There are several other movies like The Bikeriders, in terms of tone, themes, and key characters. Directed by Jeff Nichols, the drama-crime film delves into the rugged world of a 1960s Chicago biker gang. Adapted from Danny Lyon’s photographic book, The Bikeriders intricately weaves fictional narratives with real-life inspirations drawn from Lyon’s interviews. The story centers on Kathy (Jodie Comer), who becomes deeply enmeshed with the Vandals motorcycle club after falling for Benny (Austin Butler), a charismatic member whose genuine nature stands out in a sea of rough personalities. However, The Bikeriders’ reviews have been mixed.

While praised for its compelling performances—especially Butler’s magnetic portrayal of Benny—and its vivid depiction of the biker lifestyle, some critics have pointed out that the narrative becomes overly burdened by its dramatic elements. The Bikeriders soundtrack features blues, rock, and R&B that effectively capture the late 1960s and midwestern motorcycle culture and evoke nostalgia for anyone familiar with it. For those who enjoyed the movie, the good news is that there are many others like it from every decade since the 1950s.

10

The Wild One (1953)

A Rebellious Motorcycle Gang Invades A Small California Town

The Wild One, directed by László Benedek, is a seminal biker film that solidified Marlon Brando’s status as an iconic figure in Hollywood. Brando stars as Johnny Strabler, the rebellious leader of the Black Rebels Motorcycle Club, whose disdain for authority and magnetic presence dominate the screen. The plot revolves around Johnny’s tumultuous romance with Kathie Bleeker, the daughter of a local sheriff, amidst escalating tensions with a rival gang. This 1953 film not only showcased Brando’s undeniable charisma but also became a cultural touchstone for its portrayal of the rebellious biker subculture, influencing countless films that followed.

The Wild One is often regarded as one of the best movies in the biker genre due to its groundbreaking depiction of motorcycle gangs and its exploration of themes like rebellion and identity. Brando’s performance is the heart of the film, much like Butler in The Bikeriders. The British Board of Film Classification banned The Wild One for its perceived glorification of crime and violence, a testament to its impact and the societal concerns it stirred.

9

Easy Rider (1969)

Two Bikers Embark On A Long Journey To Escape Society

Easy Rider is another landmark American biker film. Directed by Dennis Hopper, it follows two bikers, Billy (Hopper himself) and Wyatt (Peter Fonda), on a journey from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Along their way, they encounter George Hanson (Jack Nicholson), a free-spirited attorney who joins them and significantly influences their odyssey. This film not only chronicles their quest for freedom and exploration of America but also captures the spirit of the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

Easy Rider is often hailed as one of the most influential movies of all time, similar to The Bikeriders in its exploration of the biker subculture and themes of rebellion and freedom. It played a crucial role in the New Hollywood movement, characterized by a shift towards more personal and experimental filmmaking on a lower budget. Easy Rider‘s unexpected box office success, coupled with its subversive narrative and innovative style, made it a cultural phenomenon amid wider tension over the Vietnam War and widespread nihilism among marginalized American youth.

8

Mad Max (1979)

A Sci-Fi Action Thriller That Birthed A Massive Franchise

Mad Max is a groundbreaking Australian dystopian action film that catapulted Mel Gibson to international stardom. Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic future where law and order have broken down, the story follows Max Rockatansky (Gibson), a highway patrol officer seeking revenge against a violent motorcycle gang led by the ruthless Toecutter (Hugh Keays-Byrne). As society crumbles around him, Max transforms from a dedicated officer to a vengeful vigilante after the gang murders his family.

Directed by George Miller, Mad Max‘s high-octane chases, gritty atmosphere, and visceral action sequences set a new standard for the biker action genre. Like The Bikeriders, which delves into the dynamics of a motorcycle club, Mad Max explores the chaos and camaraderie of biker culture, albeit in a more dystopian setting. The film’s low-budget yet high-impact approach influenced countless future action movies and cemented its place as a cult classic.

7

The Loveless (1981)

A Group Of Bikers Disrupt The Local Atmosphere Of A Small American Town

The Loveless is a compelling entry in the biker movie genre that features Willem Dafoe in one of his earliest starring roles. The plot centers on a group of bikers who gather at a roadside diner en route to the Daytona race, stirring unease among the diner’s management and patrons. The tension soon escalates into a series of violent confrontations, capturing the volatile dynamics between the bikers and the local community.

Dafoe’s portrayal of Vance, the charismatic and enigmatic leader of the biker gang, is a standout performance that hints at his future success in Hollywood. The Loveless quickly gained a cult following upon its release, praised for its gritty realism and atmospheric storytelling. Filmed on a tight budget, the movie’s success lies in its raw depiction of biker culture and the sense of community within the gang. Kathryn Bigelow’s directorial debut showcases her distinctive style and sets the stage for her acclaimed career in filmmaking.

6

The Outsiders (1983)

Two Teen Gangs Find Themselves At Irreconcilable Odds

The Outsiders is a foundational coming-of-age film based on S.E. Hinton’s novel of the same name. It features an ensemble cast of future stars, including C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, and Diane Lane. The plot revolves around the lives of two rival teenage gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma. The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis (Howell) and his close-knit group of friends as they navigate social tensions, violence, and the struggle for identity and belonging. The film’s portrayal of youthful rebellion and brotherhood has made it a beloved classic.

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The Outsiders resonates with audiences for its authentic depiction of teenage angst and class conflict. The film’s critical reception praised its emotional depth and the powerful performances of its cast, particularly Howell and Dillon. The Outsiders captures the spirit of youthful rebellion and the bonds formed in the face of adversity, themes that are central to The Bikeriders. Both films delve into subcultures and the challenges faced by those on the fringes of society.

5

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

A Sensitive Biographical Drama On Che Guevara

The Motorcycle Diaries presents a compelling and introspective look at the early life of Che Guevara, long before he became a revolutionary icon. Based on Guevara’s memoirs, the film chronicles his 1950s journey across South America as a young medical student. Gael García Bernal stars as Che, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the transformative experiences of his youth. Directed by renowned Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, The Motorcycle Diaries eschews the high-octane action typical of biker movies, opting instead for a thoughtful exploration of the events and interactions that influenced Guevara’s worldview.

This reflective road movie stands out in the genre for its focus on character development and social commentary. As Guevara’s motorcycle breaks down, he is compelled to engage deeply with the diverse peoples and landscapes of South America, witnessing firsthand the widespread poverty and oppression. Salles’ direction and Eric Gautier’s cinematography beautifully capture this journey of self-discovery, making The Motorcycle Diaries a poignant narrative about personal growth and social awareness.

4

The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)

An Uplifting Biographical Drama Starring Anthony Hopkins

Directed by Roger Donaldson, The World’s Fastest Indian offers a refreshing take on the biker movie genre with its heartwarming and inspiring true story. Anthony Hopkins stars as Burt Munro, an elderly New Zealand motorcycle enthusiast who becomes obsessed with setting a land speed record on his customized 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle. The film follows Munro’s journey as he overcomes numerous challenges, from technical setbacks to financial struggles, all while pursuing his dream against the odds.

Unlike the gritty and often intense portrayals of biker culture seen in The Bikeriders, this movie focuses on Munro’s passion for motorcycles and his determination to achieve greatness. Hopkins delivers a captivating performance that captures Munro’s eccentricity, charm, and unwavering spirit. The film blends humor, drama, and inspiration seamlessly, making it a standout within the genre.

3

Mud (2012)

Two Teenagers Help A Fugitive Evade Capture

Mud is a coming-of-age drama set in rural Arkansas that intricately weaves themes of friendship, love, and disillusionment. The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Mud, a mysterious fugitive living on a remote island in the Mississippi River. When two teenage boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), discover Mud hiding out, they strike up a pact to help him evade capture and reunite with his lost love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). As the boys become entangled in Mud’s world, they confront harsh truths about love and loyalty while navigating the complexities of adulthood in a rustic Southern setting.

Mud stands out as a poignant exploration of character and environment. Nichols’ direction and the authentic performances by McConaughey, Sheridan, and Lofland contributed to the film’s critical acclaim. Praised for its evocative storytelling and richly drawn characters, Mud resonates with audiences for its atmospheric depiction of the American South. Now regarded as a modern classic, it is thematically similar to The Bikeriders in terms of its portrayal of Southern culture and in its exploration of individuals navigating their own moral landscapes amidst challenging circumstances.

2

Road to Paloma (2014)

Jason Momoa’s Road Movie About Personal Vengeance And Redemption

Road to Paloma (2014) is a compelling drama that blends elements of a road movie with a tale of personal vengeance and redemption. The film is co-written and directed by Jason Momoa, who also stars as Robert Wolf, a Native American biker who takes the law into his own hands after avenging the brutal rape and murder of his mother. On the run from federal agents, Wolf embarks on a poignant journey across the American West to scatter his mother’s ashes on his sister’s property. In the process, he encounters various characters and confronts his past.

Momoa’s performance and direction received praise for their authenticity and emotional depth, solidifying the film’s status as a notable entry in the biker genre. Road to Paloma‘s raw and visceral portrayal of revenge and the solitary journey of its protagonist feel similar to The Bikeriders, as does its exploration of themes like loyalty, justice, and the quest for peace. The films also share a gritty, rugged aesthetic and a powerful sense of mission.

1

The Drop (2014)

An Unassuming Bartender Gets Embroiled In A Robbery Gone Wrong

The Drop (2014) is a gripping crime drama about the underbelly of Brooklyn’s criminal world. The film stars Tom Hardy as Bob Saginowski, a quiet and unassuming bartender who finds himself entangled in a robbery gone wrong at his cousin Marv’s bar. James Gandolfini, in one of his final roles, portrays Marv, a former crime boss who has fallen on hard times and is now under the control of Chechen gangsters. The plot thickens as Bob discovers an abandoned pit bull puppy, leading him to cross paths with Nadia (Noomi Rapace) and her menacing ex-boyfriend Eric Deeds (Matthias Schoenaerts.)

Hardy’s nuanced portrayal of Bob brings a depth to the character, making him both vulnerable and formidable. Gandolfini’s performance adds a layer of authenticity and gravitas to the film, serving as a fitting tribute to his legacy. The Drop was written by acclaimed author Dennis Lehane, based on his short story Animal Rescue, which he later expanded into a novel too. The film received positive reviews for its tightly woven plot, atmospheric tension, and character-driven storytelling. Much like The Bikeriders, it explores themes of loyalty, crime, and the struggles of individuals trying to navigate a harsh and unforgiving world.