Quarantine and Isolation Got You Bored Out of Your Mind? Stream These Car Movies and Shows.
You may not be able to leave the house this Easter Holidays, but you sure as hell can still enjoy a road trip from the comfort of your couch.
With social distancing and lock out withholding us to the confinements of our homes, Easter plans and road trips have been thrown out the window.
However, thanks to TV streaming services in Australia, you can still experience all the heart racing action, frustrations and sing-alongs of going on a family road trip while sitting on the edge of your couch with your loved ones.
Close enough right?
Here’s our top must-watch TV guide on the best car movies and tv series on Netflix, Stan Disney+ and more to keep you entertained.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive Season 1 & 2
On Netflix
You may not be a diehard fan decked in Ferrari merch and deeply invested in the world of Formula 1, but you’ll certainly find yourself rooting for the underdog teams by this captivating and heart stopping series. The documentary shines a light on what goes on behind the scenes of F1, revealing the hardships and competitiveness of being a F1 driver, the stress of managing a team, their families and team owners throughout an entire season of F1 racing. Even if you don’t follow F1 on the reg, the doco takes you on an emotional ride on what Drive to Survive truly means for some of the top drivers in the world, including Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.
Rush
On Amazon Prime
Take a trip down memory lane as this movie follows the fierce rivalry between two of the most famous F1 drivers: Britain’s James Hunt, played by Australia’s own Chris Hemsworth vs Austria’s Niki Lauda played by Daniel Bruhl. The film takes place during the groovy 70s and dives into the two very different characters temperaments, competitiveness, careers and personal lives. Get a glimpse of all the blood, sweat, tears and frustrations of Formula 1 racing from another era.
Time to take it down a notch.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
On Netflix
If you’re looking for something that’s chill, easy to watch and absurdly funny, this addictive series is as simplistic as comedians jumping in classic cars and getting coffee. Hosted by one of the world’s funniest comedians to ever grace our screens, Jerry Seinfield, interviews the industry’s funniest people in some real classic cars.
There’s no story. You know where they are going. They are getting coffee. But what drives this series is the deep, often silly, unhinged conversations of comedians and an appreciation for timeless classics including the 2004 Porsche Carrera GT (with Eddie Murphy), 1976 Dodge Royal Monaco Sedan (with Seth Rogen), and Rolls Royce Dawn (with Ricky Gervais).
Here’s one for the kids and the whole family to enjoy.
Cars 3
On Disney+
The legendary Lightning McQueen is back in action but not quite as you would expect. As he struggles to keep up with a new generation of rookie racers, who are much faster, finds himself searching for the help of a younger, eager racer with her own dreams of winning.
With inspiration from the late Hudson Hornet, and a few unexpected twists and turns, the famous #95 still has the heart of a champion.
Hyperdrive
On Netflix
Who remembers the likes of 1995 Australian TV series Gladiators? The toughest of men and women going head-to-head through a vigorous obstacle course with only one winner. Now imagine them in cars and that’s what Hyperdrive brings to the table. The open-invitation build and race competition involves elite street drivers from around the world to complete an out of this world automotive obstacle course in custom cars. Many will compete but there can only be one Hyperdrive champion.
McLaren
On Stan
A true story of Bruce McLaren, the New Zealander who founded what is now one of the world’s most famous iconic racing teams, McLaren Motor Racing Team. The show dives into his successful career as a Formula 1 driver, his legacy and the unravelling of his tragic death at the age of 32, while testing a new car he designed — the McLaren M8D Can-Am. From humble beginnings, Bruce McLaren shows what it takes to take on the elite of motor sports and win.
Fastest Car
On Netflix
Think Fast and Furious 1 vs Fast and Furious 5. The unscripted reality series sees souped-up sleeper cars go head-to-head with some of the worlds most sought-after supercars owned by rich kids. What are the chances of a 1984 Honda CRX beating a Ferrari California?
Wreck-It Ralph
On Disney+
Based on classic arcade video games, Wreck-It Ralph dives into a story where a video game villain begins his quest to become a hero and sets out to fulfil his dreams.
On his journey, he meets Vanellope von Schweetz, a little troublemaker from a candy-coated cart racing game ‘Sugar Rush Speedway’ who might just be the one to teach Ralph what it means to be a good guy. Even as an adult, this movie was a brilliant work of art with beautiful animations featuring a classic story of guy-becomes-hero.
West Coast Customs
On Netflix
Who remembers MTV’s Pimp My Ride? Well if you’re after some outlandish and ludacris custom car modifications, this 6 season reality TV series will be sure to satisfy your hunger. You’ll find epic car designs, makeovers, remodelling and the cutting-edge technology coupled with unparalleled craftsmanship. Welcome to the life of the rich and famous
Rust Valley Restorers
On Netflix
Who doesn’t love a good vintage/classic car restoration? This Candian reality series brings to life hunks of junk into collectible masterpieces. Based in Rusty Valley, a car junkyard at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the show is centred around the Rust Bros which is a car restoration shop run by a team of passionate car lovers, with leader Mike Hall, who has had a history of hoarding old cars since his teenage years.
If you have had enough and wish to go for a ride, have a look through WA’s best drives.