Car movies have a way of packing the thrill of speed and heart-pounding action into a good story. Some of these films are quite possibly the best in history. Whether it’s a heist centered around fast cars or an epic race for survival, these movies are more than just about the vehicles. They’re about the adrenaline and drama they create. Here are six of the greatest car movies ever created.
1. “The Fast and the Furious” (2001)
You can’t have a list of car movies without mentioning the original Fast and the Furious. This movie introduced audiences around the world to the culture of underground street racing. There were some really impressive cars, awesome visuals, and intense action scenes. Additionally, the on-screen chemistry between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker was undeniable. The film went beyond drag races and heists though. It told a story about loyalty and family.
2. “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
It might come as a surprise to see Mad Max on this list, but it tells a deeper story about vehicles. In this movie, cars were used as tools for survival. There are some insane custom cars featured in Mad Max: Fury Road. Tom Hardy’s stoic Max and Charlize Theron’s fierce Furiosa team up to lead a rebellion against an oppressive warlord, with everything taking place on wheels. The 2015 version of this classic redefined action movies in the present day and really raised the bar for car-centric films.
3. “Gone in 60 Seconds” (2000)
Gone in 60 Seconds is one of my favorite movies. It stars Nicolas Cage who plays a retired car thief. He is put to the task of stealing 50 exotic cars in one night in order to save his brother’s life. The film is action-packed, but there is one unforgettable car chase involving a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 that will stick with me forever. Among car movie fans, Gone in 60 Seconds has easily become a cult classic.
4. “Drive” (2011)
Drive put an interesting twist on the car movie genre. Ryan Gosling stars in this 2011 film. In it, he plays a nameless stuntman and getaway driver. He gets involved in a dangerous heist that goes bad. Overall, the movie has a slow-burn type of tension that really keeps you hanging on. The car sequences are gritty and realistic, emphasizing precision over spectacle. It definitely deserves a mention among the greatest car movies ever made.
5. “Bullitt” (1968)
Truly, no car film list is complete without mention of Steve McQueen’s Bullitt. This car movie is most known for the amazing chase scene in San Francisco, but it really set the standard for car stunts in cinema. Steve McQueen performed many of his own stunts for the film, which made the entire thing feel more authentic. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT and 1968 Dodge Charger dueling it out is one of the most thrilling car chases ever filmed. Beyond that, the storyline is great. It left a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and car enthusiasts.
6. “The Italian Job” (1969)
The Italian Job is a British heist film with a sort of comedic twist. While the storyline might not be car-focused, it features some of the most iconic car stunts in cinema history. The entire story revolves around a plan to steal gold, but they are all using Mini Coopers as getaway cars. You may not think about the Mini Cooper as being a great car, but it is perfect for navigating the narrow streets (and even across a few rooftops). Overall, The Italian Job is beloved for its fun, lighthearted take on crime and continues to influence car movies today.
A Legacy of Speed and Style
When it comes to car movies, these six films have left their mark on Hollywood. Whether it is the raw, gritty car chases in Bullitt or the gripping action of movies like Gone in 60 Seconds, each of these has changed cinema history. They not only showcase some seriously impressive cars, but they also feature storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Do you have any car movies you’d add to the list?