Film

International Velvet

Name: International Velvet
Genre: Drama, Family
Released: 1978
Cast: Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Hopkins, Nanette Newman, Peter Barkworth

Drama

A sequel to National Velvet that follows Sarah, orphaned and sent to England, as she discovers her passion for competitive equestrianism under her aunt's mentorship. It's a warm, old-fashioned story about belonging, resilience, and the bond between rider and horse. Tatum O'Neal carries it with genuine charm. For anyone who loves horses, coming-of-age journeys, or films that believe in earnestness.

TMDb rating

3.7

If you liked this

National Velvet1945

The original that started it all: Elizabeth Taylor as a girl who enters her horse in the Grand National. Pure magic, the template for every underdog sports story after it. You'll understand why Sarah's journey matters.

But Black and white, 125 minutes, and it moves at 1940s pace. If you need constant action, you'll fidget.

Peppermint Soda1977

A French film about two sisters growing up in the 1960s. Quiet, funny, observant about female friendship and finding yourself. Same era, same gentle confidence in character over plot.

But Subtitled, and nothing dramatic happens. It's a collection of moments. That can feel thin if you want narrative momentum.

The Black Stallion1979

Released the year after International Velvet, it's another animal-bond story told with genuine wonder. A boy and a horse in the desert. Beautifully shot, utterly absorbing, no cynicism in sight.

But The second half shifts into more conventional sports-movie territory. Some find it loses its spell there.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from International Velvet

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Kes1970

Both find transformation and self-worth through animal companionship, but International Velvet believes the world will meet you halfway. Kes knows it won't.

A boy and his hawk in industrial Yorkshire. Like International Velvet, it's about a young person finding dignity and purpose through an animal. But it's in a grim working-class landscape, and the ending doesn't offer comfort. Same emotional truth, opposite register.

But Bleak, angry, and it ends badly. This is not a film about triumph. If you need your uplift, it will disappoint you.

My Friend Flicka1943

A classic about a boy and his horse on a Wyoming ranch. Technicolor, warm, and it captures that specific joy of animal companionship and proving yourself through horsemanship.

But Very much a product of its time. If gender politics or dated attitudes will distract you, this isn't your film.

A Passage to India1984

David Lean directing Judy Davis in a meticulous, gorgeous exploration of a young woman finding her voice in a foreign country. Similar emotional architecture to Sarah's journey: displacement, growth, moral clarity.

But Nearly three hours, deliberately paced, and the political themes are heavy. Not escapism.

Journey to the Center of the Earth1959

An adventure film where the cast is genuinely likable and invested in each other. James Mason and Pat Boone on an expedition. It has that same warmth and lack of meanness that makes International Velvet work.

But The special effects are dated and a bit goofy. The tone can feel uncertain between camp and sincerity.

Journey to the Center of the Earth poster

Chariots of Fire1981

The spiritual successor to the sports-underdog story. Two runners, competing for gold, driven by different faiths. Uplifting but never saccharine. Vangelis's score will stay with you.

But Reverent tone isn't for everyone. If you want irony or snark, you won't find it here.

Ice Princess2005

A girl from an ordinary background discovers figure skating. Yes, it's Disney. Yes, it's completely earnest and has a great supporting cast. It understands why that story matters.

But It's a Disney film from 2005. If that period and aesthetic make you groan, you won't be moved.

The Moonstone1996

A BBC adaptation of Collins's novel, understated and elegant. Young woman, family mysteries, horses and gardens. Captures the same period flavour and class dynamics as International Velvet without the sports plot.

But Quite slow and very British. If you need plot urgency, this will feel like watching paint dry.

The Story of Seabiscuit1949

International Velvet shows the horse through Sarah's eyes. This one sees the horse as the hero of its own story. Different perspective, same love.

A documentary-style drama about a Depression-era racehorse and the people who love him. Narrated by Charlton Heston. It has the same reverence for the horse as a character, not a plot device. Oddly moving.

But It's a 1949 film about a horse. If that sounds twee or dated, you won't push past it. And it really is quite gentle.

Maid in Sweden1971

Both are films about young women sent or placed elsewhere, finding themselves through work and connection. But this one is anarchic where International Velvet is ordered, and far more interested in sex and mess.

A film about a young woman working abroad, learning independence, discovering what she wants. Utterly forgotten now, but it has the same tone of quiet self-discovery and the same 1970s atmosphere. A real curiosity with real heart.

But It's obscure for reasons—uneven, a bit awkward. Harder to find, and not every scene works. You're rescuing it from being forgotten, not watching a polished classic.