If you’ve got a ‘need for speed‘ from the comfort of your couch, we’ve got you covered.
Throughout the history of TV and film, cars have played a significant role, featuring iconic vehicles like James Bond’s Aston Martin, KITT from Knight Rider, the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1, Doc Brown’s DeLorean from Back to the Future, the A-Team’s van, and, of course, the Batmobile. However, in recent times, cars have transcended their roles in cop shows and classic movies to become a genre of their own.
Today, there’s a wide array of vehicle-centric programs spanning film franchises, sitcoms, procedurals, docuseries, reality shows, and more. Whether you’re searching for anything related to cars, driving, or speed, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. So, we’ve navigated through the vast selection and curated a list of 10 series centered around cars that are definitely worth your attention. Get ready to buckle up and explore our recommendations of these car shows now available to stream on Netflix, worth binge watching.
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Formula 1: Drive to Survive
While Formula 1 has been a prominent fixture on the global sports scene for years, it wasn’t until the arrival of this reality series that it truly made its mark in America. Debuting in 2019, Drive to Survive offers viewers an exclusive peek behind the curtains of the 2018–2022 racing seasons, delving into the inner workings of every team, including the legendary Ferrari and Mercedes. The show takes audiences into the lives and preparations of the drivers, team owners, and managers. Drive has been widely acknowledged for significantly boosting the sport’s popularity in the US. For instance, the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in May 2022 saw the attendance of renowned figures such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Venus and Serena Williams. The series has also elevated the status of star drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, whose intense battle for the 2021 title served as the focal point of Season 4. Season 5 premiered in February 2023, and Season 5 just premiered in Canada on February 23rd, 2024.
Car Masters: Rust to Riches
If you’re in the mood for witnessing remarkable transformations from rags to riches, then look no further than Car Masters: Rust to Riches, where Mark Towle and his skilled crew at Gotham Garage work their magic. Set in Gotham’s Temecula, California, garage, this reality series follows Towle, the owner and mechanic of Gotham, and his team as they restore a diverse array of classic cars and give them modern updates with the aim of selling them for a handsome profit. Season 5, which premiered in December 2023, showcases Towle, along with Tony Quinones, Constance Nunes, Shawn Pilot, and Michael “Caveman” Pyle, as they work on transforming vehicles like the Ferrari 360 Spider, a ’69 Chevelle, a Harley-Davidson Dyna, and even a Tesla.
Schumacher
A compelling documentary released in 2021 that delves deep into the remarkable life and career of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. Directed by Hanns-Bruno Kammertöns, Vanessa Nöcker, and Michael Wech, the film offers an intimate portrait of the iconic racing driver, exploring his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most celebrated and dominant figures in motorsport history. Through archival footage, interviews with family, friends, and fellow drivers, as well as insights from Schumacher himself, the documentary paints a comprehensive picture of his unparalleled talent, relentless determination, and the profound impact he left on the world of racing.
With unprecedented access to Schumacher’s private life, “Schumacher” offers audiences a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of the man behind the racing legend. From his meteoric rise to fame to the tragic skiing accident that left him with severe brain injuries in 2013, the film navigates through the highs and lows of Schumacher’s life with sensitivity and respect. Ultimately, “Schumacher” serves as a poignant tribute to a sporting icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations of racing enthusiasts worldwide.
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Top Gear
When cars come to mind in pop culture, the Fast & Furious franchise immediately springs to attention. Yet, this blockbuster series isn’t just about delivering thrills, jaw-dropping action, and stylish vehicles on the silver screen. Executive produced by Fast luminaries Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, and Chris Morgan, the animated spin-off Fast & Furious Spy Racers follows the escapades of a younger member of the Toretto family: Tony, the teenage cousin of Dom (portrayed by Diesel), voiced by Tyler Posey from Teen Wolf. Across six seasons, Tony and his crew are enlisted by Ms. Nowhere (voiced by Renée Elise Goldsberry of Hamilton fame) and a government agency to embark on covert missions, infiltrating dangerous criminal organizations. Alongside Posey, Spy Racers boasts appearances from Jimmy Tatro (known for American Vandal), Danny Trejo (from Heat), WWE icon Big Show, Eric Bauza (renowned for voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and various Looney Tunes characters), and even Vin Diesel himself, alongside his daughter Similce Diesel—proving that the Fast legacy truly runs in the family.
Fast & Furious Spy Racers
When cars come to mind in pop culture, the Fast & Furious franchise immediately springs to attention. Yet, this blockbuster series isn’t just about delivering thrills, jaw-dropping action, and stylish vehicles on the silver screen. Executive produced by Fast luminaries Vin Diesel, Neal H. Moritz, and Chris Morgan, the animated spin-off Fast & Furious Spy Racers follows the escapades of a younger member of the Toretto family: Tony, the teenage cousin of Dom (portrayed by Diesel), voiced by Tyler Posey from Teen Wolf. Across six seasons, Tony and his crew are enlisted by Ms. Nowhere (voiced by Renée Elise Goldsberry of Hamilton fame) and a government agency to embark on covert missions, infiltrating dangerous criminal organizations. Alongside Posey, Spy Racers boasts appearances from Jimmy Tatro (known for American Vandal), Danny Trejo (from Heat), WWE icon Big Show, Eric Bauza (renowned for voicing Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and various Looney Tunes characters), and even Vin Diesel himself, alongside his daughter Similce Diesel—proving that the Fast legacy truly runs in the family.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
Fans of comedy, cars, and coffee can celebrate! The unconventional, mobile talk show offers creator, director, and host Jerry Seinfeld the opportunity to spend time with his famous acquaintances over a steaming beverage and a stylish drive. Each episode kicks off with Seinfeld fetching a celebrity guest in a vintage car chosen especially for them. The pair then embarks on a journey to a restaurant or café for a lively conversation about comedy, often making an unplanned second stop along the way. Across a total of 84 episodes, Seinfeld has welcomed an impressive array of guests, including Larry David, Ricky Gervais, Alec Baldwin, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, David Letterman, Chris Rock, Don Rickles, Jay Leno, Tina Fey, Howard Stern, Jon Stewart, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Will Ferrell, Steve Martin, Garry Shandling, Lorne Michaels, Kristen Wiig, Norm Macdonald, Jerry Lewis, Eddie Murphy, John Mulaney, Jamie Foxx, and even Barack Obama. That’s quite a caffeine-fueled lineup! 6 seasons now streaming in Canada.
Hyperdrive
Sticking with the Fast & Furious theme, the reality competition Hyperdrive comes from Oscar winner Charlize Theron, whose on-screen racing résumé includes The Italian Job, Mad Max: Fury Road and her ongoing scene-stealing turn as cyber-villain Cipher in the Fast franchise. Executive produced by Theron and hosted by former UFC champion Michael Bisping, Top Gear’s Rutledge Wood, and sports anchors Lindsay Czarniak and Mike Hill, the 10-episode series finds 28 elite street racers from around the world facing off as they attempt to navigate an obstacle-filled course. Expect plenty of crashes, triumphs, and drama in the nonstop action of Hyperdrive, which Theron has compared to a combination of American Ninja Warrior and Fast & Furious. Tune in to see if these competitors also go to space.
Race: Bubba Wallace
Debut back in early 2022, the documentary series Race: Bubba Wallace offers a compelling and intimate glimpse into the recent years of Bubba Wallace, the sole Black full-time driver in NASCAR’s Cup Series. While the series chronicles Wallace’s experiences behind the wheel during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, including his rise to prominence with Michael Jordan’s newly established NASCAR team, it’s the events occurring outside of the car that resonate most profoundly. Across its six episodes, Race delves into Wallace’s courageous stance against racism within his sport following the tragic murder of George Floyd. He emerged as a significant figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, advocating for the prohibition of Confederate flag displays at races. Subsequent episodes address the unsettling discovery of what initially appeared to be a noose in his garage at Talladega Superspeedway and the subsequent backlash he faced when the FBI concluded it was not a hate crime but rather an existing pull-down rope.
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Drive Hard: The Maloof Way
In the reality series Drive Hard: The Maloof Way, viewers are introduced to the Maloofs, a family deeply immersed in the world of stunt driving and automotive engineering. Known for their expertise in crafting high-tech, powerful car engines and executing daring stunts, the Maloof family showcases their skills and passion throughout the show. At the helm of Maloof Racing Engines is Sammy Maloof, a charismatic and committed figure with a wealth of experience as both a racer and stunt driver. His impressive resume includes work on notable films such as 2 Fast 2 Furious, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Rush Hour, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Enemy of the State, among others. Alongside Sammy is his daughter Hannah, whom he has trained to follow in his footsteps, making them a formidable duo in the world of automotive entertainment. Fans of Netflix’s car-related content may recognize the Maloofs from their previous appearance together on the premiere episode of Fastest Car in 2018. When it comes to speed and adrenaline, the Maloofs are at the forefront.
The Crew
Following his iconic portrayal of delivery driver Doug Heffernan on the beloved sitcom King of Queens, Kevin James ventured into a completely different realm of drivers with The Crew. Created by Jeff Lowell, known for his work on The Ranch, and helmed by Andy Fickman, director of Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, She’s the Man, and Race to Witch Mountain, The Crew features James in the role of Kevin Gibson, the crew chief of NASCAR team Bobby Spencer Racing. Gibson’s routine is disrupted when long-time owner Bobby Spencer, played by Bruce McGill, steps down and passes the reins to his millennial daughter Catherine, portrayed by Jillian Mueller. The series also boasts appearances from NASCAR drivers Austin Dillon and Ryan Blaney. Alongside James, the main cast of this workplace comedy includes Dan Ahdoot from Cobra Kai, Tony nominee Sarah Stiles, Gary Anthony Williams from Boston Legal, and Freddie Stroma from Peacemaker.