The Greatest Car Movies Ever Made
Car movies have a timeless appeal, encompassing various themes such as racing, journeys, and the presence of cars in life. This eclectic list showcases the best car-themed films through the years. It includes classics, cult favorites, modern hits, and even some lesser-known gems. Ultimately, a car movie features a vehicle that significantly impacts how a character interacts with the world. Here are five of the top car movies to watch.
Collateral (2004)
Michael Mann’s thriller revolves around a Los Angeles cab driver, Vincent (Jamie Foxx), and his hitman passenger, Max (Tom Cruise). In this film, the cab symbolizes a safe space for Foxx. It isolates him from the limitless life he could lead. When Cruise’s assassin onboard evokes chaos, it becomes a challenge to Foxx's carefully constructed identity. The drastic events also mark a vital transformation for him. Ultimately, the climactic moment of Foxx’s identity assertion occurs when he wrecks the cab during a life-altering ride. Mann showcases Los Angeles in a vivid, breathtaking manner, enhancing the film's allure.
Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
Monte Hellman’s iconic road film features Driver (James Taylor), Mechanic (Dennis Wilson), and Girl (Laurie Bird) in a cross-country race. Along their journey, they compete with a GTO driver, G.T.O (Warren Oates). This contemplative film deeply engages audiences and reveals more complexities upon each viewing. Co-written by Rudy Wurlitzer, it is neither purely metaphorical nor strictly dramatic. Instead, it illustrates an intricate web of rivalry, dependency, frustration, and estrangement. The immersive driving sequences and compelling performances, especially Taylor's captivating yet intense portrayal, really stand out.
Ferrari (2023)
Michael Mann returns with a markedly different car movie focused on Enzo Ferrari (Adam Driver). The film chronicles a crucial period in 1957, blending racing with Ferrari’s personal struggles. It contrasts intimate domestic scenes among his wife (Penelope Cruz) and mistress (Shailene Woodley) with intense, chaotic racing moments. While the film nods to the tragic reality of Ferrari’s life, it poses broader themes about ambition and self-destructiveness. This nuanced portrayal reminds us that even speed cannot evade personal demons.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
George Miller’s Mad Max franchise exemplifies car films, combining dark dystopian narratives with extraordinary filmmaking. Fury Road, the series' fourth installment, intensifies these themes. The dystopian setting is grimmer, the aesthetics more flamboyant, and the stunts more outrageous. Tom Hardy embodies a darker lead compared to Mel Gibson. This film introduces memorable characters like Imperator Furiosa and Immortan Joe. Amid relentless action sequences, it reveals intricate insights into the characters and their dark world. This film merges thrilling action with profound character study.
Taxi Driver (1976)
Despite some argument, Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver qualifies as a car movie. The film addresses themes of isolation, madness, and violence while following cabbie Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro). The smoky streets of New York create a haunting portrayal of urban desolation as they slip past his windshield. The narrative constructs a solid barrier between Travis and society. Each character who enters his cab defies and deepens his troubled identity. This multifaceted exploration cements Taxi Driver as a quintessential car movie.