Neill Blomkamp served as director for the biographical sports drama Gran Turismo, which was inspired by the racing simulation video game series of the same title. The movie shows Jann Mardenborough’s (Archie Madekwe) amazing real-life tale.
His burning enthusiasm and talent for Gran Turismo make him go beyond virtual racing and turn him into a professional race car driver. Despite the challenging circumstances, Mardenborough was able to achieve what many thought was impossible.
If you’re looking for similar enthralling and action-packed movies to watch, we’ve got you covered.
8 Movies Like Gran Turismo
8. Le Mans
This gripping motorsport drama, Le Mans, directed by Lee H. Katzin starring Steve McQueen, is a reflection of the ardor and difficulties depicted in Gran Turismo. It follows the story of Michael Delaney (McQueen), a proficient racer troubled by a past accident, as he participates in the challenging 24 Hours of Le Mans race, striving to win while grappling with his personal struggles.
7. Driven
Renny Harlin directed Driven, featuring Sylvester Stallone. The movie follows Jimmy Bly (Kip Pardue), a gifted Formula One racer, and his mentor Joe Tanto (Sylvester Stallone), a former champion who is called back to help Jimmy when his career runs into trouble. It shows the competitiveness and strain that comes with motorsports.
6. Winning
James Goldstone’s Winning, starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, is a drama that follows the story of Frank Capua (Newman) as he navigates the difficulties of professional racing and personal issues. This movie exemplifies the commitment, struggles, and successes of auto racing, akin to the tale of Jann Mardenborough in Gran Turismo, who moves from a video game enthusiast to a professional race car driver.
5. Born To Race
Alex Ranarivelo’s Born to Race is a coming-of-age movie that follows Danny Krueger, a gifted street racer with a difficult history. Sent to a racing school, Danny faces off against his nemesis, Jake Kendall, and must learn to demonstrate his worth while dealing with his family issues. The movie depicts the growth of an up-and-coming driver’s abilities and mentality, much like Gran Turismo.
4. Days of Thunder
Tony Scott’s Days of Thunder stars Tom Cruise as Cole Trickle, a daring NASCAR driver. Under the tutelage of experienced crew chief Harry Hogge (Robert Duvall), Cole struggles with his inner turmoil and intense rivalries. The film is a representation of the competitive and thrilling world of stock car racing, much like in the Gran Turismo series.
Both stories portray the development from inexperienced drivers to skilled racers, focusing on the characters’ ambitious journey to become motorsport champions.
3. Senna
Asif Kapadia’s Senna tells the story of the late Brazilian Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, taking a deep dive into his life from his first race in the 1984 Brazilian Grand Prix to his death in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. The documentary utilizes archival racing footage and home videos to capture the rivalry between Senna and Alain Prost, painting an intimate portrait of the racing legend.
The film forgoes typical analysis and instead dives into what made Senna unique through personal video clips and genuine family home videos. Just like Gran Turismo, it brings together racing fantasies and genuine life objectives.
2. McLaren
McLaren is a biopic about Bruce McLaren, a New Zealand motor racing legend, directed by Roger Donaldson, and starring Dwayne Cameron as Bruce McLaren. The film offers an in-depth look at Bruce’s life through interviews, archival footage, and re-enactments. It follows his incredible journey from the Bruce McLaren Motor Racing team.
1. Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman
Adam Carolla and Nate Adams co-directed Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman, which is based on Mat Stone and Preston Lerner’s book. This documentary focuses on the 35 years of car racing by renowned actor Paul Newman, emphasizing his devotion to the sport as both a driver and owner.
The movie captures the enthusiastic ambition, unfaltering devotion, and multifaceted ardor that drive people to succeed in the world of motorsports, much like the highly engaging world of Gran Turismo.
