Top 10 Bike Thrillers to Pedal Your Heart Rate Up

Description: Although not a modern thriller, this Italian classic tells the story of a man whose bicycle, essential for his job, is stolen. The desperate search for it becomes a gripping tale of post-war Italy's social struggles.

Fact: The film is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made and was a key work in the Italian neorealism movement. It was added to the National Film Registry in the United States in

Description: Another classic, this film tells the story of a father and son's desperate search for a stolen bicycle in post-war Rome, encapsulating the tension and urgency of their quest.

Fact: The film was remade in 2013 as "The Bicycle Thief," which brought the story to a modern audience. The original film's ending is famously ambiguous, leaving viewers to ponder the moral implications.

Description: This coming-of-age story involves a group of friends who dream of becoming professional cyclists. While not a traditional thriller, the film's climax features a thrilling bike race that encapsulates the tension and excitement of competition.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was nominated for four other Oscars. It was shot in Bloomington, Indiana, where the story is set.

Description: A former stockbroker turned bike messenger gets involved in a high-stakes financial scam. The film showcases the fast-paced life of bike messengers in San Francisco.

Fact: Kevin Bacon stars as the lead, and the film features real-life bike messengers for authenticity. It was one of the first films to highlight the subculture of bike messengers.

Description: This animated film follows a grandmother and her dog on a quest to rescue her grandson, a Tour de France cyclist, from kidnappers. The film blends humor with suspense, making for an unconventional thriller.

Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature. It features very little dialogue, relying instead on music and visual storytelling.

Description: In this post-apocalyptic tale, a father and son travel by foot and bicycle to survive. The film, while more of a drama, has intense moments of survival that align with thriller elements.

Fact: The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Cormac McCarthy. Viggo Mortensen, who stars as the father, lost significant weight for the role to portray the harsh conditions realistically.

Description: A New York bike messenger finds himself in a high-speed chase when he unwittingly delivers a package that's more than it seems. This film captures the essence of urban cycling with its intense, non-stop action.

Fact: The film was shot in New York City with real bike messengers performing many of the stunts. The director, David Koepp, is known for his work on thrillers like "Jurassic Park" and "Mission: Impossible."

Description: A thriller about a chain of kidnappings where each victim must abduct another to secure their loved one's release. Bicycles are used in several key scenes to evade capture and deliver messages.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Adrian McKinty, which was inspired by real-life kidnapping chains. It was shot in various locations around the UK to capture the diverse settings of the story.

Description: While not exclusively about cycling, this film features a bike messenger who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy. The bicycle serves as a tool for escape and survival.

Fact: The film stars Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster, with Foster doing many of his own bike stunts. It was critically acclaimed for its performances and script.

Description: A young boy in India must retrieve his stolen bicycle to continue his education. This film, while focusing on social issues, has elements of suspense and chase that qualify it as a thriller.

Fact: The film was shot in the real locations of Mumbai, capturing the city's vibrant yet challenging environment. It was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.