Ever wondered what a room full of motorsport journalists would name as their favourite motorsport film? Well, wonder no more!
We asked the team to let us know their favourite motorsport and why they hold them so high in their expert opinions.
Some picked films that show exciting racing action, while others chose ones that focus more on the people and stories behind the sport. Together, their choices give a good mix of what makes motorsport films enjoyable - a glimpse into the sport we all love.
Kart Racer (2003)
Scott Mitchell-Malm
I’d go so far as to say that Rush is one of, if not THE, greatest motorsport films ever made. It’s a true masterpiece.
If you’re a motorsport fan, you’ll already know the story of James Hunt: a driver defined by raw talent and recklessness, and Niki Lauda: methodical, precise and strategic in every possible way. They are, quite literally, chalk and cheese.
The film never loses sight of that contrast. It draws parallels between them throughout, alternating perspectives and placing the audience right in the middle of their riveting rivalry. You’re almost encouraged to pick a side, but as the metaphorical pendulum swings, so does your allegiance. One moment you’re rooting for Hunt, the next you’re celebrating Lauda - but that idea soon becomes obsolete.
What starts as a film driven by fierce competition and mutual hatred gradually evolves into something far more meaningful: a relationship built on respect. It shows that even the fiercest of rivals can understand each other in a way no one outside the world of racing ever could. Great rivals, but even better friends.
A few years ago I moved house and spent a week without internet. The only DVD I had with me at the time was Rush. I watched it every single evening for seven days, and each viewing was just as good as the last. If that doesn’t convince you to watch this film (if you haven’t already), I’m not sure anything will. P.S. Yes, I’ve also watched it since then, too.
Steve McQueen: The Lost Movie (2021)
Jack Benyon
I was really surprised with Gran Turismo. I went in not knowing much about the story and expecting a typical racing movie but it turned out to completely exceed my expectations. The true story about how Jann Mardenborough turned his love of gaming and online racing into a passion of real life on track racing is incredible and it's so interesting to watch how the story pans out on film.
The way the racing scenes were filmed really deserves its own review. The camera work makes you feel like you’re right inside the action without it feeling chaotic or hard to follow. You can almost feel the speed, the pressure, and the quick decisions the drivers have to make through the screen. That being said, you do get the typical scene that's meant to be of one track yet filmed at another, in a completely different country! But that's almost to be expected now in these movies.
Even if you’re not into racing or cars, there’s enough to pull you into the story to keep you engaged.
I left the film feeling like I wanted to go back and watch the real race highlights of Mardenborough, whose story the movie follows. The ending is tied together so well in a wholesome, feel-good way without it being cheesy or forced. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you and makes you feel uplifted leaving the cinema room!
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Fleur Mealing
Megan: No, it might not have the artistic merit of Steve McQueen’s Le Mans, Rush or Le Mans ‘66. It might not even be Pixar’s best work (Monsters, Inc. probably takes that accolade).
But despite that, Cars has to be my favourite. Its feel-good storyline, comic moments and never-ending quotability make it one of those films that I just come back to time and time again.
Yes, it’s simple, but that’s part of its beauty. Anyone can watch it, and everyone should enjoy it. It’s the perfect film to just switch off, enjoy, and get plenty of laughs.
Motorsport can often be so serious that it’s nice to see related media which isn’t afraid to poke fun - see also Talladega Nights, which is a very close second place in my ranking.
The cameos are great, too. Richard Petty stars as Strip "The King” Weathers, Dale Earnhardt Jr pops up briefly as himself, Darrell Waltrip makes an appearance as commentator Darrell Cartrip - what’s not to love?
Let’s not talk about Cars 2, though…
Josh: I've never really loved a live-action motorsport movie. Rush or Ford vs Ferrari is probably the closest, so I reckon Pixar's Cars remains the best motorsport feature film.
Cars isn't actually even the best Pixar movie by any stretch, but it still does an excellent job of storytelling with proper stakes, great characterisation and a thrilling climax. Every other motorsport movie lacks at least one of those.
Lightning McQueen might be one of the greatest movie protagonists of all time, and it's a career high Owen Wilson has never repeated.
The soundtrack is supreme (who doesn't play Life is a Highway on repeat?), I regularly quote the script and think about the Piston Cup - and that ending - most days, because sometimes life really isn't all about winning.
Liam Lawson really does have great taste!
P.S The less said about the sequels the better.