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
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
A Golden Age of Cinema: Iconic Films of the 1930s
Rediscovering cinematic masterpieces: Iconic films of the 1930s.
Building a Business for the Long Haul: Strategies for Sustainable Success
Building a business that lasts: Essential strategies for long-term success.
Rediscovering the Joy of Cycling: 7 Reasons to Hop on Two Wheels
Get pedaling! 7 reasons to rediscover the joy of cycling.
Why Human Interaction Still Matters in Auto Insurance
Think beyond online quotes: Why working with an insurance agent is still crucial.
Rental Car Insurance: Navigating the Coverage Maze
Understanding rental car insurance: Protect yourself on the road.
The Mysteries of Everyday Life: Exploring Life’s Curious Questions
Curious minds want to know: Exploring everyday mysteries.
The Family Business: Navigating the Perks and Pitfalls
The pros and cons of running a family business.
Finding Peace of Mind: The Importance of Life Insurance
Life insurance: More than just a policy, it’s peace of mind.
Six Surprising Facts About Cars and Driving
Discover six interesting facts you probably didn’t know about driving.
Maximizing Fun and Safety: Tips for Choosing and Maintaining a Backyard Playset
Making the most of your backyard playset: Safety, maintenance, and choosing the right one.