Thrilling Rides: Top 10 Action Films About Racers

Description: Steve McQueen stars in this film that captures the essence of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, blending real racing footage with a fictional narrative about the drivers' personal lives.

Fact: The film was shot during the actual 1970 Le Mans race. McQueen, an avid racer himself, did much of his own driving.

Description: Tom Cruise stars as a hotshot NASCAR driver who learns the hard way about the dangers of racing and the importance of teamwork, with plenty of high-speed action on the track.

Fact: The film was directed by Tony Scott, who also directed "Top Gun," another Cruise vehicle. The movie was inspired by the life of NASCAR driver Tim Richmond.

Description: Starring Sylvester Stallone, this film dives into the world of CART racing, focusing on a young rookie and his seasoned mentor, exploring themes of ambition, rivalry, and the high stakes of professional racing.

Fact: The film features real-life racing drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya and Kenny Bräck. The movie was criticized for its heavy use of CGI in racing scenes.

Description: This film kickstarted a franchise that became synonymous with high-octane action and street racing. It follows an undercover cop infiltrating a group of street racers to uncover a heist ring, blending car culture with intense action sequences.

Fact: The film was inspired by a Vibe magazine article about street racing in New York City. The iconic orange Toyota Supra was actually a 1995 model, modified to look like a 1998 model.

Description: This visually stunning adaptation of the classic anime series brings the world of futuristic racing to life, with vibrant colors and over-the-top racing action.

Fact: The Wachowskis, known for "The Matrix," directed this film, bringing their unique visual style to the racing genre. The film was shot with a combination of live-action and extensive use of CGI.

Description: While not a traditional action film, this movie tells the story of a race car driver from the perspective of his loyal dog, Enzo, offering a unique take on racing and life's challenges.

Fact: The film is based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein. Kevin Costner provides the voice for Enzo, the dog.

Description: An animated film about a garden snail with dreams of becoming the world's fastest racer, this movie combines family-friendly humor with racing action.

Fact: The film features a cameo by real-life IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay. The character of Turbo was inspired by the real-life story of a snail named "Turbo" who raced in a snail race.

Description: This biographical drama captures the intense rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda during the 1976 season, showcasing the personal and professional stakes of racing at the highest level.

Fact: The film was shot on location at many of the actual Grand Prix circuits used in the 1976 season. Daniel Brühl, who played Niki Lauda, learned to speak with Lauda's distinctive accent.

Description: Based on the popular video game series, this film follows a street racer seeking revenge after being framed for a crime he didn't commit, leading to an epic cross-country race.

Fact: The film features several iconic cars from the game, including the Koenigsegg Agera R. It was the first film to be released in theaters with a simultaneous release on video on demand.

Description: Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Turismo player who becomes a professional race car driver, this film explores the transition from virtual to real racing.

Fact: The film features actual Gran Turismo game footage, blending it with real-life racing sequences. The movie was produced by Sony, the same company that makes the Gran Turismo game.