From the classic car chases of The French Connection to the thrilling road trips of Little Miss Sunshine, driving movies have been a staple of cinematic history for decades. Whether you're looking for high-octane action, slapstick comedy, or sophisticated humor, there's something for everyone in this genre. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore some of the best modern and classic driving movies, from Fast & Furious to The Cannonball Run. The modern era of driving movies began with the Fast & Furious franchise in 2001. Starring Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, this series follows Dominic Toretto and his crew as they take part in daring races and intense battles. The franchise has since grown to include eight films, with a ninth installment set to be released in 2021. Other modern driving movies include Baby Driver, Need for Speed, and Fast Five. Classic driving movies are just as iconic as their modern counterparts.
The French Connection (1971) is widely considered one of the greatest car chase movies of all time. Starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, this classic follows two New York City detectives as they attempt to stop a French drug smuggling ring. Other classic car chase films include Bullitt (1968), Death Race 2000 (1975), and The Cannonball Run (1981).The stars of these films are just as iconic as the cars they drive. Michael Caine and Noel Coward starred in The Italian Job (1969), while Burt Reynolds and Sally Field starred in Smokey and the Bandit (1977).
Mel Gibson and Angelina Jolie starred in Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), while Nicolas Cage and Barry Newman starred in Gone in 60 Seconds (1974).Driving movies have evolved over the years to include more diverse characters, settings, and technology. From The Blues Brothers (1980) to Talladega Nights (2006), these films have featured high-octane action, street racing, illegal activities, personal issues, loyalty, friendship, redemption, and more. They have also included iconic car chase scenes that have become part of cinematic history. The modern era has seen a shift towards action-packed stories that are driven by characters rather than technology advances. Films like Ford v Ferrari (2019) and Death Race (2008) feature intense races that push the boundaries of what is possible on screen.
Technology advances have also allowed for more special effects and CGI stunts that make these films even more thrilling. In addition to action-packed stories, driving movies have also included plenty of comedy moments. From The Cannonball Run (1981) to Eurotrip (2004), these films have featured slapstick comedy, physical comedy, and sophisticated humor that has kept audiences laughing for decades. Other popular comedies include The Hangover (2009), Due Date (2010), Superbad (2007), Sideways (2004), and Easy Rider (1969).Driving movies have also featured some of the most memorable quotes in cinematic history. From Dominic Toretto's "I live my life a quarter mile at a time" to Lightning McQueen's "Ka-chow!", these quotes have become part of pop culture lore.
Other iconic lines include "You're gonna need a bigger boat" from Jaws (1975) and "You can't handle the truth" from A Few Good Men (1992).Whether you're looking for an action-packed story or a lighthearted comedy, there's something for everyone in the world of driving movies. From classic chase scenes to intense finales, these films have become part of cinematic history. So grab your keys and get ready for an unforgettable ride!.
