Knightriders

Knightriders

Year: 1981

Runtime: 146 min

Language: English

Director: George A. Romero

ActionAdventureDrama

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Knightriders yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Knightriders (1981)

Trace every key event in Knightriders (1981) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

King William's Struggle

Billy, known as King William, grapples with his ideals of chivalry amidst the cutthroat world of modern entrepreneurship. The pressures of leading a motorcycle jousting troupe weigh heavily on him as he tries to reconcile his Arthurian dreams with reality.

2

The Haunting Visions

Billy starts experiencing haunting visions of a majestic black bird that further complicate his mental state. These visions symbolize his internal conflicts between his noble aspirations and the harsh truths around him.

3

Bontempi's Arrival

The crafty promoter, Bontempi, arrives and begins stirring discontent among Billy's troupe members. His presence awakens their ambitions and uncertainty, leading to serious questions about loyalty and allegiance.

4

The Night in Jail

After a harrowing night in jail, Billy witnesses a shocking attack on a member of his troupe by corrupt law enforcement. This event heightens his feelings of betrayal and disillusionment about his perceived noble quest.

Jail
5

Defections at the Fairground

Upon his return from jail, Billy discovers that several members of his troupe have defected to join Bontempi. The loss of these members shakes the foundation of his noble vision and brings about a deep sense of betrayal.

Fairground
6

Linet's Undermining Loyalty

Linet, Billy's queen and closest ally, subtly hints that her loyalty may not be solely based on love for him. This revelation leads to further tensions as Billy questions the depth of his closest relationships.

7

Chaos at the Tournament

A pivotal tournament erupts into chaos as Billy faces off against an Indian rider bearing the emblem of his nightmares, the black bird. Despite his victory and knighting of his opponent, Billy suffers injuries that complicate his already tumultuous life.

Tournament Grounds
8

Morgan Aligns with Bontempi

Morgan, leading the dissenters in the troupe, aligns himself with Bontempi, creating a significant rift within the group. This act signals a division that challenges Billy's authority and vision for the troupe.

9

Alan and Julie's Departure

Alan and Julie choose to leave the troupe as they both confront their personal demons. Alan struggles with his emotions, while Julie's toxic family background drives her to seek a path away from her pain.

10

Pippin and Punch's Romance

Amidst the growing turmoil, Pippin finds unexpected romance with Punch. This new relationship provides a glimmer of hope and affection in an increasingly fractured environment.

11

Billy's Deeper Involvement

As tensions rise, Billy becomes deeply involved in Julie's world, unknowingly stepping into her troubled past filled with familial abuse. His desire to help her blinds him to the complexities of her situation.

12

Alan's Rescue Mission

Alan's growing feelings for Julie lead him to help her confront her tumultuous family. However, he remains oblivious to her intentions of using him as a temporary refuge from her suffering.

13

Morgan's Challenge to Billy

With Bontempi on his side, Morgan prepares to contest Billy's leadership, setting the stage for a fierce competition. The growing schism threatens to irreparably change the dynamics within the troupe.

14

The Climactic Battle

The climactic battle sees Morgan crowned as the victor, an event that is presided over by none other than Billy himself. This moment gives rise to feelings of defeat for Billy, even as he recognizes the new direction the troupe is taking.

Competition Grounds
15

Billy's Final Departure

As Billy departs from the world, accompanied by a silent knight adorned with an eagle crest, he leaves a lasting impact on his fellow riders. His funeral becomes a bittersweet memorial, emphasizing the transient nature of their nomadic lifestyle.

Troupe's Location

Last Updated: November 18, 2024 at 21:13

Unlock the Full Story of Knightriders

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.

Knightriders Summary

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.

Knightriders Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Knightriders

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.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Knightriders

More About Knightriders

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.

More About Knightriders

Similar Movies to Knightriders

Discover movies like Knightriders that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.