Ever wondered what a room full of motorsport journalists would name as their favourite motorsport film? Well, wonder no more!

We asked the team to let us know their favourite motorsport and why they hold them so high in their expert opinions.

Some picked films that show exciting racing action, while others chose ones that focus more on the people and stories behind the sport. Together, their choices give a good mix of what makes motorsport films enjoyable - a glimpse into the sport we all love.

Kart Racer (2003)

Scott Mitchell-Malm

I have been suspicious of racing movies since I was a 12-year-old karter and wannabe racer, and watched 2003's Kart Racer.

I remember my absolute glee that karting was being featured in a film. But I also remember being so disappointed in how parts of it were depicted. I'm pretty sure it was the first time I was exposed to the plot device of 'you can just go quicker by pushing the throttle a little bit more'...

It taught me that racing on the big screen seems to be really, really hard to get right.

But more than anything now, I remember the basic underlying plot: teenage racing enthusiast who finds the world hard to engage with and has a sometimes tricky relationship with his dad, bonds with his dad building a shitbox of a kart together.

That hit home for me, and still does, as karting was how I bonded with my dad, and where we had my best childhood moments. So when I think of this film, I think of a slightly silly movie that contains some tough details to stomach, but mainly has a bit of heart that pulls me into a core memory.

I've not watched this for over half of my life now, so it might be absolutely crap as a film! Maybe I shouldn't just in case the glass gets shattered. But I kind of want to now…

Rush (2013)

Charley Williams

I’d go so far as to say that Rush is one of, if not THE, greatest motorsport films ever made. It’s a true masterpiece.

If you’re a motorsport fan, you’ll already know the story of James Hunt: a driver defined by raw talent and recklessness, and Niki Lauda: methodical, precise and strategic in every possible way. They are, quite literally, chalk and cheese.

The film never loses sight of that contrast. It draws parallels between them throughout, alternating perspectives and placing the audience right in the middle of their riveting rivalry. You’re almost encouraged to pick a side, but as the metaphorical pendulum swings, so does your allegiance. One moment you’re rooting for Hunt, the next you’re celebrating Lauda - but that idea soon becomes obsolete.

What starts as a film driven by fierce competition and mutual hatred gradually evolves into something far more meaningful: a relationship built on respect. It shows that even the fiercest of rivals can understand each other in a way no one outside the world of racing ever could. Great rivals, but even better friends.

A few years ago I moved house and spent a week without internet. The only DVD I had with me at the time was Rush. I watched it every single evening for seven days, and each viewing was just as good as the last. If that doesn’t convince you to watch this film (if you haven’t already), I’m not sure anything will. P.S. Yes, I’ve also watched it since then, too.

Steve McQueen: The Lost Movie (2021)

Jack Benyon

I'm sure Le Mans (1971) is a popular answer to this question, and why shouldn't it be? It's epic! But did you know that film likely would never have happened if Steve McQueen had got his original wish?

Day of the Champion was the McQueen-led F1 movie project in a race to hit the box office first, before another big movie, Grand Prix, in the 1960s.

The Lost Movie is the story of how Day of the Champion lost that race and led to McQueen's hell-bent desire to make Le Mans. It's a story built on illness, the complex movie industry, egos, desire, revenge, and best of all it's a true story.

And if that doesn't sell you, what about this: it opens on actual colourised footage of Formula 1 cars on track at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. The footage in this film is unrivalled if you like retro F1.

It's not going to be the best 'film' on the list by most people's opinions - I love Cars, Days of Thunder and the new F1 movie too - but The Lost Movie has something none of those does; a proper, true story to build on, and incredible footage that may have been lost to the past but was rediscovered recently.

Gran Turismo (2023)

Hannah Atkinson

I was really surprised with Gran Turismo. I went in not knowing much about the story and expecting a typical racing movie but it turned out to completely exceed my expectations. The true story about how Jann Mardenborough turned his love of gaming and online racing into a passion of real life on track racing is incredible and it's so interesting to watch how the story pans out on film.

The way the racing scenes were filmed really deserves its own review. The camera work makes you feel like you’re right inside the action without it feeling chaotic or hard to follow. You can almost feel the speed, the pressure, and the quick decisions the drivers have to make through the screen. That being said, you do get the typical scene that's meant to be of one track yet filmed at another, in a completely different country! But that's almost to be expected now in these movies.

Even if you’re not into racing or cars, there’s enough to pull you into the story to keep you engaged.

I left the film feeling like I wanted to go back and watch the real race highlights of Mardenborough, whose story the movie follows. The ending is tied together so well in a wholesome, feel-good way without it being cheesy or forced. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you and makes you feel uplifted leaving the cinema room!

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Fleur Mealing

When it comes to films, if it states ‘based on a true story’, I’m already sold.

I was a bit of a history buff in high school but that also meant only learning about the big wars of the world and Henry and all of his wives.

Ford v Ferrari wasn’t a story I was familiar with before seeing the film so I had zero expectations beyond knowing there would likely be a Ford and a Ferrari involved.

What I didn’t expect was to enjoy the movie as much as I did. I often think about it seven years down the track and would say it’s my favourite motorsport movie.

If you aren’t familiar with the film, it chronicles the Ford Motor Company's 1966 effort to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As with any cinematic retelling, there is a bit of creative licence taken but overall it hits all the right notes leaving you feeling moved and having learned something new about the world of motorsport.

Although well-cast overall, Christian Bale really shines as the brash Brit, Ken Miles. Bale does a brilliant job of telling Miles’ story - a driver whose talent far exceeded the recognition he received.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend giving it a watch.

(However if you are looking for something entirely light-hearted and ridiculous - go no further than Talladega Nights. There’s just nothing quite like the Will Ferrell quip: “I Wake Up In The Morning And I Piss Excellence.”)

Cars (2006)

Megan White & Josh Suttill

Megan: No, it might not have the artistic merit of Steve McQueen’s Le Mans, Rush or Le Mans ‘66. It might not even be Pixar’s best work (Monsters, Inc. probably takes that accolade).

But despite that, Cars has to be my favourite. Its feel-good storyline, comic moments and never-ending quotability make it one of those films that I just come back to time and time again.

Yes, it’s simple, but that’s part of its beauty. Anyone can watch it, and everyone should enjoy it. It’s the perfect film to just switch off, enjoy, and get plenty of laughs.

Motorsport can often be so serious that it’s nice to see related media which isn’t afraid to poke fun - see also Talladega Nights, which is a very close second place in my ranking.

The cameos are great, too. Richard Petty stars as Strip "The King” Weathers, Dale Earnhardt Jr pops up briefly as himself, Darrell Waltrip makes an appearance as commentator Darrell Cartrip - what’s not to love?

Let’s not talk about Cars 2, though…

Josh: I've never really loved a live-action motorsport movie. Rush or Ford vs Ferrari is probably the closest, so I reckon Pixar's Cars remains the best motorsport feature film.

Cars isn't actually even the best Pixar movie by any stretch, but it still does an excellent job of storytelling with proper stakes, great characterisation and a thrilling climax. Every other motorsport movie lacks at least one of those.

Lightning McQueen might be one of the greatest movie protagonists of all time, and it's a career high Owen Wilson has never repeated.

The soundtrack is supreme (who doesn't play Life is a Highway on repeat?), I regularly quote the script and think about the Piston Cup - and that ending - most days, because sometimes life really isn't all about winning.

Liam Lawson really does have great taste!

P.S The less said about the sequels the better.