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Knightriders 1981

A group of performers at a Renaissance Faire take their medieval jousting to a new level, staging thrilling tournaments on motorcycles. Their unique spectacle draws national attention, but also sparks conflict. A charismatic leader faces a ruthless challenger vying for control of the group and its increasingly dangerous competitions, leading to a power struggle filled with action and unexpected consequences.

A group of performers at a Renaissance Faire take their medieval jousting to a new level, staging thrilling tournaments on motorcycles. Their unique spectacle draws national attention, but also sparks conflict. A charismatic leader faces a ruthless challenger vying for control of the group and its increasingly dangerous competitions, leading to a power struggle filled with action and unexpected consequences.

Does Knightriders have end credit scenes?

No!

Knightriders does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Knightriders

Explore the complete cast of Knightriders, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Knightriders

See how Knightriders is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Knightriders stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

69

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

80%

TOMATOMETER

review

61%

User Score

TMDB

62

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Knightriders Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Knightriders with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Knightriders Quiz: Test your knowledge on the film 'Knightriders' and its complex narrative of chivalry and betrayal.

Who is the leader of the motorcycle jousting troupe?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Knightriders

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Read the complete plot summary of Knightriders, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the enigmatic leader known as “King William” (played by Ed Harris), Billy finds himself torn between his noble ideals of chivalry and the unforgiving nature of modern entrepreneurship. His journey is complicated by haunting visions of a majestic black bird, causing his mental stability to waver as he seeks to merge his Arthurian dreams with the pressures of managing a thriving motorcycle jousting troupe.

The arrival of the crafty promoter, Bontempi, adds to the internal strife among the troupe members, leading some to question their allegiance while eyeing more rewarding prospects. A harrowing night spent in jail, where Billy witnesses one of his team being viciously attacked by corrupt law enforcement, amplifies his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment.

Upon his release, Billy returns to the fairground to prepare for the next performance, only to discover an alarming twist: several members have defected to join Bontempi, forsaking Billy’s noble vision. Tension escalates further when Linet, his queen and closest ally, subtly implies that her loyalty may be motivated by more than just love for him.

As conflicts fester, a pivotal tournament erupts into chaos, pitting the troupe against a rowdy crowd. In a fierce showdown, Billy confronts an Indian rider bearing the emblem of his recurring nightmare—the black bird. Although he triumphs over his foe and honors him by granting knighthood, Billy sustains further injuries that complicate matters.

In the wake of this turbulent day, Morgan, the leader of the dissenters, seizes the chance to align with Bontempi, leading to a significant schism in the troupe. Loyal followers Alan and Julie depart, each seeking to escape personal demons—Alan grappling with deep emotions, while Julie struggles against her toxic family background.

Simultaneously, Pippin discovers an unexpected romance with Punch, sparking newfound love amid the troupe’s turmoil. As the remaining members face their own tensions, Billy becomes more engrossed in Julie’s world, unwittingly stepping into a whirlwind of her troubled past marked by familial abuse and emotional disarray.

Alan becomes intricately involved in Julie’s plight, leading her back to her parents, all the while unaware of her ulterior motive: using him as a temporary refuge from her pain. This sets the stage for Billy and his loyal troupe to re-evaluate their roles in a rapidly changing world, anticipating the return of those who have left for Bontempi.

With Morgan’s faction on the brink of collapse, Alan intervenes, imparting wisdom that in their realm of asphalt and steel, only one can claim the throne. With Bontempi’s support, Morgan seeks to usurp Billy’s authority, as they prepare for a fierce competition where only the strongest will remain.

The climactic battle concludes with Morgan’s ascension as the victor, marked by a ceremonial crowning led by none other than Billy. Yet, the king’s gaze is soon captivated by Angie, the troupe’s brilliant mechanic, recognizing her potential to calm his restless spirit. Meanwhile, Linet finds an unexpected connection with Alan, Morgan’s former ally.

As Billy departs from this world, accompanied by a silent knight with an eagle crest, he leaves an indelible mark on his fellow riders. Even as they commemorate his life at his funeral, a poignant sense lingers that Billy’s essence—and the spirit of their nomadic lifestyle—has been extinguished. His passing starkly highlights the harsh realities of life on the open road, where triumph and disaster walk hand in hand.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Knightriders

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Knightriders. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Knightriders (trailer - movie by George Romero)

Knightriders (1981) OFFICIAL TRAILER HD

Mick Garris on KNIGHTRIDERS

Cars Featured in Knightriders

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Explore all cars featured in Knightriders, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

1966

B-Series

Chevrolet

1980

Citation

Chevrolet

1977

Impala Wagon

Chevrolet

Step-Van

Dodge

1951

Wayfarer

Ford

1973

LTD Country Squire

Ford

1977

LTD II

Grumman-Olson

Kurbmaster

Honda

1978

CB 400

Honda

CB 450 T

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


tenorbaritonefriends who live togetherfu manchu moustachevoice impersonationscally capbandanatrumpetharmonicafluteguitarbeardballadeergang leadersoul patched bikerbearded bikermustachioed bikershort haired bikerlong haired bikermultiple cameosdrunken fatherboyfriend girlfriend relationshipminstrelsexy womanone word titlemedieval fairebikerrigiditypsychotronic filmexploitationfemale topless nuditynude womannipples visible through clothingnude in a forestpizzatruck driverhands covering breastsnude woman outdoorsnightgowntroupeknightmagicianmace the weapontambourineviolinheadbandpeasant girlsidecarswordaxe

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