Watch the RAD 40th Anniversary Trailer: 1986 BMX Classic Races Back to The Big Screen
If you grew up in the ‘80s, there’s a good chance Rad holds a special place in your heart. The BMX cult classic that first hit theaters in 1986 is officially turning 40, and it’s heading back to the big screen for a nationwide celebration.
Utopia and Fathom Entertainment have released a new trailer to promote the anniversary screenings, and this movie still rips.
Utopia previously rolled out a slick 4K restoration of the film in 2020, which is currently available on Blu-ray and VOD. Now fans will get the chance to experience that restoration in theaters for a two-night event on March 22nd and 24th, 2026.
For longtime fans and newcomers curious about why this BMX movie refuses to fade away, this is the perfect excuse to grab a ticket.
Originally released at the height of the BMX bike craze in early 1986, Rad follows Cru Jones, played by Bill Allen, a small-town kid chasing a dream of winning the legendary Helltrack race. It’s the kind of nearly impossible course that only exists in ‘80s sports movies, and that’s exactly why it rules.
Alongside Allen, the film stars Lori Loughlin as Christian Hollings, Talia Shire as Mrs. Jones, Jack Weston as Duke Best, Ray Walston as Burton Timmer, and 1984 Olympic gymnastics champion Bart Connor as Bart Taylor.
The movie was directed by stuntman-turned-filmmaker Hal Needham, the guy behind Smokey and the Bandit I & II, The Cannonball Run, The Villain, and Megaforce.
Needham brought that same high-energy, practical stunt-driven style to Rad, which is a big reason the BMX racing sequences still hold up. The screenplay was written by Sam Bernard and Geoffrey Edwards.
What’s wild is that Rad was something of a sleeper when it first came out. Over time, though, it built a serious following. BMX pros embraced it. Fans started hosting repertory screenings. It spawned fan clubs. It even built a social media presence with its own Instagram and Facebook accounts.
The anniversary screenings will also include a sneak peek at the documentary Effortless: The Eddie Fiola Story, which makes this event even more of a must for BMX fans.
Fathom’s Shannah Miller shared her excitement about bringing the film back to theaters, saying: "RAD Day has grown into a true cultural moment for fans of the legendary '80s BMX classic, driven by the passion of its audience and our ongoing collaboration with Utopia.
“As Fathom celebrates the film's 40th anniversary, we are very pleased to expand this RADDEST celebration into a two-day theatrical event that brings fans together at the cinema and puts RAD back once again on the big screen."
The description reads: "Rad turning 40 and heading back to theaters nationwide? What more can I say besides... it's gonna be RAD. Remember there's always room for one more on the RAD racing team for another victory lap with the cult classic that never stopped racing."
Seeing Rad in 4K on the big screen is going to be a blast! Forty years later, it still feels like pure ‘80s adrenaline.