RIDE hits Paramount+ Feb 1: Acclaimed Indie Cowboy Drama Lands Strong

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Hollywood said, “No.” The rodeo community said, “Hell yes!”

Now RIDE the movie is coming to Paramount+ on February 1st, proving that some stories are too important to stay untold. I think Texas Monthly nailed it when they called this “The Friday Night Lights of Rodeo” – it’s that rare film that gets to the heart of what makes the American spirit tick.

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When his daughter’s cancer returns, a rodeo family faces impossible choices. Experience the film ‘Hollyweird’ deemed ‘too American,’ now on Paramount+.

URGENT UPDATE: RIDE is on Paramount+ but is part of the $12.99/month “Paramount+ with SHOWTIME & No Ads” package. If you get the cheaper “Paramount+ Essential” package for $7.99/month, you won’t get RIDE.

RIDE is a Family Story with Deep Roots

Step into Stephenville, Texas – the Cowboy Capital of the World – where three generations of bull riders are about to face more than just eight seconds in the arena. When a young girl’s cancer returns, her family confronts a reality many rural Americans know too well – the devastating struggle to access affordable healthcare.

The healthcare aspect of the film hit really close to home. I know the hardships the characters face. My son, Stockton, was born with multiple congenital heart defects, requiring multiple open-heart surgeries and tons of expensive medications. I can tell you from first-hand experience that between the insurance companies’ “delay, deny, defend” tactics and the hospitals overcharging at every opportunity, I currently battle tooth and nail every day to keep my son alive. To me, this movie is a true story.

Stockton Todd Kuhl was born on June 6th, 2022, at 3:58 PM – 7 pounds, 8 ounces, 20.25 inches long. The ***American HealthCHARGE System***™ has been trying to kill him even before that.

Forrie J. Smith of Yellowstone fame brings the kind of truth to his role that only comes from decades of living the rodeo life.

Alongside him, C. Thomas Howell draws from his childhood around the rodeo circuit to create what The New York Times calls a performance that “truly embodies the spirit of the Old West.”

Annabeth Gish delivers a nuanced portrayal of Sheriff Monica Hawkins, a woman caught between upholding the law and protecting her family.

And Jake Allyn? The Movie Revue‘s review captured it perfectly – he and Howell “wear shame and regret like an old gunslinger.“

The story that Forrie J. Smith tells at an A.A. meeting is a real story from Forrie’s life that he was willing to share on screen.

Beyond the Arena

If you look at this film the way I have, and strip away the dust and denim, and you’ll find a surprisingly emotional tale fitted in a cowboy hat. This story digs deep into what matters – family, redemption, and the lengths we’ll go to protect our own. That’s why it took home Best Movie at both the Western Heritage Awards and Dallas International Film Festival.

Jake Allyn serves triple duty here – he’s not just acting, but also directing and co-writing the film. This makes his performance as Peter even more impressive, as he’s effectively telling this story from multiple creative angles.

“RIDE is not, strictly speaking, a faith-based movie. Ultimately, however, it comes across as more honest and affecting than loads of other films bearing that label.”
– Joe Leydon, Reviewer, Variety

The team shot at real rodeo events, capturing the raw energy you can’t fake. Even the music hits differently – Howell wrote and performed his original title track RIDE with such emotion and investment that it felt pulled straight from a Texas honky-tonk.

Annabeth Gish brings depth and quiet strength to her role as Stephenville’s Sheriff Monica Hawkins in **RIDE**. Known for her breakout role in *Mystic Pizza*, Gish crafts a compelling portrait of a woman torn between badge and blood. While preparing for the role, Gish drew valuable insights from her husband’s experience as a former police officer.

Supporting Stories That Matter

For eight years, Jake Allyn heard the same thing: “This is too American.” But some stories are worth fighting for. When Hollywood turned its back, independent distributor WELL GO USA and the rodeo community stepped up, recognizing a truth the studios missed. There’s an audience hungry for stories that reflect their world.

Starting February 1st on Paramount+, you can be part of something bigger than a movie. Every view sends a message that stories about real American life deserve to be told.

Not because they’re safe, not because they’re sanitized, but because they have meaning.

After all, the best rides are the ones worth waiting for.

I’ll Rise – The official music video for an original Bones Owens song featured in the rodeo film RIDE. Other original Bones Owens music featured in RIDE includes Holy Road, Mama, and Sometimes.

Where You Can Find the Movie RIDE

Stream the Movie RIDE

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Pay-Per-View & Buy the Movie RIDE

You can find it pay-per-view on Amazon, Fandango, YouTube Movies, Apple TV, Google Play, and Spectrum TV. Thank you for backing a film made outside the Hollywood machine!

View RIDE on Amazon

View RIDE on Fandango

View RIDE on YouTube

View RIDE on Apple

View RIDE on Google Play

View RIDE on Spectrum

More Behind the Scenes, Interviews, Music, Awards & Reviews of RIDE

Go behind the scenes of the western bull riding thriller RIDE, directed by and starring Jake Allyn. Featuring C. Thomas Howell, Forrie J. Smith, and Annabeth Gish.

The Western Heritage Awards Ceremony honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Western heritage. The film RIDE won the Theatrical Motion Picture Award in 2024.

Like a Farmer Podcast interviews actor, producer, and all-around talent, Jake Allyn! Growing up in Texas, Jake discovered his passion for filmmaking at a young age by creating videos with his brother.

In this engaging live panel, C. Thomas Howell dives into his legendary career, from his role as Ponyboy in The Outsiders to behind-the-scenes stories of ET.

Annabeth Gish and C, Thomas Howell talk their new movie Ride, Bull Riding, Cowboy Culture and MORE in this insightful interview with Pop Culture With Pat!

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Podcast, Forrie recounts his career — from cowboy to stuntman to beloved actor.

Big Gold Belt Media gives their deep honest review of the movie RIDE.

C. Thomas Howell performing with film co-star, Zia Carlock, who plays Tommy’s daughter in the film RIDE. The song can be found on Tommy’s second album, “Cowboy’s Don’t Cry.

“The winners of this year’s Audience Awards reminded all of us why we love watching movies, which is what we set out to do with this year’s Festival,”
– James Faust, Artistic Director, Dallas International Film Festival

C. Thomas Howell is also a musician and wrote-performed his original title track ***RIDE*** live in the film. He is best known as Pony Boy in *The Outsiders* and Robert Morris in *Red Dawn*.

The 2025 C&I Movie & TV Awards have spoken! Annabeth Gish is your Best Supporting Actress for her role in ***RIDE***.

Screening of the Movie RIDE at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas Photo Gallery

I got the chance to meet the RIDE team during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas at the Rio Round-Up! Forrie J. Smith, C. Thomas Howell, and Jake Allyn hit the stage for an exclusive Q&A Meet & Greets about RIDE. This exciting event was hosted by Sydni Blanchard, a Professional Barrell Racer and 3X Wrangler NFR Qualifier. They were all authentically friendly and inspirational.

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.