While spring weather often calls us to do more outside, if a dose of Netflix is on your plate then queue up any of these great bicycling movies.
A still from the movie Copenhagen
While spring weather often calls us to do more outside, if a dose of Netflix is on your plate then queue up any of these great bicycling movies.
Copenhagen (2014)
Copenhagen is a coming-of-age drama that tells the story of William, an immature Canadian in his late twenties who travels to Copenhagen to find his grandfather. He meets a young waitress who agrees to be his translator and guide and the two of them embark on a cycling journey around the city uncovering the dark history of William’s family. Effy, the young waitress, challenges the negative perceptions he’s always had of women and he finds himself falling for her, only to learn that she’s half his age.
Available in the US
Rising from Ashes (2012)
Rising from Ashes is an inspiring documentary about the formation of the Rwandan national cycling team. In 2006, professional cyclist Jacques “Jock” Boyer moved to Rwanda to help a group of struggling genocide survivors form a cycling organization. All of its members were young children during the genocide, and many were left orphaned. The film follows the cycling organization’s progression into a national team, and the emotional and psychological impacts the cycling team has on both its members and a nation still struggling with the aftermath of trauma.
Available in the US and Canada
Premium Rush (2012)
A routine run for a Manhattan bike messenger unexpectedly turns into a life or death race when a dirty cop comes after the package he’s carrying. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in this action-packed urban thriller with bicycle chase scenes to rival any cinematic car chase.
Available in Canada
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Wadjda (2012)
Wadjda tells the story of an enterprising and rebellious 10-year-old girl in Saudi Arabia who wants to beat a male classmate in a bicycle race, but doesn’t have a bike. She registers for a Koran-reciting competition at her school in hopes of winning enough money to buy the green bicycle she has set her sights on.
Available in Canada
The Bicycle Thief (1948)
The Bicycle Thief has been heralded as one of the best movies of all time by voices from the New Yorker to the Los Angeles Times. The drama tells the story of Antonio, an impoverished man in post-war Italy who requires a bicycle to do his job, but has his stolen the same day he buys it. He sets out in streets of Rome with his son to track down the thief and retrieve his bike.
Available in the US and Canada
Girl on a Bicycle (2013)
Set in Paris, this romantic comedy tells the story of Paolo, an Italian tour bus driver who becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman he sees riding past on a bicycle just days after he becomes engaged to his long-time girlfriend.
Available in the US
The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
This comical French cartoon follows the exploits of Madame Souza, her dog Bruno, and an ageing, eccentric singing trio who set out to save Souza’s grandson after he was kidnapped during the Tour de France.
Available in the US
The Kid with a Bike (2011)
Another French film, The Kid with a Bike centers around a young boy who has recently been abandoned by his father and left to the care of the state. A hairdresser in town takes him under her wing on weekends, and as the two of them ride around town, the boy struggles to come to terms with his situation.
Available in the US
The Armstrong Lie (2013)
This documentary follows Lance Armstrong from his post-cancer comeback in 2009, through to his confession about performance-enhancing drug use in 2012.
Available in Canada
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)
Pee Wee Herman sets out on a grand adventure across the US in an attempt to find his beloved red bicycle in this family-friendly American Classic.
Available in the US
In this guide, we share stats on bicycle theft, the best ways to lock your bike and which ways to avoid, types of locks to use, new technologies combating theft, a directory of brands and much more!
Find inspiration in our Gear Guide that will keep you out on your bike through wind or rain.
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Copenhagen is available on Netflix Canada too.
2 Seconds
dont forget “slaying the badger” the Greg Lemond documentary.
My award-winning feminist bike horror film, The Spinster, is on sale now during Bike Month 2015! http://www.thespinstermovie.com/#!online-store/c18ji/!/The-Spinster-Digital-Download-Card-ON-SALE/p/35468802/category=9134154
Ride to Glory is a charming little French film about a man who does the Tour de France a few days ahead of the actual race. French with sub titles. Great summer riding movie.
What about Middle of the World?
‘Ride The Divide’ was available in Canada on Netflix a few months ago, may still be. A documentary about an off-road race from Banff to the Mexican border. A grueling ride. Vimeo has the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/14028/9654326
I don’t have Netflix, but Hulu has “Murder of Couriers,” which I recommend.
I really liked “The Ride”, a documentary with Phil Keoghan (the host on Amazing Race) as he rides across the US. It was on Netflix’s streaming about a year ago, hopefully it is still on.
Thank you Dan, Just finished watching the ride and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Quicksilver, American flyers
What? You don’t even mention “Breaking Away”?
Breaking Away isn’t mentioned because it isn’t available on Netflix Instant.
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