The 40 Greatest Car Movies Ever Made

Originally released on August 15, 2017, this list has been updated with fresh additions as new automotive films hit cinemas. Among the recent releases that have caught our attention is “F1: The Movie.”

In a simpler sentence: The original version of this list came out on August 15, 2017, but we’ve added more movies to it as they come out in theaters, such as “F1: The Movie,” which has recently caught our eye.

It appears likely that the automobile-themed film genre will persist indefinitely. A “car movie” can encompass a variety of forms, such as racing films, road trips, or even productions that simply take place around cars. Given that the concept of the modern car emerged at the end of the 19th century, much like cinema, these two technologies have evolved side by side throughout the years.

Let’s step back and explore some diverse films that prominently feature cars throughout their narratives. These movies span various genres, from classic automotive tales to cult favorites, film noir, modern blockbusters, artistic masterpieces, and even some lesser-known gems. Essentially, a “car movie” is any film where a car significantly impacts the characters’ interactions with the world – serving as a tool, weapon, dream, setting, or symbol. It’s crucial to distinguish car movies from those that contain exceptional car scenes alone, which explains why some beloved films with impressive car chases might be missing, such as The French Connection. Despite its absence, it remains an excellent movie worth watching. Here are our picks for the 40 greatest car movies; we’ve limited one film per franchise to avoid overwhelming the list with multiple Fast and Furious installments.

40. The Car

Year: 1977
Director: Elliot Silverstein
Runtime: 1h 38m

Essentially, this film is like “Jaws” but with a car, and it’s as crazy as that might sound. A menacing black car, seemingly from the depths of Hell, wreaks havoc on a small town, and it falls upon the local sheriff, James Brolin, to put an end to this terror. At times, it’s downright absurd, even comically so. Yet, that’s part of its charm – because this car performs feats no real car could ever accomplish, you never know what might happen next. Directed by Elliot Silverstein, this cult horror movie was a staple of late-night viewing for ’80s kids: If you were flipping channels and heard the ominous “Dies Irae” chords, you knew you were in for something unique.

39. Drive

Year: 2011
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Runtime: 1h 40m

This movie wasn’t exactly the awe-inspiring cinematic gem as advertised initially, but it’s an intriguing amalgamation of popular genres – the gritty car-themed films from the ’70s, the New Age aesthetics of the ’80s, and the self-aware humor of the early 21st century. Director Nicolas Winding Refn has a knack for capturing violence, but what truly stands out is his ability to foresee violence. He uses an almost speechless Ryan Gosling (portraying a stunt driver-turned-getaway driver with similarities to Ryan O’Neal in The Driver) to construct elaborate, understated scenes that are unsettling due to their hints at graphic, intense brutality that the film only sparingly reveals. To top it off, the soundtrack is quite appealing.

38. Thunder Road

Year: 1958
Director: Arthur Ripley
Runtime: 1h 38m

1958’s gritty noir film, “Thunder Road,” places Robert Mitchum as a young veteran turned illicit whisky transporter amidst the mountain moonshining underworld. These men, portrayed as wild and daring, were responsible for transporting the illegal liquor from its source to its destination using customized vehicles. This was not merely a cinematic invention; it represented an actual subculture. Although the film may lack the authentic car details that would become prominent in future movies, Mitchum’s on-screen charisma remains unmatched. Put him behind the wheel of a hot rod, and he exudes even more coolness.

37. The Italian Job

Year: 1969
Director: Peter Collinson
Runtime: 1h 39m

In a more casual and simplified manner: “Originally, you were just meant to blow open the doors! But, Michael Caine, a street-smart character fresh out of jail, hatches an absurd plan to snatch $4 million worth of gold from the heart of Turin using Mini Coopers. It’s a quirky, fun movie with amusing moments like Noel Coward as a suave gangster and Benny Hill as a lecherous professor. Quincy Jones adds to the charm with his jazzy soundtrack. What stands out most is the ingeniously executed heist and its ridiculous aftermath.”

Comparing it to other movies, “Fast and Furious” series drew inspiration from this bubbly cult classic, though they have a different tone and style.

36. The Transporter

Year: 2002
Directors: Louis Leterrier, Corey Yuen
Runtime: 1h 32m

Initially, Jason Statham was introduced to the Fast and Furious series, but earlier he starred in a movie where he played a skilled driver tasked with transporting various types of cargo without asking questions. At first, many viewers underestimated this film due to its apparent silliness, and Statham’s serious demeanor seemed rigid, despite his impressive physical abilities. However, as time passed, both the movie and Statham have grown on us, developing a charming, nostalgic aura. This is an action-packed, carefree, and distinctly French film – the type that takes breaks to discuss madeleines and Proust before continuing with the chaos. As you might expect, this is the signature style of EuropaCorp, the production company led by Luc Besson, who has also brought us the Taken series, Lucy, and numerous other action films filled with absurdity, cheesiness, and high-risk spectacle.

35. Mercedes, Mon Amour

Year: 1992
Director: Tunç Okan
Runtime: 1h 30m

This lesser-known Turkish film, reminiscent of “The Bicycle Thieves” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” tells a humorous yet heartfelt story about a villager striving to make ends meet by working in Germany. After years of saving, he finally purchases his dream car – a cherished yellow Mercedes. Eager to revel in the fruits of his labor, he embarks on a journey back home, encountering numerous obstacles along the way, many stemming from his own greed and materialism, as well as Turkey’s notoriously challenging driving conditions. A profoundly human narrative that doubles as insightful social commentary.

34. Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry

Year: 1974
Director: John Hough
Runtime: 1h 33m

As a cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: In the world of high-speed heists and illicit racing, I find myself in the shoes of Peter Fonda and Adam Roarke, two swift-changing outlaws who pull off a daring supermarket robbery. The twist? A feisty NASCAR groupie, played by Susan George, whom Fonda’s character had shared an unforgettable night with, tags along for the ride. In hot pursuit of the law, we scorch the streets first in a turbocharged ’68 Chevy Impala and then a flamboyant Dodge Challenger. The journey is filled with non-stop bickering and witty banter between us three.

Meanwhile, our pursuer, the exasperated Kenny Tobey, grapples with ineptitude among his team, red tape, and his longing for days gone by. This film is a rollercoaster of chaos, featuring death-defying stunts and an unexpectedly laid-back vibe that have etched it as a timeless car movie classic. The characters in this flick are anything but sane, yet the thrill and the film’s unique charm have left an indelible mark on cinema history.

33. Gone in 60 Seconds

Year: 2000
Director: Dominic Sena
Runtime: 2h 7m

Initially, allow me to discuss the original: The 1974 film titled “Gone in 60 Seconds“, directed by H.B. Halicki who was renowned for stunt driving and vehicle impounding, is arguably one of the most peculiar films ever made. It’s essentially a collection of car chases and stunts loosely connected by dialogue trying to tell an intricate tale about a gang stealing numerous vehicles; it’s almost unbearable to watch. The remake, however, couldn’t be more different: a glossy, Jerry Bruckheimer-produced, big-budget heist movie that flows effortlessly. Nicolas Cage plays the lead thief tasked with stealing 50 cars within 96 minutes. His team includes Robert Duvall and Angelina Jolie. The car scenes are preposterously entertaining.

32. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Year: 2006
Director: Adam McKay
Runtime: 1h 50m

Will Ferrell excels at humorously skewering the arrogant, bordering on psychotic masculinity often found in American men, and he does it all while smiling. In NASCAR, he discovered an ideal subject for his satire. One of Ferrell’s most successful and amusing films is a racing parody that chronicles the journey of a self-important champion racer, his intricate bond with his fellow racer friend John C. Reilly, and their competition against an aristocratic, snobbish Frenchman portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen. The movie seamlessly transitions between moments of arrogant pride and crushing embarrassment that are so swift you might feel nauseous from the speed.

31. Smokey and the Bandit

Year: 1977
Director: Hal Needham
Runtime: 1h 36m

The offbeat masterpiece by Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham, often likened to the underdog of cinema, initially premiered in Southern states, avoiding major media markets and critical scrutiny, eventually gaining nationwide attention; a distribution strategy mirrored by Steven Soderbergh with Logan Lucky years later. Surprisingly, it became the second highest-grossing film of the year, trailing only behind Star Wars. Reynolds portrays the Bandit, a daring character who uses his Trans-Am as a smokescreen for his friend Snowman (Jerry Reed), who is transporting illegal Coors Beer in a truck across state lines. Sally Field takes on the role of a runaway bride who joins their escapade, which leads to her would-be father-in-law, Sheriff Smokey Bear (Jackie Gleason!), chasing after them. Known for his expertise in stunts (as depicted by Brad Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Needham integrates thrilling scenes of speeding, flipping, and spinning cars throughout the movie. However, what sets it apart is how the Bandit’s journey, as it unfolds over CB radio, unites various communities, gradually transforming him into a symbol of folk heroism as the story progresses.

30. Autostop

Year: 1991
Director: Nikita Mikhalkov
Runtime: 56m

1990 saw me, as a devoted admirer, embarking on an unusual journey. Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov, who would later triumph with Burnt by the Sun, was commissioned to create a promotional film for Fiat. However, his artistic spirit led him to conceive something far more captivating instead – a poignant short feature titled “Tale of the Fisherman.”

This enchanting, somber narrative follows an Italian racing champion, who finds himself behind the wheel, navigating a car from Italy into the heart of Russia. As the pristine European highways gradually give way to the chilling, desolate landscapes of Russia, the film transforms into a profound contemplation on identity: A solitary man, bereft of family and apparent purpose, transitions from fleeting, transient encounters to inadvertently assembling an eccentric, dysfunctional makeshift family. And much like the finest automotive films, this seemingly ordinary tale of man and machine evolves into a thought-provoking metaphor for our own lives.

29. The Last American Hero

Year: 1973
Director: Lamont Johnson
Runtime: 1h 35m

Jeff Bridges landed a memorable early performance in this drama centered around Junior Jackson, an exceptionally skilled moonshine runner who transitions to stock-car racing following his father’s imprisonment. Drawing inspiration from real events, the story combines elements of a traditional coming-of-age narrative with racing action — tracing Junior’s progression from local demolition derbies to the high-stakes world of NASCAR. Junior’s journey is marked by ambition, temptation, and personal growth, making for an engaging tale. The car sequences are raw, genuine, and frequently captivating, largely due to Bridges’ magnetic charm in his youthful portrayal.

28. Locke

Year: 2013
Director: Steven Knight
Runtime: 1h 25m

In a car, Tom Hardy balances multiple responsibilities: A woman he had an affair with is on the verge of giving birth, requiring him to rush to the hospital; he must supervise a significant “concrete pour” for a new construction project (which is far more important than it seems); and he needs to explain his absence to his family for missing a crucial soccer match with his son. The movie’s tension doesn’t stem from the car, but from the mounting pressure of these situations confronting our protagonist. Tom Hardy delivers an outstanding performance, embodying unflappable composure and competence under stress. As his self-assurance wanes, and as his swiftly moving vehicle transforms into a more confining space, the movie becomes nearly breath-taking in its suspenseful intensity.

27. Grand Prix

Year: 1966
Director: John Frankenheimer
Runtime: 2h 59m

1966’s “Grand Prix,” directed by John Frankenheimer, and the 1971 film “Le Mans” (see next entry) originally served as rival studio racing epics focusing on the European circuit. In some instances, the movies ended up remarkably alike: They boasted remarkable realism and thrilling race scenes, but were occasionally marred by typical Hollywood schmaltz. Compared to its counterpart, “Grand Prix” leans more towards the “studio” side: Frankenheimer was at the peak of his abilities during production, and the racing sequences he created with legendary designer Saul Bass are intensely captivating and visually stunning. The predictable melodrama, involving a diverse group of drivers competing in a perilous sport and their respective lovers who sometimes deceive them, is enhanced by strong acting performances (notably James Garner, Yves Montand, Toshiro Mifune, Eva Marie Saint, and Jessica Walter). Truly, this is the kind of movie that embodies the essence of the classic studio system. Can you imagine watching it in all its glory on a massive 70mm screen?

26. Le Mans

Year: 1971
Director: John Frankenheimer
Runtime: 1h 46m

This movie seems to be a blend of two distinct genres rather than just a traditional Grand Prix film. One aspect is reminiscent of a documentary, showcasing the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race in vivid detail, using actual footage of the cars and drivers, as well as captivating behind-the-scenes material. The production team is said to have filmed an extensive amount of footage, much of which was unfortunately lost.

The other part of the movie appears to be a rather undeveloped drama centered around Steve McQueen’s romantic entanglement with the widow of a fellow driver whose tragic death he suspects he may have caused. Given McQueen’s passion for racing, it is plausible that his focus on authenticity might have overshadowed the development of this narrative thread.

In many ways, the underdeveloped narrative serves to emphasize the incredibly authentic racing scenes: The storyline recedes, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the captivating world of the cars, which seems to have been the filmmakers’ primary focus.

25. Taxi

Year: 2015
Director: Jafar Panahi
Runtime: 1h 22m

Jafar Panahi, a renowned Iranian filmmaker, is forbidden from creating films by his country’s authorities, but this hasn’t deterred him from crafting deeply personal, transformative works that blur the lines between documentary and investigation of his own existence. In this film, titled “Taxi,” Panahi assumes the role of a taxi driver in Tehran, where an assortment of passengers enter and exit his vehicle, each presenting their unique, intimate dramas. However, it’s not entirely as factual as it may seem at first glance; many of these encounters appear to be carefully planned and meaningful, serving to subtly critique problematic aspects of Iranian society, as well as Panahi’s position within it. This film is thought-provoking and engaging. Furthermore, it offers a profound exploration of interiority: according to Panahi, the protective barrier established by a car between the driver and the outside world mirrors the one that separates an artist from the broader society.

24. Thelma & Louise

Year: 1991
Director: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 2h 10m

Often overlooked, “Thelma & Louise,” directed by Ridley Scott with a script penned by Callie Khouri, is not just a car movie – it fits perfectly when you give it some thought. Escaping their restrictive lives, characters portrayed by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon redefine the traditional male-centric road trip story with a strong feminist undertone. They not only embody the journey of liberation but also reinvent typical elements of such films – weapons, casual encounters, and indeed, vehicles. The film’s debated, iconic ending, which references “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” as well as influential car movies like “Vanishing Point” and “Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry,” takes on a fresh perspective once you consider it as a car movie in its entirety.

23. Christine

Year: 1983
Director: John Carpenter
Runtime: 1h 50m

John Carpenter’s film version of Stephen King’s renowned novel offers the ultimate portrayal of haunted vehicles. The character Keith Gordon, a quiet, intellectual teenager, develops an unhealthy obsession with his 1958 Plymouth Fury, displaying increasingly hostile and ruthless behavior. Is it the car that’s causing this change? (Definitely the car!) King’s unusual concept was captivating on paper, but Carpenter’s skillful direction, coupled with exceptional performances from young talents Gordon and John Stockwell (both of whom later achieved recognition as filmmakers), transforms it into something greater: a chilling depiction of teenage transformation.

22. The Driver

Year: 1978
Director: Walter Hill
Runtime: 1h 30m

Walter Hill’s gripping action-thriller, titled “The Driver” with Ryan O’Neal portraying the stoic stuntman-turned-getaway driver, served as a significant inspiration for subsequent films like “Drive”. However, it can be seen as an updated, automotive adaptation of Jean-Pierre Melville’s influential crime drama, “Le Samourai”. Similar to Melville’s film, the protagonist – a cool, detached professional who avoids emotional entanglements – is drawn towards another person. Over time, his sense of isolation (symbolized by his car in this case) weakens, making him more emotionally exposed than ever before.

21. The Hitchhiker

Year: 1953
Director: Ida Lupino
Runtime: 1h 11m

In 1953, Ida Lupino directed an iconic film noir known as “a true story about a man, a gun, and a car.” The man possessed the gun, while the car could have been yours. Two friends were headed to Mexico for a fishing trip when they picked up a hitchhiker, unaware he was a psychotic murderer. He forced them to drive him from Mexico to California, threatening their lives along the way. What sets this thriller apart is its intense, nerve-wracking atmosphere and its exploration of the American car culture and freedom on the open road, as well as the killer’s challenge to the two men’s contentment and domesticity. This movie can be seen as a precursor to films like Easy Rider, The Hitcher, and Collateral.

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20. Vanishing Point

Year: 1971
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Runtime: 1h 38m

In a surreal road movie by Richard Sarafian, a character with an enigmatic obsession with speed (in both literal and figurative terms) evades the police in multiple Western states, engaging with a diverse group of post-’60s drifters along the way. His life’s incidents, including a thrilling racetrack crash, are recalled as the narrative unfolds. Simultaneously, a blind small-town radio DJ provides commentary, motivation, and mythological perspective on this adventure. The film is both an artistic enigma and a passion project about cars, achieving success due to Sarafian’s skill in capturing chases and his understanding of landscapes.

19. Rush

Year: 2013
Director: Ron Howard
Runtime: 2h 3m

Ron Howard’s biographical movie, “Rush,” showcases the ’70s rivalry between Formula One drivers Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth), in an over-the-top manner that is perfectly fitting. The director has a knack for using broad brushstrokes, and here he sets these contrasting characters on a collision course: the Intellectual Geek versus the Laissez-Faire Partygoer. Both actors deliver stellar performances, keeping the somewhat foreseeable story of relentless competition engaging. As their rivalry deepens — naturally leading to a friendship — the movie also offers thrilling, bold, and wild scenes that epitomize the peril and charm of racing. We find ourselves cringing in fear yet craving more. It’s an exceptional film that, for reasons unknown, failed to capture the attention of audiences.

18. Baby Driver

Year: 2017
Director: Edgar Wright
Runtime: 1h 55m

Edgar Wright’s intricate blend of crime, comedy, romance, music, and action – titled ‘Baby Driver’ – follows an iPod-fixated, gifted getaway driver named Baby (Ansel Elgort), who is trying to escape his criminal boss (Kevin Spacey). This film boasts some of the wildest, most spectacular car chases ever filmed, meticulously synchronized with a groovy rock soundtrack. The unique bond between automobiles and music has been touched upon by various directors before, but Wright pushes it to new heights: He uses the protagonist’s intense link to cars and music as a powerful representation of his emotional detachment, his desire to shield himself from the world.

17. Tucker: The Man and His Dream

Year: 1988
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Runtime: 1h 50m

In partnership, directors Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas created an opulent, enchanting, yet remarkably intimate biographical film about Preston Tucker (portrayed by Jeff Bridges), a postwar inventor who dared to challenge the dominant automobile corporations as an independent manufacturer. Despite being ultimately overshadowed, in this account, Tucker managed to secure a form of victory. Many of his innovations, like seat belts, are now standard features today. The movie, with a touch of irony, presents Tucker’s tale as one of success rather than defeat. It’s not hard to see why these two influential, autonomous filmmakers, particularly Coppola who found personal fulfillment in this long-cherished project, might identify with the story of a tenacious, genius man who dared to compete against his more powerful, relentless adversaries.

16. Two for the Road

Year: 1967
Director: Stanley Donen
Runtime: 1h 51m

Stanley Donen’s romantic drama classic, “Two for the Road,” stars Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn as a wealthy, disgruntled couple traveling through France in a Mercedes, reminiscing about significant moments in their relationship – many of which also include driving. The film, written by Frederic Raphael (who later wrote “Eyes Wide Shut”), offers a captivating depiction of the deterioration of love. Its continuous motion and rapid pace hint that time, similar to the Mercedes, can feel like a jail for love. The unique tone of the movie – fast-paced yet melancholic, sharp yet thoughtful – reflects the fact that nothing remains constant.

15. Ford v. Ferrari

Year: 2019
Director: James Mangold
Runtime: 2h 32m

In James Mangold’s gripping portrayal of Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and Ken Miles’s (Christian Bale) endeavor to create a race car that would outperform Ferrari at the 24-hour Le Mans race in the early ’60s, a blend of technical jargon and intricate driving scenes keeps the tension high. Christian Bale delivers an outstanding performance as Miles, a blunt, intelligent engineer and driver with a sharp tongue, while Tracy Letts portrays Henry Ford II, switching between bold bravado and vulnerable awe. However, it’s the cars themselves that truly steal the show, often filmed from inside to offer a deeply engaging experience. Unlike other car films that have veered towards the fantastical or overtly artificial, this one maintains a strong connection to reality, resulting in an exceptional blend of classic car movie elements and modern-day blockbuster spectacle.

14. Death Proof

Year: 2007
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Runtime: 1h 27m

Quentin Tarantino’s tribute to low-budget exploitation films and car chase movies, originally part of the double-feature film “Grindhouse,” is an exceptional horror movie, an exhilarating car-stunt spectacle, and a peculiar social gathering flick, brimming with the director’s signature long, unrelated dialogue sequences. In this film, Tarantino presents a stunt driver (Kurt Russell), who derives pleasure from killing groups of unsuspecting women. Throughout the first half, we witness him stalking and devouring his victims; in the second half, we follow a band of survivors as they retaliate. The movie is equally heartfelt, intriguing, and pulse-pounding — yet much like many of Tarantino’s masterpieces, it also carries the inventive, puzzle-like essence of a narrative exploration.

13. F1: The Movie

Year: 2025
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Runtime: 2h 36m

Joseph Kosinski’s cutting-edge racing drama, filmed at authentic Formula One races, completely envelops us in the track action. Cameras strategically positioned on the vehicles as they race create an all-consuming focus on the minutest aspects of competition. The narrative, focusing on the rivalry between a seasoned driver (Brad Pitt) and a new recruit (Damson Idris) within the same team, serves mainly as a prelude to the racing spectacle itself. As they learn to collaborate and align with engineers and pit crews, they are also taken through a crash course on the intricate technicalities of Formula One. Most films that blend real races with fiction tend to reveal the seams, but in F1, the actors driving their own cars and close-up cameras tracking them blur the lines between reality and drama.

12. Taste of Cherry

Year: 1997
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Runtime: 1h 35m

The renowned Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, known for his numerous films centered around cars, occasionally leaves me pondering what innovative madness he might have brought to a “Fast and Furious” movie. In this Palme d’Or-winning drama, an older Iranian man is on a quest to find someone who will bury him following his suicide attempt. Despite the somber premise, the film carries a more tender tone. Kiarostami employs the car as a dual psychological and sociological device; it symbolizes the protagonist’s solitude yet also serves as a means for individuals in this strictly monitored religious society to engage in private conversations. As we accompany Kiarostami on an extended journey with his protagonist, driving through landscapes that slowly pass by the windows, a captivating and even exhilarating experience unfolds. In its unique way, this film can stand alongside more renowned car movies like “Vanishing Point” or “Two-Lane Blacktop.

11. Joy Ride

Year: 2001
Director: John Dahl
Runtime: 1h 37m

In one of the less recognized yet gripping thrillers from the past two decades, siblings Paul Walker and Steve Zahn (with the former being a charismatic romantic lead and the latter an unpredictable ex-convict) find themselves vying for Leelee Sobieski’s affection. Their paths cross with a dangerous, psychopathic truck driver they had antagonized over the CB radio. Director John Dahl skillfully blends elements of sex and high-speed chases while creating unsettling undercurrents and exhilarating, nerve-wracking sequences. Steve Zahn delivers an outstanding performance as a likable but flawed character, while Paul Walker gives a compelling portrayal of a panicking individual; the film’s strongest point is the palpable brotherly bond between these two actors.

10. Fast Five

Year: 2011
Director: Justin Lin
Runtime: 2h 10m

In a different perspective, the initial Fast and Furious films weren’t actually realistic. Instead, they managed to maintain a strange sense of feasibility within their over-the-top nature. Essentially, they were high-octane car exploitation movies centered around street racing culture and the unique abilities of the cars.

However, with the fifth installment, the series transitioned into something akin to James Bond, evolving into a global fantasy filled with progressively unbelievable action sequences, each more outrageous than the last. Surprisingly, it shouldn’t have worked, but director Justin Lin (who has now directed five of these films and transformed this franchise from a box-office underdog to a worldwide sensation) found the perfect balance of lighthearted, cartoonish tone that made it all work seamlessly.

Furious 7 almost reached the top, and perhaps it will in time, but for now, Fast Five stands as the pinnacle of this series.

9. Speed Racer

Year: 2008
Directors: Lana and Lilly Wachowski
Runtime: 2h 15m

Describing Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s adaptation of the 1960s anime series “Speed Racer” is quite challenging. Labeling it as live-action doesn’t capture its whirling dynamism, vibrant colors, complex narrative with intense emotional undertones, and breakneck speed; it feels more like being enclosed in a kaleidoscope for two hours, in the most delightful sense. Emile Hirsch portrays Speed Racer, who is driven to restore his late brother Rex’s reputation, while John Goodman and Susan Sarandon play his parents, and Christina Ricci acts as his girlfriend, Trixie. The Wachowskis film both family scenes and racing sequences with the same vivid, frenetic energy. They recognize that the original series’ appeal lay not in cars but in the spectacle of cartoons and extreme emotions. Consequently, they avoid any attempt at realism; if anything, their “Speed Racer” seems more artificial than the original series. The groundbreaking visual effects create a unique dimension: something beyond mere animation or live-action. You’ve never witnessed anything quite like it, and unfortunately, due to its commercial failure, you may never see anything similar again.

8. Duel

Year: 1971
Director: Steven Spielberg
Runtime: 1h 31m

Despite being initially produced for television, many viewers regard this production as Steven Spielberg’s initial significant cinematic venture, showcasing his remarkable skills for the first time in a comprehensive manner. Dennis Weaver portrays a meek commuter who finds himself targeted by an enigmatic tractor-trailer without any apparent reason, initially setting off a gripping suspense tale. However, as the narrative unfolds, it evolves into a captivating exploration of masculinity. Weaver’s character is often mistreated and overlooked, while his relentless pursuer embodies everything he is not. The intricate interplay between these two characters – essentially, man versus destiny – imbues the story with an enticing, absurdly existential flavor. Additionally, this film, penned by Richard Matheson, offers an electrifying viewing experience that’s nothing short of thrilling.

7. Holy Motors

Year: 2012
Director: Leos Carax
Runtime: 1h 55m

In the remarkable film by Leos Carax, titled “Monsieur Oscar” (played by Denis Lavant), we follow an enigmatic character as he cruises through Paris in a limousine, transforming into various characters throughout. Each scene seems to culminate in a powerful, emotionally releasing event… only for Oscar to nonchalantly shift his focus to the next adventure. Is this perhaps a religious allegory? A commentary on acting and filmmaking? An exploration of the ever-changing modern world? A portrayal of a lost soul? Without a doubt, the recurring image of Oscar being driven through town in his limo encapsulates beautifully the episodic, slightly detached journey of this character through this peculiar, fragmented life.

6. Repo Man

Year: 1984
Director: Alex Cox
Runtime: 1h 32m

Alex Cox’s renowned cult film is a genre-defying comedy that follows Emilio Estevez as a suburban punk youth who teams up with an experienced repossessor, Harry Dean Stanton, learning the art of repossession. The narrative interweaves tales of stolen aliens, criminal punks, government officials, televangelists, and former hippies, creating a whirlwind of intrigue. Director Cox masterfully addresses themes such as consumerism, commodification, capitalism, and conformity without being didactic. He possesses the rare talent to craft biting satire while also developing unforgettable characters, ensuring his indignation never overshadows his compassion. The outcome is a movie that encapsulated the punk spirit for countless viewers throughout a generation.

5. Collateral

Year: 2004
Director: Michael Mann
Runtime: 2h

In Michael Mann’s thriller, Jamie Foxx plays a L.A. cab driver and Tom Cruise is his menacing passenger. This movie, if you were wondering, is essentially a car story. The taxi serves as a protective bubble for Foxx, allowing him to observe the world without fully engaging with it. However, when Cruise’s ruthless assassin enters this sanctuary, he disrupts Foxx’s ordered existence, challenging his self-image. The harrowing cab ride turns into a transformative journey. Fittingly, Foxx’s defining moment comes when he crashes the taxi with Cruise aboard. Meanwhile, Mann captures the breathtaking beauty of Los Angeles like never before in this film.

4. Two-Lane Blacktop

Year: 1971
Director: Monte Hellman
Runtime: 1h 45m

Experience the captivating, multiple-watch-worthy journey of Monte Hellman’s road movie, titled “Two-Lane Blacktop.” In this film, we follow a Driver (James Taylor), Mechanic (Dennis Wilson), and Girl (Laurie Bird) as they challenge a man in a GTO (Warren Oates) in an epic cross-country race. Each viewing reveals more layers to the story, making it a must-see. Co-written by Rudy Wurlitzer, this movie isn’t straightforward metaphor nor drama but rather crafts a peculiar world through complex character dynamics that depict competition, codependence, resentment, and alienation within an ecosystem. The driving sequences and performances, particularly James Taylor’s intense yet charismatic portrayal, are truly memorable, providing a perfect contrast to the loquacious, slightly helpless Warren Oates.

3. Ferrari

Year: 2023
Director: Michael Mann
Runtime: 2h 10m

Once more, we see Michael Mann at the helm, this time exploring a distinct take on car-centric films. His previous work has significantly contributed to the popularity of Ferraris, as the iconic white Testarossa in Miami Vice likely introduced the name “Ferrari” to many Generation X members. However, his biopic about Enzo Ferrari (played by Adam Driver) delves less into cars and more into racing, self-destructive ambition, and the human struggle for greatness. The film zeroes in on a few critical months in 1957, seamlessly blending tranquil, intimate family scenes with intense, ear-piercing, and exhilarating racing sequences. Ultimately, it ends in a heart-wrenching and grotesque tragedy, which mirrors historical facts, but also hints at the idea that one cannot outrun one’s inner demons.

2. Mad Max: Fury Road

Year: 2015
Director: George Miller
Runtime: 2 hours

The Mad Max series has consistently been regarded as the pinnacle of car-themed movie franchises, blending George Miller’s bleak dystopian concepts with stylish cinematography and jaw-dropping real-life car chases. The question of whether Fury Road (the fourth installment) surpasses The Road Warrior (the second) may never be resolved, but it’s undeniable that this latest film amplifies each of the previously mentioned aspects: The dystopia is even more desolate, the visual style more innovative, and the stunts more mind-boggling. Even the main character is darker than before, with Tom Hardy out-brooding his predecessor Mel Gibson. Naturally, this film is where we meet iconic characters such as Imperator Furiosa and Immortan Joe. However, what truly sets Fury Road apart is its ability to impart knowledge about these characters and the terrifying world they inhabit amidst its unceasing, propulsive action sequences — a film that seldom slows down. It’s a vivid nightmare, an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, and a perplexing piece of artistry.

1. Taxi Driver

Year: 1976
Director: Martin Scorsese
Runtime: 1h 54m

This film, by Martin Scorsese, isn’t your typical car enthusiast’s dream; you won’t find it on the wish list of hardcore gearheads. However, it’s not a car movie in the conventional sense. Instead, it delves into themes of isolation, madness, and violence, capturing the solitary journey of taxi driver Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) as he traverses the city streets – these grimy, foggy thoroughfares often appearing like a Hellish landscape outside his windshield. The film’s portrayal of an almost impenetrable barrier between Travis and the world, and how each passenger who enters his cab impacts his sense of self, makes this movie not just a car film; it’s the quintessential car movie.

2025-06-27 23:58