Our Top 10 Car Movies: But How Do You Rank Them?

Who's breaking our Top 5?

#5 The Fast and The Furious: Because Family made us do it… At number five, The “Fast and the Furious” franchise has become a global sensation, primarily known for its ensemble cast and high-octane action sequences. While the movies feature a wide array of iconic cars, it’s the personalities of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), and the rest of the crew that are central to the franchise’s success. Their love for cars and family, mixed with thrilling heists and intense racing scenes, define this movie series and has generationally effected so many car enthusiasts in the last decade. Surely where ever you rank this or the various movies from this franchise all would depend solely on subjectivity, but the original “The Fast and The Furious” film is on this list at #5 because there wouldn’t be a franchise if not for this movie.

Two men standing next to each other staring off to the left — I mean this had to be on the list right? Sparking a blockbuster franchise stemming more than a decade. The infamous “The Fast and The Furious Franchise” from Humble Beginnings.
Source: Universal

Two Cars a Dodge Challenger and an Orange Toyota Supra at a stop next to eachother — The Toretto Dodge Charger and the Orange Toyota Supra… Living life at a quarter mile…
Source: Universal

#4 Bullitt: Released in 1968 and directed by Peter Yates, is renowned for its groundbreaking car chase scene featuring a Ford Mustang GT 390. The iconic car chase through the hilly streets of San Francisco became a benchmark for all subsequent chase sequences in cinematic history. Steve McQueen, who played the titular character Frank Bullitt, personified cool and style, making the Mustang not just a car, but an automotive legend.

black and white photo of man next to a car walking away from it — Famed actor: Steve Madden with the one of Hollywood’s most iconic mustangs the Bullitt Mustang!
Source: Warner Bros

Bullitt Mustang parked in front of the National Mall Building — *Source: Historic Vehicle Association*

#3 Rush: Directed by Ron Howard, “Rush” is a gripping tale of the intense Formula 1 rivalry between James Hunt (played by Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (played by Daniel Brühl) during the 1970s. The iconic cars in this film are the 1970s Formula 1 race cars themselves, capturing the essence of an era marked by daring drivers and cutting-edge technology. The film delves into the personal lives and struggles of Hunt and Lauda, highlighting the profound impact of their rivalry on the world of motorsport. “Rush” is an exhilarating and emotionally charged story that takes viewers into the hearts and minds of two of the most iconic figures in the history of Formula 1 racing.

Black and white photo of professional racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt — Formula 1 Legends: Niki Lauda and James Hunt
Source: CNN

Two men in red race suits standing next to a race car, Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl — Legends in the Formula 1 Space James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) & Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl).
Source: Movie Database

#2 Ford v Ferrari: This 2019 film, directed by James Mangold, masterfully portrays the rivalry between two automobile giants, Ford and Ferrari, during the 1960s. At its heart, the story revolves around the visionaries behind the wheels: Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon) and Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale). The film’s iconic car, the Ford GT40, becomes the embodiment of American ambition and engineering prowess, seeking to dethrone Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Ford v Ferrari” is a testament to the dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence in the automotive world.