Animals have been a part of motion pictures since its inception. They’ve played supporting characters in most of the films that they’ve been a part of. However, there have been a large number of films that have revolved specially around them. Amongst these animals, the horse has probably been the most visible throughout film history. The whole western era of films belongs to them. After all, what would a cowboy be without his steed? To commemorate their contribution to films, we have made a list of the 5 most famous movie horses. It’s time to saddle up and be careful to hold onto your pommels because it’s going to be a bumpy ride, hee haw!
Joey from ‘Warhorse’
Picture Saving Private Ryan, in a World War 1 setting, with a horse playing the lead and no Ryan to speak off. Another one of Spielberg’s war epics featuring a horse as the main character and this horse is one tough cookie. Sold to the military to pay off his master’s debt, this muscular steed rides through hell and back, while saving a few lives in his free time.
Seabiscuit from ‘Seabiscuit’
Seabiscuit was a real life depression era racing horse, who beat all the odds and became a symbol of hope for Americans at a time they needed one most. In the big screen adaptation of the story He’s Ridden By Spider-Man, the old sniveling one, not the new one. The horse pretty much embodies the American dream, starting from being a reject to becoming a champion. I guess dreams aren’t just reserved for humans and this horse had the heart to carry his dreams and old Spidey to the finish line.
Maximus from ‘Tangled’
In the words of Jim Moriarty, “Every fairytale needs a good old fashioned villain” and every villain needs a horse that can make the hero’s life miserable, even in his absence. Maximus does just that after being separated from his master, he takes it upon himself to capture Flynn Rider, the hero of the story. He pursues Flynn like a blood hound and aggravates his temper like a 5 year old.
Toronado from ‘The Mask of Zorro’
The legendary masked hero and his wild spirited black stallion aren’t exactly as compatible as Batman and his ride, but they don’t mind taking second best. Their relationship is not that of a master and his steed, but that of partners. After a rocky start, the two of them learn to get along, but Toronado is sure to keep Zorro in check when he starts to get too bossy. Well, someone has to.
Tony from ‘Django Unchained’
If you’re going to make a western, you need a horse and if the rider is a black cowboy, the horse needs to break dance at the end. In fact, even Dr. King Schultz’s horse needs a special mention here, because he bows every time he’s introduced. Jamie Foxx uses his own horse Cheetah in the movie and it’s partly the reason Quentin Tarantino gave Foxx the lead role. To think Jamie’s horse was responsible for getting him into a Tarantino film is enough put him in the No. 1 position.
Unlike Vin Diesel from the Fast & Furious franchise, these horses don’t play one dimensional characters in their respective films. Perhaps Diesel should ride one of these horses instead of driving a car in the next film, to bring the franchise some credibility.
