Motorcycle movies for a rainy day

April 6, 6:26 PMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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Updated: Per reader comments, added "The World's Fastest Indian," "The Doctor, the Tornado & the Kentucky Kid," "Terminator 2," and "The Matrix: Reloaded."  And, a new review for Riding Solo to the Top of the World.

Sometimes living vicariously is the only way to go.  Although DC weather is improving, there are still a few cold rainy days ahead of us.  So, what better time to grab a good DVD and live vicariously through motorcycle adventures on the big screen.

These lists are far from exhaustive, but they do capture a few of my favorites and should give you inspiration for a rainy day.

For movies about motorcycles, motorcyclists, or motorcycling, we have:

• The Motorcycle Diaries - 4 Stars - A fantastic docu-drama of Che Guevara's trip of self-discovery across South America in the early 50s.
• The World's Fastest Indian - 4 Stars - Another drama based on a true story: Anthony Hopkins portrays New Zealander Burt Munro's quest for a record on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.
• Wild Hogs - 3 Stars - A somewhat less epic tale of self-discovery, with a comedic twist, staring Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence, William H. Macy and John Travolta.
• Ghost Rider - 4 Stars - The Marvel character is brought to life by Nicolas Cage as a hellblazing vigilante seeking redemption while battling the son of the devil himself.
• Torque - 3 Stars - A motorcycle action-adventure with bad bad guys, bad good guys, over-the-top angst, and over-the top stunts.  Fun nonetheless.
• Easy Rider - 3 Stars - The ultimate motorcycle classic starting Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda as two counter-culture bikers traveling from Los Angeles to New Orleans in search of truth.

Motorcycle documentaries:

• The Long Way Round - 5 Stars - Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's 20,000 mile adventure around the world.
• The Long Way Down - 5 Stars - Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's follow-up adventure from Ireland to South Africa.
• Journey Beyond Reason - 5 Stars - Nick Sanders' fantastic 20 day, 20,000 mile blast around the world.
• Invasion of the Motorcycles, Target: Laconia - 3 Stars - A guided tour from the comfort of your couch beautifully capturing bike week at Laconia, New Hampshire.
• Riding Solo to the Top of the World - 5 Stars - One man's journey from Mubia India to one of the most remote places in the world, with only a motorcycle and what it could carry.

Motorcycle racing:

• Faster - 5 Stars - The ultimate introduction to MotoGP racing.  Ewan McGregor narrates this must-watch video for motorcycle racing fans.
• The Doctor, the Tornado & the Kentucky Kid - 5 Stars - Ewan narrates another fantastic review of MotoGP racing, this time, focused on racing at Laguna Seca.
• MotoGP 08 - 4 Stars - Not as much of a travelogue as 06 and 07, but the Laguna Seca race is a must-see.  Is it just me, or was 08 an unusually aggressive season?
• MotoGP 07 - 5 Stars - Motorcycles, racing and travel, all in one.  A fantastic season.
• MotoGP 06 - 4 Stars
• MotoGP 05 - [Missing from NetFlix...]
• MotoGP 04 - 5 Stars
• MotoGP 03 - 3 Stars
• MotoGP 02 - 4 Stars
• World's Fastest Bikes - 3 Stars
• Isle of Mann TT 2008 - [Very long wait...]
• Isle of Mann TT 2002 - 4 Stars [No longer available on NetFlix...]

And, a random assortment of movies with great motorcycle scenes:

• Terminator 2 - 5 Stars - One of the best motorcycle chase scenes ever [thanks for the reminder Mike!]
• Matrix Reloaded - 5 Stars - The best motorcycle chase scene ever [thanks Jay!]
• Mission: Impossible II - 3 Stars - Motorcycle stunts unlike anything seen at the time.  Now, commonplace.
• Tomb Raider - 4 Stars - Angelina Jolie, guns, motorcycles, travel and adventure.  What's not to love!?
• The Island - 4 Stars - Ewan on a motorcycle again!  A great sci-fi sleeper hit, and an intriguing cautionary tale.
• I, Robot - 4 Stars - Another sci-fi block-buster with Will Smith and a motorcycle.
• Ultraviolet - 4 Stars - A very stylish sci-fi flick.  I'm not certain this one warrants a 4-star rating, but that's what I rated it in 2006.
• Bangkok Dangerous - 3 Stars - Three stars for the ending, but four stars for the bike scenes.

Which of your favorites have I missed?