Stu's Guide to Biker Movies
My guide was first published in Iron Biker News in the mid-'80s, updated and published again in the '90s, and I just updated it to 2024.
Did I personally review all these films? Almost all, a few are reviews by friends and by Iron Horse Magazine, as noted after each review. In updating, I checked current availability, and all but two are available streaming (The Bikeriders is still in theaters, and Mask is just not streaming).
If there's any biker movies that I missed (it's possible), please let me know as 1) I want to see it, and 2) I want to add it to the list.
MUST SEE MOVIES — 4 Stars
**** The Wild One (1954)—This is the original, the classic, and some say the biker movie. '50s "bikers take over the town" movie (inspired by actual events in Hollister, CA). We've all lived with both the "rebel without a cause" (Marlon Brando) and the "born loser" (Lee Marvin) images for the past 70 years—this film actually created the biker stereotype that we've all been branded with. This flick is really dated, but you just may enjoy it. Stu
**** Easy Rider (1969)—They say this movie defines the '60s, in an indescribable way (something like Woodstock or the Beatles). Two bikers chase the American dream—Peter Fonda is really hard to stomach (what an asshole), but Dennis Hopper comes across righteous, and Jack Nicholson (in a bit part) steals the show. Even though I couldn't stand Fonda's character, I have enjoyed this movie (and will admit after seeing it in '69 I raked and extended my wideglide 10 inches). Great soundtrack, great highway scenes, and a very different look at the '60s. Stu
**** The World's Fastest Indian (2005) — A first-class Hollywood production starring Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munroe, the old man from New Zealand who rode his Indian to a Land Speed Record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Good cast, good film, and a good true story of a man with nerves of steel and balls of brass. Could be the best motorcycle movie ever; get out the popcorn, kick back, and dream that you could someday do what this man did. Stu
**** The Bikeriders (2024) — "Slice of life" film of the motorcycle culture in the '50s-'70s. Great cast. Realistic look at the motorcycle lifestyle at the dawn of motorcycle clubs in America. Worth seeing if you lived the life or just want a glimpse of what it was like "back in the day." Stu
ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED — 3 Stars
*** The Loveless (1981)—Willem Dafoe. One of the best. Willem Dafoe and Robert Gordon star in a 50s "bikers come to town" story. You won't be disappointed. Iron Horse Magazine
*** Hells Angels Forever (1983)—documentary. Iron Horse Magazine said this is an important flick; they can't recommend it enough and they say whatever you do, see it. Iron Horse Magazine
*** Mask (1985)—Cher, Sam Elliot. True story of a scooter trash mom trying to raise her deformed, terminally ill teenager. A big-budget, major motion picture that gave our lifestyle a fair shake. Cher was fantastic (should have gotten an Oscar), great performance by Sam Elliot, and the film actually did cop some Oscar nominations. See this one! Stu
*** Roadside Prophets (1992)—John Doe, with cameos by Timothy Leary, Arlo Guthrie, David Carradine and John Cusack. Offbeat story about a biker who gets seriously diverted trying to do a good deed for a downed friend. Makes me think of that line from the Janis Joplin song—"Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose." The acting's inconsistent, ranging from some terrific performances to some real melodrama. A strange but compelling story; worth seeing. Stu
*** The Lazy Man's Zen (1994) —This was an hour special that ran on the Discovery Channel. Interviews with real people, all focused on why they ride. These guys cover it all—Harleys (stock, chopped, touring), crotch rockets, Bonneville Salt Flats, etc. A very objective look at bikers and motorcyclists. Stu
*** Wild Hogs (2007) — Hilarious, ridiculous comedy about four middle-aged yuppies who escape their real lives by riding Harleys and dressing and looking tough. John Travolta, Ray Liotta, William H. Macy, Marisa Tomei. A ridiculous movie that's a lot of fun. Stu
FAIRLY ENTERTAINING — 2 Stars
** The Wild Angels (1966)—stars Peter Fonda (three years before Easy Rider), Bruce Dern, Nancy Sinatra, Venice Hells Angels. Real corny plot and real soap opera acting (if you thought Fonda was bad in Easy Rider, wait till you see this). But, Bruce Dern's performance is terrific and you get to see a bunch of genuine mid-60s West Coast bikes. Stu
** Hells Angels on Wheels (1967)—Jack Nicholson, Sonny Barger. A gas pump jockey fights and parties with the bikers. A pretty good flick. Iron Horse Magazine
** Run Angel Run (1969)—William Smith stars as a biker running from his brothers, who think he ripped them off. Good story, and good stunt riding on a Sportster. Stan
** On Any Sunday (1971)—documentary with Steve McQueen and Malcolm Smith. Covers every aspect of cycle racing, circa 1970—motocross, flat track, desert racing, road racing, a little ice racing, sidecars, drags and hill climbs. Worth seeing. Stu
** Electraglide in Blue (1973)—Robert Blake. No bikers in this one. Story about a sawed-off motorcycle cop with a giant ego. The cops ride hogs, and I enjoyed this flick. Stu
** Stone (1974) — Australian "bikie" (not "biker," apparently they are bikies Down Under) film. Run of the mill "cop goes undercover" movie; the twist here is the cop is undercover to protect the bikies from mysterious assassinations. The most interesting thing here is the differences to the U.S. — these guys look like bikers and act like bikers, but nary a Harley-Davidson in sight. They all seem to ride 4-cylinder Kawis and Hondas, and most have the same bubble fairing and windshield. There is a lot of racing around and a lot of wheelies. And the occasional bare-breasted beauty. Not very compelling, unless you just want to check out the '70s Aussie bikie scene. Stu
** Beyond the Law (1992)—Supposedly true story of an Arizona cop who infiltrates the Arizona and California clubs, and whose investigation results in 200 arrests for drug trafficking and murder. Good performance by star Charlie Sheen, who plays a cop lured to the dark side. Once again however, a stereotypical treatment of bikers (as vicious morons). Some interesting inconsistencies (for those who would notice), like the rigid frame shovel the cop builds, which somehow incredibly metamorphosizes into a softail Evo. Stu
HAVE A JOINT OR A BEER BEFORE YOU WATCH THESE — 1 Star
* The Born Losers (1967)—Tom Laughlin (as Billy Jack). The first Billy Jack film. Billy Jack is, as usual, avenging a rape. Yeah, the bikers are the baddies. Look for biker Bob Tessier playing Cue Ball. Iron Horse Magazine
* Hells Angels 69 (1969)—No plot to speak of, but if you're laid up on a snowy day with a sixpack you're sure to enjoy this one. Iron Horse Magazine
* Angels Die Hard (1970)—William Smith, Dan Haggerty, Tom Baker. 60s vintage biker flick. Kind of weird plot and situations, but it is worth seeing. Iron Horse Magazine
* Little Fauss and Big Halsey (1970)—Robert Redford, Michael J. Pollard. So-so story of two cycle racers, a self-centered braggart (Robert Redford) and his timid, gullible buddy (Michael J Pollard). Stu
* On Any Sunday II (1981). Typical sequel, not as good as the original. Unless you are a real race fan, don't bother with this one. Stu
* Knightriders (1983)—Ed Harris. Bad. Stupid. Embarrassing. Stu
* Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)—It starts off good, then becomes a stupid and boring. Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson. The redeeming quality is Rourke’s acting (always quirky—no exception here). The bike Rourke rides is righteous—it’s an exact copy of his own scoot (but they made an 80c.i. copy for the flick cause his stroker allegedly couldn’t handle the low-speed camera shots). Stu
* Stone Cold (1991)—Really bad flick about a cop (Brian Bosworth), all decked out in his bleached blond moussed hair, designer jeans, and face shaved cleaner that a baby’s behind, who incredibly infiltrates an outlaw club. This guy couldn’t infiltrate kindergarten. Again, depiction of bikers as vicious imbeciles. A movie which really makes you question Hollywood’s intelligence. Stu
(((BOMBS))) @Turd
@ C.C. and Company (1970)—Joe Namath. Namath as a biker and Ann-Margret as his girlfriend, but you will also find biker William Smith in this one. Really bad movie. Stu
@ The Losers (1970)—good idea, rotten movie. A bunch of bikers go to Cambodia to fight from their armor-plated machinegun-totin' Yamaha 80cc bikes. There is a VW trike, complete with rocket launcher, but less you're gonna down a sixpack first I wouldn't waste my time on this one. (Also released as Nam's Angels) Stu
@ Streets of Fire (1984)—The bikers play the bad guys in this "Rock 'N Roll Fable," where they kidnap a girl and her boyfriend sets out to rescue her. Iron Horse Magazine said this one was okay, so I watched it. There can't be more than four minutes of bike scenes (almost all filmed in low light) in the entire movie, and I was really disappointed. Stu
@ Hellriders (1985)—Adam West, Tina Loiuse (Yes indeed, TV's Batman and Gilligan's Ginger). Another stinker.
@ Timerider (1983)—Great idea, lousy flick. Motocross rider and his bike are suddenly sent back 100 years to the old west. This is one of the most boring, disappointing films I have ever seen. Don't waste your time on it. Stu