Only a handful of films have truly captured the adrenaline and adventurous essence of motorsports, but those that have deliver an electrifying, high-octane cinematic experience.
With the release of the Formula One film "F1," featuring Brad Pitt in the driver's seat, we have curated a list of the greatest racing movies from the past century. The 15 selections here showcase a compelling mix of character-driven stories and intense competitions of will.
Car-focused movies trace back to the 1920s, when the United States was evolving into a nation filled with automobiles. While both cars and car films have evolved significantly since then, they remain just as thrilling today. Over the decades, major Hollywood stars such as Tom Cruise, Steve McQueen, Chris Hemsworth, and Matt Damon have taken the lead in racing films. The unique drama of this world creates a sports film experience like no other, with stakes ranging from personal glory and scientific breakthroughs to dismantling dangerous criminal organizations. This makes car-racing movies an irresistibly engaging sub-genre.
Here are the 15 greatest racing movies of all time!
