Austin Butler is one of the protagonists and many mega stars appearing in “The Bikeriders“, the new action thriller directed and written by Jeff Nichols (Mud, Loving and Take Shelter), which will hit the screen on July 12.
The story follows the rise of a Midwestern motorcycle club through the lives of its members. In addition to the “Dune” actor, the cast includes Jodie Comer (Killig Eve), Tom Hardy (Venom) and Mike Faist (Challengers), among others.
During an interview with Discussing Film, the two main stars talked about which movies they recommend watching before the drama arrives on the big screen, and Butler didn’t hesitate to share some of his recommendations.
What movies to watch before The Bikeriders?
Although Jodie Comer didn’t make any recommendations, telling fans she prefers they go see “The Bikeriders” directly, Austin Butler did talk about some movies they can watch before the drama.
The first option he mentioned is “Easy Rider“, the +18 thriller with Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson that was released in 1969 and directed by Dennis Hopper, which received two Oscar nominations.
He then followed up with “The Wild One“, a popular drama from 1953 starring Marlon Brando in the role of Johnny Strabler. The story follows two rival motorcycle gangs terrorizing a small town.
The actor who portrayed Elvis confessed that this particular movie (directed by Laslo Benedek) influenced the development of Johnny’s character in The Bikeriders, who is played by Tom Hardy.
The penultimate recommendation was “Streets of Fire” from 1984, starring Diane Lane and Michael Paré, which follows a mercenary hired to rescue his ex-girlfriend, a singer who has been kidnapped.
Finally, he concluded with “The Loveless“, a classic of the genre starring Willem Dafoe (Poor Things and Spider-Man) as Vance. It was released in 1981 and received an R rating for its content.
How to stream the Austin Butler’s recommendations
- Easy Rider (1969)
Wyatt and Billy, two Harley-riding hippies, complete a drug deal in Southern California and decide to travel cross-country in search of spiritual truth.
Cast | Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza, Phil Spector, Warren Finnerty, Mac Mashourian, Tita Colorado, Luke Askew, Luana Anders, Sabrina Scharf, Sandy Brown Wyeth, Robert Walker Jr. and more.
Available for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.
- The Wild One (1943)
The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club ride into the small California town of Wrightsville, eager to raise hell. Brooding gang leader Johnny Strabler takes a liking to Kathie, the daughter of the local lawman, as another club rolls into town.
Cast | Marlon Brando, Mary Murphy, Robert Keith, Lee Marvin, Jay C. Flippen, Peggy Maley, Hugh Sanders, Ray Teal, Will Wright, John Brown, Robert Osterloh, William Vedder, Don Anderson, Robert Anderson and more.
Available for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.
- Streets of Fire (1989)
Raven Shaddock and his gang of merciless biker friends kidnap rock singer Ellen Aim. Ellen’s former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody, happens to be passing through town on a visit.
In an attempt to save his star act, Ellen’s manager hires Tom to rescue her. Along with a former soldier, they battle through dangerous cityscapes, determined to get Ellen back.
Cast | Michael Paré, Diane Lane, Rick Moranis, Amy Madigan, Willem Dafoe, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, Richard Lawson, Rick Rossovich, Bill Paxton, Lee Ving, Grand L. Bush, Stoney Jackson, Elizabeth Daily and more.
Available for purchase or rental on Prime Video, Vudu and Apple TV.
- The Loveless (1981)
Trouble ensues when a motorcycle gang stops in a small southern town while heading to the races at Daytona.
Cast | Willem Dafoe, J. Don Ferguson, Robert Gordon, Marin Kanter, Tina L’Hotsky, Lawrence Matarese, Phillip Kimbrough, Danny Rosen, Bob Hannah, Margaret Jo Lee, Ken Call, Elizabeth Gans, John King and more.
Available on Prime Video, Shout! Factory TV, Kanopy, Freeve and Tubi.
