Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- uplifting
- nostalgic
- earnest
- nostalgic movie night
- family movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film formulaic and poorly written, while its energetic BMX stunts and sincere underdog appeal later fueled a strong cult following.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Cru forms the Rad Racing Team to challenge factory rider Bart Taylor at Helltrack despite social and institutional obstacles.
BMX racing, stunt riding, and the local racing community define Cru's friendships, romance, and ambitions.
The film combines youthful romance, pop-oriented energy, stunt riding, and a celebratory BMX-race spectacle characteristic of 1980s sports movies.
Cru's sustained preparation for the Helltrack BMX race gives the final contest its central narrative function.
Films like Rad, and why
The Karate Kid
coming-of-age sports drama centered on youthful ambition, romance, and competition
Breaking Away
earnest underdog sports story with teen romance and inspirational triumph
Gleaming the Cube
1980s youth sports film with stylized competition, rebellious energy, and cult appeal
The Mighty Ducks
family-friendly sports comedy-drama driven by teamwork, determination, and a climactic contest
Movie Details
- Director
- Hal Needham
- Release Date
- 1986-03-21
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (117)
Cast
- Bill Allen
- Lori Loughlin
- Talia Shire
- Ray Walston
- Alfie Wise
- Jack Weston
- Laura Jacoby
- H.B. Haggerty
- Jamie Clarke
- Marta Kober
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- 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 Rad about?
- A determined small-town BMX rider risks family disapproval and social pressure to chase love, friendship, and victory at the ultimate race.
- What is Rad like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rad as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Rad violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Rad.
- What did critics think of Rad?
- Critics generally found the film formulaic and poorly written, while its energetic BMX stunts and sincere underdog appeal later fueled a strong cult following.
- Which films are like Rad?
- Films with a similar feel include The Karate Kid, Breaking Away, Gleaming the Cube, and The Mighty Ducks.
- How long is Rad?
- Rad runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rad?
- In United States, Rad streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
