The 9 Best Car Movies of All Time

From classic movies such as Grand Prix and Smokey and The Bandit to modern-day car movies such as Ford v. Ferrari, we review the best car movies of all time. Whether you are searching for a fun car movie to watch with the family or want to see if your favorite car movie is considered an all-time great, we have the answers for you. If we left out any must-see car movies, let us know in the comments. 

Ranking and reviewing the best car movies of all time

Ranking the best car movies of all time is a difficult task, and choosing the movies that make the top eight is even more of a challenge. When deciding on the best, we looked at each one as car enthusiasts, determining how relatable and enjoyable each was. While there were many great movies not included, the following are our top nine car movies of all time. 

1. The Cannonball Run (1981)

The Cannonball Run is a classic that features actors Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, Jackie Chan and Sammy Davis Jr. The plot involves a cross-country car race with fascinating characters. This comedy has lots of funny scenes, and you can’t help but appreciate the Ferraris that are in the movie as well. The Cannonball Run is known for having all-time great actors. Also, Jackie Chan makes one of his first-ever U.S. movie appearances in this 1981 classic. 

2. Ford v. Ferrari (2019)

Ford v. Ferrari is the newest movie on this list, so you may not have had a chance yet to watch it. However, this is a must-watch for every car enthusiast. This movie highlights the story of car design legend, Carroll Shelby, and Le Mans racer, Ken Miles, as Ford decides to take on the racing giant Ferrari in an attempt to win the Le Mans. Led by director James Mangold and featuring star actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale, this depiction of Carroll Shelby’s partnership with Ford to win the Le Mans race is a must-see.  

3. The Fast and The Furious (2001)

The Fast and The Furious defied the odds by creating sequels that were equally as good as the original. The entire series is worth a watch, but we decided on the original Fast and The Furious (2001) for this list. The movie features Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Michelle Rodriguez as they embark on street racing adventures. If you enjoy action-packed car movies, then this is worth a watch (or rewatch). However, you cannot stop after just the first! Be sure to check out the thrilling sequels as well.

4. Grand Prix (1966)

Grand Prix involves a group of talented racers that compete for the 1966 Formula One Championship. This movie features dramatic love affairs, high-speed racing scenes and much more. The cast of this auto racing classic includes James Garner, Jessica Walter, Eva Marie Saint and Brian Bedford. Grand Prix is a legendary movie that is still as good a watch today as any racing movie there is, especially if you love classic racing movies. 

5. Cars (2006)

If you are searching for the best kid-friendly movie to watch with the family, then you cannot go wrong with Cars, a well-known cartoon that features the likes of Owen Wilson, Larry The Cable Guy and multiple other A-list stars. This family comedy features fun racing and lessons for kids of all ages. While a cartoon, that did not stop the directors from including some cars that only adult car enthusiasts can truly appreciate, such as a Corvette, a 2017 CRS Sports Coupe, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird and a 2002 Cadillac Cien Concept. 

6. Smokey and The Bandit (1977)

Most have at least heard of Smokey and The Bandit if they have not already seen it. It features star actors Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason and Sally Field. In the movie, Bandit engages in a high-speed chase away from Sheriff Buford T. Justice. This movie allows you to really see what the great muscle cars of the 70s looked like in their prime. In addition, viewers can enjoy some hilariously funny scenes in this action-packed comedy. 

7. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Talladega Nights may not offer detailed insights about cars, but it makes for a great laugh. This comedy/sports film features comedians Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly who have a successful tag-team NASCAR racing strategy before Jean Girard (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) breaks into the NASCAR world. If you are searching for a fun racing movie that is certain to provide a good laugh, then this is the best car movie for you. 

8. Back to The Future (1985)

Back to The Future is the first of a series of sequels. The cast includes a young Michael J. Fox (who stars as Marty McFly) and Christopher Lloyd. In the movie, they are thrown back into time through the experimental powers of “Doc” and his DeLorean car. McFly has to ensure his parents fall in love or else he would cease to exist in this intense-filled comedy. If you are looking for a great binge watch, then check out Back to The Future II and Back to The Future III as well, which feature the pair traveling to the wild west and into the future year of 2015. 

9. Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000)

If you admire expensive luxury vehicles, then you will love Gone in Sixty Seconds. This movie, which features Nicolas Cage, involves an infamous car thief who must steal 50 luxury cars in one night to save his brother. Among the numerous cars he must steal includes a ‘67 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. This movie features great acting, a great plot and some very nice luxury cars to admire along the way. 

Did we leave an all-time great car movie out? Let us know below

Of course, there are dozens of great car movies we did not include. If we left out your favorite car movie of all time, drop a comment below to let us know.