We love the thrill of racing cars, motorcycles and the rush of speed and there are movies that you would also love to watch. Whether you’re a seasoned driver/rider or just someone who digs the sound of a revving engine, these films are right up our alley.
They have everything we love about racing: the competition, the sheer beauty of high-speed machines, and the unbreakable bond between riders and their bikes and cars. These movies are like a turbo boost of adrenaline. By the way, for adrenaline, you can also try OnlineCasinosKiwi.
The World’s Fastest Indian
New Zealand, Japan, USA, 2005, Biography, Drama, Sport, IMDb: 7.8
This film is based on a true story. It is about Burt Munro, a New Zealand motorcycle racer, who sets out to break the land speed record on his modified Indian motorcycle at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.
TT3D: Closer to the Edge
UK, 2011, Documentary, Sport, IMDb: 8.0
This documentary focuses on the legendary Isle of Man TT motorcycle race. It showcases the intense competition and the personal stories of the riders who risk everything to compete in this challenging event.
Take It to the Limit
USA, 1980, Documentary, Sport, IMDb: 7.6
Directed by Peter Starr, this documentary captures the essence of motorcycle racing, featuring footage and interviews from various racing events and riders across different disciplines.
Grand Prix
USA, 1966. Drama, Sport, IMDb: 7.2.
The film portrays the personal lives and careers of Formula-1 drivers. Love and friendship coexist with rivalry during Europe’s most prestigious races. This film has two main components that make it truly epochal. Firstly, the creators assembled an outstanding cast including Yves Montand and James Garner. Secondly, they filmed directly on real Formula-1 tracks and even included real footage from the 1966 races.
Death Race
USA, Germany, UK, 2008. Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller, IMDb: 6.4.
After a global economic crisis led to rampant crime, prisons came under the control of private corporations and became part of media conglomerates. Former NASCAR racer Jensen Ames finds himself in one such facility. To survive in prison, he must participate in survival races. This dark film from the creator of the “Resident Evil” franchise, Paul W.S. Anderson, combines a story about a dystopian future with intense racing scenes. The lead role is played by Jason Statham.
Ford v Ferrari
USA, France, 2019. Biography, Sport, Drama, IMDb: 8.3.
A team of American engineers led by designer Carroll Shelby plans to create a new sports car for Ford. Talented racer Ken Miles joins them. Together, they aim to defeat Ferrari, the perennial leader at the World Championship in France. The 2019 film instantly garnered critical acclaim, primarily due to its cast. The lead roles were played by Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Bale notably underwent significant weight loss to fit into the racing car.
Rush
UK, Germany, USA, 2013. Biography, Sport, Drama, IMDb: 8.1.
Based on true events, the film depicts the rivalry between two Formula-1 drivers during the 1976 championship. Austrian Niki Lauda was considered the undisputed leader until a severe injury allowed the young and ambitious Briton, James Hunt, to surge ahead.
The filmmakers aimed for maximum authenticity, even securing original equipment from Formula-1 teams. However, the film also allowed room for artistic license. For those eager to delve deeper into this story, a documentary titled Hunt vs. Lauda: F1’s Greatest Racing Rivals was released the same year.
The Great Race
USA, 1965. Adventure, Comedy, IMDb: 7.2.
Adventurer and ladies’ man Leslie Gallant organizes an auto race from New York to Paris. His eternal jealous rival, Professor Fate, and the beautiful Maggie, dreaming of writing an article about the event, join the race. The competitors find themselves in a Wild West town, nearly freeze in Alaska, and even get involved in a European country’s revolution. Starring the famous comedic duo of Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis.
Cars
USA, 2006. Adventure, Comedy, IMDb: 7.1.
Young, ambitious, but very arrogant Lightning McQueen almost wins the championship. However, he refused to change his tires and ended up neck-and-neck with two other contenders on the final lap. Soon, a rematch is due, but McQueen falls out of the trailer and finds himself in a forgotten town, where he must find common ground with simple but kind local residents.
Certainly, this children’s animated film is more about friendship and mutual assistance than racing. Nonetheless, the authors decided to make cars the main characters, and the story culminates in a race. Subsequently, the franchise about anthropomorphic cars grew significantly, spawning not only two sequels but also numerous spin-offs and animated series about various supporting characters.
Taxi
France, 1998. Action, Comedy, Crime, IMDb: 7.0.
Daniel was the fastest pizza delivery driver. But he decided to quit and pursue his dream of becoming a taxi driver. Now, the hero transports passengers at incredible speeds. He soon becomes a police assistant because a gang of car criminals has appeared in the city, whom no one can catch. Despite the abundance of humour and a criminal plot, the film’s main highlight was the street races where Daniel invariably emerges as the winner. Subsequently, the story had four sequels, and a remake titled “New York Taxi” was made in the USA.
Why Do We Love Racing Films?
They’re all about speed, danger, and fierce competition that few other genres can match. Watching those cars and motorcycles push their limits on the track or street is like being in a world of pure adventure. And it’s not just about speed; there’s a whole lot of skill, strategy, and tactics involved too. Racing films give us a peek into the intricate world of motorsport that’s fascinating for both die-hard fans and casual viewers.
Plus, the rivalries and drama? They’re intense. These films dive deep into the rivalries between drivers or teams.
But here’s what really gets me—behind every racing film, there’s a human story. Triumphs, tragedies, perseverance, and passion—it’s all there. So, next time you’re up for an escape into a world where every second counts and the stakes are sky-high, racing films are your go-to.
