Knightriders (1981): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Knightriders is a 1981 action drama directed by George A. Romero, starring Ed Harris and Gary Lahti. It runs 2 hours 26 minutes. Critics gave it 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 26m (146 min)
- Director
- George A. Romero
- Original language
-
English - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Knightriders About?
The premise of Knightriders without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
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.
Knightriders Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- tenor
- baritone
- friends who live together
- fu manchu moustache
- voice impersonation
- scally cap
- bandana
- trumpet
- harmonica
- flute
- guitar
- beard
+38 more Show fewer
- balladeer
- gang leader
- soul patched biker
- bearded biker
- mustachioed biker
- short haired biker
- long haired biker
- multiple cameos
- drunken father
- boyfriend girlfriend relationship
- minstrel
- sexy woman
- one word title
- medieval faire
- biker
- rigidity
- psychotronic film
- exploitation
- female topless nudity
- nude woman
- nipples visible through clothing
- nude in a forest
- pizza
- truck driver
- hands covering breasts
- nude woman outdoors
- nightgown
- troupe
- knight
- magician
- mace the weapon
- tambourine
- violin
- headband
- peasant girl
- sidecar
- sword
- axe
Knightriders Cast
Ed Harris leads the cast, with Gary Lahti. Directed by George A. Romero.
-
Director George A. Romero
More from George A. Romero
More films directed by George A. Romero, best-rated first: Night of the Living Dead, Monkey Shines, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.
Knightriders Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Knightriders 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 69 on Metacritic.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 80% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 61%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 69 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB
Knightriders Plot Summary
What happens in Knightriders from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Full summary
The whole story of Knightriders, scene by scene
Knightriders Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 3 trailers.
- Trailer Knightriders (1981) OFFICIAL TRAILER HD
- Trailer Mick Garris on KNIGHTRIDERS
How Well Do You Know Knightriders?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who is the leader of the motorcycle jousting troupe?
Cars in Knightriders
32 cars on screen, including the 1978 Honda CB 750 A and the 1981 Honda CBX 1000.
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1978 Honda CB 750 A Main role -
1981 Honda CBX 1000 Important role -
1979 Honda XL 500 S Important role -
1979 Honda XL 500 S Important role
Knightriders Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “Knightriders - I cavalieri” and “Рыцари-наездники”.
- Also known as
-
- Knightriders - I cavalieri
- Рыцари-наездники
- Los caballeros de la moto
- Motorlovagok
- Knightriders - Ritter auf heißen Öfen
- אבירי האתמול
- Лицарі-наїзники
- Rycerze na motorach
- 飞车敢死队
- 모터 싸이클의 기사들
Seen Knightriders?
Movies Like Knightriders
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Last Knights, Knight Rider and Outlaw Riders.
Knightriders FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Knightriders, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Knightriders?
Knightriders runs 2 hours 26 minutes (146 minutes).
When was Knightriders released?
Knightriders was released on April 10, 1981.
Who directed Knightriders?
Knightriders was directed by George A. Romero.
More films by George A. Romero Who is in the cast of Knightriders?
Knightriders stars Ed Harris and Gary Lahti.
How is Knightriders rated?
Knightriders has 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 69 on Metacritic and 62% on TMDB.
Does Knightriders have a post-credit scene?
No. Knightriders has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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