6 Best Car Movies of All Time: Full Throttle Cinema Classics

Both cars and movies, on their own, have a special place in the entertainment industry because they attract viewers with excitement, adventures, and the possibility of traveling to other realms. But when these two tempting components come together, some of the most memorable and classic movie moments ever created take place.

These movies transcend every category and appeal to both moviegoers and car enthusiasts. Here is our list of the movies that, in our opinion, are the best ever created about cars; each is a singular masterwork. Not just for fans of cars, these films are cinematic gems that every movie goer should watch; they ensure an amazing and adventurous trip through the world of film.

Top 6 Greatest Car Movies for Auto Enthusiasts

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001) – IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

The Fast and the Furious franchise, featuring a series of best car movies has fueled our need for speed and high-octane action for over two decades. The initial movie in the popular franchise, The Fast and the Furious has inspired nine spin-offs and sequels. It centers on a group of street racers who run afoul of the law and commit several heists.

In addition to a wide range of vehicles, from muscle cars to supercars, the movie includes some of the most amazing automotive feats and chases ever seen on camera. The movie’s most famous vehicle is Brian’s Skyline, a customized Nissan Skyline GT-R capable of exceeding 200 mph.

With an unexpected $200 million global box office haul, The Fast and the Furious launched the careers of Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster. Fans’ interest in street racing culture and car tuning has also increased as a result of the movie. Considered by many to be among the greatest action vehicle movies ever made, it has influenced numerous other movies in the same genre.

2. Bullitt (1968) – IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Among the best car movies ‘Bullitt’ stands as a timeless classic with its iconic chase scene through the streets of San Francisco. Bullitt is a classic car movie that stars Steve McQueen as a San Francisco cop who is assigned to protect a witness from a crime syndicate. The film is famous for its 10-minute car chase scene, which is widely regarded as one of the best in film history.

The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T driven by the villains and the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback driven by McQueen are the vehicles involved in the chase. The chase displays the vehicles’ strength and beauty in addition to the drivers’ bravery and ability.

Bullitt was a critical and financial hit, earning McQueen a nomination for the Best Picture Academy Award. McQueen’s status as one of the hippest and most captivating actors of his generation was also cemented by the movie.

Because of its inventive and realistic take on automobile chases, the movie is regarded as a landmark in the history of cinema. It had an impact on numerous other movies, including The Driver, The French Connection, Ronin, and more.

3. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action movie that follows Max, a former cop turned wanderer, who joins forces with Furiosa, a rebel leader, to escape from a tyrannical warlord. The film is a visual spectacle that features some of the most creative and bizarre vehicles ever seen on screen.

From monster trucks to flamethrower guitars, the film is a feast for the eyes and ears. The film also pays homage to the original Mad Max trilogy, which starred Mel Gibson and featured some of the most famous car movies from the 80s.

In addition to winning six Academy Awards and receiving a nomination for Best Picture, Fury Road was a critical and commercial success. The film’s breathtaking cinematography, thrilling action scenes, excellent performances, and feminist themes won praise from both critics and viewers.

The movie is regarded as one of the best action movies ever made and one of the best of the twenty-first century.

4. Le Mans (1971) – IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Solar Productions made Le Mans for Cinema Center, showing off the wild 24-hour Le Mans race where speed and toughness rule. Lee H. Katzin directs, Jack N. Reddish produces, and cars like Porsches and Ferraris steal the spotlight, way more than the people.

Steve McQueen plays Michael Delaney, racing hard against Siegfried Rauch in a Ferrari, but we barely learn who they are, so it feels kind of empty even with awesome crashes. The movie kicks off with a scary crash from last year, proving this sport’s super dangerous, and most of the 106 minutes is just the race.

The directing, camera work, and editing are totally amazing! Still, the story’s not finished—McQueen’s guy gets second place, and it leaves you hanging without much heart. Car fans will love the action, but others might wish for more feelings in the end.

5. Rush (2013) – IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

The rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, two Formula One drivers, in the 1970s is the subject of the biographical drama Rush. Their divergent personalities, lifestyles, and driving philosophies are shown in the movie, along with their intense rivalry both on and off the racetrack.

Along with some of the greatest supercars from the 1970s, the movie features some of the most exhilarating and perilous racing scenes ever captured on camera.

Rush received rave reviews from critics and viewers for its compelling narrative, realistic portrayal, and outstanding performances by Chris Harmsworth and Daniel Buhl. It was also a financial and critical success that brought in two Golden Globe nominations.

Acclaim for the movie also came from the racing community and real-life Lauda, who described it as “the best movie ever made about Formula One” and “very accurate”. The movie is regarded as one of the greatest racing films of all time and one of the greatest sports car movies ever made.

6. Ford v Ferrari (2019) – IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

This car movie has James Mangold as its director, telling the cool story of Ford beating Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966. This flick lasts 2 hours and 32 minutes, mixing awesome race scenes with a big focus on the friendship between Carroll Shelby, played by Matt Damon, and the driver Ken Miles, acted by Christian Bale. You’ll see super neat cars like Ford GT40s, Ferrari 330 P3s, and Shelby Cobras zooming on screen.

At first, it moves kind of slow, showing how Ford tried and failed to buy Ferrari, plus how they built a racing team with guys like Lee Iacocca and Henry Ford II. All that setup makes the big race feel super significant, with the actors doing an amazing job.

Some bits, like drivers staring at each other going 200 mph, seem a bit fake, but the story grabs you tight. Everyone loves its heart and style, making Ford v Ferrari a fun movie for car fans and anyone who likes a great tale of winning.

Conclusion

These are just some of the best car movies of all time that every car enthusiast should watch. There are many more car-related movies that deserve recognition, such as Le Mans, The Italian Job, Drive, Baby Driver, Ford v Ferrari, and more. While watching these thrilling car movies, you might find yourself daydreaming about getting behind the wheel of some of these impressive vehicles. If drift racing catches your eye, films like The Fast and the Furious – Tokyo Drift highlight some of the best drift cars, bringing high-speed precision to the big screen.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a Hollywood-sized budget to experience high-speed excitement in real life. There are real-world options for car enthusiasts on a budget. For those with a bit more financial flexibility, cars under $10k and under $20k offer a broader range of choices. Models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Subaru WRX can provide an exhilarating driving experience without breaking the bank.