10 Bicycle Romance Films to Watch

Description: Although primarily a neorealist drama, this Italian film has elements of romance and family love. It tells the story of a father and son's desperate search for a stolen bicycle, essential for the father's job, highlighting the emotional bond between them.

Fact: The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Description: This classic film follows a group of friends in Bloomington, Indiana, who dream of becoming professional cyclists. It's a coming-of-age story with a strong romantic subplot, where the protagonist's love for cycling and a local girl intertwine beautifully.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events in Bloomington, where the Little 500 bicycle race is an annual tradition. It also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: Kevin Bacon stars as a former stockbroker turned bicycle messenger, finding love and redemption on the streets of San Francisco. It's a story of personal transformation with a romantic subplot.

Fact: The film features a memorable scene where Bacon rides through the city to the tune of "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News.

Description: This animated film, while quirky and comedic, has a touching story of a grandmother's love for her grandson, a cyclist, and their adventure to save him from the mob. It's a unique blend of romance, adventure, and cycling.

Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and features virtually no dialogue, relying on music and visual storytelling.

Description: This action-packed film features a bike messenger in New York City who gets entangled in a high-stakes chase. While not a traditional romance, the protagonist's relationship with his girlfriend adds a romantic layer to the adrenaline-fueled plot.

Fact: The film was shot using real bike messengers to ensure authenticity in the cycling scenes.

Description: This Belgian film tells the story of Cyril, a young boy who searches for his father, with his bicycle being his only possession. The bond he forms with a hairdresser who takes him in adds a layer of unexpected romance and care.

Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Description: Set in Saudi Arabia, this film follows a young girl's quest to buy a green bicycle, which symbolizes her desire for freedom and her fight against societal norms. The story is imbued with themes of love, friendship, and determination.

Fact: It was the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and directed by a woman, Haifaa al-Mansour.

Description: Based on the true story of Graeme Obree, this film captures his struggle with mental health and his quest to break the world cycling record. While not strictly a romance, it showcases the love for cycling and the personal relationships that support his journey.

Fact: Graeme Obree's homemade bike, known as "Old Faithful," was made from parts of a washing machine.

Description: This short film explores the bond between a young girl and her bicycle, which becomes a symbol of her freedom and her connection to her father. It's a tender story of love and loss.

Fact: The film was part of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Description: A documentary that follows the grueling Race Across America, it captures the personal stories of cyclists, including their relationships and the emotional support they receive, making it a unique romantic journey on two wheels.

Fact: The film was shot over 12 days, covering the entire race from coast to coast.