Christian Bale and Matt Damon’s acclaimed biopic, Ford v Ferrari, has surged to popularity on Netflix. The film, released on January 1, 2026, quickly nabbed the #5 position on Netflix’s top 10 U.S. movies chart as of January 2, 2026.
Film Overview
Directed by James Mangold, Ford v Ferrari first premiered on November 13, 2019. This high-octane drama portrays the true story of legendary auto designer Carroll Shelby, played by Damon, and race car driver Ken Miles, depicted by Bale. Together, they attempt to conquer the iconic 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford, competing against Ferrari’s established dominance in the racing world.
Success at the Box Office
The film was a box office hit, earning approximately $225 million against a budget of $97.6 million. Critics responded favorably, granting it a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critical Acclaim
Reviewers lauded the film for its technical prowess and thrilling racing scenes. Many noted the captivating performances of Bale and Damon, highlighting the film’s appeal to both racing enthusiasts and general audiences.
- Director: James Mangold
- Release Date: November 13, 2019
- Runtime: 153 minutes
- Oscar Nominations: 4 (including Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing)
A Cinematic Experience
Ford v Ferrari was noted for its blend of practical stunt-driving with minimal CGI. Critics emphasized the film’s ability to accurately capture the intense atmosphere of the racetrack.
Award Recognition
Despite its critical acclaim and box office success, Christian Bale and Matt Damon missed out on Academy Awards nominations in the acting categories that year. However, Bale received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama.
Ford v Ferrari remains available for streaming on Netflix, continuing to captivate audiences with its engaging storytelling and dynamic performances by Bale and Damon.
