The Greatest Car Movies Ever Made

Over 8.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Greatest Car Movies Ever Made
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Vote up your favorite films that are all about the cars.
Latest additions: Gran Turismo, Seoul Vibe, Fast X
Most divisive: Herbie Rides Again

This list of the best car movies features awesome and fast cars, ranked by the fans. This car films list can be sorted by director, actors, or year of release via their column headers. So, what are the best movies about cars? Nothing is more exciting than a movie with a fast auto. In this list of the greatest car movies ever made, including racing films, fast car movies, old, classic films with high speed chases, and action car movies. What are the best car action movies? While this might not feature all car films, it does have the greatest.

Cars in movies have always played an important storytelling role in American and foreign cinema and when talking about the top car movies one has to mention The Fast and the Furious, Gone in 60 Seconds, and all-time greats like Bullitt and Smokey and the Bandit. Featuring good classic movies, car-themed animated films, and cool Hollywood movies about driving similar to Need for Speed, this list has it all. 

After watching these, you may make your own top 10 car movies list. For other interesting movie lists check out the horse racing movies, and car racing movies.

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  • Bullitt
    1
    Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn, Jacqueline Bisset
    1,833 votes
    • Released: 1968
    • Directed by: Peter Yates

    Featuring one of the most iconic car chases in film history, this Steve McQueen classic revolves around a San Francisco cop determined to take down a crime syndicate. The audacious driving scenes, especially the legendary Mustang fastback versus Dodge Charger chase, showcase McQueen's talent as both an actor and a race car driver. Bullitt epitomizes the gritty realism of late '60s cinema while influencing car movies for generations to come.

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  • Ford v. Ferrari
    2
    Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal
    264 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: James Mangold

    This adrenaline-inducing film tells the thrilling true story of how Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles teamed up to break Ferrari's dominance in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Led by magnetic performances from Matt Damon and Christian Bale, audiences are treated to fast-paced action, drama, and the passion behind racing. By the end credits, it's hard not to be inspired by the sheer determination and ingenuity that transformed the Ford GT into a world-class racing machine.

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  • American Graffiti
    3
    Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat
    1,545 votes
    • Released: 1973
    • Directed by: George Lucas

    With a star-studded ensemble cast, this nostalgic George Lucas-directed gem captures the essence of '60s youth culture and their obsession with fast cars and rock 'n' roll. Set within a single night, the intertwining storylines of high school graduates cruising the streets in hot rods convey a poignant sense of time and place, as well as the fleeting nature of adolescence. The energetic soundtrack and stylish cinematography make for an unforgettable movie experience that has stood the test of time.

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  • Smokey and the Bandit
    4
    Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason
    1,883 votes
    • Released: 1977
    • Directed by: Hal Needham

    This high-octane comedy follows a charismatic outlaw and his partner evading a relentless sheriff as they race across the country to deliver bootleg beer. Burt Reynolds and Sally Field sizzle on screen, and their wild adventure is filled with witty banter, car chases, and outlandish stunts. Equal parts slapstick comedy and action-filled spectacle, it retains its status as a beloved classic that defined the genre.

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  • The Fast and the Furious
    5
    Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez
    3,097 votes
    • Released: 2001
    • Directed by: Rob Cohen

    The blockbuster that spawned a franchise juggernaut, this pulse-pounding action film focuses on an undercover cop infiltrating an underground street racing scene. Relationships are put to the test as loyalties shift, while high-speed pursuits and races keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The combination of thrilling car stunts, diverse characters, and a pulse-pounding soundtrack helped launch a new era in automotive cinema.

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  • Gone in 60 Seconds
    6
    Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Robert Duvall
    2,286 votes
    • Released: 2000
    • Directed by: Dominic Sena

    Boasting an all-star cast, this slick heist film reimagines the 1974 cult classic, with Nicolas Cage starring as a retired car thief forced back into the game to save his brother's life. With only 24 hours to steal 50 high-end cars, the audience is taken on a wild ride filled with clever heists, impressive stunts, and epic car chases. Its mix of humor, action, and a charismatic lead elevates the film into a modern must-watch.