8 Best Movies About Cars & Races to Watch After 'F1', Ranked by IMDb
While there aren't many movies entirely dedicated to racing, some of them tell great stories that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of cars, tracks, and challenging tests.
One of the most highly anticipated films of the year, F1 starring Brad Pitt, has finally hit theaters. It has already become Apple's highest-grossing feature film, earning $293 million to date. F1 has also been a critical success, with 97% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
If you enjoyed the fast and dangerous racing in F1, here are some more projects dedicated to one of the most dangerous sports.
8. 'Days of Thunder', 1990
IMDb Score: 6.1/10
The young, talented pilot, Cole Trickle, has decided to move from formula racing to NASCAR. To support the newcomer, the Chevrolet management team has brought back retired engineer Harry Hogge.
Initially, Cole struggles to adapt to the new car. Gradually, however, he becomes one of the top debutants and befriends champion Rowdy Burns.
7. 'Death Race 2000', 1975
IMDb Score: 6.2/10
The movie is set in a world where a global crisis collapsed the world economy and brought the US under a dictatorship in 1979.
Every year, the authorities organize Death Races, in which participants must not only be the first to cross the finish line but also kill as many pedestrians as possible along the way.
Participants in the anniversary race, dressed in strange costumes and driving cars loaded with weapons, compete for the opportunity to meet the president. A resistance group also participates in the race – its members want to get close to the head of state to destroy him and overthrow the government.
6. 'Thunderbolt', 1995
IMDb Score: 6.3/10
A dangerous criminal nicknamed Cougar arrives in Hong Kong. Although he is an expert driver, Alfred Tung, a mechanic and former racer, thwarts his escape from the police. The villain soon escapes and seeks revenge.
Cougar wounds Tung's father and kidnaps his two sisters. He offers Tung a deal: beat him in a race, and he will free the girls. The main character and his team assemble a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III racing car and go to Japan.
5. 'Death Race', 2008
IMDb Score: 6.4/10
The economic crisis of 2012 led to mass unemployment and rampant crime. Prisons were taken over by private organizations, which now profit from prisoners. One of these institutions is Terminal, where survival races among criminals are organized.
After the current champion dies, professional driver Jensen, imprisoned for a murder he did not commit, must take his place. To get out of prison, Jensen must not only win the competition but also find out who framed him.
4. 'Gran Turismo', 2023
IMDb Score: 7.1/10
To boost sales of its cars, Nissan is organizing an unusual competition among fans of the racing video game Gran Turismo. The best virtual car pilots will have the opportunity to participate in real car races.
Jann Mardenborough, a British teenager, proved to be better than the rest, first in the simulator and then on the famous Silverstone track. After the competition, he was invited to real races. However, the racer's path became more and more challenging.
3. 'Grand Prix', 1966
IMDb Score: 7.2/10
In the 1966 Formula 1 championship, four pilots from different countries and teams are fighting for the championship: a Briton, a Frenchman, an American, and an Italian.
In addition to the intense competition, each pilot has personal problems: one starts an affair with his rival's wife, and another constantly doubts his ability to be as good as his deceased brother. Time and again, the competitors must fight each other on tracks where dangerous accidents often occur.
2. 'Rush', 2013
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
The rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda began when they were both racing in Formula 3. Then, they both moved on to Formula 1, where the rivalry flared up with renewed vigor.
Obsessed with beating each other, Hunt and Lauda made mistakes that led to disqualifications, serious accidents, and lost championship titles.
Rush is the story of these two talented but very different people. James Hunt, played by Chris Hemsworth, is a handsome man constantly surrounded by women. Lauda, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, is a withdrawn pedant. But both are excellent drivers.
1. 'Ford v Ferrari', 2019
IMDb Score: 8.1/10
In the 1960s, Ford's management was looking for ways to strengthen its position in the car market. A key part of the plan was to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To achieve this goal, the company hired designer Carroll Shelby, who brought with him a talented pilot and mechanic named Ken Miles.
Miles had an unbearable character and constantly argued with everyone, but he and Shelby would create the Ford GT40, which would bring victory to the company.
