Racing movies depicting real-life heroes can be as exciting as Grand Prix themselves. Whether at home or on the go, these are the best.

At this time of the year, Christmas films are rife across TV and streaming platforms. But for fans missing live motorsport, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 great racing movies to get stuck into this festive period.

There are plenty of options to plug the gap while we wait for racing to restart. From documentaries about legends behind the wheel, to a few fictional racing hotrods, there’re loads to get stuck into.

And by no means is this an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other great racing films we might have missed. Be sure to let us know your favourite, or any we’ve missed, over on Facebook or Twitter.

And be sure to bookmark this page. When we’re back travelling to races in 2021, you’ll want to download these great racing movies for your journey.

10 great racing movies to watch this Christmas

Days of Thunder

Tom Cruise is Cole Trickle, a hotshot racer looking to make it big in NASCAR. He’s realised that to make in in IndyCar, he’ll need to work his way into a big team. But NASCAR is much more of a level playing field, and his driving ability will shine. He has to adapt from open-wheelers to the stock cars, and develops a rivalry with the intimidating Rowdy Burns.

It’s a big-budget Hollywood take on an all-American motorsport. While we’re in a racing gap here in Europe, if you haven’t seen this film before, it could be the perfect antidote.

Talladega Nights

According to legend, this film was pitched to producers in just six words: ‘Will Ferrell as a NASCAR driver.’ That’s probably all you need to know about this comedy which sees Ferrell play Rocky Bobby, a pit crew member who jumps in as a replacement driver and climbs his way to the top of the sport. It may be a comedy, but NASCAR jumped on board to aid with the production of the film to aid with the realism. And it’s crept its way into the on-track action too, with Sebastian Vettel is known to quote the film over team radio in the past.

Rush

Rush is the seminal Formula 1 film. It tells the story behind two of the sport’s largest characters, as well as a tragic event that shaped the sport. Niki Lauda and James Hunt had very different introductions to the world of F1; Lauda was cool, calm and collected, pushing himself to the top with his talent, while James Hunt was the definitive Playboy. Rush contrasts their lives on and off the track through successes and tragedy, as the film encompasses Lauda’s life-changing crash.

If you’re a fan of F1 on any scale, you have to watch this film.

Cars

Of course, Christmas is a time to spend with family, and Cars is the perfect introduction to motorsport for little ones. This Pixar classic follows the famous Lightning McQueen who winds up in a rundown desert town, far away from the bright lights of the mega circuits he’s used to. It even features a cameo from Michael Schumacher himself.

Le Mans ’66 / Ford vs Ferrari

The ultimate underdog story in motorsport. Christian Bale and Brad Pitt play American race drivers and engineers called upon by an automotive giant. American Ford, who specialise in family road cars, decide to step up to the ultimate challenge of the Le Mans 24 Hours. Going up against the likes of Porsche and and Ferrari, the film charts the team’s attempts to work their way on to the grid, and ultimately win the race.

McLaren

This list wouldn’t be complete without a few documentaries. The first is McLaren, which recounts the life of Kiwi Bruce McLaren. Combining interviews and dramatisations, it tells the story of the driver whose name lives on in F1 today. He started he career in 1958, with 4 wins and 27 podiums to his name in 100 race starts. He founded the McLaren team in ’63, and it’s gone on to eight Constructors’ Championships with 12 Drivers’ Champions. This docufilm includes tributes and interviews from Sir Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi.

Senna

Another F1 legend: Ayrton Senna. An inspiration to many and regarded as one of the greatest drivers to grace F1, before his life was abruptly taken after a tragic crash at Imola. The film focuses on his racing career, from his debut at his home race in Brazil in ’84, to his final drive 10 years later. Utilising archive race footage, rather than modern interviews, it’s a really natural way to relive the career of this legend.

Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story

Lewis Hamilton is the first and only Formula 1 race driver in its 70-year history. But one man has been breaking down the sport’s racial barriers decades earlier. Willy T Ribbs is the first Black driver to test an F1 car, and to compete in the illustrious Indy 500. This Netflix Original profiles Ribbs, and focuses on his journey to IndyCar, and the barriers he faced.

Heroes

This unique film tells the story of four impeccable drivers in their own words, as Mika Hakkinen, Tom Kristensen, Michele Mouton and Felipe Massa sit around a table to discuss their lives, careers and reflect on what it takes to be at the very top of the game. The film is available exclusively on Motorsport.tv.

The Gentleman Driver

A fact of motorsport is that not all the drivers arrive at the top thanks to skill. On the greatest tracks across the world, non-professionals can mix with the grid with the very best. The Gentleman Driver interviews some of those businessmen who challenge themselves on track, and how the business of motorsport is dependent on them.