The Black Stallion

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The Black Stallion

G

1979

1h 58m

Kids & Family

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

30 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Alec (Kelly Reno) encounters a magnificent black Arabian horse while traveling aboard a steamship around the coast of North Africa with his father (Hoyt Axton). When a disaster destroys the ship, Alec frees the horse and escapes with it to a nearby island, where they form a close bond. When Alec is rescued, he insists the horse be rescued too, and both return to America. There, Alec and former jockey Henry (Mickey Rooney) work to train the horse, which Alec names The Black, for a race.

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

Aug 12, 2022

It's thrilling because the romanticism is a matter of style, not sentimentality.

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Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

Apr 28, 2018

The Black Stallion is a magical fable that basks in shimmering imagery, innocent wonder and the romantic longings that we thought Hollywood had left behind in the '50s.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 28, 2010

5/5

Breathtakingly beautiful, truly magical movie.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Aug 25, 2024

6/10

Despite the engagingly unanticipated complexity, the pacing is still slightly off; there isn’t a wealth of unnecessary moments, but some of them are stretched out and conspicuously unhurried.

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Tom Huhn

Washington Blade

May 18, 2022

Visually, the picture is stunning. Few still photographs can match the splendour of shot after shot in this movie. The story and characters are remarkable as well, a delight for viewers of any age.

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

Feb 26, 2020

A very calming film that trusts its audience

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 12, 2026

Fantastic Movie! I own a copy on DVD

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Erin M

@Mightymotes Jun 24, 2026

Fantastic movie!!! Loved it as a kid, and watched it again after almost 50 years and it still has me in awe of the bond and raw emotion between the boy and the stallion.

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Lisa Z.

@bluegiraffe457 Jun 8, 2026

A classic. It is extremely true to the book, too. As just about everyone says, the first half is better than the second half. That’s the part where the boy meets the horse and they end up on the island together and get to know each other. Once they return to the city, it gets more routine and less magical. But there is still lots of enjoyment to be had, and Mickey Rooney steals the show as a former jockey/trainer who knows what sort of horse this really is.

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Travis M

@TMorg007 May 20, 2026

A captivating tale about a boy and a horse. Rewatching this after decades has not diminished its quality one bit! Beautiful photography throughout, my favorite aspect is how dialogue is not even necessary to convey most of the story's weight. Solid acting and good direction complete with a compelling story makes this a classic appropriate for any age. My kids loved it too. Don't miss this one!

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Brittany W

@RT46181133 Sep 22, 2025

I loved this movie as a kid used to put it on while playing with my horse toys that I had would 100% recommend it to anyone if you want a beautiful horse movie this is the one

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R T

@RT15385128 Aug 13, 2025

One of the best movies. A masterpiece. Mickey Rooney does a amazing job and is oscar worthy.

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Carroll Ballard

Director

Kelly Reno

Alec Ramsey

Mickey Rooney

Henry Dailey

Teri Garr

Alec's Mother

Clarence Muse

Snoe

Hoyt Axton

Alec's Father

The Black Stallion: Official Clip - The Sinking Ship

2:18

Now Playing

The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Freeing the Horse

1:50

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Victory

2:00

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Sugar Cubes for the Stallion

2:12

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - The Cobra

2:06

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Riding the Stallion

2:10

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Boy and Horse

2:13

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Alec Meets the Stallion

1:14

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The Black Stallion: Official Clip - First Time at the Track

2:03

Now Playing

The Black Stallion: Official Clip - Saved by the Stallion

1:52

Now Playing

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Synopsis

Alec (Kelly Reno) encounters a magnificent black Arabian horse while traveling aboard a steamship around the coast of North Africa with his father (Hoyt Axton). When a disaster destroys the ship, Alec frees the horse and escapes with it to a nearby island, where they form a close bond. When Alec is rescued, he insists the horse be rescued too, and both return to America. There, Alec and former jockey Henry (Mickey Rooney) work to train the horse, which Alec names The Black, for a race.

Director: Carroll Ballard
Producer: Fred Roos, Tom Sternberg
Screenwriter: Melissa Mathison, Jeanne Rosenberg, William D. Wittliff
Distributor: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Omni Zoetrope
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 1979, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 2, 2014
Runtime: 1h 58m
Sound Mix: Surround

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