If you enjoyed the high-octane drama and behind-the-scenes intensity depicted in Brad Pitt’s “F1: The Movie,” then the world of motorsports has an even richer cinematic landscape for you to explore. While Pitt’s Formula 1 movie fictionalised thrills, there are several great Hollywood productions that take you through the sport’s dramatic history, legendary rivalries, and the sheer human effort.
While F1: The Movie will be transitioned to Apple TV+ post its theatrical release phase, there are several great Hollywood productions on various other OTT platforms that will fuel your passion for the world’s most elite motorsport discipline. From Chris Hemsworth’s fantastic portrayal of F1 champion James Hunt to the drama-packed Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, there’s so much to watch as a budding Formula 1 fan.
Rush (2013)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard, “Rush” is a gripping biographical sports drama that masterfully recreates the epic 1970s rivalry between two F1 legends: the flamboyant British playboy James Hunt (played by Chris Hemsworth) and the disciplined, calculating Austrian champion Niki Lauda (portrayed by Daniel Brühl).
The film vividly captures the 1970s’ era of F1, where track racing was deadly and packed with raw danger and exhilarating speed. The movie focuses on their contrasting personalities and the deadly stakes of their quest for the 1976 World Championship. The cinematography, coupled with a gripping storyline, makes Rush a must-watch for every Formula 1 fan.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive (Since 2019)
Platform: On Netflix
This action-drama packed docuseries has been credited with significantly boosting Formula 1’s global popularity in new markets. Providing unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to the drivers, team principals, and races of each Formula 1 World Championship season, “Drive to Survive” expertly weaves together narratives of rivalry, triumph, and heartbreak. It highlights the intense pressure, strategic gambles, and personal stories that unfold both on and off the track, making the complex world of F1 accessible and incredibly engaging for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
Senna (2024)
Platform: On Netflix
For all those who wonder why Ayrton Senna is considered as one of the greatest F1 icons, ‘Senna’ on Netflix is a must-watch. The six-episode biographical drama miniseries premiered on Netflix on November 29, 2024, bringing the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna’s life story to the screen in a new format. Starring Gabriel Leone as Senna, this series goes beyond the acclaimed 2010 documentary, offering a dramatised depiction of his remarkable career, personal relationships, and off-track life. Made with the cooperation of Senna’s family, the miniseries traces his journey from early racing days to his multiple F1 world championships, his intense rivalry with Alain Prost, and his tragic passing at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Williams (2017)
Platform: On Netflix
This compelling documentary tells the inspiring and often heartbreaking story of Frank Williams, the visionary founder of one of Formula 1’s most enduring and successful independent teams, Williams Grand Prix Engineering. The film offers a candid and intimate look at his life, including the devastating car crash that left him paralysed, and the unwavering dedication of his family, particularly his daughter Claire, in continuing his legacy. It’s a powerful narrative about ambition, resilience, loyalty, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of engineering and racing excellence against all odds.
1: Life on the Limit (2013)
Platform: On Amazon Prime Video
Narrated by Michael Fassbender, “1: Life on the Limit” is an enthralling documentary that transports viewers back to the perilous “golden age” of Formula 1 in the 1960s and 70s. This era was characterised by incredibly fast cars and dangerously unregulated tracks, leading to numerous fatalities. The film vividly captures the immense courage of the drivers who knowingly risked their lives for the thrill of racing. The documentary also charts the efforts made by figures like Jackie Stewart to dramatically improve safety standards in the sport, ultimately transforming F1 from a deadly pursuit into the globally popular and safer spectacle it is today.
