Racing movies have always been a thing. They’re easily one of the most thrilling genres out there. From the engine’s roar to the way a driver threads the needle so precisely that the car feels like it’s floating, one small mistake and it all goes sideways. That kind of tension keeps you locked in.

One movie that’s making noise right now is Brad Pitt’s new F1 film on Apple TV+. With real drivers, real tracks, and Lewis Hamilton as executive producer, it looks and feels authentic. It’s got an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, and yeah, it’s a brilliant movie. But here’s the thing: it’s not the best. Not even close. Some racing movies that came before still outpace it in ways F1 can’t touch. So here’s a list of films that leave Pitt’s F1 in the dust.

The story of Niki Lauda and his on-track rivalry with James Hunt is hands down one of the best racing movies out there. Daniel Brühl nails Lauda’s personality, and the movie was even praised by the F1 legend himself.

Rush captures the brutal reality of Formula 1 in the ’70s, when every lap felt like a gamble with death. There were barely any safety measures, and that raw danger bleeds through every scene. From the engine sounds to the gritty feel of the film, Rush hits hard, and with an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, it still beats Pitt’s F1 on the scoreboard.

Don’t let the release year fool you, Grand Prix is still one of the most visually insane racing movies ever made. For something from 1966, the way they shot real F1 cars on real tracks is just wild.

The movie throws you right into the cockpit, with camera work that was way ahead of its time. Sure, the acting leans old-school, but the racing scenes? Still untouchable. It’s a full-blown technical masterpiece, and that’s exactly why it holds a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. If you love racing, this one’s a must-watch, pure speed, no CGI shortcuts, just the real deal.

What happens when you hand unlimited money to a legendary car designer and a fearless British racer? You get a machine that takes down a Ferrari on its own turf. Ford v Ferrari tells the story behind the iconic Ford GT and its legendary run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

While most racing movies focus only on speed, this one delivers top-tier acting too, thanks to Matt Damon and Christian Bale bringing their A-game. It’s got heart, history, and horsepower. And with a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no surprise this one’s still sitting at the top of the podium.

Asif Kapadia absolutely cooked with this one. You’re not watching an actor play Ayrton Senna, you’re watching the legend himself. Senna is a documentary, but it feels like a full-on cinematic experience. Kapadia and his team did their homework, pulling from rare archives and never-before-seen footage to piece together a raw, emotional look at the three-time world champion’s life.

It’s even narrated by Senna himself, which makes it all hit harder. If you’re into F1 or just want to understand why this guy became a global icon, this is the movie. Oh, and it holds a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Enough said.

This one definitely feels like the odd one out, but in the best way. No roaring V12s or sleek F1 machines here. Instead, it’s go-karts. Driven by kids. Racing Dreams follows three young racers: Annabeth Barnes, Josh Hobson, and Brandon Warren, as they chase their goal of making it to NASCAR.

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to get hooked, but I was dead wrong. It’s insanely compelling, and before you know it, you’re genuinely cheering for a kart. What makes it special is how far removed it is from all the Hollywood glam and flair. It’s just pure heart, pure ambition, and the kind of underdog energy that hits hard. And yep, it’s sitting at a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.