Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares his favorite NASCAR movie in a recent discussion, and it is not the one fans might expect. Despite appearing in Talladega Nights, Earnhardt revealed on his podcast this week that another film stands out as the most authentic NASCAR depiction to him.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Discusses NASCAR Films
Dale Earnhardt Jr., two-time Xfinity Series champion and veteran driver, addressed the topic of NASCAR movies during his latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download. This conversation was sparked by recent comments from fellow Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott, who openly criticized the comedic depiction of racing in Talladega Nights. While Wallace acknowledged that the movie succeeds as a comedy, he and Elliott agreed that its portrayal of actual racing leaves much to be desired and sometimes seems to mock NASCAR itself.
Instead of criticizing the film he cameoed in, Earnhardt opted to highlight a different title when asked about his favorite. He pointed his fans towards a classic from the 1970s, which features an Academy Award-winning actor in the lead role.
The Last American Hero: Earnhardt’s Top Choice
Earnhardt shared that his favorite NASCAR movie is The Last American Hero, a sports drama released in 1972. The film stars Jeff Bridges and is loosely based on the real-life story of Junior Johnson, a famed NASCAR driver and former moonshiner. Earnhardt’s appreciation for the movie stems from its authenticity and portrayal of racing before Hollywood sensationalism became commonplace in sports films.
Last American Hero, Jeff Bridges is the star. It’s about Junior Johnson, loosely, and Junior Johnson’s story as a moonshiner and a driver. I think the reason why I like it is because it was before — it was done in ’71, ’72, ’73, and it’s before — Hollywood eventually is going to sensationalize,
—Earnhardt, via On3
He continued sharing his perspective on the film’s depiction of the sport, noting that its focus on short-track racing, the loneliness of traveling drivers, and real-life obstacles delivers an authentic feel. Earnhardt reminisced about scenes with characters like Ralph Earnhardt and appreciated the film’s effort to avoid embellishing the truth for dramatic effect. He noted the casting of a young Jeff Bridges as especially memorable, considering Bridges’ later rise to fame.
Critical Response and Cultural Legacy
The Last American Hero has been well received by critics and retains a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, supporting Earnhardt’s view of its significance within the NASCAR film genre. The movie’s genuine storytelling and depiction of a transformative era in racing give it a lasting appeal for both longtime fans and newcomers to the sport.
Earnhardt Jr.’s endorsement may encourage a new generation of fans and drivers—such as Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott—to revisit classic racing films, promoting conversation about how Hollywood represents the NASCAR world. As the debate continues over which movie truly captures the spirit of racing, Earnhardt’s perspective contributes to an ongoing discussion among athletes and fans alike, while also reaffirming the importance of preserving authentic racing stories on screen.
