Driven (2001)

Stallone does an open-wheel version of Days Of Thunder.

Senna (2010)

Riveting documentary on one of the greatest drivers to ever to race in Formula 1.

Rush (2013)

Based on the infamous rivalry between James Hunt and Nicki Lauda, Rush takes you through the trials and turmoil of F1 racing in the 70s.

Funny Car Summer (1974)

A fireman decides to race an experimental Funny Car.

Days of Thunder (1990)

Get out the DVD and crank the surround sound and subwoofer action for the awe-inspiring experience of NASCAR in your own home.

Le Mans (1971)

Don’t expect much of a story (our hero, Steve McQueen, doesn’t say a single word until half an hour into the movie) but it has some awesome race action.

Six Pack (1982)

A former champion driver takes six young would-be car thieves under his wing as he attempts to return to the professional circuit.

Grand Prix (1966)

Probably the best motor racing flick ever. Features real footage of grand prix racing shot at Monza and Monaco, among others, complete with all the spills.

Heart Like A Wheel (1983)

A biopic of Top Fuel legend, Shirley Muldowney.

On Any Sunday (1971)

This loving study of motorcycle sport is perhaps best known for the presence of the legendary Steve McQueen, who also helped to finance production. Director Bruce Brown cleverly examines the way motorcyclists’ personalities are reflected in their bikes, be they for work or play. It’s beautifully shot and composed too, featuring kids big and small giving it their best on two wheels.

The Devil At Your Heels (1981)

Though Evel Knievel dominated the stunt show market in the 70s and 80s, he wasn’t the only man gunning for glory. While the Yank was busy jumping buses and eventually a canyon, Canuck Ken Carter was preparing to send a jet-powered Lincoln Continental over the mile-wide St Lawrence Seaway. This documentary follows Carter over his ill-fated crusade, with more than a touch of sarcasm from the narrator.

Ford vs Ferrari (2019)

It’s been a long time since we’ve been excited about seeing a ‘modern’ movie, and I can happily report that Ford v Ferrari did not disappoint. Set in the 1960s, the film follows the now-legendary car racing identities Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they spearhead the Ford Motor Company’s racing campaign.

Thunder Alley

Though it doesn’t boast what you’d describe as a gripping plot, Thunder Alley does feature heaps of stock car spills. Stitched together with a generous serving of archival footage and cutting-edge (for the time) blue screen technology, the film stars ex-Mouseketeer and beach-party movie fixture Annette Funicello, who plays a stunt driver alongside former teen idol Fabian. A variety of 50s and 60s American metal is smashed onscreen, so this one may not be for the faint of heart. 

Desert Steel (1989)

Rival racers risk their lives in a big off-road race.