Horses in Pop Culture: Iconic Racing Champions in Movies, Games, and Comics
Let’s start with a question. Which animal do you think humans have had the closest relationship with throughout history? Currently, probably dogs, but if we zoom out and look at the last 4,000 years, we can see that horses claim the title. They’ve been our most loyal human companion through centuries, helping with agriculture, warfare, transportation, and now entertainment. I think it is safe to say that we wouldn’t be here without them, or we wouldn’t have advanced so much if we didn’t have horses.
Since they were so influential in the development of our civilization, they are obviously a big part of our society. This is why it is not surprising to find that they are dominating pop culture, from comic books to movies, and video games. This is the perfect time to look back at some of the most incredible pieces, that pay tribute to these amazing animals. So, which are the most iconic movies, games, and comics?
Seabiscuit The Underdog Story
When it comes to the best horse racing movies, Seabiscuit is definitely a contender. Why? Well, first of all, this was a legendary horse that went against all odds. And we all love a good underdog story, right? These stories are great for the imagination. You see what happened back in the day, and you compare it to the modern horse racing world. Seabiscuit was the real-life champ from the 1930s, and the story was highlighted in the 2003 Seabiscuit movie. We are talking about a horse with 89 wins in his career, including the 1938 match against the legendary War Admiral.
This lets you wonder, what if I place a bet on an underdog in the upcoming Kentucky Derby? If you are feeling lucky, you can do that on the link below: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/betting/ Let’s get back to the film. This incredible piece, starring Tobey Maguire, nailed that underdog vibe—grossing $148 million worldwide.
Secretariat
Fast forward to 1973—Secretariat, the chestnut titan with a 31-length Belmont Stakes win (2:24 for 1.5 miles, a record still standing)—gets his close-up in 2010’s Secretariat. Disney spun this Triple Crown king into a family flick, with Diane Lane as owner Penny Chenery, and its pure adrenaline. His real-life stats dazzle—16 wins from 21 starts—and the movie’s barn scenes, filmed at Keeneland, ooze authenticity.
Most people call it a “love letter to speed,” with fans on social media still geeking out over how CGI nailed his stride. Secretariat’s larger-than-life glow keeps him a pop culture champ, inspiring awe across generations. If you want an exceptional movie with an unbelievable story that is still hard to achieve – you should watch the Secretariat.
Phar Lap
Down under, Phar Lap’s a name that echoes louder than a thunderclap. This New Zealand-born gelding ruled Aussie tracks in the 1930s—39 wins from 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup—before his mysterious death in 1932 sparked conspiracy tales. The 1983 film Phar Lap turned him into a national icon, blending gritty racing footage with Depression-era heartbreak. Experts praise its raw energy, noting how it captures his bond with groom Tommy Woodcock. Online Aussies still debate the poisoning rumors—arsenic or mob hit? —keeping Phar Lap a towering figure in film lore, a tragic hero who gallops through time.
Black Stallion
Not every icon’s real—meet the Black Stallion, a jet-black Arabian from Walter Farley’s 1941 novel turned 1979 movie star. No racing stats here, just pure cinematic magic as Alec Ramsey bonds with “The Black” after a shipwreck, racing him to glory against Thoroughbreds. Shot on Sardinia’s beaches and Kentucky tracks, the film’s galloping climax—clocked at a fictional 43 mph—won hearts and a Special Achievement Oscar for sound. Most people call this movie “timeless,” and they are exactly right.
Horses in Video Games
When it comes to video games, there are plenty of iconic horses that we’ve met. Let’s highlight some of the best.
First of all, we have Torrent from Elden Ring known for its mighty speed. We also have plenty of different horses from Red Dead Redemption 2, and this was the game that pushed the limits of design and mechanics in horses giving us the most realistic riding experience ever. Next, we have Epona, the horse that Link is riding in the Legend of Zelda Series, and of course Roach, our beloved horse from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Other honorable mentions are Wyrdeer (which isn’t really a horse) from Pokemon Legends Arceus, Jin’s Horse from Ghost of Tsushima, and Rapidash from Pokemon.
Clearly, many great horses left their impact on video games and made them even more enjoyable.
Man o’ War Comic
Speaking of Man O’ War, this 1920s legend—20 wins from 21 races, including a 100-length romp—leaps into comics too. In DC’s All-Star Comics #8 (1941), a racehorse named after him inspires the Justice Society, while Marvel’s Captain America nods to his speed in wartime tales.
Dreamer’s Reel-to-Real Run
Back to film—Dreamer (2005) spins a fictional filly, Sonador, inspired by 1990s racer Mariah’s Storm (10 wins from 16 starts), into a tearjerker. Dakota Fanning nurses her from a broken leg to a Breeders’ Cup upset, shot at Keeneland with real jockeys like Gary Stevens in the saddle. A 2025 Horse Network recap loves how it mirrors Mariah’s comeback—winning the 1995 Turfway Breeders’ Cup after a fracture.
Horses definitely leave a long-lasting footprint on pop culture, and they are continuing to impact the entire industry. We are just observers and we don’t mind the horses. We love them!
