Got a need for speed from the comfort of your couch? Well, we’ve got you covered. Featuring iconic vehicles, cars have played a significant role throughout the history of TV and film from James Bond’s Aston Martin to the Batmobile. However, in recent times, cars have transcended their roles in classic shows and movies to become a genre of their own. And it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the plethora of viewing options. From Formula 1: Drive to Survive to Race: Bubba Wallace - we’ve sped through the endless tank of possibilities and selected 5 car-related series worth your attention that are now available to stream on Netflix. So buckle up, hit the gas and the play button.
1. Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of Formula 1? Even though Formula 1 has been prominent on the international sports stage - it wasn't until this reality series drove onto the scene that it felt like the European association truly made its mark. Debuting in 2019, Drive to Survive offers one an exclusive sneak peek of the 2018–2022 racing seasons delving into the inner workings of every team - from the legendary Ferrari to Mercedes - and showcases the lives and preparation of the drivers, managers and owners. With the inaugural Miami Grand Prix in May 2022 attracting the likes of Tom Brady, LeBron James and Serena Williams - the show has been acknowledged for exploding the sport’s popularity in the United States. It’s elevated the status of star drivers from Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, whose fierce battle for the 2021 title served as the focal point of Season 4. The show’s sixth season raced onto screens in February 2024 - even if you’re not a fan of the sport itself, this show could get you hooked. It isn't just for car fanatics, it's for anyone with a knack for adventure and excitement.
2. Hyperdrive
Another polarizing programme that premiered in 2019 - reality competition Hyperdrive stems from Oscar-winning Charlize Theron, whose on-screen racing résumé features The Italian Job and Mad Max: Fury Road. Executive produced by Theron and hosted by former UFC champion Michael Bisping, Top Gear’s Rutledge Wood as well as sports anchors Lindsay Czarniak and Mike Hill - this 10-episode series finds 28 elite street racers from across the globe testing their limits and competing in supercharged custom cars on the biggest, baddest automotive obstacle course ever built. Here’s what to expect - plenty of crashes, triumphs and drama in the non-stop action of Hyperdrive that Theron has compared to a blend of American Ninja Warrior and Fast & Furious.
3. Car Masters: Rust to Riches
Are you in the mood to witness remarkable transformations from rags to riches? If yes - look no further than Car Masters: Rust to Riches where Mark Towle and his masterful crew at Gotham Garage work their magic. First aired in 2018 and with Season 6 around the corner - the series has gained a massive following in a short amount of time. This reality show finds Towle - Gotham owner and mechanic - and his team restoring an eclectic collection of classic cars and giving them modern makeovers with the aim of flipping them for an impressive profit. Season 5, released in December 2023, showcases Towle along with Tony Quinones, Constance Nunes, Shawn Pilot and Michael “Caveman” Pyle as they work on transforming vehicles from the Ferrari 360 Spider to a ’69 Chevelle, a Harley-Davidson Dyna and even a Tesla. Each episode takes on one project at a time for one to soak up the process.
4. Drive Hard: The Maloof Way
Debuting in 2022, reality series Drive Hard: The Maloof Way introduces the Maloofs - a family deeply immersed in the world of stunt driving and automotive engineering. Showcasing their skills and passion throughout this show, they’re known for their expertise in crafting high-tech powerful car engines and executing daring stunts. At the helm of Maloof Racing Engines is the charismatic and dedicated Sammy Maloof - with a wealth of experience as both prolific racer and stunt driver who has worked on notable films from 2 Fast 2 Furious to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Rush Hour, Gone in 60 Seconds, Enemy of the State, amongst others. Alongside Sammy is his daughter Hannah - trained to follow his footsteps - making them a formidable duo in the world of automotive entertainment. If you’re a fan of Netflix’s car-related content, you may recognize the Maloofs from their previous appearance together on the premiere episode of Fastest Car in 2018. Well, when it comes to adrenaline and speed, it doesn’t get much faster than the Maloofs.
5. Race: Bubba Wallace
Documentary series Race: Bubba Wallace, premiering in 2022, offers an intimate and compelling 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 fame with Michael Jordan’s newly established NASCAR team - it’s the events unfolding outside of the car that profoundly leave an impact. This six episode show quickly Race delves into Wallace’s brave stand against racism within his sport following the tragic murder of George Floyd. Calling for the ban of Confederate flag displays at races - he emerged as a significant figure in the Black Lives Matter movement. Later episodes further address the unsettling discovery of what initially appeared to be a noose in his garage at Talladega Superspeedway and the backlash he faced when the FBI concluded it was not a hate crime but rather an existing pull-down rope.
