Brad Pitt’s latest movie, F1, has captured audiences worldwide with its thrilling portrayal of high-stakes racing, becoming Apple Studios’ first production to top the box office in its opening weekend. The film tells the story of a fallen Formula One driver, played by Pitt, who battles back from last place to first, thanks to an opportunity provided by his former teammate, played by Javier Bardem, who aims to save his struggling F1 team with a game-changing fuel innovation.
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously delivered the exhilarating aviation sequences in Top Gun: Maverick, F1 immerses viewers in a visceral experience behind the wheel, making the rush of race cars palpable. The film fits into a long tradition of racing stories that explore the danger and drama of life on the track. If Pitt’s F1 stirred your craving for speed, here are twelve gripping films about racing that will keep the adrenaline pumping, from professional circuits to underground street scenes, and spanning genres from intense sports dramas to inventive comedies and vibrant sci-fi.
Classics from the Golden Age of Racing Cinema
One of the seminal racing films, Grand Prix, was regarded as the pinnacle of racing movies in its era. Released in the 1960s and shot in spectacular 70mm, it follows Pete Aron (James Garner), a rebellious driver who, after losing sponsorship due to a crash, joins an emerging Japanese team. He competes fiercely against French champion Jean-Pierre Sarti (Yves Montand), all while navigating complicated personal relationships involving the wife of his former teammate.
Directed by John Frankenheimer, renowned for his tense dramas like The Manchurian Candidate, Grand Prix combined authentic racing footage with staged sequences, lending a documentary-like realism accentuated by appearances from real Formula One figures. The film’s technical mastery won three Oscars, and it ranked among the top grossing movies of 1966, cementing its status as a racing classic.
Another landmark is the 1969 film Winning, which stars and was influenced by real-life racer Paul Newman. Newman’s character, Frank Capua, is a dedicated Indianapolis 500 champion whose obsession with racing strains his marriage to Elora (Joanne Woodward). The film’s authentic atmosphere is enhanced by its shooting on location at the Indianapolis Speedway. It depicts racing as a psychological battleground where men tackle personal struggles primarily through speed and competition, rather than emotional confrontation.
Real-Life Racing Legends on Screen
Le Mans, released in 1971, is one of the most visceral portrayals of motorsport, driven by Steve McQueen’s own passion for racing. The film chronicles Michael Delaney, a driver haunted by a tragic accident that killed a fellow racer. Delaney’s complex relationship with the widow of the deceased and his intense competition with Ferrari’s Erich Stahler form the core of this movie. More than a narrative film, it captures the ambiance and tension of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race by filming during the real event in 1970, giving it an almost documentary quality.
Another biographical racing drama, Rush (2013), directed by Ron Howard, captures the fierce rivalry between two Formula One champions: the flamboyant James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and the methodical Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl). Their rivalry takes a harrowing turn when Lauda suffers severe injuries in a crash but returns to the track against all odds. The film dives deep into their psychology and the brutal demands of their sport, with intense, kaleidoscopic racing sequences that highlight the peril and passion of Formula One.
Ford v Ferrari (2019) dramatizes the unlikely friendship and collaboration between American racer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and British driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale). Recruited by Henry Ford II to challenge Ferrari’s dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, they engineer a groundbreaking race car amid internal conflicts and tension. James Mangold’s direction emphasizes an old-school storytelling style paired with meticulous race sequences. The film earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won awards for editing and sound.
Diversifying Racing Narratives: From Action to Comedy
Tom Cruise’s Days of Thunder (1990), directed by Tony Scott, transforms NASCAR racing into a high-octane spectacle, similar to Top Gun but on the race track. Cruise plays Cole Trickle, a confident newcomer who faces rivalry, injury, and romance with his neurosurgeon, Claire Lewicki (Nicole Kidman), as he fights to win the Daytona 500. The film combines loud action with emotional stakes and is notable for sparking the real-life relationship between Cruise and Kidman.
The 2001 film The Fast and the Furious introduces underground street racing with an edge of crime drama. Paul Walker stars as Brian O’Conner, an undercover cop infiltrating the tight-knit racing community led by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel). The story focuses on drag racing’s dangers and thrills while evolving into themes of loyalty and family. The franchise’s humble origins contrast sharply with its later globe-trotting, action-heavy installments, and the chemistry between Walker and Diesel remains a poignant highlight, especially after Walker’s untimely death.
On a notably different note, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a comedic take on NASCAR culture. Directed by Adam McKay and starring Will Ferrell, the film satirizes macho bravado through the story of Ricky Bobby, a champion whose dominance is challenged by adept French F1 driver Jean Girard. The movie’s humor and memorable racing scenes have earned it a cult following, with Christopher Nolan himself praising it as a “great remote drop” film that viewers often binge unexpectedly.
Experimental and Unique Racing Films
The Wachowskis’ 2008 adaptation of Speed Racer presents a dazzling live-action anime-inspired race saga. Emile Hirsch plays Speed, a driver confronting corruption at Royalton Industries and seeking justice while competing in the perilous Casa Cristo 5000 race. Though it was a box office disappointment, critics and enthusiasts recognize it as a bold, visually striking experience packed with vibrant special effects that bring its animated roots to life.
David Cronenberg’s Fast Company (1979) might seem an unlikely addition, focusing on veteran racer Lonnie “Lucky Man” Johnson (William Smith) as he rebels against his team owner’s authority. This film, predating Cronenberg’s horror fame, offers an intense yet grounded narrative about professional racing conflicts, highlighting Cronenberg’s interest in cars and combining action with psychological tension. It also marks the final appearance of B-movie star Claudia Jennings, adding a layer of poignancy to the film’s legacy.
Heist and Drama Set Against Racing Backdrops
Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky (2017) cleverly blends racing culture with a heist comedy. After losing his construction job at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) plans a daring robbery during a race, enlisting his injured brother Clyde (Adam Driver), their sister Mellie (Riley Keough), and safecracker Joe Bang (Daniel Craig), who is incarcerated. The film offers playful entertainment reminiscent of earlier road movies while threading in social commentary about economic hardship and family bonds.
Exploring the Lives Behind the Racing Legends
The 2023 film Ferrari portrays the complex world of Enzo Ferrari, brought to life by Adam Driver. Set in 1957, the movie focuses on the challenges Ferrari faces as his company nears bankruptcy and he juggles strained relationships with his wife Laura (Penélope Cruz) and mistress Lina Lardi (Shailene Woodley), with whom he has a secret child. Directed by Michael Mann, known for exploring obsessive masculinity, the film underscores Ferrari’s emotional struggles and frames race car drivers as modern gladiators risking everything in deadly contests.
Why These Racing Films Endure
The fascination with racing movies, from Brad Pitt’s F1 to classics like Le Mans and new entries like Ferrari, endures because they offer pulse-pounding thrills combined with profound human stories. They showcase the high-pressure environments where drivers expose their vulnerabilities, test their limits, and confront personal demons. Whether through high-stakes rivalries, dramatic friendships, or comedic escapades, these films capture the relentless pursuit of speed and redemption.
As racing films continue to evolve, they reflect broader themes of masculinity, risk, ambition, and family, resonating deeply with audiences who understand that every turn holds the possibility of triumph or disaster. For fans of Brad Pitt F1 racing movies, this curated list offers a gateway into that captivating world, promising a powerful blend of excitement and emotional gravity on the silver screen.
