Looking for the ultimate adrenaline-pumping car racing movies and Nascar flicks? Your search ends here! We’ve compiled a list of the most exhilarating racing films that you can even personalize to create your very own top picks. And guess what? If you’re in the mood for more mind-blowing movie recommendations, we’ve got you covered with the best tear-jerking dramas, action-packed thrillers on Netflix, and hilarious comedies on Netflix.
These movies are not only action-packed but also showcase the most iconic car brands, adding an extra layer of excitement. So, which are the absolute must-watch racing films? Well, brace yourself for heart-stopping street racing adventures like The Fast and the Furious, included in this epic lineup.
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of intense drama both on and off the track with these extraordinary racing movies. They truly reign supreme in their genre. And if you can’t get enough of these high-octane films, don’t miss out on other incredible movies that revolve around driving and cars.
1. Ford v. Ferrari
Get ready for some high-octane drama in the movie Ford v. Ferrari. It’s all about American car designer Carroll Shelby and British race car driver Ken Miles taking on corporate interference and the laws of physics. Their mission? To build an incredible vehicle for Ford Motor Co. and beat Enzo Ferrari’s dominating race cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
Directed by James Mangold, this action-packed biographical sports film is a thrilling ride through an underdog story fueled by determination, friendship, and a whole lot of grit. It’s no wonder it scored four nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards. This movie is a true testament to groundbreaking automotive innovation and the raw racing spirit.
Released: 2019
Directed by: James Mangold
Actors: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
2. Rush
Undercover cop Jim Raynor, played by Jason Patric, is a seasoned veteran. He’s about to embark on his next case and believes his partner, Kristen Cates portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh, is tough enough to join him, despite her lack of experience. Their mission? Take down the elusive drug lord Gaines, who has proven to be notoriously difficult to capture.
As they delve deeper into their undercover assignment, something unexpected happens. Their professional relationship takes a romantic turn. However, this newfound intimacy comes with a dangerous consequence. Both Raynor and Cates find themselves succumbing to the allure of drugs, becoming addicted in the process.
Now, in addition to their mission to bring down Gaines, they must also battle their own personal demons. Overcoming their addictions becomes essential if they want to succeed in their ultimate goal of apprehending Gaines once and for all.
Released: 2013
Directed by: Ron Howard
Actors: Daniel Brühl, Chris Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde
3. The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious takes viewers into the exhilarating world of street racing, where Dominic Toretto, played by Vin Diesel, reigns as the kingpin. Living by his own rules, Toretto’s empire is about to face an unexpected challenge. Enter Brian O’Conner, an undercover cop portrayed by Paul Walker, who is assigned to infiltrate this high-octane underground culture. But things quickly become more complicated as O’Conner finds himself irresistibly drawn to Toretto’s sister, Mia, played by Jordana Brewster.
Engines roar and rubber burns as loyalties are put to the test and boundaries are blurred in this action-packed thriller. Directed by Rob Cohen, the film seamlessly combines crime drama with adrenaline-pumping car chases, delivering a fast-paced experience through the street racing scene of Los Angeles. It’s a thrilling journey where speed becomes a valuable currency, and trust is as elusive as the finish line.
Released: 2001
Directed by: Rob Cohen
Actors: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
4. Le Mans
Filmed back in 1970, this high-speed drama takes us to the annual 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans, France. Our protagonist is Michael Delaney, played by the iconic Steve McQueen, a skilled Porsche driver who carries the weight of a tragic accident from the previous year’s race, where a fellow driver lost his life. Adding to his troubles, Delaney finds himself growing more and more infatuated with the widow left behind by the deceased driver, portrayed by Elga Andersen. The storyline, though quite minimal, centers around Delaney’s intense rivalry with his Ferrari-driving nemesis, Erich, played by Siegfried Rauch.
Released: 1971
Directed by: Lee H. Katzin
Actors: Steve McQueen, Siegfried Rauch, Elga Andersen
5. Bullitt
Bullitt is a classic action thriller that has truly stood the test of time. It stars the legendary Steve McQueen as Frank Bullitt, a tough cop in San Francisco who stops at nothing to serve justice. When a witness he’s supposed to protect gets killed, Bullitt takes matters into his own hands, going deep into the dark and shady underworld to uncover the betrayer. One of the most famous scenes in the film is the unforgettable car chase through the steep streets of San Francisco. This incredible movie even won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing. With its intense and raw storyline, combined with Lalo Schifrin’s heart-pounding score, Bullitt is a gripping and thrilling watch from beginning to end.
Released: 1968
Directed by: Peter Yates
Actors: Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset
6. Senna
The story of Ayrton Senna, widely considered the greatest race car driver ever, is an incredible journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Back in the 1980s, Senna burst onto the Formula One racing scene, a young and exceptionally talented driver. Being a Brazilian in a sport dominated by Europeans, a purist in a world tainted by shady deals, and a man of faith in a cynical environment, Senna had to fight tooth and nail, both on and off the track. But despite facing immense challenges, he ultimately conquered Formula One and became a revered global icon, especially in his home country.
Asif Kapadia’s documentary, which relies solely on archival footage, is a thrilling experience that perfectly matches its audacious subject. Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you’re placed right in the driver’s seat through the cameras inside Senna’s car. Strap yourself in tight because this is a ride you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
This description was taken from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival site.
Released: 2010
Directed by: Asif Kapadia
Actors: Ayrton Senna, Reginaldo Leme, John Bisignano
7. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is one heck of a thrilling ride. It takes you deep into the underground world of Japanese street racing. Our main guy, Sean Boswell, who’s kind of an outsider but loves going fast, gets stranded in Tokyo. And boy, does he stumble upon something wild. He discovers this insane technique called ‘drifting’, where you basically take corners at crazy high speeds. This totally blows his mind and changes the way he thinks about racing.
Lucky for Sean, he meets Han, this super experienced drifter who becomes his mentor. Together, they go on this insane adventure through the streets of Tokyo, with neon lights everywhere. But things get even crazier when they cross paths with Takashi, who’s known as the Drift King. And let me tell you, their rivalry is explosive.
This movie is all about roaring engines and screeching tires. It’s an action-packed flick that carves its own special place in the Fast and Furious franchise. Trust me, it’s one of those movies you won’t forget.
Released: 2006
Directed by: Justin Lin
Actors: Lucas Black, Zachery Ty Bryan, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss
8. Grand Prix
The 1966 Formula One championship has attracted a group of incredibly bold drivers from all corners of the globe. One such driver is Pete Aron, an American with an undeniable passion for racing. Unfortunately, his journey takes a sudden turn when he gets involved in a dramatic crash during the first race. As a result, his sponsor decides to part ways with him.
But Pete is not one to give up easily. Determined to continue pursuing his dream, he makes a bold decision to join a Japanese racing team. This new chapter in his life brings forth a myriad of challenges. Not only does he have to prove himself on the track, but he also finds himself entangled in a passionate love affair with the wife of a former teammate.
Amidst all the chaos, Pete faces yet another obstacle in the form of Jean-Pierre Sarti, a French competitor who has already secured two world titles. Pete must now navigate the fierce competition and try to outshine this formidable opponent.
In this thrilling and exhilarating tale, we witness the incredible bravery and determination of these drivers as they go head-to-head for the coveted Formula One championship. With high-stakes races, intense rivalries, and complicated relationships, this story takes us on an unforgettable journey through the world of professional racing.
Released: 1966
Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Actors: James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Yves Montand
9. Days of Thunder
Days of Thunder is an action-packed drama that will get your heart racing. It revolves around the daring and talented race car driver Cole Trickle, played by none other than Tom Cruise. As he dives headfirst into the exhilarating world of NASCAR, he encounters intense competition and a series of obstacles. Luckily, he has the experienced and tough crew chief Harry Hogge, portrayed by Robert Duvall, by his side, offering him guidance and support. But it’s not just about racing – Cole finds solace and love in the arms of Dr. Claire Lewicki, a brilliant neurosurgeon played by Nicole Kidman.
As Cole strives to become a champion, he must overcome injuries, intense rivalries, and his own personal demons. All of this takes place against the backdrop of America’s most iconic speedways, where the engines roar and the tires screech. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish!
Released: 1990
Directed by: Tony Scott
Actors: Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman
10. Need for Speed
Tobey Marshall is a mechanic who lives for the thrill of racing muscle cars in the underground circuit. He’s a hardworking guy, but his business is facing some serious challenges. In comes Dino Brewster, a wealthy and seemingly trustworthy individual who offers Tobey a partnership. Reluctantly, Tobey agrees, not knowing what lies ahead.
Unfortunately, Tobey’s trust in Dino proves to be a big mistake. Dino sets him up for a crime he didn’t commit, resulting in Tobey being thrown behind bars. It’s a tough blow for Tobey, but he’s not one to give up easily. Two years later, he’s out of prison and fueled by a burning desire for revenge.
Tobey sees his chance to take down Dino in a high-stakes race. It’s his only shot at redemption, but there’s a catch. He must not only win the race, but also outmaneuver the relentless pursuit of an army of cops and bounty hunters hot on his trail.
Time is of the essence, and Tobey knows he has to do whatever it takes to get to the race and confront Dino. It’s a race against time, filled with heart-pounding action and intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Released: 2014
Directed by: Scott Waugh
Actors: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots
11. 2 Fast 2 Furious
2 Fast 2 Furious is an action-packed film that revolves around racing. It follows Brian O’Connor, a former cop turned street racer, who teams up with his childhood friend Roman Pearce. Together, they set out on a mission to take down a dangerous drug cartel in Miami, led by the ruthless Carter Verone. As they embark on this adventure, we are treated to adrenaline-pumping races and daring escapes, all under the watchful eye of undercover agent Monica Fuentes. Directed by John Singleton, this sequel to The Fast and the Furious takes the thrill to a whole new level, while also exploring the personal histories of its characters.
Released: 2003
Directed by: John Singleton
Actors: Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Eva Mendes
