Top 50: Most Memorable Movie Cars
The Nissan Skyline GT-R used in 2 Fast, 2 Furious (2003).
A few rules before we begin our look back at the best cars to be featured on the silver screen: Here, we rank cars only based on their appearance in a movie, not upon any previous role on TV. This list does not include any cars that aren't real, meaning animated or unique one-offs. If you could never expect to see one on the road, you won't find it on this list.
Enjoy the list! If you have any comments, suggestions, or criticism, then by all means leave them at the bottom.
50. Tommy Boy/1967 Plymouth Belevere GTX
Tommy Boy - 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX
Tommy Boy (1995) was an epic road movie featuring this sweet 1967 Belvedere GTX. The car starts off as a fine motor, but by the end of the film it has been totally destroyed. The nail in the coffin is when it catches on fire.
Tommy Boy Car Scene
49. 2 Fast 2 Furious/1999 Nissan Skyline R34GTR
The 1999 Nissan Skyline R34GTR featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003).
This silver and blue Skyline was the star at the start of the second F&F franchise, and we all remember the (over the top) intro race. Is it possible for a Skyline to jump over a Supra? I'm not sure it is, but the movie made some people believed it.
2 Fast 2 Furious Race Scene
48. Blade/1968 Dodge Charger R/T
The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T in Blade (1998),
The Charger owned by "daywalker" Blade, featured in all three movies in the Blade trilogy, is evil, yet its simple, understated style and awesome engine won the hearts of many fans.
Blade Chase Scene
47. xXx 2/2005 Shelby Cobra Prototype
The 2005 Shelby Cobra Prototype in xXx 2.
Only appearing at the end of this film, this Shelby concept car had a similar role to the Skyline in 2 Fast 2 Furious: Perform something (CGI) incredibly unbelievable, yet nonetheless entertaining. It sadly never went into production, which means no one got to test to see if it really could drive on train tracks with bare rims.
46. Cheech and Chong: Up in Smoke/Chevrolet Step Van
The Chevrolet Step Van in Cheech and Chong: Up in Smoke -
There's not much to say about this custom Chevy Step Van, apart from the fact that it was driven by Cheech and Chong and it was made of pot! Awesome!
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Lost Due to Incompetence (Theme for a Big Green Van)
45. Uncle Buck/1975 Mercury Marquis
The 1975 Mercury Marquis from Uncle Buck (1989).
This is a rare car indeed. It's not just a car, it's a persona. It's a rusty nail which is on it's last legs, yet people still want it. A classic piece of movie history driven by the late, great John Candy.
His Name Is Bug
44. Tucker: The Man and His Dream/1948 Tucker Sedan
The 1948 Tucker Sedan from Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988).
Tucker: The Man and His Dream is the story of Preston Tucker and his attempt to make it in the car business. The Tucker Torpedo was one of only 51 cars made by Tucker before an unfortunate case of fraud. There are many fans of one of the rarest brands in automotive history.
Unveiling the 1948 Tucker Sedan
43. The Rock/1996 Ferrari F355 Spider
The 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider from The Rock (1996).
How to smash up a Ferrari 101? This film is for anyone who wants to see what happens when you trash a F355 Spider. You maybe disappointed though, as rumour has it the car that crashed wasn't a real F355, but a replica based on either the Toyota MR2 or the Pontiac Fiero.
Ferrari vs. Hummer Chase Scene
42. Dumb and Dumber/1984 Ford Econoline
The 1984 Ford Econoline from Dumb and Dumber (1994).
42. Dumb and Dumber - 1984 Ford Econoline
There's not much of the originally Econoline on display in Dumb and Dumber, but what a van! It's remembered for it's dog-like appearance as an advertisement for "Mutts Cutts"
41. Italian Job/2003 BMW Mini Cooper S
The 2003 BMW Mini Cooper S from Italian Job (2003).
The 2003 remake of the classic Italian Job was a great advertisement for the new BMW Mini Cooper S. Some good car chases and clever driving showed the car off as a fun play-thing. It's a shame the real car isn't as much fun.
Mini Cooper Scenes
40. 48hrs and Another 48hrs/1964 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
The 1964 Cadillac DeVille Convertible from 48hrs and Another 48hrs (1982, 1990).
It's good to see a classic Caddy in a film. It's even better when it's used as a cop car. What makes this one really special is that the film is great. The car was so perfect, Jack managed to blow $25 grand on an almost identical one for the sequel!
Another 48 Hours Trailer
39. The Car/1971 Lincoln Continental mk3
The 1971 Lincoln Continental mk3 from The Car (1977).
This heavily customized Lincoln Continental was responsible for terrorizing a small fictitious Utah town. Some likened it to the shark in Jaws. Whatever you think of it, you'll always remember the horn!
The Car Trailer
38. Who Am I/1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4
The 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 From Who Am I (2014).
Jackie Chan going out of his mind with amnesia is a fun thing to watch. The car, though is what most people remember from this film, showing off its rally credentials by handling on all terrains, at all speeds.
37. Big Lebowski/1973 Ford Gran Torino
The 1973 Ford Gran Torino from Big Lebowski (1998).
Another car to get hammered all the way through a film. The Dude's '73 Torino gets crashed, stolen, trashed, and of course, set of fire. Yet it's still an awesome car that many would happily own.
Torino Crash Scene
36. Kill Bill/1997 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado Fleetside
The 1997 Chevrolet 2500 Silverado Fleetside from Kill Bill (2003) knows as "Pussy Wagon."
The "Pussy Wagon" started the term of "Pussy Yellow" when referring to bright yellow cars. The monster pick-up will forever be remembered for its paint job and name. It's still use by Quentin Tarantino as his daily drive.
35. Thelma and Louise/1966 Ford Thunderbird
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird from Thelma and Louise (1991).
Another great road movie with a classic convertible. This one of course is featured all the way through the film, but most notable of course in the end scene when it's driven into the Grand Canyon.
Trucker Scene
34. Le Mans/1971 Porsche 917
1971 Porsche 917 from Le Mans (1971).
This is a film about a 70's Le Mans race, with the two main cars being a Ferrari 512LM and this Porsche 917 driven by Steve McQueen. Similar to the Rock, the crash with the Porsche and the Ferrari was filmed using two replicas made up on VW Beetle chassis.
Making Le Mans
33. xXx/1967 Pontiac GTO
The 1967 Pontiac GTO from xXx (2005).
Not the greatest movie in the world, but this car is something else. It's like Bond's DB5 for the Playstation generation. Big, stylish, and fully loaded with some awesome gadgets and weapons that even Q would have made proud. Although I doubt he would have painted it that sexy purple.
32. Graduate,1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto
The 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto used in The Graduate (1967).
32. Graduate - 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto
This classy little red Alfa was the poor man's Ferrari in it's day. Thanks to its starring role in The Graduate, it was a world-wide success. It's well remembered for running out of fuel near the end of the film, leaving main character Benjamin the task of running to the church.
Trailer for The Graduate
31. Grease/1948 Ford De Lux
The 1948 Ford De Lux used in Grease (1978).
Greased Lightning, the car that races in storm drains, gets the girls, and near the end of the film Grease (during the fantasy sing song) it manages to fly away. Well, it was the fantasy bit!
Drag Race Scene
30. Gone in 60 Seconds/1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 used in Gone in 60 Seconds (1974) which was called "Eleanor."
If you want to see a film is based around cars and car chases, this is the one to watch. A 40 min-car chase is the centerpiece of this film. The actors aren't great and the script is non-existent, but the car and that chase is what it's about.
29. Fast and Furious/1970 Dodge Charger
The 1970 Dodge Charger used in Fast and Furious (2009).
Of the many cars from Fast and Furious, Dom's Charger is probably the best-known. It only appeared in the film a couple of times, but for the final ten minutes it plays a major part, including pulling a torque-powered wheelie off the lines and an above flip which (sadly) totals the car.
Charger Flip Scene
28. Austin Powers/1967 Jaguar E Type
The 1967 Jaguar E Type used in Austin Powers (1997), also called the "Shaguar."
The only car for Austin Powers is the "Shaguar." Using the classic '60s E type Jaguar and simply painting a massive Union Jack on it is a style like no other. Of course the number plate is well-remembered too!
27. French Connection/1971 Pontiac LeMans
The 1971 Pontiac LeMans used in The French Connection (1971).
Regarded as one of, if not the greatest, Hollywood car chases, the chase scene in The French Connection has a major impact on the film's plot. The story doesn't revolve around the chase, but it's interesting to note that the crew didn't have the permit to shoot the chase, so a lot of the traffic in the chase with the El Train is real!
The Chase Scene
26. Nation Lampoon's Animal House/1964 Lincoln Continental mk2
The 1964 Lincoln Continental mk2 in Nation Lampoon's Animal House (1978).
The star of the show is Flounder's brother's Lincoln Continental. this classy car stars off fine, but gets trashed on a road trip with Pinto, Boon, and Otter. The car ends up being fixed for the Homecoming Parade by D-Day, but it doesn't look much like the original. Evil!
The Deathmobile Scene
25. Starsky and Hutch/1976 Ford Gran Torino
The 1976 Ford Gran Torino in Starsky and Hutch (2004).
Forget about the TV series. The TV show made the car popular before the 2004 film was made, but this car played a huge part on the big screen. Plenty of chases and high speed driving left people (once again) wanting a red Torino with a big, white, over-the-top stripe.
Chase Scene
24. Days of Thunder/1990 Chevrolet Lumina
The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina from Days of Thunder (1990).
24. Days of Thunder - 1990 Chevrolet Lumina Nascar
Top Gun is a . . . oh wait, sorry, Days of Thunder is a film about Nascar. So lots of speed, lots of excitement, some awesome race cars, and of course crashing! There's also a plot and some characters in there, but it felt a little too familiar. Still some great cars though.
Race Scene
23. Transformers/2009 Chevrolet Camaro
The 2009 Chevrolet Camaro used in Transformers (2007) that was called "Bumblebee."
Yes, originally Bumblebee was a VW Beetle, but in the 2007 movie Transformers they used a '74 Camaro that magically shifts itself into the soon-to-be-released 2009 Chevy Camaro. At the time, the car was of course a prototype and was actually based on a Pontiac GTO.
Transformation Scene
22. Risky Business/1981 Porsche 928
The 1981 Porsche 928 from Risky Business (1983).
Parents need to realize that telling your teen-aged children not to use the car, and then going away for the weekend, is a terrible thing to do. Of course Joel borrows it and of course it end up in Lake Michigan!
Joy Ride Scene
21. The Dukes Of Hazard/1969 Dodge Charger R/T
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T from The Dukes Of Hazard (2005).
Forget about the TV program for this one too. The classic General Lee got a modern upgrade to the big screen in 2005, and thankfully they used an original '69 (although '68s were used for some of the filming) and not some modern-day prototype. Fast, sexy, and awesome-looking fun!
Dukes Movie Chase Scene
20. Ronin/1998 BMW 535i
The 1998 BMW 535i from Ronin (1998).
This is another film with an epic car chase in it, well actually a few. The big one is the Paris city center involving this BMW 535i and a Peugeot 406. The BMW is remembered, of course, for ending up upside-down on a construction site. This is regarded as one of the best car chases in movie history.
The Paris Chase Scene
19. Vanishing Point and Death Proof/1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
The 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T from Vanishing Point and Death Proof (1971, 2007).
A popular plot for 1970s car films is epitomised by the one in Vanishing Point. The cross country multi state car chase with the police will forever be remembered, as will the white 1970 Challenger R/T. The same car was also used in Tarantino's Death Proof.
18. Christine/1958 Plymouth Fury
The 1958 Plymouth Fury used in Christine (1983).
Stephen King's book transferred wonderfully to the big screen in the film about a murderous Plymouth Fury. The Fury was in essence the Belvedere Sport with the evil red paint being an extra. It's an evil car, for an evil story.
17. The Spy Who Loved Me/1975 Lotus Esprit
The 1975 Lotus Esprit featured in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
Q really pulled it one of the bag for The Spy Who Loved Me with this 75 Esprit. A modern (for it's time) road car made by the legendary British firm Lotus, the car transformed into a submarine. No clever CGI like in Transformers either! It was all old-school engineering.
Lotus Chase Scene
16. Wayne's World/1976 AMC Pacer
The 1976 AMC Pacer featured in Wayne's World (1992).
When a certain guitar solo begins in Queen's classic "Bohemian Rhapsody," some people will nod their heads. Why? We all know the answer to that! The Mirthmobile was the ultra-cool hatch to have!
Bohemian Rhapsody Scene
15. Duel/1960 Peterbilt 281 Tanker
The 1960 Peterbilt 281 Tanker featured in Duel (1971).
Steven Spielberg's first feature film revolves around a monster Peterbilt 281 Tanker, which plays a game of cat and mouse with a Plymouth Valiant. This film is a classic, with little dialogue and a great concept. Of course, the truck gets trashed at the end when it drives off a cliff.
Duel Chase Scene
14. Cannonball Run/1980 Lamborghini Countache LP400S
The 1980 Lamborghini Countache LP400S featured in Cannonball Run (1981).
Posters of this car hung on many a teenager's wall during the '80s (and probably the '90s and '00s!) It was one of those cars that stood out even in a film featuring some of the worlds finest machines. (One of the other cars on this list was also featured in the film) Of course, the sexy Adrienne Barbeau covered in spandex might have helped.
Opening Scene
13. Bourne Identity/1989 Mini 1100 Special
The 1989 Mini 1100 Special featured in Bourne Identity (2002).
Another pretty, wrecked car that has a spot in our hearts, mainly due to an impressive mid-Paris police chase (the French obviously love car chases!). The car flies through little alley ways and down flights of steps like in the Italian sports car. It takes a battering, but still keeps on going.
12. Ferris Bueller's Day Off/1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider featured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986).
What a car to take for a joy ride! The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is a rare and special car. It's on the top ten most expensive cars of all time. In case you were annoyed at the film makers for wrecking such a rare and expensive car, fear not. It was just a replica based on a Datsun 240z.
Ferrisw Bueller's Day Off: Crash Rant
11. Mad Max/1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe
The 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Coupe featured in Mad Max (1979).
"The Last of the V8's" will forever be remembered as possibly the most bad-ass cop car in movie history. It's evil "futuristic" styling worked well, even if the supercharger button was only a prop. We can but dream!
10. Love Bug/1963 Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle)
The 1963 Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle) featured in Love Bug (1968, 1997).
OK, so Herbie was a magic little car that dreamt of being a race car. He was successful too, but not nearly as successful as the Beetle was for VW. It's featured in five Love Bug movies and a TV movie, and even though Lindsay Lohan ruined it for the youngsters of today, it's still one of the most recognizable movie cars of all time.
Race Scene
9. American Graffiti/1932 Ford Coupe
The 1932 Ford Coupe from American Graffiti (1973).
Written and directed by the father of Star Wars, George Lucas (a self confessed hot rod nut), the story of American Graffiti is based on teenagers driving around listening to the radio. Who cares if there's not only Milner's 32 Coupe, but over 20 over classic cars and hot rods (and a Vespa)! Helped popularity of hot rod's with a new generation.
Your Mama's Car
8. Smoky and the Bandit/1977 Pontiac Tans Am
The 1977 Pontiac Tans Am from Smoky and the Bandit (1977).
Burt Reynolds is a fan favourite when it comes to road movies, thanks to this staring role in Cannonball Run. In Smokey and the Bandit he cruises (and speeds) around in a '77 Trans Am, causing all kinds of mischief. Some great car chases, a funny script, and this amazing car. Great film!
Chase Scene
7. Gone in 60 Seconds/1967 Shelby Mustang GT500
The 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500G from Gone in 60 Seconds (2000).
The 2000 re-make of the 1974 classic wasn't as good, if you ask fans who have seen the original. However, the remake did use the ultra-rare Shelby Mustang GT 500 to play the part of Eleanor. The script and cast aren't that amazing, but the car is truly magnificent. Also, no Shelbys where harmed in the making of this film. It was a replica built on a Mustang. Real Shelby Mustangs are too rare and expensive.
6. Ghostbusters/1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor (ECTO1 )
The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor (ECTO1) from Ghostbusters (1984).
This is one of, if not the most, recognized ambulances in the world (the only other one worth noting is Burt Reynold's ambulance from Cannonball Run). It's a bit busted when the Ghostbusters team buys it, but it's so-over-the top that it's amazing!
First Call
5. The Italian Job/1968 Austin Mini Cooper S
The 1968 Austin Mini Cooper S in The Italian Job (1969).
By 1969, the Mini was already on its way to becoming a legend in the auto world. This film sealed it's fate and ever since, people of all ages and sexes have dreamed of owning an original '68 Cooper S. No matter what people say about the Muira or Dino in the Italian Job, the Mini's are the film.
Chase Scene
4. The Blues Brothers/1974 Dodge Monaro
The 1974 Dodge Monaro featured in The Blues Brothers (1980).
It's one of the all-time best films. It might not be a masterpiece of drama, but it's funny, fast-paced, has some of the biggest names in music, and oh yeah, that '74 Dodge Monaro markedup as a police car. It's a great film to watch if you love seeing nondescript police cars crashing into each other.
Mall Chase Scene
3. Bullitt/1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT390 Fastback from Bullitt (1968).
The chase scene in Bullit is often regarded as the greatest of all time. The ever-cool car-nut, Steve McQueen, speeds around San Fransisco in the awesome 68 GT390 Fastback, while chased by the ever-cool Black Charger. Rumour has it, one of the original Fastbacks still exists somewhere in Ohio.
The Chase, Part 1
2. Back to the Future 1-3/1981 Delorean DMC 12
The 1981 Delorean DMC 12 featured in Back to the Future 1, 2, & 3 (1985, 1989, 1990).
It's a tough choice, choosing the most memorable car, and this Delorean was so very close to the top. It featured in the massive box office smashes Back to the Future parts 1, 2, and of course, 3. The heavily modified Delorean was a time machine/hover car that just rocked the '80s.
The Delorean Unveiled
1. James Bond/1963 Aston Martin DB5
The 1963 Aston Martin DB5 featured in five James Bond films, among others.
Connery drove it in Goldfinger and Thunderball., Then Brosnan drove it in Goldeneye and Tomorrow Never Dies. Craig then used it in Casino Royale. During all that Moore "borrowed" it for some fun with Burt Reynolds in Cannonball Run. This car has a better resume than most actors of its time. Plus it's an Aston Martin. The DB5 is the most memorable car of movie history.
