When Bikes make it on the Big Screen: Six Cycling movies for this Winter
If you're anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures are dropping rapidly, and every late hangout at the park feels more and more like you’d rather do a cozy movie night in your bed instead. But no worries! If you want to keep your cycling spirit alive even while muffled in your blanket, here is a list of movies and TV shows with some cycling themes:
Quick Silver (1986)
Probably one of the most famous "cycling" movies about messenger culture, Quick Silver is strictly a misunderstood masterpiece on top of all the '80s quirkiness. Starring Kevin Bacon as a stockbroker who loses everything and becomes a bike messenger in the bustling streets of San Francisco. His bike is fixed, then free gear, and then fixed again - it's a total mess of a movie. The supporting characters also have underdeveloped backstories and motivations, and the writing is more than cheesy. However, you need to watch it just to point out everything that's wrong with it.
Andarushia no Natsu (2003)
One of my favorites on this list! Also known as "The Summer of Andalusia," it's a charming anime film that follows a young professional cyclist, Pepe Benengeli, as he competes in the Vuelta a España. An absolutely stunning work, thanks to director and long-time collaborator of Studio Ghibli, Kitarō Kōsaka. He also supervised the animation for "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke", so if you know… You know. You can tell by the abundance of references that this has been drawn by people who are truly passionate about cycling. Setting it in the late ‘90s only makes it even better. It's a must-see.
Tour de Pharmacy (2017)
Not a documentary, but a mockumentary! This forty-minute satire of professional cycling's notorious history of doping is an absurd and over-the-top comedy. It features big names like Andy Samberg, Orlando Bloom, and John Cena, all portraying exaggerated versions of cyclists involved in various scandals. From excessive bike crashes to bizarre training regimens, the film is filled with moments that had me in tears from laughing. Give it a try, you’ll get a good lough out of it.
The Flying Scotsman (2006)
We already covered the true story of Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree, who is the epitome of underdogs, on SSS. While Obree was attempting to deal with his personal issues and break the Hour Record, it appeared as if everything was working against him. This is the story of a man who dared to think outside the box and may have given the UCI its reputation for being so tight on regulations. Not the best choice to watch when you're feeling down, but definitely an excellent movie.
Breaking Away (1979)
This was the only film that I didn’t watch prior to create this article, and it's something of a mixed bag.
You follow the lives of a group of "cutters," or locals, as they try to find their place in the world.
To be honest, aside from the big race at the end, "circle track style," there isn't much cycling to be seen. However, if you appreciate cinema, you might be intrigued by how this was made on a shoestring budget and filmed entirely in a single town in Indiana.
Premium Rush (2012)
Finally, this is what happens when Hollywood gets its hands on the "underground messenger culture." Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Wilee, a New York City bike messenger, becomes caught up in a dangerous chase involving a mysterious package. Even if it's a corny American film, the bikes have mainly been provided by Affinity and Tom Lamarche acted as a stunt double during his peak days in FGFS. If you haven't watched it yet, you're in for a wild ride.
Can’t stop. Don’t want to either.
