The 13 Best Killer Car Movies of All Time
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Vote up the best killer car movies.
- 1Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul
Based on Stephen King's best-selling novel and directed by John Carpenter, Christine (1983) tells the terrifying story of a possessed 1958 Plymouth Fury that wreaks havoc in the life of a shy teenager named Arnie Cunningham (played by Keith Gordon). This classic horror-thriller astounds with its impeccable blend of spine-tingling suspense and atmospheric storytelling that keeps viewers engrossed throughout its runtime. Moreover, it features striking special effects that bring alive the monstrous personality of the titular car making it an iconic forerunner in the killer car genre.
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- 2James Brolin, Kathleen Lloyd, John Marley
The 1977 horror-thriller film The Car, directed by Elliot Silverstein and starring James Brolin, stands as a gripping entry in the pantheon of killer car movies. In this chilling tale, a mysterious black automobile with no driver terrorizes the inhabitants of a small desert town while seemingly possessing supernatural powers that render it indestructible. Its menacing presence combined with nail-biting chase sequences effectively builds an atmosphere of dread and suspense throughout the movie. Furthermore, it boasts exceptional special effects and stunt work that enhance its impact as a compelling cinematic experience.
- 3Dennis Weaver, Tim Herbert, Charles Seel
In 1971, Steven Spielberg's directorial debut, Duel, premiered as a made-for-television film that would later gain theatrical release and cult status. The story follows David Mann (Dennis Weaver), an ordinary businessman driving through the California desert when he becomes the target of a relentless, unseen truck driver intent on causing him harm. Duel's masterful use of tension, pacing, and minimalism creates an unnerving sense of dread that has become a benchmark in suspenseful filmmaking. This seminal work not only launched Spielberg's illustrious career but also set the standard for subsequent killer car movies.
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- 4Rose McGowan, Rosario Dawson, Kurt Russell
Quentin Tarantino’s 2007 thriller Death Proof pays homage to classic exploitation films and muscle cars with exhilarating vehicular action sequences that make it stand out among other killer car movies. Starring Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike - a psychotic former stuntman who uses his death-proofed muscle car to stalk and kill unsuspecting women - this film offers thrilling twists and turns along with Tarantino's signature witty dialogue that keeps viewers enthralled till its riveting conclusion.
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- 5
The Hearse
Trish Van Devere, Joseph Cotten, David GautreauxThe 1980 supernatural horror film, The Hearse, directed by George Bowers, is an essential addition to the killer car movie genre. This chilling tale revolves around Jane Hardy, played by Trish Van Devere, who moves into her late aunt's haunted house and finds herself terrorized by an ominous black hearse driven by a malevolent spirit. With its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful pacing, The Hearse remains a compelling entry in the world of possessed vehicle films. Its remarkable use of practical special effects and unnerving sound design contribute to the unsettling experience of watching this cult classic horror film.
- 6Emilio Estevez, Pat Hingle, Laura Harrington
Adapted from Stephen King's short story Trucks and directed by King himself, 1986’s Maximum Overdrive is a darkly comic horror film featuring vehicles coming to life and causing destruction after Earth passes through the tail of a mysterious comet. With Emilio Estevez leading its ensemble cast, this cult classic features an electrifying soundtrack by AC/DC and offers viewers a thrilling ride with scenes of carnage wrought by sentient trucks, lawnmowers, and even a deadly soda machine.
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- 7Steve Zahn, Paul Walker, Leelee Sobieski
Directed by John Dahl in 2001, Joy Ride introduces viewers to Paul Walker and Steve Zahn as brothers who embark on a cross-country road trip but soon find themselves targeted by a psychotic trucker after playing a seemingly harmless prank over CB radio. This intense psychological thriller keeps viewers guessing with twists that escalate tension throughout the film, making it an indispensable addition to the killer car movie genre.
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- 8Charlie Sheen, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Randy Quaid
This 1986 sci-fi action-horror flick directed by Mike Marvin establishes itself as one of the most memorable killer car movies with its intriguing premise and thrilling chase scenes. Starring Charlie Sheen as a mysterious avenger who returns from beyond the grave to take revenge on a gang of murderous road pirates using his sleek, otherworldly automobile known as "The Wraith", this film showcases impressive stunt work and vehicular mayhem that will keep viewers thoroughly entertained. With stunning visuals and captivating cinematography capturing Arizona's vast deserts as backdrop for these high-octane pursuits, The Wraith continues to endure as an exhilarating adrenaline-pumping experience.
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- 9Clint Walker, Robert Urich, Neville Brand
The 1974 made-for-television film Killdozer!, directed by Jerry London, adapts Theodore Sturgeon's science fiction novella of the same name into a gripping tale of construction workers on an isolated island who suddenly find themselves facing off against a murderous bulldozer possessed by an alien force. This suspenseful thriller showcases innovative special effects for its time and delivers captivating storytelling that keeps audiences riveted until the very end.
- 10
Super Hybrid
Oded Fehr, John Reardon, Adrien DorvalIn Eric Valette’s 2010 sci-fi horror flick Super Hybrid, viewers encounter a predatory shape-shifting automobile that preys upon unsuspecting victims in Chicago while disguising itself as different vehicles to avoid detection. Featuring impressive visual effects and well-executed stunts, this film offers an inventive take on the killer car genre that keeps audiences captivated from start to finish.
- 11Brenda Bakke, Timothy Busfield, Aidan Devine
Based on Stephen King's short story Trucks – which also inspired Maximum Overdrive – this 1997 television film directed by Chris Thomson presents another take on vehicles coming alive and wreaking havoc when electronics at a remote gas station mysteriously malfunction. Its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful pacing make Trucks yet another noteworthy entry in the pantheon of killer car movies.
- 12Haley Ramm, Jack Plotnick, David Bowe
Quentin Dupieux's 2010 absurdist horror-comedy Rubber takes the concept of killer vehicles in a unique direction, focusing on a sentient tire named Robert with telekinetic abilities that cause its victims to gruesomely explode. This satirical yet inventive film offers viewers a breath of fresh air with its unconventional premise and daring approach to storytelling, solidifying its place among the best killer car movies.
- 13José Ferrer, John Carradine, Sue Lyon
This 1977 science fiction horror film directed by Charles Band tells the chilling story of an inventor who fuses his wife's brain with a computerized car after she is severely injured in an accident, which subsequently leads to her seeking revenge against those responsible for her plight. With its innovative plot and intense action sequences, Crash! stands as an essential addition to any comprehensive list of killer car films.
