Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- earnest
- eccentric
- witty
- cult movie night
- motorcycle movie marathon
What critics said
Critics generally praised the film's sincerity, performances, photography, editing, soundtrack, and allegorical treatment of utopian ideals, while noting its excessive running time and emphatic dialogue.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
King Billy's troupe attempts to live by warrior ethics while facing financial troubles, hostile local authorities, and internal departures.
The travelling troupe reenacts Arthurian identities through modern motorcycles, jousting, and performance.
The troupe's knights, king, and supporting performers organize their real lives around an enacted code of chivalry.
The film's defining set pieces combine motorcycle riding with Renaissance-fair combat and stunt choreography.
Films like Knightriders, and why
Excalibur
modernized chivalric ideals, outsider community, and sincere utopian drama
The Last Waltz
eccentric communal performers, idealism under pressure, and bittersweet ensemble drama
Easy Rider
countercultural community, personal ideals, and motorcycle-centered American drama
The Lickerish Quartet
romanticized outlaw fellowship, social pressure, and stylized period playacting
Movie Details
- Director
- George A. Romero
- Release Date
- 1981-04-10
- Runtime
- 147 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (130)
Cast
- Ed Harris
- Gary Lahti
- Tom Savini
- Amy Ingersoll
- Patricia Tallman
- Christine Forrest
- Warner Shook
- Brother Blue
- Cynthia Adler
- John Amplas
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Fandor, Fandor Amazon Channel, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Knightriders about?
- A motorcycle-riding Renaissance troupe stages an Arthurian idealism that buckles under money, authority, and the lure of fame.
- What is Knightriders like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Knightriders as slow, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Knightriders violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Knightriders as moderate.
- What did critics think of Knightriders?
- Critics generally praised the film's sincerity, performances, photography, editing, soundtrack, and allegorical treatment of utopian ideals, while noting its excessive running time and emphatic dialogue.
- Which films are like Knightriders?
- Films with a similar feel include Excalibur, The Last Waltz, Easy Rider, and The Lickerish Quartet.
- How long is Knightriders?
- Knightriders runs 147 minutes.
- Where can I watch Knightriders?
- In United States, Knightriders streams on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, Fandor, Fandor Amazon Channel, Screambox Amazon Channel, Midnight Pulp, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Cineverse Amazon Channel.
