For many years, the film industry has been responsible for exposing us to worlds we never knew before. Whether we are following a story of fact or fiction, the stories in which we live alongside the characters have for many, helped craft love and passion for other areas. In terms of the genre of action films, cinema has helped create great excitement within many movie goers. The genre of motorbike films has been extremely popular for many decades and to some, is seen as a pivotal genre within the American film industry. The films which have evolved from this genre have not only helped to begin the careers of many well known actors today, but have also gone down in history as some of the best pieces of cinema to date. Motorcycle lovers will all have their own ideas of what constitutes as the best motorbike film which will be determined by the story of the film, the actors within the roles and most importantly-the models of bikes which are featured. However, below, are some of the ultimate motorbike movies of all time.

Thought of by many as the ‘quintessential biker movie of all time’, Easy Rider was an instant cultural phenomenon after its release in 1969. Featuring Peter Fonda as ‘Captain America’ and Dennis Hopper as his sidekick ‘Billy’; Easy Rider sees the two characters travel through America on their Choppers searching for freedom following the rise and fall of the hippie movement. Filmed with a fantastic soundtrack and some stunning backdrops, it was the films presentation of how America is best explored on a motorbike which struck a chord with viewers all across the globe. With the Captain America and the Billy bikes both built by bike builder Ben Hardy, this is must see for any lover of a classic film, as well as a chance to see some beautifully crafted motorbikes.

Next, is everyone’s favorite wartime/motorbike movie - The Great Escape (1963). Although already a legend within the film world, it was Steve McQueen’s portrayal as a POW in wartime Germany that catapulted him to legendary status. Although not featured throughout the entire film, McQueen’s escape on his Triumph TR6 to this day has remained one of the most memorable film sequences of all time-regardless of whether his character, Hilts was able to make it over the border or not! His characters determination to escape and his gutsy attempts to break free whilst coolly riding his motorcycle (nearly all stunts were performed by McQueen himself) helped to make this a film which will forever be on the all time greatest motorbike movie listings.       

Marlon Brando’s The Wild One (1953), is seen as one of the original biker movies, portraying the story of Johnny Stabler, the leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club. Based on real life 1947 Hollister event, but portrayed in a much tamer way within the film, The Wild One tells the story of Johnny’s life within the BRMC before falling in love with a local town girl but his happiness is short lived by his psychotic rival who threatens to end his happiness. Filmed within traditional black and white films, Brando’s 650cc Triumph Thunderbird is a joy for all motorbike lovers to see, especially when viewed in action in this brilliant classic.

Again starring Peter Fonda, The Wild Angels (1966) started a new brand of motorcycle movies with this tale of an outlaw biker gang led by Fonda. Following an incident with the police, one of the gang lands himself in hospital before being set free by his fellow gang members. However, this all ends in tears when the member in question, ‘Loser’, dies from his wounds which results in a biker funeral. As well known for the lawsuit which followed the film by the real life Hell’s Angels on an account of defamation of a real life character as it is for the film itself, the film began Fonda’s association with the biking genre as well as helping to break down some of the boundaries in cinema at the time thanks to its slightly sinister subject manner.

Finally, there is The Glory Stompers (1968), which again saw Dennis Hopper working within the biker genre. Following his character Chino as a member of the Blacks Souls Motorcycle Club, viewers watched as Chino kidnaps a young girl after beating her boyfriend up and then being left with the decision whether to kill her or sell her to “some high-class Mexican friends of ours.” With a performance from Hopper not to be missed, The Glory Stompers is a great tale about a rough and ready motorcycle gang who go to war against their rival gang, allowing for plenty of motorbike riding along the way!

Following the beginnings of the genre with the above films, the genre of motorbike movies has grown, allowing motorbike lovers everywhere to view these beautiful pieces of machinery in all its glory. So if you have missed any of the above films, get yourself down to your local rental store and experience the beauty of these pieces of history on your screen.