Summary
- Ford v Ferrari is an exhilarating true story that provides epic car racing scenes for fans of car movies.
- There are standout car movies based on real events, like The Hitch-Hiker and The Great Race, that offer thrilling and entertaining experiences.
- Bullitt and Le Mans, starring Steve McQueen, offer authentic and riveting portrayals of the world of car racing.
Car lovers and racing fans have a lot of great movies to choose from that showcase the power of automobiles and a handful of movies like Ford v Ferrari showcase the true stories that cater specifically to motoring enthusiasts. James Mangold's Ford v Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the true underdog tale of Ford competing in the Le Mans race for the first time and taking on Ferrari. It is an exhilarating true story that provides some great opportunities for some epic racing scenes, which is a large part of the appeal.
While there aren't a huge number of movies based on real events in the world of cars and driving, there are some standout examples that were inspired by true stories like Ford v Ferrari. These movies can take place in the competitive racing world in a true sports story, they can be exciting four-wheeling adventures loosely based on true events, or even movies with stories based on real people whose most significant moments happened behind the wheel (or in the passenger seat). These movies like Ford v Ferrari give the kind of adrenaline-fueled entertainment car lovers are looking for.
How Ken Miles Really Died (& Why Ford v Ferrari Changes It)
Ken Miles' death in Ford v Ferrari isn't too far off from what really happened - though the movie changes some details for storytelling purposes.
1 The Hitch-Hiker (1953)
The Tense Noir Based On The Billy Cook Murders
a film noir that is based on a wild true story
Road trip movies are a versatile car-centric subgenre and can provide everything from wacky family comedies to intense horror movies. The Hitch-Hiker falls closer into the latter category with his film noir that is based on a wild true story. It follows two men who go on a fishing trip, but after picking up a hitchhiker, the road trip turns a lot more sinister — and murderous.
The movie is inspired by the hitchhiker murders of Billy Cook, a killer who claimed six lives in 1928. Along with its more grim nature, the movie is about the freedom of the road and the growing car industry. Therefore, it has the thrilling aspect of cars for the genre lovers, but The Hitch-Hiker is also a great thriller. The movie is considered a noir classic with it being named to the National Film Registry in 1998.
Ford v Ferrari Cast Guide: How The Characters Looked In Real Life
Ford v Ferari is based a true story. Here's what you need to know about the cast as well as the real people they portray in the movie.
2 The Great Race (1965)
The Outlandish Contest Based On A Real Global Race
For viewers who love the comedic and racing aspect of Ford v Ferrari, the 1965 action-comedy The Great Race is a suitable follow-up that's also inspired by real events. The Great Race takes place in the early 20th century and follows two rivals on a global race based on the 1908 race from New York to Paris. A precursor to wacky road racing movies like Cannonball Run, The Great Race has a lot of fun with the absurdity and epicness of the long race while also featuring a star-studded cast including Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood.
While it's nowhere near as grounded as Ford v Ferrari, The Great Race is an entertaining ride filled with old cars, a riveting story, and plenty of slapstick comedy. It's also about making the best automobile for the job, sharing that theme of the passion behind fast cars that are in movies like Ford v Ferrari.