Films about cars often revolve around exhilarating races, automotive culture, or brink-of-disaster chases. These movies can range from high-octane action thrillers to heartwarming family tales, where cars are not merely modes of transportation but integral components of the story, often having a personality of their own.
“Cars”, 2006
Director: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft
In this animated family film by Pixar, a hot-shot race car named Lightning McQueen ends up in a forgotten town and learns valuable lessons about friendship, humility, and respect from the quirky vehicle residents.
Starring: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, Tony Shalhoub, Guido Quaroni, Jenifer Lewis, Paul Dooley, Michael Wallis;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: animation, comedy, adventure, family, sport;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Cars” on the website imdb.com
“Gone in 60 Seconds”, 1974
Director: H.B. Halicki
Retired car thief Randall “Memphis” Raines must steal 50 cars in one night to save his brother's life, navigating through a dangerous web of criminals and police.
Starring: H.B. Halicki, Marion Busia, Jerry Daugirda, James McIntyre, George Cole, Ronald Halicki, Markos Kotsikos, Parnelli Jones, Gary Bettenhausen, Jonathan E. Fricke;
Production year: 1974;
Genre: action, thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Gone in 60 Seconds” on the website imdb.com
“Drive”, 2011
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
A mysterious Hollywood stunt driver moonlights as a getaway driver but finds himself in trouble when a heist goes wrong, leading to intense action and a struggle to protect the people he cares about.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Oscar Isaac, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Russ Tamblyn, Jeff Wolfe, James Biberi;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: crime, drama, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
“Ford v Ferrari”, 2019
Director: James Mangold
Based on a true story, this film chronicles the battle between Ford and Ferrari to win Le Mans in 1966, focusing on American car designer Carroll Shelby and British racer Ken Miles as they innovate under immense pressure.
Starring: Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Caitríona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe, Josh Lucas, Remo Girone, Ray McKinnon, JJ Feild;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, sport, drama, action;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 152 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Ford v Ferrari” on the website imdb.com
“Death Proof”, 2007
Director: Quentin Tarantino
In Quentin Tarantino’s slasher-thriller, a psychotic stuntman uses his modified car as a weapon to terrorize unsuspecting young women, leading to a riveting duel of vengeance.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Zoë Bell, Tracie Thoms, Vanessa Ferlito, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Jordan Ladd, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rose McGowan, Monica Staggs;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: action, thriller, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Death Proof” on the website imdb.com
“Rush”, 2013
Director: Ron Howard
Set during the golden age of Formula 1 racing, this biographical drama portrays the fierce rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt, highlighting their contrasting personalities and life-threatening challenges on and off the track.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Pierfrancesco Favino, David Calder, Natalie Dormer, Stephen Mangan, Christian McKay, Alistair Petrie;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: sport, drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 123 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
“Mad Max: Fury Road”, 2015
Director: George Miller
In a dystopian wasteland, Max teams up with Furiosa, a rebel warrior, to flee from a tyrant and his army in an armored tanker truck, leading to a desperate and explosive road battle.
Starring: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Josh Helman, Nathan Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: action, science fiction, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Mad Max: Fury Road” on the website imdb.com
“Baby Driver”, 2017
Director: Edgar Wright
A young and talented getaway driver relies on his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. When he meets the girl of his dreams, he sees a chance to ditch his criminal life, which proves to be very dangerous.
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza González, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, Flea, Lanny Joon, Micah Howard;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: action, drama, crime, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Baby Driver” on the website imdb.com
These films showcase how cars can play pivotal roles in storytelling, symbolizing freedom, power, and innovation, or serving as key elements in action-packed sequences that captivate audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, films about cars offer an exhilarating blend of adrenaline-pumping action, heartfelt storytelling, and cutting-edge technology that captivates audiences worldwide. From the gritty, realistic portrayal of underground racing in “Gone in 60 Seconds” to the high-octane adventures in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, these films explore themes of freedom, family, and the human spirit interconnected with thrilling automotive feats. Whether it's through breathtaking stunts, emotional depth, or a showcase of automotive innovation, car-themed movies continue to drive their way into the hearts of viewers, leaving a lasting impact on both cinema and car enthusiasts alike.
