The best car movies of the 2010s

Drive – 2011

I couldn’t make a stronger opening case for why the 2010s was the best decade for motoring movies than with Nicholas Winding Refn’s Drive. There was a fair amount of criticism from a large chunk of the audience on release that complained about a lack of action. However, this is where I think the movie shines. It’s the slow build-up leading to the action which makes the action so much sweeter when it arrives.

I can almost guarantee that you’ll be driving through the city at night playing the soundtrack convincing yourself you are Ryan Gosling within hours of watching.

Baby Driver – 2017

When the trailer for Baby Driver was released the entire car community sat up and took note. We were treated to footage of a red Subaru Impreza drifting away from the police and expectations couldn’t be higher. The movie did not disappoint with car chase scenes being up there with some of the best in the decade. The one slight note of disappointment was the length of time we got to spend with the Impreza was far too fleeting.

Senna – 2010

Once again, expectations were high when we all heard that a documentary on the life of Ayrton Senna was being released. Even if he isn’t your favourite driver, this film is a must-watch for pretty much anyone. The movie was filled with unseen footage and wonderful racing action that ticks the box for anyone wanting some wheel-to-wheel action. Something I half expected, but not to hit me as hard as it did, was the emotion. We all knew what was coming, but the 1994 F1 race at Imola still packs a punch.

Rush – 2013

There may have been a bit of poetic license used around that 1976 season and the relationship between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, but the film is entertaining from start to finish. There’s a little part of me that hopes a Hamilton versus Verstappen film gets made in 40 years’ time and I can tell the kids of the day what they missed out on.

Le Mans ‘66 – 2019

Also known as ‘Ford v Ferrari’ as the movie industry treats the US audience like they’re 12 years old, the Le Mans ‘66 story tells the tale of how Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles took on the Enzo Ferrari with the Ford GT40. With a great cast, including Matt Damon (Shelby) and Christian Bale (Miles), the film holds up even without the racing action we’re treated to.

There are some parts that were a little too ‘Hollywood’ for me, such as the narrative around the perfect lap and 7,000rpm being some sort of magical mediation zone, but it doesn’t detract from a really great movie.

Wheelman – 2017

This one may not be as well-known as the others on this list and could even fall into the hidden gem category. However, those that have seen it will know what I mean when I say it’s one for the car fans. They could have easily used a generic fast car from 2017, but they went for a BMW E46 330i for the first car, later followed by a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS. This immediately gets a universal nod of approval from the motoring community. Thankfully, the action and intensity lives up to the car choices to make a great underrated movie.

Honourable mention

One quick honourable mention that I couldn’t quite justify in the list is Mission Impossible: Fallout. Where the movies above all centre around cars, the sixth instalment of the Mission Impossible does not. ‘Why mention it?’ I hear you ask. Well, whilst I was casually enjoying the story and action of Fallout, out of nowhere, the franchise that makes a lot of money from product placements decides to film the best car chase in a BMW E28 5 Series. I’m still not sure why they did this, but I am so happy they did. Tom Cruise’s character begins drifting and hand-brake turning through the streets of Paris in what unexpectedly became my favourite car chase since Ronin.

Have I managed to convince you that 2010 was the best decade for car enthusiast movies? Let us know.