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Ford v Ferrari

Ford v Ferrari

They took the American dream for a ride.

2019152 minPG-13Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
James Mangold
Starring
Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitríona Balfe

American car designer Carroll Shelby and the British-born driver Ken Miles work together to battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ford v Ferrari?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ford v Ferrari streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Ford v Ferrari?

Ford v Ferrari earns 7 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Oscar Winner.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Ford v Ferrari worth watching?

Ford v Ferrari's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 1.8M ratings across 6 sources. 94% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)98th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

82 /100

98th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action98th percentile among 2010s

Critics 81 · Audience 82

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

94% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
94% rated it 7–106% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 98%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

2 Oscars won · 2 Oscar noms · 22 wins / 76 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Film Editing
  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Achievement in Sound Editing

99th percentile

1.8M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 13% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$98M
Opening weekend$31M
Domestic gross$118M
Worldwide gross$226M

Returned 2.3× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-crafted, old-fashioned crowd-pleaser driven by the chemistry of its two leads and spectacular racing scenes.

Fans praised

  • lead chemistry between Damon and Bale
  • thrilling, immersive racing sequences
  • entertaining blend of drama, humor, and heart

Detractors panned

  • clichéd, formulaic sports-movie tropes
  • historical inaccuracies and Hollywood fabrication
  • over-the-top, hammy acting from Christian Bale

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

electric chemistry between Bale and Damon; Bale's performance divisive (praised as transformative, panned as hammy)

TensionDivisive80

edge-of-seat racing; detractors cite predictable beats reduce suspense

CinematographyDivisive75

vivid period recreation; racing shots praised for visceral in-car perspective

Effects and spectacleDivisive75

practical effects and CGI seamless in races; detractors call some CGI obvious

CharactersDivisive70

fleshed-out leads; Ford executives and Ferrari side treated as cardboard villains

PacingDivisive70

long runtime but brisk; some critics find it overlong and draggy mid-section

Plot and storyDivisive60

predictable underdog narrative; liberties with true story divide viewers

OriginalityDivisive40

competently executed but highly derivative of other sports dramas

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Ford v Ferrari like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and uplifting: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be moved and come out lifted.

It has a few laughs and leaves you fired up. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Moving and uplifting.

Moods
TenseTriumphantMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film balances tense racing sequences with heartfelt character moments, played with sincere emotion and a sense of adventure.
The rideThe racing sequences are high-tension set pieces, contrasting with character‑driven interludes; the late section is bittersweet, shifting from triumph to tragedy.
StructureThe story is told chronologically from Ford's decision to race through the development, the 1966 Le Mans race, and the aftermath.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Fired up.

The answer rests on this: Rousing · 10% of filmsBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayThe film celebrates human ingenuity and perseverance while acknowledging the cost, leaving the viewer both energized and reflective.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows the determined effort by Ford, Shelby, and Miles to build a car that can beat Ferrari at Le Mans, with the rivalry between the two companies and the internal corporate battles driving the story.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfAmbitionSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% (this title) · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Ambition · 7% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsFriendship · 9% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is driven by the ambition of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles to engineer and drive the perfect race car, all while navigating the conflicting loyalties of corporate power, personal rivalry, and creative independence.
StanceThe film celebrates the ambition and passion of the central duo (Shelby and Miles) to engineer a masterpiece and win on their own terms, even as it critiques corporate meddling.

The world

Mid 20th centuryIn transitInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
SettingThe Detroit boardroom and the Le Mans racetrack in the 1960s
MusicThe score is propulsive during racing sequences and understated in emotional beats, with guitar and piano motifs.

Content guide

Is Ford v Ferrari okay for kids?

PG-13

Ford v Ferrari is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some language and peril” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at moderate (55/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at moderate (39/100). Overall it is heavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 30 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland12A
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium16
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK12
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway9
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK12
  • Spain7
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • THG
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 23% of all filmsHeavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 12%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 80%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 45%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 42%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is language, heavier than 80% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Ford v Ferrari have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ford v Ferrari?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Matt Damon
as Carroll Shelby
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Christian Bale
as Ken Miles
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - DramaTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jon Bernthal
as Lee Iacocca
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Caitríona Balfe
as Mollie Miles
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Josh Lucas
as Leo Beebe
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Noah Jupe
as Peter Miles
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Tracy Letts
as Henry Ford II
Remo Girone
as Enzo Ferrari
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Ray McKinnon
as Phil Remington
JJ Feild
as Roy Lunn

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ford v Ferrari?

Movies like Ford v Ferrari include King Richard (2021), Get on Up (2014) and Rush (2013). Of the 12 closest matches, two are films by James Mangold, and half are biopics.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its story type: sports underdog. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ford v Ferrari?

1.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: sports underdog. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.