Cinema is a great way to experience an adrenaline rush and every true car enthusiast has their own favorite film that scratches the itch.
Here are 5 movies that are a celebration of speed and horsepower, and are a testament to high-octane storytelling.
If you own a streaming service like Netflix, you’ll be able to easily find these films on tap. For international audiences that don’t have access to the same titles, you may want to consider a VPN to access a streaming service such as HBO Max.
Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
Credit: TV Insider
If you like heist movies, this first one on the list is for you. This movie is actually a remake of an older 1974 film of the same name and premise.
Nicolas Cage plays a retired car thief named Randall “Memphis” Raines. When his younger brother Kip botches a heist job and runs afoul of a criminal crime lord, Memphis is forced out of retirement to save Kip’s life.
What’s the ask? It’s pretty simple: steal and deliver 50 high-end cars within 72 hours or else.
Credit: CarBuzz
You can look forward to thrilling car chases, intense action sequences, and showcases a wide variety of exotic and high-performance vehicles such as a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, 1998 Dodge Viper Coupe GTS, and fan-favorite 1967 Shelby Mustang GT 500 to name a few.
Fun Fact: Seven replicas of the Shelby Mustang GT 500 were made for the movie, five of which were destroyed during stunt sequences. Only two remain, owned by Nicolas Cage and Jerry Bruckheimer respectively.
Rush (2013)
Credit: IMDB
Rush is a biographical sports drama that tells the true story of the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers, James Hunt and Niki Lauda, in the 1970’s.
Niki Lauda, played by Daniel Brühl, is renowned as a methodical and calculating driver with a mastery of technical precision and strategy. James Hunt is equally well-known for his aggressive, tail-happy driving style. Rush explores their relationship as they both compete for the 1976 F1 World Championship.
Movies based on true events are often exaggerated and Rush is no exception. However, if you like fast-paced racing (and boy, do we mean fast-paced) and heart-pounding cinematography, then you’ll want to check out this film.
Fun Fact: Niki Lauda was a big fan of the film and when he first saw the film, his first reaction was “Sh*t! That’s really me.”
Need For Speed (2014)
Credit: Amblin
Based on a beloved video game franchise of the same name, Need For Speed does not win any accolades for cinematography or storytelling, but it does scratch an itch if you love supercars and want a popcorn-filled evening.
The movie follows the story of Tobey Marshall, played by Aaron Paul, a skilled mechanic and street racer who owns a custom auto shop. After he’s wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit resulting in the death of a close friend, he is released from prison and is eager to clear his name and exact revenge against the rival who framed him.
An illegal underground race named the De Leon is the main event that attracts drivers from all over the country for the ultimate grand prize: the drivers’ supercars are the entry fee and winner takes all.
Credit: HotCore
This film features some of the world’s most exhilarating performance cars such as the Koenigsegg Agera R, Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, McLaren P1, and more.
Fun Fact: Many of the film’s car stunts were done practically with minimal CGI using car shells. Instead of crashing a Koenigsegg Agera R which starts at $1.5 million, they opted to create a body shell for approximately $300,000. Still a ton of money, though.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Credit: NY Times
Yet another biographical film makes the list as Ford v Ferrari is based on the true story of the rivalry between the American automotive giant Ford and the legendary Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari in the 1960s.
Henry Ford II is keen to establish Ford’s dominance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race, and so Caroll Shelby (with the help of Ken Miles) is enlisted to design and build a car that’s capable of usurping Ferrari’s top racing team.
This movie chronicles the immense challenges faced by their team in an effort to develop the now-legendary Ford GT40, demonstrating the dedication and ingenuity to produce one of the most well-known racecars known to the automotive world.
Fun Fact: Christian Bale was sent to Bob Bondurant’s school to learn how to race who himself drove Shelby’s race cars and took 4th position at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Baby Driver (2017)
Credit: TV Insider
Last but not least, Baby Driver rounds out our list. This action crime film centers around Baby, a young and talented getaway driver. He’s recruited onto a team of bank robbers and soon becomes a key member of the group due to his exceptional driving skills.
This film is known for its stylish and unique approach to action sequences, combining thrilling car chases with well-choreographed driving stunts to create an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Credit: Wallpaper Safari
JDM fans will instantly recognize the Subaru Impreza WRX used in the film, which was modified by Allpro Subaru in Georgia. The car received a WRX STI drivetrain swap and a Cusco limited slip differential, OS Giken front differential, Exedy stage 1 clutch, and a CNC hydraulic handbrake.
Fun Fact: Several WRX’s were created for the movie, one of was modified as a RWD car for stunt purposes and was listed by Mecum Auctions, eventually selling for an astounding $69,100 USD.
