The Best Racing Movies Ever To Hit The Tracks
From Formula One to NASCAR to the high-octane street racing scenes, these movies kicked car racing into another gear and had us on the edge of our right till the checkered flag waved. Let's examine some of the best car racing movies ever to hit the tracks.
The Last American Hero
The Last American Hero (1973) is based on the true story of Junior Johnson, a moonshine runner who becomes a legend of NASCAR. Starring Jeff Bridges as Johnson, the movie tells the story of the legendary racer who must overcome adversity, including a criminal conviction for moonshining in 1956, and beat all the odds to win. Johnson won 50 NASCAR races in his career and is widely one of the greatest racers of all time.
Twentieth Century, The Last American Hero (1973)
Death Proof
While you mightn't expect slick racing scenes from Quentin Tarantino, Death Proof (2007) surprises you like that. Part racing movie, part slasher horror, Death Proof stars Kurt Russell and Rose McGowan, showcasing Tarantino's directorial talent in combining two unlikely genres to produce an enjoyable movie with intense racing scenes.
Troublemaker, Death Proof (2007)
The Great Race
The Great Race (1965) is certainly a far cry from the ultra-immersive racing experiences of modern films, but this mid-60s flick featured an impressive amount of action, depicting a transnational automobile race from New York to Paris, with a 'love triangle' romance angle (of course there was, it's the 1960s). Starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood,
Warner Bros., The Great Race (1965)
The Fate Of The Furious
As the eighth installment in The Fast And The Furious franchise, The Fate Of The Furious (2017) saw Vin Diesel returning, but this time, pitted against his own team—Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson reprised his role in this action-packed, explosive-laden thrill ride of a movie that ticked every box that The Fast And The Furious fans expected.
Universal, The Fate of the Furious (2017)
Transporter 3
Hot off the heels of Transporter 2, the third installment in the Transporter franchise sees Jason Statham return to reprise his role as professional driver Frank Martin. Despite not having racing as a central plot theme, its intense sequences of exhilarating action behind the wheel is what makes Transporter 3 much more watchable, as Frank Martin's racing skills are on full display.
Six Pack
Starring Kenny Rogers, Six Pack (1982) tells an emotional and uplifting tale of a former NASCAR driver's road to redemption—aided unexpectedly by the encouragement of his six orphaned children. Sensitively showcasing the importance of teamwork, determination, and family, Six Pack is a feel-good watch for those looking for a more story-themed racing flick.
Twentieth Century, Six Pack (1982)
The Art Of Racing In The Rain
The Art Of Racing In The Rain (2019) was created by the same director of Marley And Me, so that should give you some indication of what's next. Exploring themes of love and spectacular auto-racing sequences, and starring Milo Ventimiglia and Kevin Costner as the voice of Enzo, a Golden Retriever through whose eyes the movie is narrated. Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, if you like a heart-warming movie like Marley And Me, then The Art Of Racing In The Rain is perfect.
Original Film, The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Born To Race: Fast Track
The sequel to Born To Race (2011), Fast Track continues the saga of aspiring professional racer Danny Krueger as he tackles racing school, where the stakes couldn't be higher. Combining gripping racing scenes with excellent character development, those who loved Born To Race will enjoy the sequel.
ESX Entertainment, Born to Race (2011)
Two-Lane Blacktop
Two-Lane Blacktop is widely considered one of the best car movies of all time. Starring James Taylor as "Driver" and Dennis Wilson as "The Mechanic", a dynamic duo on a cross-country road trip plagued with adversity. First, "The Girl" (Laurie Bird) puts their friendship to the test, then "GTO" (Warren Oates) challenges them to race him to New York, putting their most prized possession—their 1955 Chevy 210—on the line.
Universal, Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
Redline
Redline (2007) stars Nadja Borlin as Natasha, an aspiring singer and race car driver, caught up in the world of illegal race car driving for a music producer, Infamous. The stakes couldn't be higher as Natasha discovers that racing isn't all Infamous is involved in and some will do whatever it takes to win. Complete with spectacular racing sequences and heart-stopping crashes, Redline takes the viewer to the limit.
Chicago Pictures, Redline (2007)
Stroker Ace
Starring Burt Reynolds as the eponymous NASCAR driver, Stroker Ace (1983) is a lighthearted, comedic take on NASCAR racing, entangled with just enough love story to make it interesting. Burt Reynolds steals the show in Stroker Ace while dealing with an overbearing sponsor who wants to win at all costs, while navigating a love interest and the intense world of NASCAR.
Warner Bros., Stroker Ace (1983)
Driven
Even in 2001, many would have doubted that Sly Stallone could even fit in a Formula One car, let alone race one in a movie. Well, Driven proves that indeed he could. Taking on the role of Joe Tanto, a veteran race car driver, Stallone mentors Jimmy Bly, a young, promising driver with a bright future.
Drive
Drive (2011), stars Ryan Gosling as the getaway driver in this racing-filled crime drama. Expertly delivered action sequences are capped off by stunning visual effects behind the wheel in Drive. Despite being the star of the show, Gosling's character only says 891 words in the entire movie. Non-verbal communication is one of the primary storytelling methods used in Drive.
The World's Fastest Indian
Based on a true story, The World's Fastest Indian (2005) tells the tale of New Zealander Burt Munro who set out to break the land speed record with a customized Indian motorcycle. Showcasing an unbelievable passion for motorcycles and racing, Munro's personal struggles and spellbinding race sequences are depicted brilliantly in this mid-2000s drama starring Anthony Hopkins.
New Zealand Film Commission, The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Winning
Starring Paul Newman, Winning (1969) features Newman as a professional racer under pressure in the lead up to the Indy 500. Blending the emotional toll that kind of pressure takes on a person (and their family) with heart-pounding racing sequences that'll have you gripping your seat, Winning is widely considered an auto-racing movie classic.
Vanishing Point
Cops and robbers on wheels at 200 mph? That's Vanishing Point (1997), starring Viggo Mortensen and Barry Newman as Kowalski. Kowalski, on the run from the law after a drug bust, tears a powerful Dodge Challenger through the American West, with law enforcement hot on his heels. This perfectly paced movie will leave viewers in awe of the beauty of the open road, while simultaneously realizing it's inherent dangers.
Westgate Productions, Vanishing Point (1997)
3: The Dale Earnhardt Story
3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (2004) tells the life of Dale Earnhardt, one of NASCAR's greatest drivers who lost his life in 2001 in a crash that shocked the world of NASCAR. This compelling biopic tells the story of Earnhardt's rise through racing's ranks to NASCAR, featuring stunning racing sequences with a compelling human narrative. Earnhardt is played brilliantly by Barry Pepper. 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story received huge praise for its depiction of racing and its depiction of Earnhardt's 'never say die' attitude and character.
ESPN, 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story (2004)
Schumacher
Released in 2021, Schumacher tells the story of Michael Schumacher, widely considered the world's greatest Formula One driver. His life behind the wheel of Ferrari's F1 cars is captured through archival footage and interviews with his family. Highlighting the highs—and lows—of one of the most successful professional racers in history, Schumacher is a brilliant tribute to one of the sport's best.
Furious 7
From Formula One to the streets, Furious 7 (2015) is next on our list, starring Vin Diesel (again) as Dominic Toretto and his crew face off against a determined assassin in an action-packed, racing-packed thriller. There's a heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker (who tragically died during production) and a reinforcement of the themes of love, loss, and family throughout.
Death Race
Death Race (2008) is set in the future—a future where incarcerated criminals must compete in life-or-death races for their freedom. Starring Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, and Ian McShane, Death Race tells an exhilarating tale of grit and determination while using thrilling racing sequences and brutal action to highlight the inherent dangers that await competitors in the Death Race.
The Cannonball Run
Starring Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, and Burt Reynolds, The Cannonball Run (1981) showcases an illegal cross-country race in an hilarious action-comedy sort of way. With each driver vying for the title of the fastest racer in America, The Cannonball Run drops the serious side of car racing and replaces it with lighthearted humor and in-jest antics that are as much a part of car racing culture as the sinister, all-business end of the race course.
Eurasia Investments, The Cannonball Run (1981)
Fast & Furious 6
Fast And Furious 6 was Paul Walker's final feature film in the series before his tragic passing in 2013, which sees him team up with Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson to take down an international criminal organization. With plenty of action-packed racing sequences, including a tank and an airport runway scene, Fast & Furious 6 was one of the second movies to veer away from strictly car racing, after Fast Five (2011).
Twentieth Century, Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
Fast & Furious
Fast & Furious (2009) is the fourth installment in The Fast and the Furious franchise, which saw a welcome return to the roots of the franchise with street racing taking a central role again. Reuniting on screen were Paul Walker and Vin Diesel as Brian O'Connor and Dominic Toretto. The pair are out for vengeance and hunting the murderer of Letty Ortiz, as well as capturing drug kingpin Arturo Braga. It is viewed as the direct sequel to The Fast And The Furious (2001) and 2 Fast, 2 Furious (2003).
Universal, Fast & Furious (2009)
Cars
One of the few animated car racing movies out there, Cars (2006) is widely viewed as one of the best animated racing movies of all time. Set in a world of anthropomorphic automobiles, Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) learns valuable life lessons throughout the movie as he prepares for competitive NASCAR-style racing. Aimed at children, though appealing to all ages, Cars focuses on the importance of teamwork, friendship, competition between rivals, and perseverance.
Gran Turismo
Based on the real-life story of British teenager Jann Mardenborough, who turned his love of the Gran Turismo racing game into a professional racing career, thanks to the Gran Turismo Academy. Starring Archie Madekwe, Geri Halliwell, and Orlando Bloom, Gran Turismo tells the story of Mardenborough's rise to professional racing and those who risked it all to put him behind the wheel for real.
Fast Five
For the purists among you, Fast Five (2011) may have been the time when The Fast And The Furious franchise began to deviate from its racing roots. That's certainly true, as the movie featured a compelling heist narrative alongside a large racing element. Set in beautiful Brazil, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker returned, alongside the introduction of Dwayne Johnson to the cast. Pushing cars to their limits is something that Fast Five does very well indeed. If you love racing with an element of crime/drama, then Fast Five may be your thing.
2 Fast 2 Furious
The hugely popular The Fast And The Furious film starring Paul Walker and Tyrese Gibson, 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) sees ex-cop Brian O'Connor team up with his friend, ex-con Roman Pearce, to take on a shady Miami-based import/export dealer. Featuring high-stakes speed racing, 2 Fast 2 Furious revived interest in the series following the super popular first film.
Universal, 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
Need For Speed
Released in 2014, Need For Speed is based on the popular video game of the same name. Starring Aaron Paul, Need For Speed showcases breathtaking action and driving within a vengeance plotline where Tobey Marshall's only chance for revenge on those who set him up for a crime he didn't commit is to beat them in a race where the stakes couldn't be higher.
DreamWorks, Need for Speed (2014)
Days Of Thunder
Starring Tom Cruise and future wife Nicole Kidman, Days Of Thunder (1990) sees Cruise take the wheel as Cole Trickle, a troubled NASCAR racer battling personal and professional demons. Showcasing the best of NASCAR teamwork, including the pit crew, Days Of Thunder (1990) is widely viewed as one of the best NASCAR movies of all time.
Paramount, Days of Thunder (1990)
Grand Prix
Putting the viewer in the racing seat, Grand Prix (1966) is a unique take on Formula One racing that brought that style of racing to the masses for the first time. Highlighting the skill required to race F1 and the dangers inherent in that type of racing, Grand Prix broke new ground in all sorts of ways. It set a new standard for car racing movies and continues to thrill watchers, more than 50 years later.
Joel Productions, Grand Prix (1966)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby
Billed as satirical, Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby stars Will Ferrell in a hilarious depiction of an eponymous NASCAR driver that goes from hero to zero when he meets stiff competition from a French Formula 1 driver who's new to the NASCAR circuit. A tale that could be a Chumbawamba song, The Ballad of Ricky Bobby provides an entertaining perspective on NASCAR racing, with much humor and compelling in-car sequences throughout.
Columbia, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Bullitt
There's one scene from Bullitt (1968) that all racing fans will remember—Steve McQueen as Lieutenant Frank Bullitt navigating his Ford Mustang GT through the hilly terrain of San Francisco. Bullitt's car chase set a new standard for excitement and showcased American muscle in the best possible light.
Solar Productions, Bullitt (1968)
The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift
Set in Tokyo, The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) introduced a unique aspect of car racing: drifting. That is, the practice of going around a corner at speed and holding control of the vehicle, clipping the apex of the corner with the rear of the vehicle. As a standalone movie from the rest of the Fast and Furious series, Tokyo Drift did more than just help to fill a gap between Fast And Furious movies: It gave fans something new and different.
Universal, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Le Mans
Le Mans (1971) was Steve McQueen's passion project. Starring McQueen as Michael Delaney, a driver on the hunt for redemption following a tragic crash in the previous year, Le Mans delves deep into the psychological and physical impacts that the 24-hour race has on drivers. Despite being over 50 years old, Le Mans was considered revolutionary and is one of the best racing films of all time.
Solar Productions, Le Mans (1971)
The Fast And The Furious
This is Paul Walker's breakout movie and the film that made Vin Diesel a mega-star, as well as launched street racing into the public eye. The Fast And The Furious (2001) is a now-iconic racing movie that features a young Paul Walker as Brian O'Connor, looking to pit his skills behind the wheel against veteran racer Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). Intense races and stunning stunts are often used as a backdrop for a deeper character arc that's become synonymous with the now 10-movie strong franchise.
Universal, The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Rush
Formula One in the 1970s was one of the most competitive places to be. The rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt is considered one of the greatest rivalries in the history of sport. Masterfully portraying the contrast between the two drivers' racing styles, personalities, and family lives, Rush also puts the viewers behind the wheel of each exhilarating driver. It's a beautiful tribute to a great sporting rivalry.
Cross Creek Pictures, Rush (2013)
Ferrari
Filled with racing sequences and stunning emotional depth, Ferrari (2023) is an unrivaled biopic in the car racing world. Starring Adam Driver in the lead role, Ferrari uses gorgeous recreations of the classic Ferraris and beautifully depicts the 1950s setting where Enzo Ferrari became the master auto manufacturer.
Storyteller Productions, Ferrari (2023)
Ford V. Ferrari
And one of the most recent car racing movies also happens to be one of the best. Starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, Ford V. Ferrari (2019) showcased the tenuous development of the Ford GT40 in the mid-1960s, a car built by Carroll Shelby and racer Ken Miles to beat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966. In a battle of national pride, engineering supremacy, and egos, Ford V. Ferrari combines perfectly high-octane racing with character depth.
Twentieth Century, Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Senna
This one's a powerful documentary about the life of Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, who passed away tragically at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix after a crash. Using archival footage of Senna's races, as well as interviews with his family and racing colleagues, Senna (2010) immortalized an iconic figure in the world of F1.
Although Ayrton Senna was one of the most famous deaths at the 1994 San Marino crash, he wasn't the only one. Prior to the start of the race, there had been two crashes, one resulting in the death of an Austrian driver. Senna and others were fiercely critical of the track's unsafe nature—but their concerns were ignored by Formula One organizers.
What do you think of our list of the best auto racing movies ever? How many have you seen? Let us know in the comments below!
