10 Best Motorcycle Movies to Binge This Weekend

Motorcycles have always enjoyed a special place on the silver screen. Thrilling chases, breathtaking road maneuvers and all-around action, what’s not to love? Whether you’re a legit biker, movie buff or just looking for something adrenaline-pumping to watch, you’ll definitely find something worth your while on this list. From classics like The Wild One to modern flicks like Hell Ride, here are the 10 best motorcycle movies to schedule for your next binge weekend. 

Best Motorcycle Movies Criteria

Like any other genre, motorbike films come in different styles, so crafting a top 10 list that caters to every category is virtually impossible. For the purpose of this article, the main criterion is that motorcycles feature prominently in the movie and are integral to the plot. With that out of the way, let’s jump right into it. 

10. Easy Rider (1969)

Easy Rider follows two bikers as they mount their seriously chopped hogs and ride from Los Angeles to New Orleans. This iconic movie stars Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson and other talented actors. It is widely regarded as one of the best cross-country movies ever made. Easy Rider was also a game-changer in Nicholson’s career trajectory, as his portrayal of alcoholic lawyer George Hanson earned him his first Oscar nomination. 

9. The Wild One (1953)

Fancy an oldie for binge night? The Wild One was one of the best motorcycle movies of the 50s. It follows Johnny Strabler — played by Marlon Brando — a cop-hating biker gang leader dressed in the now-popular Perfecto leather jacket in a war with a rival gang. The film used real biker gangs and is often credited with popularizing the idea of motorcycle groups in Hollywood. The British Board of Film Classification banned the movie until 1967 due to its controversial display of crime and violence. 

8. Beyond the Law (1993)

Actor Charlie Sheen demonstrated the breadth of his acting chops in this movie. He played Dan Saxon, an undercover cop who joins a murderous, arms-dealing biker gang to end their reign of terror for good. However, he has to commit more dangerous crimes to get as deep as possible, almost resulting in no way back. The movie is an interesting thriller about the moral complexity of going undercover but also wondering how far from the law he can stray without blowing his cover. 

7. The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

The Motorcycle Diaries is the quintessential road trip film and chronicles the adventures of Ernesto “Che” Guevara before he was a revolutionary icon. Che and his pal Alberto give off major wanderlust vibes as they ride through the pristine South American wilderness on their Norton 500 bike — christened La Poderosa. The movie propelled actor Gael Garcia Bernal to international fame and provides a glimpse into the various motivations behind Che Guevarra’s decision to fight against the political oppression haunting his country. 

6. Hell Ride (2008)

Hell Ride is a star-studded movie that revolves around two competing gangs, the Victors and the Six-Six-Sixes, as they engage in a bloody rivalry and avenge the killing of a fellow member.  The cast includes OG bikers from the 60s and 70s — Dennis Hopper, Eric Balfour and Michael Madsen — with Vinnie Jones, Leonor Varela and Davide Carradine playing supporting roles. Overall, the movie features fast bikes, hilarious dialogue and Quentin Tarantino’s unique brand of filmmaking. 

5. Wild Hogs (2007)

Wild Hogs is one of the best motorcycle movies to watch if you want something comic and lighthearted. The story follows four middle-aged friends as they embark on a life-changing motorbike trip. It’s a fun plot with lots of relatable scenes and humorous character developments, perfect for family movie night. There’s even a cameo by the now-late Peter Fonda, who starred in Easy Rider. 

4. Ghost Rider (2007)

Nicholas Cage stars in this classic superhero tale as Johnny Blaze, a stuntman who made a deal with the devil, Mephisto, to save his foster father. Mephisto delivers his promise, but as a consequence, Blaze becomes Ghost Rider, the spirit of vengeance. Clad in his iconic shoulder-spiked leather jacket, Blaze and his heavily customized hardtail chopper leave a fiery trail wherever he goes, exacting revenge and delivering his brand of justice to evildoers. The movie also stars Eva Mendes, Sam Eliott and Wes Bentley. 

3. Torque (2004) 

Torque tells the story of biker Cary Ford who was framed for the murder of a gang leader’s brother in a bid to retrieve a collection of motorcycles stashed with crystal meth. Actor Martin Henderson plays Ford, while Ice Cube plays the biker gang leader Trey, hell-bent on seeking revenge for his brother’s death. The movie was likened to Fast and Furious at the time of release, following similarities in thematic elements. It was nominated for several Taurus Awards in 2005 for the best specialty stunt and best overall stunt by a stuntman categories. 

2. Road to Paloma (2014) 

Jason Momoa stars as Robert Wolf, a lone biker on a revenge mission and on the run from the law on his customized 1956 Harley-Davidson Panhead. Wolf embarks on a road trip in search of his sister’s property while also hoping to spread his mother’s ashes after avenging her murder. Interestingly, the motorcycle used in the movie is Momoa’s personal bike, which he nicknamed Mabel after his grandmother. 

1. The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

Speed, resilience and innovation combine in this Sir Anthony Hopkins-led movie. The film tells the inspiring real-life story of Burt Munro’s determination to break the record for the fastest land speed with his highly modified 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle. Munro won lots of awards during his lifetime and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Motorcyclist Association in 2006.  

Worthy Inclusions 

• On Any Sunday (1971)
• Hells Angels on Wheels (1967)
• Race to Dakar (2006)
• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
• TT3D: Closer to the Edge (2011) 
• The Great Escape (1963)
• The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

Rev Up Your Weekend With the Best Motorcycle Movies 

There you have it! Your movie marathon nights are all set with this collection of captivating motorcycle films. This selection encapsulates the things we love about motorbiking — road trips, incredible landscapes, adventure and, of course, some really cool bikes. The best part is most, if not all, these movies are available to stream online so all you need is a cozy spot and uninterrupted internet access.