7 Racing Films To Watch If You're Excited For F1 The Movie

From open-wheel icons to endurance racing, these movies helped fuel public fascination with racing long before Netflix got involved.

1. Le Mans (1971)

Steve McQueen’s love letter to endurance racing might be light on dialogue, but it’s packed with some of the most authentic racing footage ever put to film. Shot during the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s a gritty, immersive look at the brutality and rhythm of long-distance racing in the '70s.

2. Rush (2013)

Directed by Ron Howard, Rush dramatizes the 1976 Formula 1 season and the rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl bring charisma and depth to their roles, but it’s the period-correct cars and attention to detail that make this an essential F1 movie.

3. Senna (2010)

This documentary about the life and death of Ayrton Senna uses only archival footage and radio communication to tell the story of one of Formula 1’s most revered drivers.

4. Ford v Ferrari (2019)

This dramatization of Ford’s effort to beat Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 stars Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby and Christian Bale as Ken Miles. It balances character-driven drama with well-executed racing sequences, making it both accessible and grounded.

5. 1: Life on the Limit (2013)

This under-the-radar documentary chronicles the evolution of safety in Formula 1. Narrated by Michael Fassbender, it examines the human cost of competition and how the sport’s governing bodies have worked to reduce tragedy without killing the thrill.

6. Winning (1969)

Paul Newman’s racing drama helped spark his own real-world passion for motorsport. While dated, it offers a snapshot of the IndyCar scene in the late ‘60s and remains a touchstone for racing film fans.

7. Grand Prix (1966)

A landmark in racing cinematography, Grand Prix used real circuits and F1 cameos to create a fictional narrative that blends 1960s glamour with on-track realism. Its editing and split-screen techniques were ahead of their time and remain visually stunning today.