This curated list of car biopics celebrates the extraordinary stories behind some of the world's most famous vehicles. From legendary race cars to groundbreaking automotive innovations, these films offer a unique glimpse into the lives of machines that have left an indelible mark on history. Whether you're a car aficionado or simply enjoy compelling storytelling, these films provide both entertainment and education, showcasing the passion, innovation, and drama behind automotive legends.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)
Description: The story of Preston Tucker, an American car designer who tried to revolutionize the automotive industry with his innovative car designs in the 1940s.
Fact: Francis Ford Coppola, the director, was a fan of Tucker's cars and had one in his personal collection.


The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Description: The true story of Burt Munro, a New Zealander who set numerous land speed records in the 1960s with his highly modified Indian Scout motorcycle.
Fact: Anthony Hopkins, who played Munro, actually rode the motorcycle in several scenes, despite not having ridden one for many years.


The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film tells the story of a race car driver through the eyes of his dog, offering a unique perspective on life and racing.
Fact: The film uses CGI to depict the dog's inner thoughts, adding a whimsical touch to the narrative.


Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Description: This film captures the intense rivalry between Ford and Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1966, focusing on the development of the Ford GT40.
Fact: The film was originally titled "Go Like Hell" after the book it was based on. The cars used in the movie were meticulously recreated to match the originals.


Rush (2013)
Description: Chronicles the rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, highlighting their personal lives and the dramatic 1976 season.
Fact: Niki Lauda himself served as a consultant for the film, ensuring accuracy in the portrayal of his life and the racing scenes.


Gran Turismo (2023)
Description: Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, who went from playing the Gran Turismo video game to becoming a professional race car driver.
Fact: The film features actual GT Academy graduates and includes footage from real racing events.


Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman (2015)
Description: A documentary exploring the racing career of actor Paul Newman, who was also an accomplished race car driver.
Fact: Newman's racing achievements included winning several SCCA National Championships.


Senna (2010)
Description: A documentary that delves into the life and career of Ayrton Senna, one of Formula One's greatest drivers, capturing his passion and the tragic end to his life.
Fact: The film uses real race footage and interviews, avoiding reenactments to keep the authenticity of Senna's story.


McLaren (2017)
Description: This documentary follows the life of Bruce McLaren, the New Zealand racing driver and founder of the McLaren Formula One team.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures from McLaren's life, providing firsthand accounts of his impact on motorsport.


Le Mans '66 (2019)
Description: Another take on the Ford-Ferrari rivalry, focusing on the engineering and personal challenges faced by the team behind the Ford GT40.
Fact: The film was released under different titles in different regions, with "Le Mans '66" being used in the UK.
