The 8 Best Movies About Rodeo & Bull Riding

Rodeo movies have always been a favorite among moviegoers, and for good reason. They’re filled with action, drama, and heart and often focus on the strength of the human spirit and iron will.  If you’re a fan of bull riding, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the 8 best rodeo movies about bull riding. These movies won’t be focused only on fans of rodeo, but toward everyone who enjoys a perfect balance of action and drama. Let’s go.

1. ‘Walk. Ride. Rodeo.’ (2019)

What it’s about: Nineteen-year-old nationally ranked rodeo barrel racer Amberley Snyder faces a life-changing accident when she loses control of her truck on her way to Denver, leaving her paraplegic after hitting a fence pole. Despite the initial despair and frustration, Amberley undergoes a six-week rehabilitation program, gradually finding strength in her upper body while coming to terms with the challenges of life in a wheelchair.

Why you should watch it: This inspiring movie is based on a true story, and it’s a first-hand look at one of the greatest recovery stories of all time. Amberley is truly a unique person, as only a few people would be able to achieve what she did with nothing but pure willpower.

2. ‘8 Seconds‘ (1994)

What it’s about: Growing up in Oklahoma, Lane Frost learns bull riding from his father Clyde, an accomplished bronc rider. Lane, along with friends Tuff Hedeman and Cody Lambert, joins the professional rodeo circuit. Amidst rising fame, Lane married barrel racer Kellie Kyle in 1984. As Lane aims for the 1987 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association bull riding world championship, his journey is marked by pressure, cheating allegations, doubts about Kellie’s loyalty, and a near-broken neck.

Why you should watch it: Like the movie before it ‘8 Seconds’ is also a biographical movie but with a more grisly representation of the reality of the rodeo world. It’s all about the risks, passions, and dedication that are usually associated with these kinds of competitive sports.

3. ‘The Longest Ride’ (2015)

What it’s about: ‘The Longest Ride’ is a romantic drama film based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. The movie follows the story of a young art history student named Sophia Danko and a bull rider named Luke Collins. After saving an elderly man named Ira Levinson from a car crash, Sophia discovers a collection of letters recounting the love story between Ira and his late wife Ruth.

Why you should watch it: This is more of a romance movie (I mean Nicholas Sparks….) than a rodeo movie, but it does play a huge part in Luke’s character development and represents one of the biggest challenges in his relationship with Sophia.

4. ‘Cowboy Up‘ (2001)

What it’s about: A rising bull riding star Ely Braxton is recovering from life-threatening injuries, but defies his mother and girlfriend to pursue his dream of becoming a champion bull rider like his estranged father. His older brother, Hank, a former bull rider turned bullfighter, helps him hone his skills on their family ranch. As Ely’s successful career takes off, he enters a relationship with Celia Jones, also a love interest of Hank, leading to a bitter fight between the brothers.

Why you should watch it: For those interested in the world of bull riding and rodeo, the movie shows what it takes to make it and in which ways your relationship with your closest ones may suffer, especially when you get hurt but don’t give up on your dream.

5. ‘My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys‘ (1991)

What it’s about: In ‘My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys,’ champion bull rider H.D. sees his life nearly destroyed after a bull-riding accident. Returning to his hometown in Guthrie, Oklahoma, he finds the family farm abandoned, his old girlfriend widowed, and his sister contemplating drastic decisions for their father. To save the ranch, H.D. decides to make a comeback in the rodeo, bonding with his father along the way as he strives to win a contest that could secure their home and legacy.

Why you should watch it: The movie focuses on rodeo and bull-riding yes, but it’s also a wonderful story about family ties, redemption, and the strength of the human spirit. Scott Glenn’s portrayal of H.D. is considered to be brilliant and it’s just one of many reasons to watch the movie.

6. ‘The Rider’ (2017)

What it’s about: In ‘The Rider,’ Brady struggles with poverty as he cares for his autistic sister Lilly and his father Wayne, who spends their money on vices. As a former rodeo star, Brady sustained brain damage that weakened his right hand and caused seizures, leading doctors to advise against riding ever again. Despite working in a grocery store and breaking in horses to support his family, Brady’s attachment to a new horse, Apollo, jeopardizes his health and causes him to have a nearly fatal seizure. Despite all of this, Brady decided to ride one last time.

Why you should watch it: ‘The Ride’ showcases a different type of strength, the strength to walk away from your dream, and the challenge in favor of being there for your family. It’s not the most inspiring movie in the world, but it’s definitely realistic when it comes to the consequences of rodeo.

7. ‘Rodeo Girl‘ (2016)

What it’s about: The story revolves around a young girl and her horse as they shift from English-style riding to barrel racing against all possible challenges.

Why you should watch this: This is a family-friendly movie that deals with a girl with a dream and her quest to break down the gender barriers related to what is usually depicted as a male competitive sport.

8. ‘Neon Bull’ (2015)

What it’s about: In the film, ‘Neon Bull,’ Iremar, a bull handler in a traveling group, aspires to become a tailor and create fashionable clothing for women. He channels his creativity by crafting custom horse masks and provocative outfits for Galega, the group’s driver, who performs sexually enticing dances for audiences after each rodeo. The group, including Galega’s daughter Cacá and the buffoonish bull wrangler Zé, go on a journey marked by interpersonal dynamics, creative pursuits, and the challenges of their nomadic lifestyle.

Why you should watch it: This movie definitely takes down stereotypes related to the rodeo world. It’s also quite stunning to look at. It’s a Brazilian movie so if you enjoy foreign takes on the sport, we recommend you give it a try.

Have a movie to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!