias Schoenaerts delivers an intense performance in this emotional drama, where horses become a metaphor of freedom and forgiveness.

White Horsehair (1953)

Crin blanc is a poetic masterpiece directed by Albert Lamorisse. This short film tells the story of a wild and indomitable horse, Crin blanc, living in the Camargue, and of his friendship with a young boy, Folco. Together, they try to escape the cruelty of the men who want to capture the horse.

With a unique visual and narrative approach, this film is an ode to freedom and to the complicity between man and nature. This timeless classic won the Palme d’Or for short film at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953.

The Black Stallion (1979)

Based on the adventure novel by Walter Farley, The Black Stallion is a captivating film directed by Carroll Ballard. It tells the story of Alec Ramsey, a young boy shipwrecked on a desert island, who befriends a black Arabian stallion, also a survivor. Their relationship evolves until they return to dry land, where they participate in epic races.

This film is praised for its stunning cinematography, showcasing the majesty of the horse and the spectacular landscapes. An adventure full of suspense and emotion that will delight young and old.

Black Prince (1994)

Black Prince is an adaptation of the famous novel by Anna Sewell. This film tells the story of the life of a horse named Black Prince, told from his own point of view. From his carefree childhood to his darker moments, the film explores the ups and downs of equine life through encounters with different masters, good and bad.

This feature film highlights the themes of empathy and respect for animals, offering a unique and moving perspective. A must-see for lovers of horses and touching stories.

Where to watch these films?

Finding the horse films mentioned in this comparison is easier than ever thanks to the many streaming platforms and options available. Here's where you can view these masterpieces:

On popular streaming platforms:

• Netflix:

  • Jappeloup (2013) – Available in select regions, ideal for fans of sports biopics.
  • Spirit, the Stallion of the Plains (2002) – An animated classic to discover with the family.

• Amazon Prime Video:

  • Flicka (2006) and its sequels – Rental or purchase for lovers of great family stories.
  • War Horse (2012) – Available to stream or rent.
  • Secretariat (2010) – An inspiring film for horse racing fans.

• Disney+:

  • Spirit of the Plains (2002) – Perfect for fans of animation and stories about freedom.

• Apple TV and Google Play:

  • Hidalgo (2004) – Available for rental/purchase for lovers of equestrian adventures.
  • Dance with Him (2007) and The Man Who Whispered in the Ear of Horses (1998) – Other essential titles also accessible.

On specialized platforms or DVD:

• Canal+ on demand:

  • In Balance (2015) – A touching French film about resilience and the human-horse bond.

• DVD/Blu-ray (available on Amazon and Fnac):

  • White Hair (1953) and The Black Stallion (1979) – Timeless classics often absent from platforms but available in physical version.
  • Black Prince (1994) – A beautiful adaptation of Anna Sewell’s novel to rediscover.

For recent and independent films:

• The Rider (2017): Available on Arte Boutique or for rental on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
• Nevada (2019): Present on Netflix in certain regions and for rental on Google Play.