In F1, Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver who clashes with a young hotshot, played by Damson Idris. "You don't have to know a thing about cars, racetracks or Formula One regulations to guess where this epic of male aggression is headed 鈥�" . "But if the overall arc of F1 is fairly predictable, the movie is good at keeping you off-balance from moment to moment." It's nominated for four Academy Awards.
We asked our NPR audience: What movie would you recommend to someone who loved F1? Here's what you told us:
Le Mans (1971)
Directed by Lee H. Katzin; starring Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen stars as a grizzled vet who is competing in the 24 hour Le Mans race. So if you liked Brad Pitt doing this in 2025, I think you'll enjoy a star of a previous generation doing the same. Lots of great car scenes (and it's all practical effects!) 鈥� Victor Catano, New York, N.Y.
(2013)
Directed by Ron Howard; starring Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Br眉hl
If you liked F1, you will LOVE Rush. The Ron Howard-directed Formula One movie traces the real-life rivalry between two titans of the sport in the '70s. 鈥� Robert Morris, Brookline, Mass.
(2019)
Directed by James Mangold; starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
Based on the true story of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles working together during Le Mans in 1966, Ford v Ferrari offers high octane thrills, a stellar cast, and enough shop talk to satisfy newcomers and well-seasoned gearheads alike. Engines roar, drivers yell, and an emotional storyline keeps the wheels on the road. 鈥� Tristan Olson, Olympia, Wa.
And a bonus pick from our critic:
(2006)
Directed by John Lasseter; starring Paul Newman, Owen Wilson
A grizzled veteran and an impulsive rookie jockey for position in Pixar's comic take on racing flick tropes that mirrors the plot of F1 right down to its suspenseful final twist. 鈥� Bob Mondello, NPR movie critic
Carly Rubin and Ivy Buck contributed to this project. It was edited by Clare Lombardo.
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