Back in the ‘80s, three subgenres flourished – rebellious teen adventures, inspirational sports movies, and stunt-driven adventure spectacles. For a moment, both of those tastes collided in 1986, with the release of Rad – and audiences haven’t forgotten its existence for a second.

Directed by veteran stuntman Hal Needham, and centered on an aspiring BMX racer looking for his shot at the big time, the cult classic has returned to theaters annually for an event dubbed “Rad Day.” And just in time for 2026’s big 40th anniversary, some very special surprises are in store to ramp things up.

Rad Day Is About To Get Even More Rad For The 40th Anniversary

A huge milestone like 40 years of airtime needs something a little extra to kick things off. Per Utopia and Fathom Entertainment’s recent press release Rad Day 2026 is now going to take place on not one, but two separate dates! Slated for March 22 and 24, and lovingly restored in 4K, you can see why this reissue of the film starring Bill Allen, Lori Loughlin, and Bart Conner has people so hyped – courtesy of the trailer below: 

With the former stuntman who directed Smokey and the Bandit at the helm, it’s no surprise that Rad has stunt work that lives up to its title. Turning back to that 40th anniversary business for a moment, Rad Day 2026 has another pleasant surprise waiting under its helmet. 

Eddie Fiola sits talking in a garage setting in the trailer for Effortless: The Eddie Fiola Story.

A New Documentary On Rad Stuntman Eddie Fiola Is Also On The Way

If The ’80s Movie Rewind’s Rad trivia is accurate, then main character Cru Jones (Bill Allen) is loosely based on its technical advisor/stunt performer Eddie Fiola. A pro BMX rider of the era, Mr. Fiola was probably a dream collaborator for Hal Needham to have on this movie.

We just might learn more about that partnership in the near future, as the retired BMX freestyle competitor will be the subject of an upcoming documentary. Here’s what we know about that project, thanks to this very same press release: 

For the 40th anniversary screenings, RAD fans will enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the forthcoming documentary EFFORTLESS: THE EDDIE FIOLA STORY – following BMX legend and Hollywood stuntman Eddie Fiola’s career, personal life, and pursuit of making it to the top in his sport and second career as an elite stuntman on some of the biggest budget movies in Hollywood. The film features interviews with Eddie Fiola, Tony Hawk, Ed Helms, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Ryan Nyquist, Martin Aparijo, Larry Edgar and Gale Webb and is written and directed by Billy Henrickle.

Mark your calendars racers, as Rad Day 2026 hits a theater near you on March 22nd and 24th! So get your tickets now, and be sure your race gear is in order. And as always, keep your browser tuned to THS’ Movie News archives, for all the latest and greatest in cinema pop culture.

Keep Reading:

Ranking The ‘Scream’ Opening Scenes Ahead of ‘Scream 7’