Top Ten Motorcycle Movies

Nov 25th 2016 | Posted by Team Motorcycle

Top Ten Motorcycle Movies

If everything goes as plans, fans of FX's popular television show, "Sons of Anarchy" won't have long to wait for a much-anticipated prequel movie. Shooting is expected to start before the end of 2015, and actor Charlie Hunnam is set to return as Jax Teller. The film, which will hopefully hit the big screen in 2016, will also star A-lister, Brad Pitt.

In need of a motorcycle movie fix before the "Sons of Anarchy" movie prequel appears in theaters? Then check out our list of the top ten motorcycle movies of all time. This list includes a mixed bag, so no matter your taste, you should be able to find a movie or two here that will keep you entertained until you can finally watch Jax and his fellow bikers back in action.

On Any Sunday

Released in 1971, this documentary introduces viewers to several different motorcycle racing disciplines as well as to the brave competitors who often risk life and limb while participating in the sport they love. Actor and motorsports enthusiast Steve McQueen is featured in the film as well as numerous top racers of the time. Many film critics and motorcycle enthusiasts consider "On Any Sunday," which was directed by Bruce Brown of "The Endless Summer" fame, to be the best motorcycle documentary of all time. In 2014, "On Any Sunday, the Next Chapter," which was directed by Bruce Brown's son Dana, was released, though it has not shown -- so far -- to have the same staying power as his dad's film.

The Wild One

This classic 1953 film stars a young Marlon Brando and is thought to be one of the first outlaw biker gang films. In this movie, Brando plays Johnny, the leader of a biker gang that terrorizes a small town and gets into a beef with a rival gang. Although quite tame by today's standards, "The Wild One" was very controversial at the time of its release and was actually banned by the British Board of Film Censors for 14 years.

Easy Rider

This 1969 film is often the first one to come to mind when the topic of classic biker films comes up. "Easy Rider" stars Peter Fonda, Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper and is the story of two young bikers and their journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Theirs is a long, strange trip through the counter-culture of the time as well as through small-town America, where they soon learn that "hippie" bikers like themselves are, sadly, not welcome.

Dust to Glory

This is a well-made documentary about the grueling Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race and the competitors who dare challenge this hellacious course. "Dust to Glory" was filmed during the 2003 Baja 1000 and features some very notable motorsports personalities, including Mario Andretti and Mike Mouse McCoy, who was also the producer of this documentary.

McCoy attempted something during the filming of this movie that had never been done before -- he tried to ride the entire 1,000 miles by himself. Most riders typically switch off with another after about 250 miles. After watching this film, you are bound to have a new respect for those brave individuals who are willing to tackle this 24-hour race through the Mexican desert, especially the bikers who have so little protection between them and anything that might wander into their path.

Wild Hogs

This comedy, which starred John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William Macy, is a fun escape flick. "Wild Hogs" follows four middle-aged biker wannabes as they seek out adventure on a cross-country road trip. Unfortunately, the group accidentally angers a real biker gang and is forced to defend themselves as well as the citizens of a small town.

Biker Boyz

If you like your action fast and furious, then you'll love "Biker Boyz." Laurence Fishburne plays Smoke, the leader of the Black Knights Motorcycle Club, the best underground bike racer and the acknowledged "Kind of Cali." Kid is the son of Smoke's former mechanic Slick Will who was accidentally killed during a race. Kid wants to join the Black Knights, but Smoke refuses to let him in. So Kid starts his own gang, the Biker Boyz. This 2003 film is about Kid's desire to race Smoke as well as the growing relationship between the two rivals.

The Wild Angels

This 1966 film about a Hell's Angels chapter is credited with starting the outlaw bike genre that became quite popular in the 1970s. "The Wild Angels" stars Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra and Bruce Dern and also included appearances by members of the Hells Angels and Coffin Cheaters biker gangs. This is a dark and brutal film that contains some pretty shocking scenes, including one in which a preacher is brutally beaten.

12 o’clock boys

The "12 O'Clock Boys" is a documentary about a gang of dirt bike riders in Baltimore and a 13-year-old named Pug who wants to join their ranks. This film takes you into the life and crimes of these bikers who are infamous in Charm City for popping wheelies and for speeding illegally through the streets. For Pug, though, they provide a brotherhood that he seems to need, especially since his own brother has died of an asthma attack. The film was highly praised by critics and boasts a 91 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Motorcycle Diaries

Who knew that a motorcycle road trip helped shape the vision and ideals of the Cuban Revolution leader Che Guevara? The journey, which occurred in 1952, took Che and his best friend Alberto Granado through South America and covered 8,000 kilometers, from Buenos Aires to Venezuela. During his road trip, Che's encounters with the very poor and with lepers in Peru eventually transform him from a hedonistic young man to one who wants to change the world. This 2004 movie is based on the journals that Che kept while on his road trip.

Mad Max (original)

Say what you want about Mel Gibson, but he certainly knows how to play a crazed, angry mad man -- although, nowadays, we're not so sure it's all been acting. Anyway, the original 1979 "Mad Max" is set in a violent, ruthless future, where gas is hard to come by and vicious, sadistic biker gangs rove the countryside. After losing everyone he loves and respects to these gang members, Mad Max seeks to wipe the biker vermin from the face of the earth.