Summary

• Ford v Ferrari is an exhilarating true story that provides epic car racing scenes for fans of car movies.
• There are standout car movies based on real events, like The Hitch-Hiker and The Great Race, that offer thrilling and entertaining experiences.
• Bullitt and Le Mans, starring Steve McQueen, offer authentic and riveting portrayals of the world of car racing.

Car lovers and racing fans have a lot of great movies to choose from that showcase the power of automobiles and a handful of movies like Ford v Ferrari showcase the true stories that cater specifically to motoring enthusiasts. James Mangold's Ford v Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the true underdog tale of Ford competing in the Le Mans race for the first time and taking on Ferrari. It is an exhilarating true story that provides some great opportunities for some epic racing scenes, which is a large part of the appeal.

While there aren't a huge number of movies based on real events in the world of cars and driving, there are some standout examples that were inspired by true stories like Ford v Ferrari. These movies can take place in the competitive racing world in a true sports story, they can be exciting four-wheeling adventures loosely based on true events, or even movies with stories based on real people whose most significant moments happened behind the wheel (or in the enger seat). These movies like Ford v Ferrari give the kind of adrenaline-fueled entertainment car lovers are looking for.

1 The Hitch-Hiker (1953)

The Tense Noir Based On The Billy Cook Murders

a film noir that is based on a wild true story

Road trip movies are a versatile car-centric subgenre and can provide everything from wacky family comedies to intense horror movies. The Hitch-Hiker falls closer into the latter category with his film noir that is based on a wild true story. It follows two men who go on a fishing trip, but after picking up a hitchhiker, the road trip turns a lot more sinister — and murderous.

The movie is inspired by the hitchhiker murders of Billy Cook, a killer who claimed six lives in 1928. Along with its more grim nature, the movie is about the freedom of the road and the growing car industry. Therefore, it has the thrilling aspect of cars for the genre lovers, but The Hitch-Hiker is also a great thriller. The movie is considered a noir classic with it being named to the National Film Registry in 1998.

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2 The Great Race (1965)

The Outlandish Contest Based On A Real Global Race

For viewers who love the comedic and racing aspect of Ford v Ferrari, the 1965 action-comedy The Great Race is a suitable follow-up that's also inspired by real events. The Great Race takes place in the early 20th century and follows two rivals on a global race based on the 1908 race from New York to Paris. A precursor to wacky road racing movies like Cannonball Run, The Great Race has a lot of fun with the absurdity and epicness of the long race while also featuring a star-studded cast including Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood.

While it's nowhere near as grounded as Ford v Ferrari, The Great Race is an entertaining ride filled with old cars, a riveting story, and plenty of slapstick comedy. It's also about making the best automobile for the job, sharing that theme of the ion behind fast cars that are in movies like Ford v Ferrari.

3 Bullitt (1968)

Steve McQueen Races Around In A Mustang As An Iconic Movie Cop

Bullitt is an action thriller that is not technically about cars. However, it is one of the favorite movies for car lovers as it is most famous for having one of the best car chases in cinema history. The movie stars Steve McQueen in one of his most iconic roles as Frank Bullitt, a cop in San Francisco and follows Bullitt's investigation of the murder of a key witness.

While the case itself is not based on any true story, Bullitt is based on a real-life detective, Dave Toschi, best known for his investigation of the Zodiac Killer. The plot is clever if a little forgettable, but the real thrill of the movie is McQueen's cool-headed performance and the pulse-pounding car chase sequence through the streets of San Fransisco which leads to an explosive conclusion.

4 Le Mans (1971)

Steve McQueen's Take On The Race Ford V Ferrari Centers On

Steve McQueen was known for being a car lover and racing enthusiast in real life so it is not surprising that he has appeared in a few notable car movies. While Bullitt may have the more memorable car-centric action sequences, Le Mans is more cemented in the actual world of car racing. It is a look at the nail-biting 24-hour race which was also at the center of Ford v Ferrari, with Le Mans starring McQueen as one of the daring racers.

Le Mans dives deep into every inch of what it takes and what occurs during this huge race. This movie is as real as it gets when it comes to race-car driving, and McQueen actually tried to enter the race for real. It makes for a riveting and authentic cinematic experience and an underrated sports movie that deserves to find a wider audience.

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5 The Last American Hero (1973)

A Moonshiner Turns Racecar Driver

There are a lot of very interesting characters in the world of racing, like Ford v Ferrari's Ken Miles, and some of the most fascinating have been explored in movies. The Last American Hero stars Jeff Bridges as a character inspired by racing legend Junior Johnson, a former moonshiner who competes as one of the best NASCAR racers in the world.

This movie is all about growth and ambition

Bridges is always a likable lead, especially with characters whose ambition and love of life are larger than those around him. This movie is all about growth and ambition, and it's an intriguing tale as much as it is riveting. Johnson makes for an easy hero to cheer for with his amazing story feeling tailor-made for a Hollywood story. From running moonshine to driving on the NASCAR circuit, there are some spectacular car racing scenes.

6 Days Of Thunder (1990)

A Hotshot Racer Looks To Be NASCAR's Best

Days of Thunder isn't totally based on a true story, but the main character is loosely based on two racecar drivers, Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine, with some of the scenes reflecting real-life events. Following their success with Top Gun, Tom Cruise and director Tony Scott looked to capture the same fast-paced excitement with their exploration of the world of NASCAR racing.

Once again, Cruise plays the hotshot in the driver's seat who has nothing to lose. His character Cole Trickle comes into the racing world with something to prove and pushes himself to the limit. However, he is also backed up by a stellar ing cast with Nicole Kidman, Michael Rooker, and Robert Duvall. Tony Scott is a master filmmaker whose handling of the thrilling race sequences is the clear highlight of the movie.

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7 Senna (2010)

A Documentary About An F1 Tragic Icon

Among the great sports documentaries, there are not too many that focus on the world of racecar driving. However, Senna is not only a thrilling and fascinating movie for fans of the sport, but it is also gripping for people who have no connection to racing at all. The documentary tells the story of Aryton Senna, the Brazilian Formula One icon, his rise to fame in the '80s, and his tragic death.

With Netflix's Drive to Survive getting more mainstream audiences interested in Formula One, there are perhaps even more who are exploring the amazing legacy of Senna and this documentary is a perfect place to get the riveting and tragic tale of his life. While Senna makes for an inspiring figure in the story, it is also thrilling to look at all of the real-life footage from some of the biggest races in the sport.

8 Rush (2013)

An F1 Rivalry As Intense As The Ford Ferrari Feud

Starring Daniel Brühl and Chris Hemsworth, Rush tells the story of the rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, in the 1970s. Directed by Ron Howard, the movie is an action-packed look at the talented athletes who rise to the top of the sport and the harrowing races in which they compete. The limits they push in the sport lead to some harrowing moments while also setting the stage for an incredible comeback story.

The two main characters are wonderfully opposed and larger than life, with Hemsworth bringing Hunt's big personality and fun-loving energy, while Bruhl steals the show with Lauda's complex personality that can be annoyingly arrogant and impressively calculating. It remains an underrated sports drama, and the rivalry between the two central characters is as rich and complex as that of Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby.

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9 The Green Hell (2016)

A Dive Into The World's Most Difficult Track

2016's The Green Hell is another documentary that takes viewers inside the world of racecar driving which Ford V Ferrari masterfully fictionalized. However, like Senna and its exploration of the tragedy behind his death, The Green Hell gives a nail-biting and intense look at the dangers of the racing world. The Green Hell tells the stories of all the drivers who have tackled what has been called the most treacherous and challenging racetrack in the world — the Nürburgring in .

The German movie features interviews with real-life racers, including Niki Lauda of Rush fame, as they recount the unforgiving terrain of this track. It is another movie brought to life through thrilling real footage that gives a new appreciation for the talent and courage of these drivers. Seeing these drivers give first-hand s of the brutality of this track is a thrilling and intense ride.

10 American Factory (2019)

A Documentary About The Clashes A Chinese Car Factory In Working-Class America

A final documentary within the car movie genre, this Oscar-winning film is absolutely perfect for those who loved the 'American made' aspect and conflict in Ford v Ferrari. American Factory takes place in Ohio, where Chinese billionaires open a factory where General Motors used to be. With thousands of Americans hired, this movie dives into the creation and invention of cars, all mixed in with conflict among countries and classes.

Movies like Ford v Ferrari go into the love of these cars that is as necessary as the respect drivers have to have for them and American Factory is one of the best movies to showcase the production. However, it is also a fascinating look at a wide variety of subjects, from the culture clashes to the death of the auto industry in some American towns. It is a complex and insightful story with a lot of layers to explore.

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