Over the years, the world of cinema has provided us with a number of iconic films that have featured some incredible cars. This is why we’ve decided to put together a list of five of the best films that are a must-see for every car fan. Read on to find out which famous films – and cars – made it into our list:
#5 Bullitt (1968)
Despite Steve McQueen receiving top-billing for his role as Police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt, this film is now widely remembered for its extraordinary hold-on-to-your-seat high-speed car chase across San Francisco. Here, the eponymous Bullitt’s Ford Mustang GT is the real star, as it roars and screeches its way around the city’s roller-coaster streets, vaulting down a number of suspension-straining slopes in pursuit of the hit-men.
#4 Drive (2011)
Tense, dramatic and exhilarating are just three of the words you could use to describe this hit indie-film. However, as cinematically impressive as it is, it’s the incredible cars driven by Ryan Gosling’s nameless protagonist that leave a lasting impression. Boasting a wealth of classic American muscle-cars including a 1969 Dodge Charger and a 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle (to name but a couple), in a number of high-speed chases and races, this really is a must for any car fan.
#3 The Fast and the Furious (2001)
The first film in the ever-popular franchise which is essentially a showcase for some superb and astonishingly fast cars. Vin Diesel and the late Paul Walker face off in a variety of thrilling street races, chases and hijacks in a variety of equally thrilling cars. A notably exciting scene sees a jet-black Honda Civic Coupe being pushed to its limits and weaving precariously around the roads while trying to catch and commandeer an HGV.
#2 Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
This partial-remake of a 1974 film is another exhibition of motoring majesty as Nicolas Cage’s team of thieves are tasked with stealing 50 cars in 96 hours. Naturally, the high stakes plotline means you can enjoy a selection of adrenaline fuelled car chases as Cage and his crew try to escape the police. What makes this a must-see however is the stunning array of cars. Real fanatics out there can also turn this film into a bit of a game and challenge themselves to identify all 50 over the movie’s duration.
#1 The Italian Job (1969)
This film may have a number of iconic moments, whether it’s Michael Caine’s famous line about the safe doors, or the literal ‘cliff-hanger’ of the film’s final moments, the true stars of this film really are the cars. Not only are we taken through a tour of some vintage – and now classic – vehicles from the 1950s and 60s, this film gave international fame to one of Britain’s proudest pieces of engineering – the fantastic Mini Cooper. It’s for this reason we feel the original version of The Italian Job is our number one, must-see film for car fans.
So, there you have it, what we think are the top five must-see movies for car fans. What do you think though? Be sure to tell us your opinions, or let us know if you think we’ve made any glaring omissions in our run-down.
