Do you love riding motorbikes? Maybe you’re just a huge fan of motorcycle racing. The unique excitement of motorcycling rarely gets captured on the big screen properly. However, there’s a number of films and documentaries that we think do justice.
So if you’re looking for film recommendations, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to see our top picks for movies and documentaries. We believe the following films capture either the essence of motorcycle racing or the community itself.
Faster
Directed by Mark Neale and narrated by acclaimed actor Ewan McGregor, “Faster” is a 2003 documentary film that spotlights the MotoGP world championship, in which 24 riders compete in 16 races over 5 continents.
The film, which premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, features some of the top motorcycle racers of the day, such as Garry McCoy, Max Biaggi and Valentino Rossi. It especially focuses on the rivalry between Biaggi and Valentino both on and off the track.
Another interesting aspect of the film is how it shows physician Claudio Costa as he follows the riders and interacts with them. “Faster” is a great movie if you want to get a little closer to the riders and share their experiences.
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter
“On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter” is the sequel to Bruce Brown’s classic film “On Any Sunday,” which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature in 1971. Directed by Bruce’s son Dana, who is an acclaimed filmmaker in his own right, the film utilises advances in technology (shot in 4K Ultra HD) to present modern-day motorcycle racing.
What makes this film stand out is its human aspects. The racers are not just nameless action figures but people, who have a real passion for racing and all its thrills. The film also delves into motorcycle culture while showing racers interacting with both their friends and family.
The film features racers such as Carlin Dunne, Ashely Fiolek and Robbie Maddison. It’s a shining example of how motorcycling can foster a sense of community, adventure, family, and competition for people around the world.
The Motorcycle Diaries
Based on a true story, “The Motorcycle Diaries” is a 2004 Spanish film that chronicles the 1952 motorcycle expedition of future Latin American revolutionary Che Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado. The film, which was directed by Walter Salles and won many awards, shows how Guevara developed from a young hedonist into the man he would become during his long trek across South America on a bike.
While very much a political film, you can enjoy “The Motorcycle Diaries” for its sheer beauty as a road movie, in which the two friends ride through breathtaking scenery. It may not turn you into a revolutionary, but after seeing the movie, you may want to follow Guevara at least in the path he took across an untamed continent.
Easy Rider
Probably no film did more to change the public’s perception of motorcycles and those who ride them than “Easy Rider.” Before this movie, many people thought only hooligans and gang members rode motorcycles, and Hollywood reinforced this perception in films such as “The Wild One.” But “Easy Rider” made motorcycling and motorcyclists cool and likely inspired countless viewers to step foot on a motorcycle for the first time.
The film stars Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper (who also directed the film) and Terry Southern. Also, keep your eye out for a with a terrific cameo from a young Jack Nicholson that earned him an Oscar nomination. “Easy Rider” justifiably won many awards after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in 1969. Even today, while parts of it may seem dated to modern audiences, it can still inspire people to get on a bike and hit the open road.
TT3D: Closer to the Edge
“TT3D: Closer to the Edge” in many ways can be compared with “Faster.” The 2011 documentary directed by Richard de Aragues is narrated by actor Jared Leto and chronicles the Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. The film features many of the top riders from the 2010 race, such as Ian Hutchinson and Guy Martin.
Shot in stunning 3D, the film shows just what a rider must do in terms of risk-taking and dedication in order to be crowned King of the Mountain. The film won critical acclaim (it currently possess a 100% rating at Rotten Tomatoes) and was a big financial success, and for a good reason. It shows everything that is great about motorcycling racing: its thrills, its danger and all its humanity. It is impossible to watch TT3D without getting excited about motorcycle racing.
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