Are you a Disney Plus subscriber with a passion for horsing around? If so, look no further than my list of the best horse movies on Disney Plus.
Whether you’re looking for something family-friendly or want some laughs with friends, these stories will warm your heart and fill you with laughs.
Get ready to race ahead into magical tales of friendship, love and adventure created by some of the most beloved filmmakers in Hollywood.
NOTE: This post may contain spoilers to movie or show plots. These movies and shows are available to stream on Disney+ in the US as of publication time, unless otherwise noted. Availability can change at any time.
The Park Pixie’s top picks
If you’re in a hurry to pick something to watch on Disney Plus, here are my top 3 picks for the best horse movies on Disney+.
- Best drama: Secretariat (2010)
- Best true story: Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991)
- Best animated film: Home on the Range (2004)
Hacksaw (1971)
Director: Larry Landburgh
Starring: Tab Hunter, Victor Millan, Dick Spencer III
Genre: Family
Duration: 1 hr 29 min
Best for: Early Gen Xers feeling nostalgic for their childhood
A young girl corrals a wild horse named Hacksaw and attempts to train him without success.
But with the help of a tenacious rancher, Tim Andrews (Tab Hunter), they finally are able to train him in wagon racing.
As they slowly bond, they must navigate a rocky past and rediscover hope together. With its heartwarming story, this Disney classic is still worth watching again today.
Justin Morgan Had a Horse (1972)
Director: Hollingsworth Morse
Starring: R.G. Armstrong, Whit Bissell, Don Murray
Genre: Family
Duration: 1 hr 31 min
Best for: Horse breeders and owners, Early Gen Xers feeling nostalgic for their childhood
Released in 1972, Justin Morgan Had a Horse is based on a novel of the same name by Marguerite Henry.
It tells the story of young Justin Morgan and his creation of the first American bred horse, which was later named the Morgan horse.
The movie depicts a portrait of both friendship and relentless ambition as Morgan and his first horse, FIgure, attempt to win races against exasperated opponents.
Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken (1991)
Director: Steve Miner
Starring: Gabrielle Anwar, Cliff Robertson, Michael Schoeffling
Genre: Drama
Duration: 1 hr 29 min
Best for: Millennials, Girls night in
If you think cowboys have all the fun, check out Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken and find out what true adventure looks like.
This film, which is based on a true story, follows Sonora Webster, whose delightful determination leads her to pursue a risky career as a horse diver.
Yes, a horse diver!
I can’t even count the number of times I watched this movie as a 90s teen, and the many times since then!
P.S. If you love this movie as much as I do, it’s based on Sonora’s book, A Girl and Her Five Brave Horses.
Horse Sense (1999)
Director: Greg Beeman
Starring: Joey Lawrence, Andrew Lawrence, Susan Walters
Genre: Comedy
Duration: 1 hr 32 min
Best for: Lawrence brothers fans
This Disney Channel Original Movie follows the story of Michael Woods (Joey Lawrence), a spoiled young man from Los Angeles.
After treating his cousin Tommy (Andrew Lawrence) poorly while he was visiting, he is sent to live with his cousin and aunt in Montana.
While there, he learns their ranch is about to go into foreclosure and is determined to help them save it.
He slowly realizes his selfishness, while at the same time bonding with his cousin, as well as one of the horses. Can he help save the ranch?
Also on Disney+ is its sequel, Jumping Ship.
Ready to Run (2000)
Director: Duwayne Dunham
Starring: Krissy Perez, Jason Dohring
Genre: Family
Duration: 1 hr 28 min
Best for: Teenage sleepovers, Mother-daughter movie night
Ready to Run is a classic Disney Channel Original Movie that any horse lover will thoroughly enjoy.
In the film, Corrie Ortiz (Krissy Perez) is a teenage girl who is determined to become a horse jockey like her father, who died racing.
She is tasked with helping Thunder Jam (aka TJ) become a winning horse. After TJ’s jockey is injured before a big race, she finally steps into her coveted role.
The Young Black Stallion (2003)
Director: Simon Wincer
Starring: Biana Tamimi, Patrick Elyas, Richard Romanus
Genre: Family
Duration: 50 min
Best for: When you want a short movie – but not too short!
The Young Black Stallion tells the story of Neera, a young girl who is separated from her father in the desert. She is rescued and led back to safety by a wild colt named Shetan.
Her family doesn’t believe her, even after she learns that years ago, her grandfather had set one of his horses free when he had to dismantle his breeding business.
After Neera tries to convince her grandfather to start breeding horses again, Shetan returns and she enters into a prestigious endurance race with him. Will they succeed?
This beautiful tale of courage and family is a must-see for any horse lover! It is also a prequel to the 1979 film, The Black Stallion, which unfortunately is not on Disney+.
Home on the Range (2004)
Director: Will Finn & John Stanford
Voiced by: Roseanne Barr, Steve Buscemi, Dame Judi Dench, Cuba Gooding Jr., Randy Quaid, Jennifer Tilly
Genre: Animation
Duration: 1 hr. 16 min.
Best for: Movie time with young kids
While not exclusively about horses, Home on the Range is a wild ride of adventure and fun amongst some farm animals, including a stallion.
The movie follows the story of a group of farm animals who attempt to save the farm they live on after they learn a scammy dude is trying to steal it.
With plenty of animated action and funny one-liners, Home on the Range is well worth watching if you’re looking for a bit of nostalgic fun.
Flicka (2006)
Director: Michael Mayer
Starring: Alison Lohman, Maria Bello, Ryan Kwanten, Tim McGraw,
Genre: Family / Drama
Duration: 95 min
Best for: Pretty much any horse lover of any age!
Based on the 1941 novel, My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara, this family-friendly movie follows the story of a young girl named Katy who befriends a wild mustang horse.
After her new friend is captured and sold to a rodeo, Katy sets out to rescue her.
Secretariat (2010)
Director: Randall Wallace
Starring: Diane Lane, Nelsan Ellis, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale,
Genre: Drama
Duration: 2 hr 3 min
Best for: a true story/horse lover crossover event
Based on a true story, Secretariat follows the story of Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) and her horse, Secretariat.
They set out to win the Triple Crown, a prestigious accomplishment only awarded when the same horse wins the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Preakness Stakes races.
The only problem is, it’s a long shot. Like a really long shot! Will Penny and Secretariat succeed?
Tangled (2010)
Director: Nathan Greno & Byron Howard
Voiced by: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi
Genre: Animation
Duration: 1 hr 40 min
Best for: Punzie fans
Disney’s Tangled is one of the most beloved animated films of all time and it’s not hard to see why.
While it may not be the first movie that comes to mind when you think of horse movies, Tangled has one of the best equine characters in Disney canon – Maximus, a former foe-turned-friend to Flynn Rider and Rapunzel.
The regular and Sing-Along versions of Tangled are available to stream on Disney Plus.
Also available to stream are:
- Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017-19)
- Tangled Before Ever After (2017)
- Tangled Ever After (2012)
- Tangled: The Series – Short Cuts (2017)
Mickey Mouse in “Get a Horse” (2013)
Director: Lauren MacMullan
Voiced by: Walt Disney, Marcellite Garner, Russi Taylor, Billy Bletcher, Will Ryan
Genre: Short film
Best for: a quick break, Mickey Mouse fans
This short film combines classic black and white animation with modern animation techniques to create a charming throwback to the original Mickey Mouse shorts.
It features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, and Peg-Leg Pete.
Although it is only 6 minutes, Mickey manages to leave quite an impression, showing that he still has what it takes to remain one of the most recognizable cartoon characters after all these years.
If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Mickey this weekend, give this short film a try!
What are your favorite horse movies on Disney Plus?
Horses have been a symbol of freedom and beauty for centuries, and Disney Plus’ selection of horse movies do not disappoint!
So get comfortable in the saddle, er couch, and enjoy one of these wonderful horse movies on Disney Plus today.
About the author
Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.
This post was originally published March 9, 2023. It was last updated March 12, 2024.
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