Notable Car Racing Themed Movies

Notable Car Racing Themed Movies

Racing movies range from the thrilling and exciting to the hilarious and poignant. They have featured some of our greatest stars and even cartoon characters. While some are targeted for a very specific audience others appeal to a broad range of movie-goers. Here is a look back at some memorable car racing themed movies.

The Speed Kings – 1913

Racing movies date back to the early days of the automobile. This is the first recorded film about racing, an eight-minute movie starring Fatty Arbuckle.

Kid Auto Races at Venice – 1914

Another early cinematic effort involving auto racing was also another comedy. This film stars the legendary Charlie Chaplin who plays a racing spectator who keeps getting in the way.

Burning Up – 1930

The first “talkie” to involve auto racing was this 1930 drama. That had a minimal impact on both movies and racing.

Johnny Dark – 1954

Tony Curtis plays an engineer in this long-distance racing film about a race from Canada to Mexico.

Thunder in Carolina – 1960

Before he played the Skipper in Gilligan’s Island, Alan Hale Jr. played a role in this movie about rivals in the Southern 500. Two years later, Hale would act in another racing film called “The Iron Maiden”, a racing comedy.

Viva Las Vegas – 1964

Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret team up in this racing musical. Yes, racing musical.

The Great Race – 1965

This was one of the first big budget racing films that starred Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in a long-distance race.

Fireball 500 – 1966

Campy 1960s racing films hit their stride in this :classic” starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello.

LeMans – 1971

After a series of silly racing films in the mid to late 1960s, Steve McQueen brought some realism back to racing films in this 1971 drama.

Herbie Rides Again – 1974

This sequel to The Love Bug takes Herbie from the world of demolition derbies to that of auto racing. Herbie would go to LeMans three years later and onto a series of other adventures following that.

Days of Thunder – 1990

NASCAR came to the masses in this blockbuster that starred Tom Cruise. The film is said to be loosely based on Tim Richmond.

Talladega Nights – 2006

Will Ferrell stars as a larger than life NASCAR driver in this 2006 film. The film gave birth to the character of Ricky Bobby.

Cars – 2006

This animated film started the Cars franchise and gave birth to Lightning McQueen, a race car who learns humility in Radiator Springs.

Racing films have starred legendary actors like James Cagney, Jimmy Stewart, Mickey Rooney, Abbot and Costello and more. They tend to reflect our own interests in cars and racing at the time.

Are you paying too much for automobile insurance? How would you know unless you compare? We can do that for you with one call. Contact us to get a no-obligation quote on your auto insurance. We look forward to assisting you.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters

Read More Blogs

Unwrapping the Wiener: A Deep Dive into the History and Lore of the Hot Dog

Beyond the bun: Discover the surprising history, varieties, and enduring appeal of America’s favorite tubular treat.

The Untapped Power of Collaboration: Why Asking for Help Fuels Business Success

Stop going it alone! Discover how leveraging the expertise of others can relieve pressure and drive your business forward.

Navigating the Grandparenting Journey: Understanding Today’s Families

Grandparenting today: Learn key shifts in family dynamics to build stronger connections with your children and grandchildren.

Mapping Our Paths: The Fascinating Reasons Behind Our Road Networks

The story behind the asphalt: Explore the geographical, historical, and planning influences that shaped our modern road systems.

Neighborly Navigations: Resolving Disputes in Non-HOA Communities

No HOA, no problem? Learn how to navigate neighborly disputes effectively in communities without formal management.

Vintage Years of Vision: Four Times Hollywood Hit Cinematic Gold

Like fine wines, certain years in film history stand out for their exceptional quality and the enduring impact of the movies they produced. This article explores four such landmark years, presented chronologically, that many cinephiles consider to be among the greatest in cinematic history.

Green Means Growth: How Environmental Responsibility Can Boost Your Business

It might seem like a secondary concern when facing immediate business challenges, but embracing environmentally friendly practices can actually be a powerful strategy for improving sales, attracting top talent, strengthening your brand, and even saving money. This article explores the tangible benefits of going green for your company’s bottom line and long-term success.

The Forgotten Beauty: Unearthing the Story of the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

Beyond the iconic Beetle and the groovy Microbus, Volkswagen produced a surprisingly elegant and often overlooked sports car: the Karmann Ghia. This article explores the history, design, and enduring appeal of this “poor man’s sportscar” that has become a sought-after collectible.

Peace of Mind at Home: Building Your Essential Supply Stockpile

Recent global events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. This article outlines key non-perishable food items and essential household supplies that every homeowner should keep on hand to ensure comfort, security, and resilience during unforeseen circumstances.

Faded Glory: Remembering the Sports That Once Ruled Our World

Remember when these sports were huge? Take a trip down memory lane with harness racing, bowling, boxing, and poker, and explore their shift in popularity.