7 Car Films Auto Enthusiasts Should Watch
June 22, 2017
What films should every car lover watch during their spare time?
1. The Fast and the Furious: A film about an undercover cop who investigates the
underground racing scene. It is also a film that spawned a billion-dollar movie
franchise.
2. Rush: A film which is about the intense rivalry of Formula One drivers Niki Lauda
and James Hunt during the 1976 Formula One season.
3. Drive: A film about a getaway driver whose life begins to spiral out of control.
4. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: A comedy film about a NASCAR
driver who tries to get back on the winning track.
5. Bullit: A movie that is about a cop trying to protect a witness. Also the film that
made car chases popular.
6. The Italian Job (1971): A heist movie about a high stakes robbery requiring the
use of small but fast cars.
7. The Cannonball Run: A classic film about two amateur racers competing in a
large cross country race.
Cars and cinema have had a long history together. Ever since the birth of cinema, cars have been featured in countless films, and even have become stars of the movies themselves.
Some of the best and most iconic cars became famous due to the movies in which they are used. From action movies, which show some intense car chases, to racing movies, which show the best performing cars with the most tricked-out parts like engines, tires, spoilers, and steel tubes (available in the Philippines). But with the abundance of films available, it can be a challenge to pick the best of the bunch. In no particular order, here are some car films that auto enthusiasts should watch.
The Fast and the Furious
Released in 2001, the film follows the characters of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his undercover cop friend Brian O’Conor (played by Paul Walker) as they compete in the dangerous and high stakes world of underground street racing. The film eventually spawned numerous sequels, and has become one of the most popular movie franchises of all time, and this is the movie that started it all. The movie also features cars like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Mazda RX-7.
Rush
One of the more recent films on the list, the film is about the intense rivalry of two race car drivers, namely Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) during the 1976 Formula One season. Other than the intense racing action, and the compelling personal drama between the two main characters, the film also recreates the gritty and intense nature of Formula One during the 1970s.
Drive
One of the most popular independent films during its release, the film follows a Hollywood Stuntman/Getaway Driver (played by Ryan Gosling). As he is about to receive a big professional driving contract, his life begins to spiral out of control. With the quiet and dim setting, plus the chilling character of Gosling, it is definitely a must watch.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Perhaps the funniest movie on this list, the film is about a NASCAR driver named Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferell), who, after becoming a successful racer, starts to lose his touch thanks to new competition. The film has an equal amount of funny and dramatic moments that would have you glued to your screen.
Bullit
Perhaps the movie that made car chasing scenes popular, the movie stars the very famous Steve McQueen as a cop named Frank Bullit. The film is about Bullit trying to protect a witness from being killed. It all ends in one of the most iconic movie scenes of the 20th century.
The Italian Job (1971)
Although the 2003 remake is not a shabby film altogether, the original 1971 classic definitely is more iconic. The film is about a high stakes robbery that requires a small but fast getaway vehicle. That vehicle in question is the classic Mini Cooper. While the Mini is a tiny car, it is able to have its moments of action.
The Cannonball Run
An 80s classic, the Cannonball Run is about two street racers competing in a large cross-country race. Along with some fun racing scenes, the film also sports some great and hilarious performances from actors such as Burt Reynolds and Roger Moore (who was once James Bond, another character with a penchant for cars).
Key Takeaway
There are a lot of movies about cars and racing available for you to watch, and these 7 films offer the best thrills, the best looking cars, and quality acting and cinematography. So what are you waiting for? Grab a few friends and have a nice automotive movie marathon.