7 Films Like ‘Gran Turismo’ If You Like Real-Life Racing Stories

Video game adaptations are racing into theaters — and on TV — faster than you can push a button.

Some recent video-game-to-movie adaptations include popular hits like Uncharted and The Last Of Us. And now, PlayStation Productions has brought us Gran Turismo, inspired by the real-life journey of Jann Mardenborough, a gamer who had the opportunity of a lifetime to race on Nissan’s professional driving team.

This might be the first true story from PlayStation Productions, but it’s certainly not the first film based on a true racing story. If you loved the action, racing, drama, and truth in Gran Turismo, then keep reading.

Here are seven other films, both movie and documentary style, that are sure to satisfy your need for speed — and love of reality.

1. Ford v. Ferrari

   Fans of Gran Turismo are sure to recognize the infamous track featured in Ford v. Ferrari. Le Mans is a historic French competition track which racers spend 24 hours on. It is the ultimate test of the machines as drivers are forced to round tight corners and top 200 mph on straightaways.

   Starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, Ford v. Ferrari tells one story that took place on that iconic track in the mid-1960s. American manufacturing titan Ford took on Italy’s Ferrari, the reigning champion of Le Mans. Even though Ford wasn’t considered a racing powerhouse, the American brand brought on two racing legends, Carroll Shelby (Damon) and Ken Miles (Bale) to help them take the European title.

   where to watch FORD V FERRARI

2. Senna

   Anyone who follows the racing world knows the name Ayrton Senna, regarded by many as the greatest racing driver ever. This 2010 documentary tells the story of the Brazilian Formula One racing driver who won the F1 world championship three times before his tragic death at only 34 years old.

   Director Asif Kapadia and editors Chris King and Gregers Sall sifted through old film and videotape to produce a portrait of Senna entirely out of archival footage. The array of clips includes news programs, home movies, and race footage from both outside and inside the cars. Instead of a more traditional documentary with testimonial interviews, Senna is produced like a narrative that is as neatly constructed as any other movie, following along as Senna tackles challenges on and off the racing track.

   where to watch SENNA

3. Rush

   Gran Turismo brought plenty of drama and racing but was a little lackluster in the romance department. If you wanted more of Jann and Audrey’s love story then watch Rush next.

   With A-list celebrities Chris Hemsworth (James Hunt) and Olivia Wilde (Suzy Miller), Rush is about yet another F1 racing story. In the mid-1970s, an intense rivalry between two drivers pushed each to the breaking point of physical and mental endurance. Meanwhile, the women (Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara) in their lives can just watch as both drivers risk death with every lap.

   where to watch rush

4. McLaren

   If you love the historical elements and more informative side of Gran Turismo then these next few movie choices are the ones for you. McLaren tells the story of race car driver Bruce McLaren, who founded McLaren Motor Racing back in 1963. This documentary-style film tells how McLaren, a man from New Zealand, not only made a name for himself but took on the elite world of racing… and won.

   where to watch mclaren

5. The Green Hell

   Much like in Gran Turismo, this next movie also features the deadly Nürburgring track, or as the film’s name indicates, The Green Hell. It’s the story of the world’s most legendary, demanding, and deadly racetrack. Although The Green Hell is another documentary-style film, it’s still sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The film includes footage and pictures of the circuit being built back in the 1920s as well as race footage covering the early era of racing and the subsequent Formula One era. 

   stream the green hell on prime video

6. The 24 Hour War

   If after you watched Gran Turismo and then Ford v. Ferrari you still wanted to watch more of the wildly popular Le Mans, then this next movie was made for you. The 24 Hour War is a 2016 documentary all about the track and one race that took place on it back in 1960. Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari enter a fierce rivalry when they go head to head at Le Mans. This one is a must-watch for any car lover or race enthusiast out there.

   where to watch the 24 hour war

7. Days of Thunder

   where to watch Days of Thunder

   Last on our list of racing stories is the 1990 film Days of Thunder. While this one isn’t totally true, its main character, Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) is based loosely on the careers of Tim Richmond and Geoff Bodine. A few of the scenes throughout the movie are reenacted or referenced real-life stories from NASCAR history.

   The story begins with a rivalry between rookie hotshot Cole Trickle (Tom Cruise) and veteran racer Rowdy Burns (Michael Rooker). That relationship is tested after both are injured in competition. What follows next is drama, romance, and of course lots of racing.