The star-studded movie, The Bikeriders, has been met with critical acclaim following its release in June 2024. With rising star Austin Butler at the forefront and Tom Hardy gleaming in a supporting role, the film has attracted a lot of attention. The film also serves as Jeff Nichols‘ sixth feature, a renowned filmmaker who has been gaining acclaim since his first movie in 2007.
The Bikeriders follows the true story of the Vandals motorcycle gang from Chicago. The film offers a visceral look into the sub-culture of biker gangs, exploring the fine line between camaraderie and crime as the group tinker towards the underworld. So, if you enjoyed The Bikeriders, here are 5 movies to watch next that strike a similar note.
5. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
Aside from its depiction of bike riders, The Place Beyond the Pines has a similar feel to The Bikeriders due to its exploration of people operating on the wrong side of the law. The Place Beyond the Pines is a crime drama that masterfully weaves together three interconnected storylines across three different time periods, all tied to one fateful event. The film begins with Luke (Ryan Gosling), a young motorcycle stunt rider who turns to bank robbery to support his newborn son after being left by his lover. As Luke’s actions escalate, he finds himself at odds with Avery (Bradley Cooper), a ruthless police officer looking to climb the ranks.
Meanwhile, 15 years later, AJ, the son of Luke and his former lover, becomes embroiled in the same world of crime and corruption that his father once knew. Director Derek Cianfrance expertly navigates the complex timeline, slowly revealing the connections between the three storylines as they converge on a tragic and devastating conclusion. With its non-linear narrative and outstanding performances from its cast, The Place Beyond the Pines is a gripping and emotionally charged exploration of themes such as redemption, fate, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Watch The Place Beyond the Pines on Apple TV+
4. This Is England (2006)
Much like The Bikeriders, This Is England follows a group of friends who form a gang based on their shared interests. Furthermore, both movies explore the disturbing effects of how this type of unity can turn sour when the wrong people are introduced. This Is England is a 2006 British coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Shane Meadows, set in the early 1980s. The film follows the story of 12-year-old Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), a young boy who loses his father and finds solace in a group of skinheads, led by Woody (Joe Gilgun), a charismatic yet troubled young man.
As Shaun becomes embroiled in their world, he learns about the complexities of British identity, race relations, and the tensions between different subcultures. The film serves as a powerful exploration of themes such as grief, belonging, and the struggles of adolescence. This Is England marked a breakout role for its young cast, with the likes of Jack O’Connell going on to find international recognition with roles in films like Angelina Jolie‘s Unbroken and Money Monster, while Joe Gilgun’s portrayal of Woody earned him critical acclaim and future roles in TV shows like Misfits and Preacher.
Watch This Is England on Prime Video
3. The Wild One (1953)
The Wild One, directed by László Benedek, is a 1953 American drama film that explores the phenomenon of motorcycle gangs in the United States. The movie tells the story of a young and troubled man named Johnny Strabler (Marlon Brando), the leader of a motorcycle gang that terrorizes a small California town. When the gang arrives in town, they disrupt the quiet community, causing chaos and violence. The film’s portrayal of the motorcycle gang, with their leather jackets, ripped jeans, and rebellious attitude, was a departure from traditional representations of bikers in popular culture and helped to popularize the image of the “greaser” subculture. The Wild One was one of the first films to introduce bike gang culture to audiences, and it marked a significant departure from the traditional Hollywood depictions of youth as innocent and wholesome. Interestingly, The Wild One was the movie that inspired the real-life Johnny from The Bikeriders to start his own biker gang.
Watch The Wild One on Apple TV+
2. Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is an iconic crime drama from 1990. The Bikeriders strikes a similar chord to this classic movie due to its slick pacing over-laced with a voiceover from a female counterpart who exists outside of the group. Both movies are told from the perspective of women who were married to men involved in criminal activities. In fact, the movie has been referred to as “Goodfellas on wheels”. While Goodfellas depicts the mafia, both movies tell the story of a criminal underworld and the negative consequences that come with being involved in such an environment. However, although The Bikeriders does seem to be pay homage to Goodfellas, it is still unique nonetheless.
1. Easy Rider (1969)
Easy Rider, directed by Dennis Hopper, is a 1969 American road movie that has become an iconic representation of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The film follows two friends, Wyatt (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper), who embark on a journey across the American Southwest on their motorcycles, searching for freedom and adventure. As they encounter various characters along the way, including hippies, Native Americans, and law enforcement, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of the world around them.
With its innovative cinematography, memorable soundtrack, and memorable performances, Easy Rider has become a cult classic and is undeniably the most well-known and iconic movie that depicts the world of motorcycles. Its influence can be seen in countless films, TV shows, and music videos that have followed in its wake, and it continues to be celebrated as a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity. Just like The Wild One, Easy Rider is also mentioned in The Bikeriders when Funny Sonny (Norman Reedus) is hired to park up outside of the movie theater on Easy Rider‘s opening day. Want to read more about this iconic movie? Here are 10 fun facts about Easy Rider.
Follow Us
