Year: 1981
Runtime: 146 min
Language: English
Director: George A. Romero
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.
Get a spoiler-free look at Knightriders (1981) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the rolling dust of a traveling Renaissance Faire, a troupe of thrill‑seekers transforms the medieval spectacle of jousting into a roaring, high‑octane contest on motorcycles. The clang of steel shields and the roar of engines fuse past and present, creating a kinetic carnival where the line between performance and peril blurs. Beneath colorful banners and the glitter of period costumes, the world feels both larger‑than‑life and intimately grounded in the open road, inviting the audience to wonder how far the riders will push the ancient art in a modern arena.
At the heart of the spectacle stands Billy, a charismatic figure who adopts the regal moniker “King William.” He carries a steadfast belief in chivalry, dreaming of a knightly code that can survive amid the gasoline‑scented chaos of touring shows. His vision is as much about forging a community bound by honor as it is about turning a daring sport into a sustainable livelihood. The tension between his lofty ideals and the pragmatic demands of running a wandering troupe gives the film a contemplative undercurrent that balances its exhilarating action.
The troupe’s close‑knit dynamic is tested as a determined challenger emerges, eyeing the reins of leadership and the future direction of the motorcycle jousts. Alongside Linet, his loyal queen‑like confidante, and Morgan, the ambitious figure who questions the status quo, Billy must navigate the pull of tradition against the roar of competition. The relationships crackle with camaraderie, rivalry, and an undercurrent of unspoken longing, all set against the backdrop of roaring crowds and the endless horizon.
The tone is a heady mix of gritty realism and romanticized myth, where the scent of gasoline mingles with the echo of ancient horns. It invites viewers to wonder whether a modern knight can truly uphold an age‑old code when the road ahead is as unpredictable as the next rev of the engine, leaving the audience poised on the edge of possibility.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:12
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Stories where noble ideals are crushed by harsh reality, leaving a melancholic legacy.Discover movies like Knightriders where characters fight to preserve a unique way of life against the pressures of the modern world. These stories explore the heavy cost of idealism, often ending on a bittersweet note that honors the dream even as it fades.
The narrative follows a group or individual committed to an unconventional, often romanticized code of living. Their integrity is tested by external commercial forces or internal power struggles, leading to a crisis that fractures the community. The resolution acknowledges the end of an era, but finds hope in the legacy passed on to others.
They are grouped by their shared focus on the death of a dream and the melancholic beauty found in its aftermath. The emotional journey consistently moves from defiant idealism to a resigned, yet meaningful, acceptance of a compromised reality, creating a deeply resonant and bittersweet viewing experience.
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The plot centers on a charismatic leader whose authority is challenged by an ambitious rival within their close community. This conflict exposes hidden fractures, personal demons, and conflicting loyalties, leading to a climactic confrontation that decides the group's future, often at great personal cost.
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Don't stop at just watching — explore Knightriders in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Knightriders is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Knightriders, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
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Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Knightriders. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Knightriders: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
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