Gran Turismo hit theaters at breakneck speed and turned out to be a really good movie. Neill Blomkamp directs the film like crazy, resulting in an entertaining crowd pleaser that will get your adrenaline pumping, provided you accept the film’s fast approach to the facts. Of course, Gran Turismo is just the latest racing car drama to hit the big screen. So, assuming you enjoyed it as much as I did, here are the five best car racing movies like Gran Turismo that will make you want to get in the car and drive to Target real quick.
Days of Thunder (1990)
Unfairly criticized as a Top Gun rip-off, this racing car drama from Tom Cruise and director Tony Scott features many familiar beats but scores where it counts – on the track. The racing sequences are epic in scope and staged with Scott’s untypical visual flair. At the same time, a quality supporting cast consisting of Nicole Kidman, Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes and Michael Rooker ensures solid work on the sidelines.
Still, this is Cruise’s show, and the man is taking Days of Thunder into a whole new gear that lifts it above the usual blockbuster crap. No, the plot by the numbers isn’t exactly gripping, but when it comes to action pictures, there’s no denying that Days of Thunder offers enough genuine thrills to get your engine cranking on a Saturday afternoon, which is why it tops our list of the best car racing movies like Gran Turismo. Hans Zimmer’s music is also awesome.
Onslaught (2013)
Ron Howard’s Rush deserves a second chance. The real-life film about two feuding Formula 1 drivers grossed just $98 million at the global box office but remains a sensational character drama packed with great performances by Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl and solid racing sequences.
Unlike Gran Turismo, this game is definitely not for kids. Howard doesn’t skimp on adult themes, offering audiences a grown-up take on two complex individuals whose lust for adrenaline-pumping action fueled an incredible, at times bitter, rivalry. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Formula 1 and a film that deserves far more attention than it originally got. Hans Zimmer’s music is also awesome.
Ford vs Ferrari (2019)
Christian Bale and Matt Damon star in James Mangold’s powerful racing drama about the race between Ford and Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bale plays Ken Miles, a cheeky, unpredictable racer who teams with Damon’s Carroll Shelby to create it to take up with the almighty Ferrari. The two men initially disagree, but eventually put their differences aside to achieve an amazing goal.
Mangold weaves an emotional tale about fathers and sons, with an ending that will have all but the hard-hearted crying into their popcorn. When it comes to sports drama, it doesn’t get much better than this Oscar-nominated spectacle.
Le Mans (1971)
Considering that Blomkamp used the gritty 1971 racing drama “Le Mans” as inspiration for the Gran Turismo, it only makes sense to list it here. Starring Steve McQueen, the image follows racing driver Michael Delaney in his exploits at the eponymous Le Mans, where a fellow driver (and rival) was killed.
As with Gran Turismo, the story drives the action and director Lee H. Katzin doesn’t disappoint by filming the racing sequences with a documentary flair that adds to the realism. Sure, the whole falling in love widowhood conspiracy is silly, but McQueen is cool as ever and the cars are pretty. ‘Nuff said.
Driven (2001)
Driving is a lot of fun. However, like most Renny Harlin productions, something is missing here that keeps Driven from making it to the top league. Regardless, I say it’s still worth watching, if only to see Sly Stallone (who also wrote) behind the wheel of a race car. The racing sequences are pretty awesome in that early 2000s kind of way, and the predictable storyline about a cocky aspiring driver learning the trade from a former champion hits just the right note. Don’t expect anything big, but Driven works well enough to satisfy action junkies, which is why it rounds out our list of best car racing movies like Gran Turismo.
Source : www.comingsoon.net