Secretariat

Play trailer

Secretariat

PG

Released Oct 8, 2010

2h 3m

Drama

Biography

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

157 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Despite her lack of experience, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over management of the family Thoroughbred farm after her father (Scott Glenn) becomes ill. Successfully navigating her way through the male-dominated world of horse racing, Chenery, together with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), fosters a gifted colt that ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner in 1973.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

Rousing, heartwarming, and squarely traditional, Secretariat offers exactly what you'd expect from an inspirational Disney drama -- no more, and no less.

Read Critics Reviews

Robbie Collin

News of the World

I'm sick of the simpering American morons who lap up this rubbish.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 5, 2010

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Just when we thought John Malkovich didn't have another semi-intentionally deranged performance left in him, he has come storming back with another uproarious turn...

Rated: 1/5

Dec 2, 2010

Full Review

Eve Barlow

Empire Magazine

Despite a decent performance from Lane as the homespun trainer, Secretariat is more blind alley than Blind Side.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 2, 2010

Full Review

Rene Jordan

El Nuevo Herald (Miami)

This zoological enigma is captured in a drama with personality, the only one within the genre of the quadrupedal biography. [Full review in Spanish]

Jul 13, 2022

Full Review

Aviva Dove-Viebahn

Ms. Magazine

If you love horse movies, then you'll probably love Disney's newest, much-hyped Secretariat, which fits firmly in the genre of other recent triumphant equine epics.

Jun 24, 2021

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Secretariat works fine as a film but if you want the real truth behind the narrative, you're better off reading Bill Nack's book.

Apr 30, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Joshua m

If you are old enough like me to remember the days of Secretariat, it is a pleasure revisiting this tribute to the horse and the owner.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/02/25

Full Review

Kait L

The movie was entertaining and inspirational! So no it is not a documentary nor an academy award winner, but engaging none the less and I suspect it has led to even more Secretariat fans. I have some vague memories of the tv announcements of his win back then and everyone was so excited, but now with social media and the ability to watch (and re-watch) movies about the event brings it more to life. The movie is well paced, with good dialogue and the acting was very good and authentic. Diane Lane is always great in any role. John Malkovich is such a treat. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Secretariat and we have seen it more than once!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

Eye C

I wish Disney could return and continue doing movies like this one. It’s very moving well made without preaching but with a nice message.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/03/24

Full Review

Samuel L

10/10 definitely would recommend

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

Kirsta H

Great storytelling! Lost a star for too many historical inaccuracies that could've remained accurate with a still-great story. Good use of live video! Family friendly.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/19/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Over 10 years old Pretty much delivers exactly what you’d expect from a film of this caliber Lanes performance really shines next to this horse Based on actual facts too with no shortcomings about the greatest racing horse who ever lived

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/09/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Randall Wallace

Director

Diane Lane

Penny Chenery

John Malkovich

Lucien Laurin

Dylan Walsh

Jack Tweedy

Dylan Baker

Hollis Chenery

Margo Martindale

Miss Ham

Invincible

71%

73%

Invincible

Watchlist

McFarland, USA

80%

88%

McFarland, USA

Watchlist

Safety

78%

78%

Safety

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Safety

The Express

63%

75%

The Express

Watchlist

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

27%

62%

Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

Despite her lack of experience, housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over management of the family Thoroughbred farm after her father (Scott Glenn) becomes ill. Successfully navigating her way through the male-dominated world of horse racing, Chenery, together with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich), fosters a gifted colt that ultimately crosses the finish line into history as the Triple Crown winner in 1973.

Director: Randall Wallace
Producer: Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray
Screenwriter: Mike Rich
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Mayhem Pictures, Fast Track Productions, Walt Disney Pictures
Rating: PG (Brief Mild Language)
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 8, 2010, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $59.7M
Runtime: 2h 3m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

Most Popular at Home Now