Ford v. Ferrari Is The Perfect Sequel To 2023 Movie With 72% On Rotten Tomatoes

Summary Ford v. Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale as real-life legends Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles at the 1966 Le Mans race.

Based on true events, Ford v. Ferrari was critically acclaimed, while its spiritual predecessor Ferrari received mixed reviews.

Ford v. Ferrari chronicles Ford's victory over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966, ending Ferrari's winning 6-year streak.

Although Ford v. Ferrari is not part of an extended franchise, one 2023 movie is perfect to watch before the celebrated James Mangold film. Ford v. Ferrari stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, two real-life legends of the Ford automobile brand and racing team. The film was nominated for 4 Academy Awards at the 2020 Oscars, including Best Picture of the Year, taking home the trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing.

Ford v Ferrari is based on the true story of Shelby, a notable car designer, who enlists Miles to race a revolutionary Ford car during the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Ford v. Ferrari was a critical success, earning a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes. That is quite a different score than its spiritual predecessor, Ferrari (2023), which earned a critical score of just 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Michael Mann (Heat, Collateral, The Insider), Ferrari is set in the summer of 1957 when Enzo Ferrari's empire is in crisis.

Ford v. Ferrari is available to stream on Apple TV+.

Related 10 Car Movies Based On A True Story To Watch If You Loved Ford V Ferrari For those car lovers who just want more movies about racing, building, and driving - these are the next ten to go on the to-watch list.

How Ford v. Ferrari Works As A Sequel To 2023's Ferrari Movie

Ford v. Ferrari takes place just a few years after Ferrari

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Ferrari chronicles one of the most turbulent periods in Enzo Ferrari's life, one that would be tragically remembered for the fatal crash at the 1957 Mille Miglia, which was an incredibly challenging 1,000-mile race across Italy. After the events depicted at the end of Michael Mann's Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari and the tire manufacturer Englebert were charged with manslaughter after the 1957 crash killed nine spectators, five of whom were only children. They would go on to fight legal battles and avoid jail time until the case was finally dismissed in 1961.

Despite the challenges Ferrari and his legendary car brand faced following the 1957 Mille Miglia, Ferrari enjoyed continued success at Le Mans and Formula One throughout the 1960s. Between 1960 and 1965, a Ferrari car won the Le Mans six consecutive times. This made Ferrari the main opponent for Ford to take down, which it eventually did in 1966 with its iconic Ford GT40 Mk. II as depicted in Ford v. Ferrari. This would begin a new trend at Le Mans for Ford and end Ferrari's hot streak. Ford would go on to win the next three consecutive Le Mans.

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Ford v. Ferrari Is Even Better Than 2023's Ferrari

Ford v. Ferrari was one of the best films of 2019

While Ferrari is considered one of the better movies of 2023, it ultimately did not achieve the same critical acclaim as Ford v. Ferrari. At 2 hours and 32 minutes, Ford V. Ferrari is a powerhouse of a movie, and the onscreen chemistry between Bale and Damon is just one of the great aspects of the overall film. Ferrari also had great performances from Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz but isn't quite as full-throttle in terms of entertainment value. Ford v. Ferrari is also Mangold's follow-up to the celebrated Logan, adding yet another reason to check it out.