If Damson Idris behind the wheel in F1 left your heart racing and your eyes glued to the screen, you're not alone. There’s something irresistible about a well-executed racing film – the roar of the engine, the stakes, the speed, and the egos that clash on (and often off) the track.

Whether you’re in it for the technical mastery, the underdog arcs, or the sheer thrill of watching someone take a corner at 300 km/h, there’s a whole catalogue of films that deliver the same high-octane satisfaction. From the real-life rivalries of Rush and Ford v Ferrari to the stylish adrenaline hits of Drive and Baby Driver, these are our picks that carry the spirit of F1.

1. Rush (2013)

Probably the most obvious follow up is Rush. It’s basically the perfect blend of speed and drama, following the real-life intense rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. It feels like a precursor to F1, especially with how it captures the real tension and danger of Formula 1 racing. Plus, Chris Hemsworth is in it.

2. Ford v Ferrari (2019)

If you liked the behind-the-scenes, team-building side of F1, Ford v Ferrari is going to be very up your alley. It’s less about the glitz and more about the grit – mechanics, engineers, and drivers all fighting for a win. And the casting is impeccable – Christian Bale and Matt Damon are just ridiculous together in the best way.

3. Senna: No Fear, No Limits, No Equal (2010)

Senna is a documentary from Netflix, but it honestly feels more gripping than most dramas. If you've ever binged Drive to Survive, you've likely seen this one recommended to you. It gives you this raw, emotional look at one of F1’s greatest drivers, and the great tragedy of his life. If you’re even slightly curious about the real legends of the sport, this one’s a must.

4. Drive (2011)

Okay, Drive is more of a vibe – but if you loved the cool, calm, collected energy of Pitt’s character, Ryan Gosling’s Driver is that turned up to 100. It’s also extremely stylish, and has some of the most beautifully shot car scenes ever. Gosling plays a stuntman and getaway driver falls into a star-crossed affair with a gangster's wife.

5. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

This one’s pure fun. Obviously, there are practically a thousand Fast and Furious films at this point, but Tokyo Drift leans into the street racing scene, so if you liked the adrenaline rush of F1, it delivers in a more neon, chaotic kind of way. It’s nostalgic in the best sense and full of loveable characters. You can start from the first film if you're really wanting a marathon, but if you want to just watch a solid film on its own, this is the one we'd rec.

6. Gran Turismo (2023)

Gran Turismo is kind of underrated – it’s based on a true story about a gamer who becomes a real-life racer, which is kind of wild. It’s got the same underdog energy and heart as F1, with some great racing sequences too. Also, David Harbour and Orlando Bloom add an unexpected charm to it.

7. Ferrari (2023)

If you were into the legacy and emotional stakes of F1, Ferrari takes that to a more brooding, dramatic place. Our on-screen fave Adam Driver plays Enzo Ferrari with this heavy, internalised intensity that’s fascinating to watch. It’s slower-paced but completely compelling and more about the man behind the machine.

8. Baby Driver (2017)

This one’s just fun. If you liked the precision and rhythm of the driving scenes in F1, Baby Driver turns that into an art form. Every car chase is set to music – from The Beach Boys to Commodores to Sky Ferreira and Blur – it's worth a watch simply for the playlist adds, but it's also playful, kinetic, and really easy to rewatch.

9. Speed Racer (2008)

Speed Racer is absolutely unhinged in the best way. It’s visually chaotic, but in a way that feels ahead of its time for a 2008 sci-fi. If you’re open to something a bit more stylised and surreal, this is it. It’s got a big heart beneath all the rainbow CGI, and the racing scenes are quite hypnotic.

10. Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)

BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING. Yes, it’s a kids’ film, but Herbie is also just good. It's a sweet, nostalgic watch, and there’s a surprising amount of racing action. We've got Lindsay Lohan in her prime, leading-lady era. And it’s the kind of movie that makes you fall in love with cars in a totally innocent, joyful way.

Feature image via IMDb.