7 Best Cycling Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Cycling Movies

We’ve compiled a list of the best cycling films ever created, and we hope you find it useful.

We’ve compiled a list of the best movies on bicycles, ranging from the classic Bicycle Thieves (1948) to today’s blockbusters.

As a result, there aren’t any documentaries in the top 10. Due to the sheer number of options, we felt the need to compile our favorites in one place. Visit this page to see a selection of the best cycling documentaries we could find.

Let us know what you think in the comments section at the end of this story!

This is the order in which we’ve arranged our list, starting with the most recent. There are a lot of older cycling clips, so if you’re looking for something specific, you may have to browse down!

In addition, we’ve included a link to a website that compares the pricing of streaming services (if the film is featured on the website – it doesn’t list them all) for the films we’ve included.

1. Wadjda (2012)

Wadjda (2012)

Saudi Arabian girl Wadjda is eleven years old and lives in Riyadh. In order to compete with her neighbor Abdullah, she is keen to acquire a bicycle. Mother tells her ‘you won’t conceive children if you ride a bike,’ and she refuses. Wadjda decides to raise the money to buy a bicycle on her own.

Unlike other films, Wadjda was shot entirely in Saudi Arabia, a country where there are no cinemas. For the first time in Saudi cinema, a female filmmaker took the helm of a full film.

Because of this, it deserves to be included in our list of the top cycling films in the world. We really enjoy the glimpses into Saudi Arabian society, the chance to observe what Riyadh is like, and the thought-provoking observations on Saudi women’s roles and status.

Despite the fact that the film is subtitled, we think it’s a must-see.

2. The Kid with a Bike (2011)

Cyril, a 12-year-old boy who was abandoned by his father and placed in a children’s home, is the protagonist of The Kid with a Bike. A neighborhood hairdresser volunteers to take after Cyril on the weekends when Cyril flees on his bike. Cyril finds his father after a long search and he is once again rejected by him. As a result, Cyril finds himself on the wrong side of a local gang leader.

According to movie review site RottenTomatoes.com, this critically-acclaimed picture received an impressive 96 percent rating. Despite its title, you shouldn’t expect the story to revolve entirely around bicycles. The film is also in French with English subtitles, but you won’t miss them because the story is so compelling and moving.

Similarly to Wadjda, the Kid with a Bike defies adversity to pursue happiness, supported by the assistance of their beloved bicycles.

3. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

It’s a French animated cycling picture with a lot of the story being conveyed through song in The Triplets of Belville. The story of a French Mafia kidnapping a great Tour de France cyclist is told in this bizarre, amusing, and at times heartfelt animated film. His grandma, her faithful dog Bruno, and a trio of 1930s singers known as The Triplets of Belleville rush to his aid.

It’s understandable if you believe this movie’s concept seems crazy, because it is! Because this film is unlike anything else ever made, it is one of the reasons why it is so wonderful. You will laugh, cry, and smile your way through The Triplets of Belville. On RottenTomatoes.com, it has received a great 94 percent rating.

If you give it a try, you might be surprised.

4. American Flyers (1985)

American Flyers, starring Kevin Costner as a sports doctor who convinces his younger brother to train alongside him for a three-day bike race over the Rocky Mountains known as the “Hell of the West,” is one of the greatest bike racing movies of all time. The story centres around the possibility that one of the two brothers has a hereditary brain disorder that could lead to paralysis at any time.

It’s not just the terrible moustaches, the uncomfortable sex scenes, or the nasty crashes that make this film so bad. There’s amazing overhead footage of the red rock scenery, and Eddie Merckx makes a surprise appearance! Those who appreciate cycling films will find a lot to like in this classic flick.

5. Breaking away (1979)

Breaking away (1979)

One of Bloomington, Indiana’s most populous college towns, Breaking Away is a coming-of-age comedy-drama about four misfit teens. In a place where the rich and snooty college kids don’t accept them, these young men find a way to blend in.

In the video, Dave Stohler, a teenage cyclist, falls in love with Italian road racing after winning a Masi bicycle. The film culminates in the formation of a cycling team by the buddies for the University’s Little 500 – they are the only “townie” squad versus the students of the University.

One of the best cycling films ever made and one that we’d watch again and again, this critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning, iconic cycling film explores a wide range of themes, including the transition from aimless childhood to adult responsibility, class difference, parental expectation, the importance of family, and life in small town America.

6. Jour de Fete (1949)

French comedy film Jour de Fete, which translates to “The Big Day” or “The Big Event” in English, was written, directed, and starred Jacques Tati. After drinking too much wine and becoming sidetracked, the film’s protagonist goes to funny measures to deliver mail on his bicycle as swiftly as possible.

With English subtitles, it isn’t necessary to watch this French-language picture as much of the comedy relies on visual gags.

For a film from the 1940s, Jour de Fete has been skillfully colored, presenting a stunning depiction of post-war rural life in France.

7. Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

For many people, Bicycle Thieves is one of the greatest cycling flicks ever made. It portrays the basic story of Antonio, an unemployed guy who finally gets a job hanging posters in Rome after World War II. A bicycle is all that is required of him for the position. In a desperate attempt to recover his stolen bicycle, Antonio trudges the streets with his small son.

In addition to being an Oscar winner, this picture has had a lasting impact on the world of cinema and has been included in numerous “best of” lists. There are some beautiful images of 1940s Rome, as well as a heart-wrenching story.