The 11 Best Racing Movies of All-Time, Ranked

• Year: 2013
• Director: Ron Howard
• Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara

From the director who brought us 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'Apollo 13', Ron Howard delivers another instant classic with his biopic 'Rush', which tells the story of F1 drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt, from their time racing in lower tier leagues all the way to their bitter rivalry in Formula 1. This is one of the biggest rivalries in the sports history and did a significant amount to spur interest around racing in the 70's.

This story truly takes off once we hit the 1976 Formula 1 season. Lauda entered the season as the defending champion and Hunt was eager to snatch the title from him. After Lauda suffered a horrific accident, he would find a way to get back on the track just 6 weeks later to continue the epic race for the championship.

• Year: 2019
• Director: James Mangold
• Starring: Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe, Josh Lucas, Ian Harding

Ford v Ferrari is a biopic about the historic 1966, 24 hours of Le Mans race that saw one of the greatest upsets in motorsports. If Christian Bale and Matt Damon aren't enough to get you to watch this movie, the story alone is unreal.

Ferrari was on the brink of collapse and needed to find a new way to market their cars as the best of the best. They recruited Ken Miles, a British born race car driver, to help build and race a Ford car in the 24-hour endurance race that Ferrari had dominated for so many years. This is one of those perfect biopics where every scene seems to flow into the next and you'll be hooked within the first 20 minutes.

• Year: 2010
• Director: Asif Kapadia
• Starring: Aryton Senna, Alain Prost, Frank Williams, Ron Dennis

Aryton Senna may very well be the greatest race car driver to ever grace this earth, and we may never know. Senna was captivating F1 fans and winning drivers championships like it was nothing throughout the 80's and early 90's. In 162 starts, Senna had 41 wins and 80 podium finishes. Tragically, his life was cut short at 34-years-old after one of the scariest crashes every seen on an F1 track. This documentary gives us a harrowing account of Sennas life.

• Year: 2006
• Director: Adam McKay
• Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jane Lynch, Leslie Bibb

Talladega Nights is one of those rare comedies that comes around every decade or so that completely changes the genre. Will Ferrel and Adam McKay's classic 2006 comedy follows Ricky Bobby, a man destined to race in NASCAR since he was born. There are so many quotable and memorable moments from this movie it would be a disservice to rattle even one of them off. One thing is for sure, if Christopher Nolan says it's a good movie, then it's a good movie.

• Year: 2006
• Director: John Lasseter
• Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Paul Newman, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin

Set in a world entirely inhabited by anthropomorphic cars and vehicles, the story centers around Lightning McQueen, a young and ambitious race car. Lightning is a hotshot rookie aiming to win the prestigious Piston Cup championship. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he accidentally finds himself in the small, forgotten town of Radiator Springs, located along the famous Route 66. This is one of those Pixar movies that just feels perfect from beginning to end.

• Year: 2011
• Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Christina Hendricks

"Drive" is a neo-noir crime thriller film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and released in 2011. The movie is based on the 2005 novel of the same name written by James Sallis. Known for its stylish direction and intense performances, "Drive" received critical acclaim and developed a cult-like fan following.

• Year: 1990
• Director: Tony Scott
• Starring: Tom Cruise, Robert Duvall, Nicole Kidman, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Michael Rooker, John C. Reilly

"Days of Thunder" is a 1990 American sports action drama film that follows Cole Trickle, a hotshot driver who aspires to make it big in the competitive world of NASCAR racing. Recruited by wealthy businessman Tim Daland and coached by the seasoned crew chief Harry Hogge, Cole enters the Winston Cup Series, determined to prove his worth among the best drivers.

While "Days of Thunder" received mixed critical reviews upon its release, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase, especially among racing enthusiasts and fans of Tom Cruise. The film's enduring appeal lies in its adrenaline-pumping action, compelling performances, and memorable racing scenes, making it a classic in the realm of sports action dramas.

• Year: 2003
• Director: Gary Ross
• Starring: Tobey Maguire, David McCullough, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks, William H. Macy

"Seabiscuit" is a 2003 American sports drama film directed by Gary Ross, based on the best-selling non-fiction book of the same name written by Laura Hillenbrand. The film chronicles the real-life story of Seabiscuit, an undersized and underestimated racehorse that became a symbol of hope and resilience during the Great Depression era in the United States.

"Seabiscuit" received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling, authentic period atmosphere, and outstanding performances from the lead actors. The film effectively captures the spirit of an era while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between humans and animals.

• Year: 2001- Present
• Directors: Rob Cohen, John Singleton, Justin Lin, James Wan, F. Gary Gray, David Leitch, Louis Leterrier
• Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Ricky Lune, Tyrese Gibson, John Cena, Ludacris, Jason Momoa, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham

The "Fast & Furious" franchise is a highly successful and enduring series of action-packed films centered around street racing, heists, and high-octane adventures. The series has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its adrenaline-fueled car chases, intense action sequences, and a focus on family and loyalty.

The "Fast & Furious" franchise has become one of the most successful film series of all time, grossing billions of dollars worldwide and attracting a dedicated fanbase. It has expanded beyond the big screen, with spin-offs like "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" and an animated series titled "Fast & Furious: Spy Racers."

• Year: 1995
• Director: Gordon Chan
• Starring: Jackie Chan, Anita Yuen, Michael Wong, Shing Fui-On, Dayo Wong, Ken Lo

"Thunderbolt" is a 1995 Hong Kong action film directed by Gordon Chan and starring martial arts icon Jackie Chan in the lead role. The movie is also known as "Dead Heat" in some regions. As a typical Jackie Chan film, "Thunderbolt" features impressive action sequences, stunt work, and a mix of comedy and drama.

While "Thunderbolt" may not be as well-known as some of Jackie Chan's other iconic films, it remains a favorite among fans of his work and car enthusiasts for its action-packed sequences and the charismatic performance of the legendary martial artist. The film exemplifies Jackie Chan's dedication to delivering entertaining and adrenaline-pumping action films that have earned him worldwide recognition as a master of the genre.