Car movies have been a staple of family entertainment for decades, and honestly? They're kind of the perfect genre for mixed-age viewing. You've got action, humor, heart, and vehicles doing impossible things that make kids go "WHOA" and adults go "that's not how physics works, but okay."
But not all car movies are created equal. Some are legitimately great cinema that happens to feature cars. Others are... well, let's just say there's a reason Cars 2 exists and we're all just choosing to move past it.
This guide breaks down the best car-themed films by age group, so you can pick something that won't bore your 5-year-old or make your 12-year-old roll their eyes so hard they sprain something.
There's something universally appealing about vehicles with personality. Maybe it's the anthropomorphization (kids love when objects come alive). Maybe it's the speed and spectacle. Or maybe it's just that cars represent freedom and adventure, even to kids who are years away from a driver's license.
The best car movies tap into that sense of possibility while also telling stories about friendship, perseverance, and finding your place in the world. The worst ones are just... loud noises and product placement.
Cars (2006) - Ages 4+ Look, Cars is not Pixar's best work. It's probably not even top 10. But it's genuinely sweet, visually gorgeous, and has enough heart to make up for a somewhat predictable plot. Lightning McQueen learns that winning isn't everything, small towns matter, and Paul Newman's voice as Doc Hudson will make you weep.
The movie works best for younger kids (4-8) who aren't yet jaded about the "hotshot learns humility" storyline. Plus, the world-building is actually impressive—Route 66 nostalgia, car puns that work way better than they should, and a surprising amount of automotive history woven in.
Skip: Cars 2 - This movie is bad. Not "bad for Pixar," just bad. It abandons everything that worked about the first film to make Mater a spy, and it's as chaotic and unfocused as that sounds. Your kids might like it because it's loud and colorful, but you will suffer.
Cars 3 (2017) - Ages 6+ This is the redemption arc. Cars 3 is actually good—it deals with aging, legacy, mentorship, and knowing when to step aside. It's got genuine emotional weight, and the racing sequences are stunning. If you're going to watch one Cars movie with older elementary kids, make it this one.
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005) - Ages 7+ Yes, this is a Lindsay Lohan vehicle (pun intended) from her Disney days, and yes, it's cheesy. But it's also fun, has a surprising amount of heart, and the practical effects with Herbie still hold up. Good for kids who like underdog stories and aren't ready for more intense racing films.
Turbo (2013) - Ages 5+ Okay, technically Turbo is about a snail, but he races at the Indy 500, so it counts. This DreamWorks film is better than it has any right to be—funny, fast-paced, and with a surprisingly stacked voice cast. It's about dreaming big even when everyone thinks you're ridiculous, which is a message that lands well with elementary-aged kids.
Speed Racer (2008) - Ages 10+ This Wachowski film is WILD. It's visually overwhelming, narratively chaotic, and somehow deeply sincere about family and integrity. It bombed at the box office but has developed a cult following for good reason. The racing sequences are like nothing else—pure candy-colored chaos.
Fair warning: this is LOUD and BRIGHT and FAST. If your kid gets overstimulated easily, maybe skip it. But if they love high-energy spectacle and can handle some corporate corruption themes, Speed Racer is genuinely unique.
Ford v Ferrari (2019) - Ages 11+ This is a proper film that happens to be about racing. Christian Bale and Matt Damon are phenomenal, the racing sequences are thrilling, and it's a great story about friendship, innovation, and corporate BS getting in the way of excellence.
It's rated PG-13 for language and intensity, but it's appropriate for most tweens and teens who can handle some adult themes. Plus, it's actually educational—your kids will learn about Le Mans, Carroll Shelby, and automotive engineering without realizing they're learning.
Rush (2013) - Ages 14+ This Ron Howard film about the rivalry between Formula 1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda is rated R, so it's not for younger kids. But for teens who are genuinely interested in racing history, it's excellent. Intense, well-acted, and doesn't shy away from the danger and complexity of professional racing.
Planes (2013) - Ages 4+ This Disney (not Pixar) spin-off of Cars is... fine. It's perfectly serviceable entertainment for preschoolers and early elementary kids. The animation is good, the story is predictable but harmless, and it won't make you want to leave the room. That's about the highest praise I can give it.
Not all car movies are created equal for all ages. The Pixar films work great for younger kids but might bore teens. The "real" racing films have more mature themes but offer genuine drama and history.
Racing sequences can be intense. Even in animated films, crashes and competition can be scary for sensitive kids. Preview if you're unsure.
Some of these films are LONG. Ford v Ferrari is 2.5 hours. Make sure bladders are empty and snacks are ready.
The gender representation varies wildly. Cars has Sally, Cars 3 has Cruz Ramirez as a co-lead, but many racing films are very male-dominated. Something to be aware of if that matters to your family.
Car movies can be great family viewing, but choose based on your kids' ages and interests. For younger kids (3-8), stick with Cars, Cars 3, or Turbo. For tweens and teens who want something with more substance, Ford v Ferrari is excellent. And if you want something truly bonkers and visually unique, Speed Racer is worth a watch.
Just maybe skip Cars 2. Life's too short.
Looking for more family movie recommendations? Check out our guides on best Pixar movies for different ages or sports movies that aren't just about winning.
And if your kids are more into racing games than racing movies, learn about age-appropriate racing games
to see what's actually worth the screen time.