There have been many excellent films about racing, just as there have been many great basketball movies. These movies highlight the excitement and spectacle of racing. Without further ado, here are the top 10 best racing movies ever.
Best Racing Movies: 10. The Fast and Furious
The Fast and Furious gets the list started at number 10. This film began a popular franchise and focused on simple street racing. Paul Walker plays an undercover police officer who infiltrates a heist crew in order to bring down their car hijacking ring. Also, Vin Diesel stars as the leader of the heist crew. This film is fun, exciting, and highly watchable for all.
9. Ford v. Ferrari
Ford and Ferrari are well-known brands in the automotive industry, but this film shares a story of the two titans battling it out on the racing track. This story focuses on British and American engineers that Ford hires to create a race car capable of beating the famed Ferrari race cars of the 1960s. Additionally, Christian Bale and Matt Damon star in this film. However, Josh Lucas, Caitriona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal round out a star-studded cast. Ford v. Ferrari is exciting, well-written, and captivating.
8. Days of Thunder
Tom Cruise stars in this film that tells the story of two racing rivals who discover redemption and friendship after a serious accident. Also, Michael Rooker plays the other rival in this film. Also, Nicole Kidman was the female lead and became quite popular with American audiences for her role in this flashy, exciting film. Tony Scott, the director of the original Top Gun movie, directs Days of Thunder. This exciting film is quite entertaining and also features the likes of Cary Elwes, Randy Quaid, and Robert Duvall.
Best Racing Movies: 7. Speed Racer
The Wachowskis adapted the 1960s anime Speed Racer and turned it into one of the best big-screen racing movies. This film provides plenty of thrills and includes some excellent special effects. Additionally, Emile Hirsch plays the titular character Speed Racer, a young man whose life has always revolved around racing. However, he declines an offer from Royalton Industries and discovers a corporate plot to fix races.
After this, he has to expose this plot and continue winning high-stakes races. Also, Matthew Fox plays Racer X and Christina Ricci plays Trixie. Speed Racer is fun for the whole family while still delivering exciting races.
6. Two-Lane Blacktop
This 1971 film combines a racing film and a road movie into one experience. James Taylor, a music star, and Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson star in this iconic film that has now become a cult classic. The humorous, poignant film centers around a mechanic and a driver who maintain and race their 1955 Chevy as they travel across the United States without a clear destination in mind. Additionally, Two-Lane Blacktop delivers a great experience of fun races and likable characters. It is easy to see why this film has become a cult classic.
5. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Those looking for a funny racing movie will love 2006’s Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Will Ferrell plays the main character, who is a star NASCAR driver but one without much intelligence. Ricky Bobby suffers a fall from grace after a French Formula One champion, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, defeats him in a race. Also, the film includes a star-studded cast, with Amy Adams, Jane Lynch, Leslie Bibb, Michael Clarke Duncan, Gary Cole, and John C. Reilly. It is entertaining and hilarious, so it is fun for everyone.
Best Racing Movies: 4. Rush
Rush focuses on the 1976 racing season, particularly the rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Daniel Bruhl and Chris Hemsworth star as the two racing rivals in this film, bringing excitement and intensity to their roles. Additionally, Rush delivers excellent performances and exciting racing scenes to keep viewers captivated.
This film was not appreciated when it was released initially, but it is well worth viewers’ time. Ron Howard, an Oscar-winning director, is at the helm and it shows. Viewers who enjoyed Ford v. Ferrari are sure to enjoy this film about another interesting racing rivalry.
3. Grand Prix
Grand Prix is an excellent racing film that tells a fictionalized version of Formula One’s 1966 season. Additionally, this film includes real-life racing footage and this adds to the authenticity of the film. Antonio Sabato, Brian Bedford, Yves Montand, and James Garner play the four Formula One drivers the film focuses on. This 1966 film won a total of three Academy Awards and it is easy to see why. Grand Prix laid the foundation for the racing movies that followed it and portrayed racing in a way big-screen audiences had never seen before then.
2. Death Race 2000
Death Race 2000 is a fun racing film to watch if one wants a film with dumb fun and wild races. Roger Corman directed this film and it starts David Carradine in a dystopian future where the Transcontinental Road Race is the nation’s new pastime. This entertains the masses and the film entertains audiences.
Sylvester Stallone and Martin Kove, best known for his role in The Karate Kid, also star in this film. It is a fun film that one can enjoy without having to think about it too deeply. Death Race 2000 has become a cult classic for its unique appeal.
1. Le Mans
Le Mans is another top-notch racing movie and it stars Steve McQueen as the central character. Similar to Grand Prix, Le Mans includes real-life racing footage to add to its authenticity. However, as with Grand Prix, the story that Le Mans tells is fictional. This film delivers well-written characters, exciting races, and a unique look into a racer’s life.
There are many racing movies, but this one stands out above the rest. Anyone who likes car racing will definitely enjoy Le Mans. It is a must-watch film for any fan of racing.
That concludes our list of the top 10 best racing movies ever.