If you're anything like us, when we're not riding bikes, mending bikes, or otherwise thinking about bikes, we're usually watching bike movies.
This list is guaranteed to keep you interested in your favourite sport, encourage you to laugh, provoke you to think, and finally make you want to go for your next ride when you're done watching. But first, have a seat, unwind, and watch some of the finest films and documentaries on cycling.
There are several cycling-related films available, including Hollywood blockbusters and documentaries. Here are some of our top roadie-related full-length movies and documentaries.
MOVIES
Movie: Wadjda
Year: 2013
Ten-year-old Wadjda is a Saudi Arabian child who lives in Riyadh. She is fervently seeking a bicycle so that she may compete in races with Abdullah, her neighbour. Her mother forbids it, sternly warning her that if she rides a bike, she won't be able to have children. Wadjda decides she would fundraise on her own to purchase a bicycle.
Wadjda is historic since it was the first movie to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, a nation without movie theatres. Additionally, it was the first full-length film directed by a Saudi woman.
But it merits a spot on our list of the greatest cycling movies ever since it's also brimming with drama, and stunning realism, and has a touching conclusion. We particularly
appreciate the insider information about Saudi Arabian culture, the opportunity to experience Riyadh firsthand, and the intriguing analysis of the place and status of women in Saudi society.
Despite having subtitles, we believe the movie is still worth seeing because it has received multiple honours.
Movie: The Kid with a bike
Year: 2011
In the tragic tale The Kid with a Bike, 12-year-old Cyril is abandoned by his father and placed in a children's home. Cyril flees on his bike and befriends a neighbourhood hairdresser, who generously offers to watch over him on the weekends. Cyril finds his father after searching, but he rejects him once more. As a result, Cyril meets a local gang boss and is guided in the wrong direction by him.
This highly regarded movie has received excellent reviews, earning a score of 96% on the website RottenTomatoes.com. A part of this film is about cycling, and it is in French with English subtitles, although you hardly notice them since the story is so compelling and moving.
In many respects, The Kid with a Bike and Wadjda are comparable since both young people struggle against obstacles to find pleasure while riding their beloved bicycles.
Movie: The Triplets of Belleville
Year: 2003
The plot of the French animated cycle movie -The Triplets of Belville is mostly told through song. This bizarre, amusing, and the occasionally heartbreaking animated film follows the story of a Tour de France champion cyclist who is abducted by the French Mafia. His old grandmother, her
devoted dog Bruno, and a trio of 1930s singers known as The Triplets of Belleville rush to his aid.
You'd be given a pass if you thought the plot of this movie seemed insane because it does! One of the things that makes this movie so amazing is how unique it is from everything else that has ever been made. The Triplets of Belville is full of humour and heart, and it will make you smile widely.
Movie: American Flyer
Year: 1985
The sports physician Marcus Sommers, played by Kevin Costner, convinces his younger brother to train with him for a three-day bike race over the Rocky Mountains, known as the "Hell of the West," in one of the finest bike racing movies of all time. The final twist is the possibility that one of the two brothers may have a hereditary brain disorder that might leave them paralysed at any time.
This film features some fantastic bike racing footage in addition to plenty of 80s cheesiness, awful moustaches, weird scenes, and violent wrecks. Additionally, there is breathtaking aerial photography of the red rock scenery, as well as an unexpected appearance by Eddie Merckx!
Movie: Breaking Away
Year: 1979
Four adolescent misfits in Bloomington, Indiana, one of the biggest college towns in America, are the subject of the coming-of-age comedy-drama Breaking Away. It's a heartwarming story about young guys finding their place in a world where they feel alienated from wealthy, affluent college students.
After winning a Masi bike, teenage biker Dave Stohler develops a passion for Italian road riding, which is the subject of the movie. The pals organise a bicycle team for the University's Little 500, where they compete against the college students as the sole "townie" squad.
The film explores a variety of themes on top of the cycling backdrop, such as the transition
from aimless childhood to adult responsibility, class differences, parental expectations, the value of family, and life in small-town America. It is undoubtedly one of the best cycling movies of all time and one that folks would watch repeatedly.
Movie: Jour de Fete
Year: 1949
Jour de Fete, which translates to "The Big Day" in French, is a comedy movie that was written, directed, and starred by comedic actor Jacques Tati. The story revolves around a clueless postman who gets side-tracked, consumes too much wine, and then goes to humorous lengths to deliver the mail as swiftly as possible on his bicycle.
Although this movie has subtitles in both French and English, they are seldom necessary because most of the humour is visual in the manner of previous silent films.
Jour de Fete was expertly made in colour, which is unusual for a 1940s movie and creates a stunning depiction of post-war rural life in France.
Movie: Bicycle Thieves
Year: 1948
Bicycle Thieves, one of the best bicycle movies ever made, is a strong and moving piece of literature. It is a straightforward story of Antonio, an unemployed guy who finally finds work hanging posters in post-war Rome. The sole prerequisite for the position is that he must own a bicycle. When Antonio's bicycle is taken, he and his little son stomp the streets to find it.
DOCUMENTARIES
Documentary Name: Movistar Cycling Documentary
Year: 2019 and 2021
This documentary is best for those who wish to watch cycling TV broadcasts to gain insight into the professional peloton. Watch this thrilling six-part series in one sitting to see the Movistar Team from Spain participate in the 2019 cycling season. Movistar offers rare behind-the-scenes videos in this series.
On Netflix, this is one of the greatest cycling documentaries. It's well made and has a really honest, raw feel to it, conveying the dynamics and conflicts among the team's well-known leaders. Getting such insights on races with such recent history is remarkable.
Documentary Name: Personal Gold - An underdog Story
Year: 2015
Four American women are profiled in the documentary Personal Gold as they pursue Olympic gold medals in cycling at the London 2012 Games.
These underdog women riders are the USA's last chance to win track cycling gold when the men's squad gets disqualified for doping in the aftermath of the Lance Armstrong drug scandal.
Documentary Name: Sean Europe’s ‘Convey or Bust’
Year: 2020
Extreme adventurer Sean Conway broke the previous record in 2019 by riding solo across Europe in under 24 days, from Portugal to Russia. Conway struggles in this intriguing fly-on-the-wall British cycling documentary as she encounters hazardous roads, powerful headwinds, a lack of sleep, and an unbelievable diet.
Documentary Name: Tour De Pharmacy
Year: 2017
This parody documents the pervasiveness of doping in the world of professional cycling. The movie, which stars Kevin Bacon, Andy Samberg, and Orlando Bloom, also includes cameos from Lance Armstrong and Mike Tyson, who portray themselves.
The 1982 Tour de France serves as the backdrop for this film, which makes light of the equal playing field caused by the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs by professional cyclists.
Documentary Name: De Ronde 100- Behind the scenes
Year: 2020
A unique look into the events that surround the Tour of Flanders, also known as the De Ronde, is one of the most significant races on the calendar. This documentary, which is a part of the Spring Classics, focuses on the 2016 race, which is the 100th running of the event.
It's one of the greatest cycling movies on YouTube because, among other things, its unvarnished honesty offers you an understanding of the labour that the press and organising staff put in to deliver you the images you see on your screen.
Documentary Name: Lance
Year: 2020
This two-part documentary was first shown by ESPN in 2020 as a part of their "30 for 30" series. It demonstrates Lance Armstrong being interviewed and being frank about his past actions and current situation.
A series of documentaries on ESPN called 30 for 30 covers both historical and contemporary athletic events. Sports legends like OJ Simpson and Michael Jordan have also appeared in the series.
It takes into consideration interviews with his friends, family, and foes from the media and the cycling world. It makes for entertaining viewing and feels like a satisfactory way to bring Lance's racing career to an end. There will undoubtedly be controversy, as there always is with Mr Armstrong!
Documentary Name: Iron Cowboy
Year: 2018
The triathlete James Lawrence (also known as the Iron Cowboy) and his quest to finish an astonishing 50 Ironman events in 50 days across 50 US states are the subjects of this epic film. One of the most unpolished cycling movies available on Netflix and other streaming websites.
You'll be one step closer to understanding what's involved in this achievement if you've ever finished an Ironman or triathlon. You'll learn how the human body may be stressed to the breaking point in this important documentary.
Documentary Name: Icarus
Year: 2017
American cycling documentary Icarus opens with Bryan Fogel's research into doping in amateur cycling. To prepare for the Haute Route, he sets out to test if he might use drugs and get away with it.
The revelation of Russia's state-sponsored Olympic doping operation is the documentary's climax. It describes the incidents that lead to the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2019 decision to exclude Russia from competing in all major sports events for the next four years and the removal of 47 Olympic medals from Russian competitors.
Documentary Name: Mamil
Year: 2017
Middle-Aged Men in Lycra (MAMILs) -This entertaining feature-length road cycling documentary follows numerous teams of overweight bikers in Australia, homosexual couples in New York, and British fathers riding cycles. This movie depicts the life of recreational road cyclists, who are somewhat similar to us all but yet quite different.
Documentary Name: All for One
Year: 2017
The GreenEDGE cycling team, Australia's first ProTour squad, is featured in the cycling documentary All For One.
Most of the information in the All For One movie will be recognisable to viewers of the Backstage Pass YouTube series, and this pro cycling documentary has the same lighthearted tone. It's one to watch for a flattering portrayal of professional cycling.
Whether you're bored at home or simply want a cosy night in, these selections of the top cycling movies and documentaries can serve as inspiration.
If you can't ride your bike, we hope you discover a few movies you haven't seen before so you can at least watch bicycles and learn more about cycling, the finest sport in the world!
So, which one are you going, to begin with? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
HAPPY CYCLING AND KEEP THOSE PEDALS SPINNING!
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