horses · animals · family movies
Best Movies for Kids Who Love Horses
Cyiza Jean de Dieu ·
Great horse movies for kids include the animated adventure 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' and the live-action family drama 'Dreamer.'
The best horse movies for kids celebrate the powerful bond between children and these majestic animals, telling stories of friendship, courage, and perseverance. From animated adventures like 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' to live-action dramas like 'Dreamer,' there are great options for every young animal lover.
This list of horse movies is organized by emotional intensity, helping you find a story that fits your child's comfort level. Whether you're looking for a gentle tale of friendship or a more dramatic story of overcoming the odds, you can find the right fit for your family's movie night.
Choose tonight’s movie
Quick Picks
- Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron — For a thrilling animated tale of freedom.
- Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story — For a gentle family drama about second chances.
- National Velvet — For a classic story about pursuing big dreams.
- War Horse — For older kids ready for an intense war drama.
Movie Knight guide
The Full List
No. 1
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
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Animated freedom story
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron
The animated film 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron' tells the story of a wild mustang who is captured by humans and fights to regain his freedom. Parents should know the movie contains challenging themes of captivity and struggle, with some intense moments of human conflict and mild peril involving a waterfall. This adventure works best for kids ages 6 and up.
Families who appreciate stories about perseverance and respect for nature will find a lot to love in this film. It's a great starting point for conversations about inner strength and the love for one's home.
No. 2
Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story
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Heartwarming family drama
Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story
'Dreamer: Inspired By a True Story' is a live-action drama about a father and daughter who nurse an injured racehorse back to health. Parents should be aware that the horse's injury is shown early in the film, and there are some brief moments of emotional intensity and disputes between characters. This inspiring story works best for kids ages 7 and up.
This movie is an excellent choice for families who enjoy tales of believing in second chances and overcoming adversity. After the movie, you can talk about the importance of family support and perseverance.
No. 3
Flicka
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A girl and her mustang
Flicka
The movie 'Flicka' is a family drama about a determined teenager who tames a wild mustang to prove she can run her family's ranch. Parents should know the story includes some emotional scenes involving horse injuries and family disagreements, as well as a significant tragedy that could upset younger viewers. 'Flicka' works best for kids ages 8 and up.
Viewers who connect with strong-willed characters and the wild beauty of nature will be drawn to this film. The story opens up discussions about family expectations and the responsibility of caring for animals.
No. 4
Black Beauty
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A horse's life story
Black Beauty
The 2020 adaptation of 'Black Beauty' tells the life story of a wild horse who forms a deep bond with a teenage girl, Jo Green, after being captured. Parents should know the film contains scenes where horses are mistreated or in danger, as well as themes of separation and loss that might be upsetting. This emotional journey works best for kids ages 8 and up.
This film is a moving choice for those interested in animal welfare and stories of lifelong friendship. It provides a good opportunity to talk about resilience and the importance of treating animals with kindness.
No. 5
Young Black Stallion
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Visually driven adventure
Young Black Stallion
'Young Black Stallion' is a visually stunning adventure about a young girl named Neera who gets separated from her family and befriends a wild colt in the desert. Parents should know the main character is separated from her family, and there is some competitive intensity during a horse race scene. This film works best for kids 6 and up.
Kids who love beautiful landscapes and stories of loyalty between a child and an animal will enjoy this straightforward adventure. The friendship between Neera and the colt is the heart of the story.
No. 6
Secretariat
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Inspiring true story
Secretariat
'Secretariat' tells the true story of Penny Chenery, who takes over her family's stables and guides a legendary racehorse to win the Triple Crown in a male-dominated sport. Parents should be aware that some characters smoke cigarettes and a horse is shown being euthanized off-screen, which can be an emotional moment. This historical drama works best for kids ages 8 and up.
This is a great movie for families who appreciate inspiring stories about breaking barriers and defying expectations. The film's themes of determination and family loyalty are worth discussing afterward.
No. 7
National Velvet
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A timeless classic
National Velvet
The classic film 'National Velvet' follows a young girl who wins a horse in a lottery and dreams of training him for England's biggest race, the Grand National. Parents should note that the film depicts some gambling, a character disguises their gender to compete, and the climactic race has emotional moments. 'National Velvet' works best for kids ages 6 and up.
This patient, old-fashioned story is perfect for those who love underdog tales and classic cinema. It's a wonderful film for talking about determination and what it takes to follow your dreams.
No. 8
The Black Stallion
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Survival and friendship
The Black Stallion
'The Black Stallion' is a classic adventure about a young boy named Alec who survives a shipwreck and befriends a wild Arabian horse on a deserted island. Parents should know the film includes a sinking ship and scenes of peril, along with the competitive intensity of horse racing. This beautifully filmed story works best for kids ages 7 and up.
Fans of survival stories and movies that focus on the powerful, unspoken bond between humans and animals will be captivated by this film. The first half of the movie has very little dialogue, focusing instead on visual storytelling.
No. 9
Racing Stripes
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Zebra-wants-to-race comedy
Racing Stripes
The family comedy 'Racing Stripes' is about a zebra named Stripes who was left behind by a circus and dreams of becoming a racehorse. Parents should be aware of some mild animated animal peril, brief tension, and a few instances of rude humor from the animal characters. This funny and unique story works best for kids ages 6 and up.
This movie is a lighthearted pick for families looking for a silly comedy with a good message. It's a fun way to talk about embracing what makes you unique and going after your goals, no matter what others think.
No. 10
A Champion Heart
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A story of healing
A Champion Heart
'A Champion Heart' is a gentle drama about a grieving teenage girl who finds healing and purpose by bonding with an injured horse at an equestrian camp. Parents should know there are brief moments showing a horse in distress, which may be sensitive for some viewers. This story about overcoming adversity works best for kids ages 6 and up.
This film is a good choice for viewers who appreciate stories about compassion and finding hope after a loss. The parallel journey of healing for both the girl and the horse is the central focus.
No. 11
War Horse
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Best for older kids
War Horse
'War Horse' is a powerful drama that follows a horse named Joey through the battlefields of World War I, showing the many lives he touches. Parents must know that this film contains graphic and intense depictions of war violence, animal suffering and death, and strong emotional themes of loss that are not suitable for young children. 'War Horse' works best for kids ages 12 and up.
This film is a mature and moving look at perseverance and devotion amidst the horrors of war. It's a good film for teens to watch with a parent to discuss the historical context and difficult themes presented.
No. 12
Spirit Untamed
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Friendship and adventure
Spirit Untamed
The animated adventure 'Spirit Untamed' follows a headstrong girl, Lucky, who moves to a new town and forms an unbreakable bond with a wild mustang named Spirit. Parents should know the story includes mild peril during horseback riding chases and deals with the early separation from a parent figure. This colorful tale works best for kids ages 6 and up.
This movie will appeal to children who love stories about friendship, courage, and exploring the outdoors. It's a great choice for a family movie night focused on independence and respecting nature.
Before you press play
A note for parents
Movies about horses often explore mature themes like injury, loss, and the challenges of animal ownership, even in G-rated films. While these stories celebrate perseverance and the human-animal bond, they can also contain emotionally intense scenes of peril or mistreatment. Watching together allows you to address any sad or scary moments and discuss the responsibilities and joys that come with caring for animals.
Questions parents ask
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