The classic Hollywood Western is one of the oldest genres in movie history, and it just keeps getting better. Disney Plus is home to some of the best horse movies ever made, including a few that are must-watch for any fan. From neverending adventures to classic tales of friendship, these flicks bring out the best from everyone’s favorite equines and make great movies for family night!
1. Ready to Run (2000)
Ready to Run (2000) is a family-friendly Disney starring Frankie Muniz and Molly Morgan. The story follows a young boy and his horse, champion show jumpers, as they fulfill their dreams of competing in the prestigious Grand Prix jumping competition.
This movie has all the elements of a classic Disney horse movie and viewers of all ages are sure to enjoy it.
Plot Summary
“Ready to Run” is a heartwarming sports film that follows the story of a young girl named Corrie Ortiz, who dreams of becoming a jockey and competing in the prestigious National Cup horse race. Corrie lives with her family in a small African village, and her father owns a struggling horse farm.
When her father’s prized stallion is sold to an American buyer, Corrie is devastated. However, her determination to follow her dreams leads her to discover a young filly named Thunder Jam who has the potential to become a champion racehorse.
Despite her father’s reluctance to let her train the horse, Corrie perseveres, with the help of her grandfather and a horse trainer named Soupy. She spends countless hours training Thunder Jam and building a strong bond with her. Along the way, Corrie faces numerous challenges, including financial struggles, opposition from her father, and her own self-doubt.
As the National Cup approaches, Corrie and Thunder Jam face fierce competition from a talented and experienced jockey. However, Corrie’s determination and Thunder Jam’s exceptional talent give them a chance to win the race and achieve their dreams.
The film ends with Corrie and Thunder Jam winning the National Cup, fulfilling Corrie’s lifelong dream of becoming a successful jockey. The movie concludes with Corrie embracing her family and friends, celebrating her victory, and looking forward to a bright future in the horse racing world.
Reviews
The movie “Ready to Run” is a must-watch for anyone who loves inspiring sports films with a powerful message. From the opening scene to the final credits, the film takes you on a journey of determination, perseverance, and heart.
The plot is engaging, and the story moves at a brisk pace, keeping you invested in the characters and their journey. The film does an excellent job of portraying the struggles of a young girl trying to achieve her dream of becoming a jockey, while also dealing with familial and financial issues.
The performances are remarkable, especially Lillian Dube, who plays Corrie. Her portrayal of the character’s passion, determination, and emotional struggles is both convincing and moving. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, adding depth to the story and making the characters relatable.
The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the beauty of the African landscapes and showcasing thrilling horse racing scenes. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring upbeat and inspiring songs that complement the story and add to the emotional impact of the film.
What makes “Ready to Run” stand out is the valuable life lessons it teaches. The movie emphasizes the importance of perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on one’s dreams. It also highlights the significance of having strong relationships with family and friends, as they provide the support and encouragement needed to succeed.
2. Black Beauty (2020)
Black Beauty is a remake of the classic novel by Anna Sewell which follows the journey of a wild stallion and its young human friend, Jo Green. This movie, released in 2020, stars Mackenzie Foy, Kate Winslet, and Iain Glen in the lead roles. It has been nominated for several awards and is an excellent choice for horse lovers.
Let’s take a deeper look into the storyline and its impact.
Plot Summary
“Black Beauty” is a story about a wild mustang who experiences the highs and lows of life, and the bond she shares with the humans who care for her. The film centers around a teenage girl named Jo Green, who is sent to live with her uncle on his farm after the loss of her parents.
Jo forms an instant connection with Black Beauty, a wild and spirited horse who has been captured and brought to the farm. The two develop a deep bond as Jo helps to tame and train the horse, and they quickly become inseparable.
However, Black Beauty is soon sold to a wealthy woman named Mrs. Winthorp, who uses her for horse racing. The once-free mustang is now forced to perform for humans, and her life takes a turn for the worse.
Throughout her travels, Black Beauty endures mistreatment and cruelty at the hands of humans. She is sold to a horse trader named John Manly, who sees the potential in her and trains her to become a carriage horse. She then becomes the property of a carriage driver named Ruben, who has a heart for horses and treats her with kindness and care.
Through all of her struggles, Black Beauty remains determined to find her way back to Jo and the farm where they first met. With the help of Ruben, she embarks on a journey to reunite with her beloved owner.
The movie highlights the importance of the bond between humans and animals, and the cruelty that can exist in the horse racing industry. It also portrays the resilience of animals and their ability to persevere through adversity.
Overall, “Black Beauty” is a heartwarming and poignant tale of the unbreakable bond between a girl and her horse. The film serves as a tribute to Anna Sewell’s classic novel, while also bringing a fresh perspective to the story.
Reviews
“Black Beauty” is a 2020 movie adaptation of the classic novel by Anna Sewell, directed by Ashley Avis, and produced by Constantin Film. The film tells the story of a wild mustang named Black Beauty and her journey through life, from her freedom on the American frontier to her capture and subsequent travels through the hands of different owners.
As the story progresses, Black Beauty is sold to different owners, including a wealthy woman named Mrs. Winthorp, a horse trader named John Manly, and a carriage driver named Ruben. Through her travels, Black Beauty endures both the kindness and cruelty of humans, but remains determined to find her way back to Jo.
The film explores themes of freedom, loss, and the importance of the bond between humans and animals. It also showcases the harsh realities of the horse racing industry and the mistreatment of animals for human gain.
“Black Beauty” is visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and beautifully choreographed horse sequences. The performances are also noteworthy, with Mackenzie Foy delivering a standout performance as Jo and Kate Winslet providing the voice of Black Beauty.
Overall, “Black Beauty” is a heartfelt and poignant movie that captures the spirit of the original novel while also bringing a fresh perspective to the story. It is a must-watch for horse lovers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, emotionally resonant film.
3. Flicka (2006)
Flicka (2006) is a beautiful horse movie that can be streamed on Disney Plus. It tells the story of a young girl’s relationship with her wild mustang, Flicka. The movie stars Alison Lohman, Maria Bello, and Tim McGraw, and is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
With plenty of exciting moments and stunning scenery, Flicka (2006) is one of the best horse movies on Disney Plus.
Plot Summary
Flicka (2006) is a family-oriented drama directed by Michael Mayer and based on the 1941 novel My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara. The movie follows the story of Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman), a rural 16-year-old who lives on her family’s horse ranch in Wyoming. When her father (Tim McGraw) gifts her with a wild, half-mustang mare she calls Flicka, Katy forms an unlikely bond with the mare that changes her life forever.
Despite strong opposition from her parents and facing near-impossible odds, she begins training Flicka for an important race in hopes it will impress them enough to let her keep the mare for good. Throughout the film, Katy learns about friendship and responsibility as well as self-confidence as she develops an unexpected connection with the wild horse. Alongside McGraw and Lohman, Ryan Kwanten plays Rob, Kayla’s childhood friend who also works at the ranch, while Maria Bello stars as Nell McLaughlin, Katy’s mother.
Flicka debuted in 2006 to modest critical success and provided audiences with a heartwarming tale of courage and resilience.
Reviews
Flicka (2006) is a family Western adventure drama film directed by Michael Mayer based on the 1943 classic novel My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara. The film follows the story of a teenage girl who forms a bond with an unruly mustang that she names Flicka.
The movie stars Maria Bello as Nell, Alison Lohman as Kelly, and Ryan Kwanten as Rob. Other key players include Tim McGraw as the ranch owner John and Dallas Roberts, who plays the role of Katy’s boarding school teacher Calvin; both play important roles in Katy’s life at different points in time.
When Kelly realizes her distant father doesn’t care about her, she sets out to prove to him that she can make a difference through connection with Flicka, but risks being banned from the ranch when confronted with her father’s disapproval for taking in this passionate mustang filly and trying to make it her own.
Fans of horse movies have appreciated Flicka’s classic story structure and heartfelt drama surrounding it — something rare for this type of film — while also marveling at its stunning landscape backgrounds that provide an inviting atmosphere to counterbalance any sorrowful moments. Although traditional horse movie elements such as Kelly’s tribulations with taming Flicks are certainly present, they never overpower the emphasis placed on human relationships throughout this Disney film narrative.
4. Home on the Range (2004)
Home on the Range (2004) is one of the best horse movies on Disney plus. The movie follows Maggie, an old cow in search of her beloved cow Rustler’s hideout, as she joins forces with three other cows to save the farm from being sold.
With plenty of heartwarming moments, this movie is definitely worth a watch.
Plot Summary
The movie follows the story of three dairy cows named Maggie, Mrs. Caloway, and Grace, who embark on a wild and hilarious adventure to save their farm from foreclosure.
The cows live on a small farm called Patch of Heaven, which is on the brink of being repossessed by a greedy cattle rustler named Alameda Slim. The three cows, along with their farm animals and a bounty hunter horse named Buck, set out to capture Alameda Slim and collect the reward money to save their home.
Along the way, the cows face a series of obstacles and comedic mishaps, including an encounter with a pack of vicious coyotes and a ride on a runaway train. They also receive help from unexpected sources, including a rabbit named Lucky Jack and a group of yodeling cowboys.
As the cows get closer to capturing Alameda Slim, they uncover a shocking truth about his plan to take over all the ranches in the West. With the help of their friends, they must work together to stop Slim and save not just their farm, but all the other ranches in the area.
The film culminates in a thrilling showdown between the cows and Alameda Slim, and the cows prove that even the smallest and most unlikely heroes can make a big difference.
“Home on the Range” is a fun and entertaining film that appeals to both children and adults. It has memorable characters, catchy songs, and a heartwarming message about the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Reviews
“Home on the Range” is a delightful and entertaining animated film that will have audiences of all ages laughing and cheering. The movie is filled with colorful and engaging characters, catchy songs, and a fun storyline that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
The voice acting is top-notch, with Roseanne Barr, Judi Dench, and Jennifer Tilly bringing the three main cows to life with their unique personalities and quirks. Cuba Gooding Jr. also delivers a hilarious performance as the charismatic and smooth-talking horse, Buck.
The animation is bright and colorful, with a Western theme that adds a unique and fun touch to the movie. The landscapes and backgrounds are beautifully rendered, creating a visually stunning world that draws you into the story.
The film’s storyline is both heartwarming and humorous, with the cows on a mission to save their farm from foreclosure. Along the way, they encounter a range of obstacles and challenges, from coyotes to runaway trains, making for a series of exciting and engaging scenes.
The songs in “Home on the Range” are catchy and fun, adding to the overall entertainment value of the movie. From the upbeat “Little Patch of Heaven” to the hilarious “Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo,” the soundtrack perfectly captures the film’s playful and lighthearted tone.
Overall, “Home on the Range” is a must-watch for anyone who loves animated movies or Westerns. The film is a testament to the power of teamwork and friendship, and it will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
FAQs
Are any of these movies based on true stories?
“Ready to Run” is loosely based on the true story of a racehorse named Hidalgo.
Can I watch these movies in any order?
Yes, each movie has its own unique storyline and can be watched in any order.
Are any of these movies live-action?
“Black Beauty” is a live-action film, while the other three movies are animated.
Do any of these movies have sequels?
“Flicka” has two sequels, “Flicka 2” and “Flicka: Country Pride.”
Is “Black Beauty” a remake of the original movie?
Yes, “Black Beauty” is a remake of the classic 1877 novel by Anna Sewell, which has been adapted into several movies and TV shows over the years.
Can I watch these movies in languages other than English?
Yes, these movies are available in multiple languages on Disney Plus.
Are there any scary or intense scenes in these movies?
“Black Beauty” does have some intense scenes involving animal mistreatment, but overall, these movies are relatively light-hearted and not overly scary or intense.
Can I watch these movies on any device with Disney Plus?
Yes, you can stream these movies on any device that supports Disney Plus, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Conclusion
After exploring the best horse movies available on Disney Plus, there’s something for everyone, whether you enjoy kids’ films or a heartfelt dramas.
Ready to Run (2000) is an exciting and inspiring film about a young girl and her horse who eternally dream big. Black Beauty (2020) brings the classic story to life with its heart-warming tale that teaches us about open-mindedness and unconditional love. Flicka (2006) offers a fun and endearing movie about acceptance and destiny that really hits home. And Home on the Range (2004) is an enjoyable family adventure where friendship takes center stage.
Disney Plus has a great selection of horse movies, each one delivering its own profound message. Whether you’d like to learn more about brotherhood, compassion or courage, these entertaining films are sure to put a magical spell on you.