Motorcycle films range from racing documentaries to road-trip adventures and cult dramas. Here is a selection that riders regularly recommend, with something for every taste.
Documentaries
On Any Sunday (1971): Bruce Brown’s documentary about motorcycle racing and riding culture, featuring Steve McQueen, is considered a classic. It captures the joy of riding better than almost any film since.
Long Way Round (2004) and its sequels Long Way Down and Long Way Up: Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman ride around the world, then through Africa and the Americas. Long Way Up uses electric motorcycles. These series inspired many riders to try adventure touring.
Closer to the Edge (2011): a gripping look at the Isle of Man TT, one of the most dangerous races in the world, following Guy Martin and other riders.
Faster (2003) and its sequels: a documentary about MotoGP and its riders during the Valentino Rossi era, narrated by Ewan McGregor.
Hitting the Apex (2015): a portrait of six MotoGP riders, narrated by Brad Pitt.
Why We Ride (2013): a celebration of motorcycling culture, its communities and its passions.
Feature films
Easy Rider (1969): the counterculture road movie with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, a landmark in film history.
The Motorcycle Diaries (2004): the young Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s journey across South America on an old Norton, based on his diaries.
The World’s Fastest Indian (2005): Anthony Hopkins plays Burt Munro, the New Zealander who set land speed records on a modified 1920 Indian Scout at Bonneville.
The Great Escape (1963): not a motorcycle film, but Steve McQueen’s motorcycle chase is one of the most famous scenes in cinema.
The Bikeriders (2024): a drama based on Danny Lyon’s photographs of a Midwestern motorcycle club in the 1960s.
Where to watch
Availability changes regularly between streaming services and rental platforms; a search engine or a streaming guide will tell you where each title is available in your country.
If these films make you want to ride, see how to plan a motorbike road trip. For reading rather than watching, try the best motorbike blogs and websites, and to make your own films, capturing great motorbike photos and videos.
