Movies give us opportunities that are unrivaled by anything else. We may not be able to complete tasks in real life, but we may enjoy the thrills of it at the cinema, absorbed in a movie where characters help us live the experience. Whatever we do in our own lives is sometimes represented on film, and it’s another one-of-a-kind way to get a vicarious thrill.
For car enthusiasts, this is especially true. While we may not be able to afford the latest and greatest models, or even have the time to take road trips as often as we’d like, there are still ways that we can enjoy our love of cars through film. If you’re looking for the best car movies on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our top picks:
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1. Pegasus (2019)
‘Pegasus,’ a Chinese comedy film directed and written by Han Han, is about Zhang Chi, a six-time racing champion who loses everything after achieving his peak.
Following the scandal, the once ruling champion is banned for five years, and it appears that he will never return to competition. Despite the difficulties on his journey, Zhang demonstrates great bravery as a father of a six-year-old by wanting to race again and go back to the track.
Unfortunately, he has a new generation of racers waiting for him who are ready to challenge him at every turn.
2. Asphalt Burning (2020)
‘Asphalt Burning’ is a Norwegian comedy film directed by Hallvard Bræin. The movie follows the life of Bjørn, a man who has been driving trucks for years but dreams of becoming a professional racecar driver.
After his truck catches on fire, Bjørn finally quits his job and pursues his dream.
While he may not be the best driver, Bjørn’s passion and determination help him succeed in a world that is often ruthless.
3. The Love Bug (1968)
‘The Love Bug’ is a classic Disney film that follows the story of Herbie, a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own.
After Herbie is sold to a struggling race car driver, the two form an unlikely bond as they work together to win races.
Full of heart and humor, ‘The Love Bug’ is a must-watch for any car enthusiast.
4. Initial D (2005)
This 2005 Hong Kong film is based on the manga series of the same name and was directed by Andrew Lau. Takumi, a young student, works part-time at a gas station while also delivering tofu for his father’s company.
Takumi has some pals who participate in illegal street races, and he gets sucked into this world where he demonstrates that he is a fantastic driver, far superior than those who have been driving for a long time.
Takumi has fallen for a girl he saw at school, Itsuki, but later learns something about her that makes their relationship difficult. Takumi gets the chance to show his worth and gain respect from his peers in a major race between all of the underground racing groups. For the film, Jay Chou won the Best New Performer Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
5. Hajwala: The Missing Engine (2016)
This film, which came out in 2016, is directed by Ali Bin Matar and Ibrahim Bin Mohamed of the United Arab Emirates. The film’s writer, too, is Ibrahim bin Mohamed. Ali Al Marzouqi, Anwar Aljabri, and Haleem Aljabri star in ‘Hajwala: The Missing Engine.’ It’s the tale of Khalid and Kehailan, two hot-tempered race car drivers who lead their teams.
Khalid is the protagonist of the film, and he has been losing races to Kehailan despite putting out his utmost effort. This compels him to employ a new engine in a vehicle with which he has never before experimented.
The issue is that if he obtains this engine, he and his teammates will have to resort to unlawful practices. ‘Hajwala’ is the most profitable UAE film ever, with a budget of just $120,000.
6. 4L (2019)
‘Four Lives’ is a French film directed by Hélène Zimmer. It stars Zoe Marchal, Olivier Gourmet, and Nicolas Maury. The plot follows the lives of four people who are all struggling.
Nadia is working on getting her PhD and is extremely dedicated to her work, but she doesn’t have much of social life.
Paul is an actor who is trying to make it big, but he’s not having much luck.
Céline is a woman who is married with children, but she’s unhappy with her life. Finally, there’s Quentin, a man who has just been released from prison and is trying to start over.
The four characters’ lives intersect in unexpected ways, and they all learn a lot about themselves along the way.
7. Night Teeth (2021)
‘Night Teeth’ is a new film that was released on Netflix last year. It’s a thriller directed by Adam Randall and starring Mamoudou Athie, Debby Ryan, and Sydney Sweeney.
The film follows two teenage girls who work as valets at a local parking garage. They get more than they bargained for one night when they end up stealing a car that belongs to a dangerous criminal.
The girls are in way over their heads, and they have to use all of their cunning and skill to outwit the criminal and stay alive.
‘Night Teeth’ is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.
7. Wheelman (2017)
‘Wheelman’ is a 2017 American action thriller film directed by Jeremy Rush and starring Frank Grillo, Garret Dillahunt, and Caitlin Carmichael.
The film follows the story of a getaway driver who’s in over his head when he’s double-crossed by his partners in crime.
The driver has to figure out who betrayed him and why, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the gangsters who are out to kill him.
‘Wheelman’ is a tense, action-packed ride from start to finish. If you’re a fan of car chases and shootouts, this one’s for you.
8. Drive (2011)
‘Drive’ is a 2011 American action drama film directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, and Christina Hendricks.
The film follows a Hollywood stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. When he falls for his neighbor, a woman whose husband is in jail, he gets caught up in a heist that goes wrong.
‘Drive’ is a stylish, action-packed film with great performances from its cast. If you’re looking for a good car movie to watch on Netflix, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Do you have a favorite car movie? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more great films to watch, be sure to check out our list of the Best Car Movies on Netflix. Happy streaming!
