Harley Davidson® at the Cinema

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long been a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and the American spirit, making them a perfect fit for the silver screen. Their journey in cinema began in the early 20th century, with appearances in silent films and early talkies of the 1920s and 1930s. These early portrayals helped establish Harley-Davidson as the go-to vehicle for daring stunts and thrilling chases.

The post-war era marked a significant shift in Harley-Davidson's cinematic image. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of the rebel biker, a persona that became synonymous with the brand. Marlon Brando's iconic role in "The Wild One" (1953) played a pivotal role in this transformation. which is ironic because he did not ride a Harley in the movie.  Nonetheless Brando's portrayal of Johnny Strabler, the leader of a motorcycle gang, cemented the association with youth rebellion and non-conformity. This film set the stage for the biker image that would dominate cinema for decades to come.

The 1960s and 1970s brought about a cultural revolution, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles were at the forefront of this change. "Easy Rider" (1969) is perhaps the most iconic motorcycle film of all time. Starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, the film featured custom Harley-Davidsons and captured the essence of the counterculture movement. Its success solidified Harley-Davidson's place in cinematic history and reinforced its image as a symbol of freedom and rebellion.

The 1980s saw Harley-Davidson motorcycles taking on a new role in action films. These bikes became essential for high-speed chases and daring stunts. One of the most notable appearances from this era is in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991). Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, the Terminator, rides a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, creating one of the most memorable scenes in action movie history. This film showcased the bike's rugged durability and sleek design, further enhancing its appeal.

The custom culture explosion of the 1990s and 2000s brought a new dimension to Harley-Davidson's presence in films. Custom bikes became a popular choice for filmmakers, adding unique and personal touches to their characters' rides. During this period, Harley-Davidsons continued to feature prominently in a variety of films, reflecting the growing trend of motorcycle customization.

In recent years, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have maintained their iconic status in modern cinema. Their appearances in films continue to evoke a sense of freedom, rebellion, and Americana. Movies like "Pulp Fiction" (1994) and "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" (1991) have featured these legendary bikes, cementing their place in film history.

Television has also played a significant role in maintaining Harley-Davidson's cultural relevance. The hit series "Sons of Anarchy," which ran from 2008 to 2014, cantered around a motorcycle club that exclusively rode Harley-Davidsons. This show brought the brand to a new generation of viewers and reinforced its image as the bike of choice for outlaw bikers.  On wide display were the clubbed out Dyna models which were chosen to emulate clubs of the time moving towards higher performing lighter motorcycles that were easy to handle with lots of power.  The main character, Jax Teller, rode a FXDX Super Glide Sport.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles have left an indelible mark on pop culture, thanks in large part to their appearances in movies and TV shows. Films have played a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing the Harley-Davidson brand, making these bikes synonymous with freedom, rebellion, and the American spirit. From Marlon Brando's rival gang leader's Hydra-Glide in "The Wild One" to the custom choppers of "Easy Rider," Harley-Davidsons have become cultural icons.

And even recently in 2024 for Furiosa:  A Mad Max Saga...writer/director George Miller knew he had to include a Harley-Davidson in the mix for it to be a serious motorcycle action film. Harley-Davidson supplied the film with 12 bikes, including its adventure model Pan America and the softail Breakout 114.

Celebrities, too, have played a significant role in enhancing the brand's popularity. Many Hollywood stars are avid Harley-Davidson riders, both on and off the screen. Their association with the brand has furthered its appeal and prestige, making Harley-Davidson a symbol of cool and rebellion.

Behind the scenes, stunt coordinators and safety experts ensure that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are used effectively and safely in films. Customization for the big screen is also common, with many Harleys modified to fit the specific needs of the film, enhancing their visual and symbolic impact

In conclusion, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have had a profound impact on cinema, shaping their image and contributing to their iconic status. As Harley-Davidson continues to evolve, its presence in films will likely endure, continuing to symbolize freedom, rebellion, and the American spirit.

Top 10 Movies Featuring Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Always a hard task to make Top 10 lists, but here's the ones I liked most!

1. The Wild One (1953)    - While Marlon Brando's portrayal of Johnny Strabler set the standard for the rebellious biker image in cinema, he did not ride a Harley although most think he did.  He rode a Triumph Thunderbird 650.  Lee Marvin, the leader of the rival gang, rode an H-D Hydra Glide.

   

   
   

2. Easy Rider (1969)    - This iconic film featured custom Harley-Davidsons choppered out and became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture movement.  Peter Fonda's 1951 Panhead chopper "Captain America" is one of the most famous motorcycles of all-time.

   

   
   

3. Electra Glide in Blue (1973)    - A cult classic, this film follows a motorcycle cop riding a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, blending action with deep social commentary.

   

   
   

4. Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)    - A buddy action film that heavily features Harley-Davidson motorcycles, emphasizing their rugged and rebellious image.  Mickey Rourke in this movie rides a custom 1989 Harley-Davidson FXR.

   

   
   

5. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

      - Arnold Schwarzenegger's character famously rides a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, creating one of the most memorable action scenes in movie history.

   

   
   

6. Pulp Fiction (1994)    - Quentin Tarantino's classic film features Bruce Willis riding a customized 1986 Harley-Davidson FXR 1340 Super Glide, adding to the film's cool and edgy vibe.

   

   
   

7. Ghost Rider (2007)   - Nicolas Cage stars as a supernatural biker, riding a highly customized Harley-Davidson chopper.

   

   
   

8. Wild Hogs (2007)    - A comedy about middle-aged men rediscovering their youth and freedom through a cross-country trip on their Harley-Davidsons.  All four motorcycles they rode were Harleys:  William H. Macy on a XL1200C Sportster, Martin Lawrence on a Softail Springer, Tim Allen on a black Fat Boy and John Travolta on a Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy.

   

   
   

9. Hell Ride (2008)   - Produced by Quentin Tarantino, this film is a tribute to 1970s biker movies, featuring plenty of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

   

   
   

10. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)     - Chris Evans as Captain America rides a WWII-era Harley-Davidson, blending superhero action with vintage motorcycle appeal.  The movie begins in the 1940s, pre-World War II era Steve Rogers rode a Softail Cross Bones that was made to look like a time period appropriate WLA Liberator....the bike Harley-Davidson was making for the U.S. Army at the time.

    

    
    

Harley Davidson ® film trivia.

1. What was the first movie to feature a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? The first known movie to feature a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dates back to the 1920s, during the era of silent films.
   

2. Why is "Easy Rider" significant for Harley-Davidson? "Easy Rider" is significant because it used custom Harley-Davidsons to symbolize the freedom and counterculture spirit of the 1960s, greatly enhancing the brand's cultural impact.
   

3. Which Harley-Davidson model did Arnold Schwarzenegger ride in "Terminator 2"? Arnold Schwarzenegger rode a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."
   

4. How has "Sons of Anarchy" influenced Harley-Davidson's popularity? "Sons of Anarchy" has significantly influenced Harley-Davidson's popularity by showcasing the bikes as central elements of the show's outlaw biker culture.  The show brought a spotlight to the H-D Dyna lineup and made the models very popular especially on the American west coast.