Brad Pitt is about to make his Formula One debut on the big screen, and if Fast & Furious is your only reference point, we need to talk. Ahead of the film’s June 27 release, we’ve curated a turbocharged list of racing films and documentaries to get you up to speed.
Yes, we’ve included the big names. Yes, we’ve also gone off-track to find the lesser-known cult favourites, anime curveballs, and real-life underdog stories that make the world of racing so addictive. Think of this as your cinematic pit stop—because you can’t fake race fever.
Must-Watch Racing Films And Documentaries On Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video And More
Senna
Where to watch: Netflix
Ayrton Senna wasn’t just a driver — he was Brazil’s heartbreak prince. This documentary is raw, real, and still feels like a punch to the gut, even if you know how it ends.
Schumacher
Where to watch: Netflix
A deep dive into the mind and method of F1’s most relentless tactician. Less glitz, more grit. A must-watch to understand the man behind the seven titles.
Ford v Ferrari
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Christian Bale. Matt Damon. American muscle vs Italian flair. It’s less about speed and more about stubbornness, ego, and why the suits in Detroit are never to be trusted.
Rush
Where to watch: TBD
James Hunt vs Niki Lauda. Party boy vs perfectionist. Ron Howard’s slick retelling of the most cinematic rivalry in F1 history is all fire, no filler.
TT3D: Closer to the Edge
Where to watch: YouTube
The Isle of Man TT is part race, part death wish. This cult documentary follows the daredevils who keep showing up anyway. Buckle up — this one leaves a mark.
Life on the Limit
Where to watch: Plex
This one charts F1’s deadliest era — when the cars got faster but safety stayed stuck in the slow lane. Equal parts horror show and history lesson.
Cars
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Yes, it’s animated. Yes, Lightning McQueen says “Ka-chow.” But there’s more racing DNA here than most live-action films can dream of.
Brawn: The Impossible Formula 1 Story
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Narrated by Keanu Reeves and proof that underdog miracles exist in motorsport — even when your team’s working out of a glorified garage.
A Life of Speed: The Juan Manuel Fangio Story
Where to watch: Netflix
Five world titles. Four different constructors. In the ‘50s. Fangio’s greatness didn’t need a halo camera or Netflix doc hype. He just won.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Where to watch: Prime Video
If you ain’t first, you’re last. Will Ferrell’s NASCAR satire remains the dumbest, smartest, most quotable racing comedy of all time.
Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story
Where to watch: Sony LIV
Yes, it’s about a gamer. Yes, it’s also weirdly emotional and full of legit track thrills. Somewhere between underdog sports flick and brand campaign — but it works.
Michael Fassbender: Road to Le Mans
Where to watch: YouTube
Because even Magneto wants to race Le Mans. Watch him spin (a lot), suffer (a lot more), and inch his way toward motorsport credibility.
Dust to Glory
Where to watch: YouTube
Forget clean circuits and pit crews. The Baja 1000 is Mad Max on Red Bull. This doc follows the maniacs who race through cacti, sandstorms, and their own better judgement.
Days of Thunder
Where to watch: Prime Video (rent)
Tom Cruise + Tony Scott + high-speed melodrama = peak 1990s racing cinema. It’s loud, chaotic, and has more sparks than an F1 paddock fight.
Grand Prix
Where to watch: Prime Video (rent)
Old-school glamour. Real F1 footage. And a level of cinematic ambition that still holds up. Bonus: the cars sound unreal.
Overtake!
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Anime, but make it Formula 4. A surprisingly grounded, well-drawn series that captures the intensity of teen racers chasing professional dreams.
Truth in 24
Where to watch: YouTube
Audi’s battle to dominate Le Mans is as much about tech as it is about tension. This doc puts you right in the cockpit — no helmet required.
Road (2014)
Where to watch: YouTube
Narrated by Liam Neeson, Road is a devastating and beautifully made documentary that follows the Dunlop family—legends of motorcycle road racing in Northern Ireland. It’s about speed, legacy and the cruel price of passion in a sport where crashes aren’t just common, they’re expected.
