Ranking the Top 10 NASCAR Movies (Part 1)
NASCAR is a thrilling and widely followed motorsport that excites fans with its high-octane races, charismatic drivers, and exhilarating atmosphere. Hollywood has always been eager to capture the excitement and intense action of the sport on the silver screen, producing numerous memorable films that effectively convey the essence of NASCAR.
Audiences around the world witnessed comedic talent Will Ferrell delivering an unforgettable performance as the immature lead character in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," a film that quickly became a classic and added to Adam McKay's impressive body of work. Owen Wilson played a pivotal role in launching a beloved franchise as he voiced the confident race car Lightning McQueen in "Cars," a role he reprised in two highly acclaimed sequels. Here, we rank the top 10 NASCAR movies.
10. Six Pack
In the zany 1982 dramedy "Six Pack," the spotlight shines on Brewster Baker, a skilled race car driver played by country music legend Kenny Rogers. Brewster's life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself in the role of a surrogate parent to a group of mischievous and automobile-savvy orphans who had pilfered parts from his car while he was at a remote gas station in Texas.
Upon discovering that the children were coerced into stealing by the town's corrupt local sheriff, portrayed by Barry Corbin, Brewster decides to recruit them to join his pit crew. This sets the stage for a showdown between Brewster and the unscrupulous lawman. "Six Pack" also marks the early acting appearances of Diane Lane and Anthony Michael Hall, making it a playful and unconventional film.
9. Speedway
NASCAR received a musical twist when rock and roll legend Elvis Presley collaborated with fellow singer Nancy Sinatra in the 1968 lively extravaganza known as "Speedway." In this music-infused spectacle, Presley takes on the role of Steve Grayson, a benevolent and highly skilled racing sensation. Grayson finds himself embarking on a quest to help his friend and manager overcome a challenging financial predicament, which leads him to participate in a series of races with substantial cash prizes at stake.
While navigating his manager's financial troubles, Grayson crosses paths with the captivating IRS agent Susan Jacks, and their encounter sparks a blossoming romance. As Grayson races to accumulate the necessary funds to assist his friend and avoid incarceration, the film comes alive with sensational musical performances that punctuate the story.
8. Stroker Ace
In the 1983 action sports comedy "Stroker Ace," the ever-charismatic and incredibly entertaining Burt Reynolds takes on the role of the film's eponymous NASCAR driver. The story revolves around an arrogant and overly self-assured character who, after losing his contract with his original sponsor, makes a hasty decision to become the face of a fried chicken chain. However, he soon realizes that he has taken on more than he can handle with this risky arrangement.
The brash Ace finds himself in a challenging situation as he grapples with being directed by his new boss and despises the promotional stunts he is coerced into participating in. Determined to escape the unpleasant deal, the cunning racer embarks on a mission to find a way out of this predicament. While "Stroker Ace" may not be considered a cinematic masterpiece, it is worth watching for the sheer delight of witnessing Burt Reynolds in his charming and charismatic element within this lively comedy.
7. Greased Lightning
Renowned comedian and beloved entertainer Richard Pryor took on the role of real-life stock car racing driver Wendell Scott in the 1977 biographical film "Greased Lightning." The movie chronicles the remarkable life and career of this pioneering athlete, from his early days as a World War II veteran to his illustrious and highly decorated racing journey. Wendell Scott achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first Black NASCAR driver to secure a victory at the premier level, triumphing in the 1963 Grand National Series race at Speedway Park despite encountering racial prejudice and receiving death threats within the sport.
In this uplifting film, Pryor shared the screen with actors Beau Bridges and Pam Grier, showcasing his acting skills and versatility while bringing the captivating story of the legendary racer to life on the big screen. While Pryor's comedic talent was evident in the movie, he also demonstrated his ability to handle serious roles impressively.
6. Days of Thunder
Tony Scott's 1990 sports action drama "Days of Thunder," featuring an impressive ensemble cast led by Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Robert Duvall, revolves around the story of the talented NASCAR rookie Cole Trickle and his intense rivalry with the seasoned veteran racer Rowdy Burns, portrayed by Michael Rooker. Their bitter competition takes a perilous turn, resulting in severe injuries for both drivers. However, the accident ultimately forges a bond between them, transforming rivals into friends. Trickle then dedicates himself to honoring Burns by racing his car in the Daytona 500, facing off against the cunning newcomer Russ Wheeler, played by Cary Elwes.
"Days of Thunder" enjoyed tremendous success at the box office, grossing over $157 million, and even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Sound. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, who considered it a somewhat conventional narrative. While not directly based on a true story, the character of Cole Trickle is believed to have drawn inspiration from real-life race car drivers Geoff Bodine and Tim Richmond, incorporating elements from their actual experiences in the world of NASCAR.
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