The Best Car Movies From The '70s
The '70s were a great time for car movies. The era of the muscle car was in full swing and Hollywood was churning out some of the best films about cars ever made. From classic American muscle cars to sleek European imports, these are the best car movies from the 1970s.
This list features some of your favorite actors and actresses in their prime, including Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, Burt Reynolds, Robert Redford and more. Vote up your favorite '70s car movies below or add one that's missing.
Which is the best movie about cars from 1970-1979? This list includes both popular films with famous actors and cult classics that you've probably never seen before (but should). Vote up your favorites!
- 1Dennis Weaver, Tim Herbert, Charles Seel
In this tense thriller directed by a young Steven Spielberg, a mild-mannered traveling salesman becomes the unlikely target of a menacing tanker truck driver who begins a relentless game of cat and mouse on the open road. Combining breathtaking highway stunts with a palpable sense of paranoia, Duel offers viewers a unique blend of action and psychological horror. The gripping pursuit between man and machine continues to leave audiences at the edge of their seats, making Duel a truly unforgettable viewing experience.
More Duel
- #139 of 252 onThe 200+ Best Psychological Thrillers Of All Time
- #301 of 397 onThe Best Horror Movies Of All Time
- #116 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- 2Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat
This coming-of-age comedy-drama follows the lives of recent high school graduates as they spend one last nostalgic night cruising the California streets in their hot rods, reliving their glory days, and pondering their uncertain futures. Masterfully directed by George Lucas, the film offers a captivating glimpse into 1960s youth and car culture with an unforgettable soundtrack of rock 'n' roll hits. Known for launching the careers of Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, and Ron Howard, American Graffiti has become a classic for car enthusiasts and fans of character-driven storytelling.
More American Graffiti- #426 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #54 of 675 onThe Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
- #113 of 204 onMusical Movies With The Best Songs
- 3Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason
A charming mix of action, comedy, and romance, this beloved flick follows Bo "Bandit" Darville and his truck-driving pal Cledus as they accept a reckless challenge to haul 400 cases of Coors beer from Texas to Georgia within 24 hours. Directed by Hal Needham, the film showcases a series of thrilling car chases and epic stunts featuring the iconic 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. Starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, and Jackie Gleason, Smokey and the Bandit remains a pop culture phenomenon and a must-watch for fans of high-octane adventure.
- #94 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Movies For Date Night
- #82 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #96 of 278 on'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime
- 4Steve McQueen, Siegfried Rauch, Elga Andersen
This visceral racing drama stars Steve McQueen as charismatic driver Michael Delaney, who returns to the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans race determined to conquer the event after a disastrous accident the previous year. Directed by Lee H. Katzin, the film showcases some of the most authentic and exhilarating racing footage ever committed to celluloid, including stunning aerial shots and thrilling in-car perspectives. Le Mans is a masterwork of sports cinema and a captivating portrayal of the fine line between triumph and tragedy on the racetrack.
More Le Mans- #138 of 207 onThe Best Sports Movies Ever Made
- #58 of 92 onThe Best '70s Action Movies
- #4 of 64 onThe 60 Best Car Racing Movies
- 5Steve McQueen, Ali MacGraw, Ben Johnson
Based on the novel by Jim Thompson and directed by Sam Peckinpah, this gripping crime thriller follows career criminal Doc McCoy and his wife Carol as they attempt to pull off a daring bank heist and evade the vengeful criminals who were betrayed in the process. Featuring intense shootouts, double-crosses, and high-speed car chases, The Getaway boasts an all-star cast including Steve McQueen and Ali MacGraw. The film's riveting blend of action and suspense ensures it remains a standout entry in the heist genre.
More The Getaway- #67 of 94 onThe 90+ Best Mafia Movies Of All Time
- #118 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- #236 of 308 onThe 295+ Best Movies For Guys
- 6H.B. Halicki, Marion Busia, Jerry Daugirda
In this adrenaline-charged heist film, legendary car thief Maindrian Pace is tasked with stealing 48 specific vehicles within a tight 72-hour deadline; a task that ultimately leads to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the police. Written, directed by, and starring H.B. Halicki, the film culminates in an astonishing 40-minute car chase, plus a demolition derby that showcases dozens of classic cars and involved the destruction of over 90 vehicles. With its heart-pounding stunts and jaw-dropping vehicular carnage, Gone in 60 Seconds has remained a cult favorite among car enthusiasts and action aficionados alike.
More Gone in 60 Seconds- #5 of 14 onAction Movies Where Basically No One Dies
- #4 of 93 on90+ Movies And Shows With Gone In The Title
- #185 of 216 onThe 200 Best Crime Movies Ever
- 7Michael Beck, James Remar, Dorsey Wright
In this action-packed cult classic, a street gang known as The Warriors must navigate their way through hostile territory from the Bronx to their Coney Island home turf after being falsely accused of assassinating a rival gang leader. Directed by Walter Hill, the film's thrilling subway platform chase, carefully choreographed fight scenes, and memorably stylized gang costumes combine to form a thrilling urban odyssey. The gripping quest for survival and the movie's iconic tagline "Can you dig it?" continue to resonate with audiences, making The Warriors a timeless tale of loyalty and perseverance.
More The Warriors- #665 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #208 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- #73 of 114 on50+ Movies That Need Sequels
- 8Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider
In this gritty police procedural, New York detectives Popeye Doyle and Buddy Russo attempt to dismantle an international drug smuggling ring led by the notorious Frenchman Alain Charnier. Directed by William Friedkin, the film features arguably one of the most iconic car chase sequences in cinematic history, as the relentless Doyle pursues an elevated train carrying a suspected hitman through the crowded streets of Brooklyn. Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, The French Connection stands as a prime example of 1970s urban realism and thrilling crime drama.
- Dig Deeper...Movies That Won Best Picture at the Oscars and Golden Globes
- #40 of 96 onThe Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
- #168 of 375 onThe Best Movies Based On Books
- 9Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni
As the eponymous Inspector Harry Callahan, Clint Eastwood delivers one of his most memorable performances in this gritty crime thriller that follows the hard-nosed detective's pursuit of a vicious serial killer terrorizing San Francisco. Directed by Don Siegel, the film features a series of high-speed car chases and shootouts that beautifully showcase the city's iconic streets and hills. With its compelling story, razor-sharp dialogue, and unforgettable action sequences, Dirty Harry has become a quintessential entry in the cop thriller genre.
More Dirty Harry- #422 of 769 onThe Most Rewatchable Movies
- #14 of 191 onThe Best Movies For Men
- #53 of 149 onMovies That Should Never Be Remade
- 10James Brolin, Kathleen Lloyd, John Marley
In this horror thriller, a seemingly indestructible black sedan terrorizes a small desert community, leaving destruction and death in its wake while local sheriff Wade Parent desperately tries to stop the mysterious force behind the wheel. Directed by Elliot Silverstein, the film combines supernatural elements with nail-biting car chases, making it an eerie and suspenseful exercise in terror. Though often compared to Spielberg's Duel, The Car ultimately stands on its own as a chilling amalgamation of the automobile and the unknown.
- 11Burt Reynolds, Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett
A star-studded ensemble cast including Burt Reynolds, Farrah Fawcett, and Roger Moore come together for this madcap road race comedy inspired by the real-life Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. Directed by Hal Needham, the film blends humor, action, and eccentric characters in a cross-country adventure filled with high-speed pursuits and hilarious hijinks. The Cannonball Run's combination of zany antics and impressive automotive feats makes it an enduring favorite among both comedy and car fans alike.
More The Cannonball Run- #135 of 399 onThe Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked
- #152 of 703 onThe All-Time Greatest Comedy Films
- #13 of 75 onThe Best Movies Of 1981
- 12Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Charlotte Rampling
In this enigmatic road movie, a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran turned delivery driver, Kowalski, attempts to drive a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Magnum from Colorado to San Francisco in just 15 hours, attracting the attention of law enforcement and support from locals along the way. Directed by Richard C. Sarafian, the film blends existential themes with intense car chase sequences, creating a unique viewing experience that leaves audiences pondering long after the credits roll. Vanishing Point's mysterious protagonist, spiritual undertones, and iconic muscle car have earned it cult status among fans of unconventional cinema.
- 13James Taylor, Warren Oates, Laurie Bird
This meditative road movie follows two nameless street racers, The Driver and The Mechanic, as they traverse the American Southwest in their souped-up 1955 Chevrolet 150, finding temporary solace in the hum of asphalt and the adrenaline of competition against a flashy GTO-driving challenger. Directed by Monte Hellman, the film captures the disillusionment and rebellion of the era while showcasing authentic street racing culture and stunning cinematography of the vast desert landscapes. Two-Lane Blacktop remains a poignant reflection on the search for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.
- 14Ryan O'Neal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani
In this stylish neo-noir crime film, Ryan O'Neal stars as a talented getaway driver known only as "The Driver," who becomes the target of an obsessed detective determined to bring him down. Directed by Walter Hill, the film showcases a series of breathtaking car chases through the streets of Los Angeles, each more daring than the last. The Driver's combination of high-octane action, moody atmosphere, and a morally ambiguous protagonist make it an engrossing entry in the gritty world of 1970s cinema.
More The Driver- #198 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- #33 of 58 onThe 55+ Best Movies Of 1978
- #50 of 104 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Cars
- 15David Carradine, Simone Griffeth, Sylvester Stallone
Set in a dystopian America governed by a totalitarian regime, this satirical action film follows competitors in the brutal cross-country race known as Death Race, in which drivers accumulate points by mowing down innocent pedestrians. Directed by Paul Bartel, the movie combines dark humor, surreal social commentary, and thrilling car chases featuring souped-up vehicles armed with lethal weaponry. Over the years, Death Race 2000 has served as a biting critique of society's fascination with violence and established itself as an influential cult classic.
More Death Race 2000 - 16Goldie Hawn, William Atherton, Ben Johnson
Based on a true story, this crime drama follows a desperate young mother named Lou Jean Poplin who enlists her reluctant husband in a plan to kidnap their baby back from foster care, leading to a slow-speed police chase across Texas. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film showcases Spielberg's penchant for crafting suspenseful and emotionally resonant stories propelled by dynamic car sequences and heartfelt performances. By delving into the complexities of family and the lengths we'll go for loved ones, The Sugarland Express is a poignant exploration of human potential in the face of adversity.
- 17Clint Eastwood, Jeff Bridges, George Kennedy
In this entertaining buddy crime comedy, ex-thief Thunderbolt and drifter Lightfoot team up to retrieve a stolen cash stash, but soon find themselves pursued by Thunderbolt's vengeful former partners. Directed by Michael Cimino and starring Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges, the film masterfully blends action, humor, and character-driven drama while showcasing a variety of classic cars and exciting chase sequences. The dynamism between Eastwood and Bridges skillfully underpins Thunderbolt and Lightfoot's blend of camaraderie, excitement, and ultimately, an unexpected poignancy.
- Dig Deeper...Malpaso Productions Movies List
- And Deeper...List of All Movies Released in 1974
- #84 of 199 onThe Best Movies Of The '70s, Ranked
- 18Burt Reynolds, Jennifer Billingsley, Ned Beatty
In this action-packed crime film, ex-moonshiner Bobby "Gator" McKlusky infiltrates a corrupt sheriff's illicit bootlegging operation to avenge the murder of his younger brother. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the movie features a variety of thrilling car chases involving high-speed boats and souped-up muscle cars, showcasing Gator's formidable driving skills. With its gripping plot and adrenaline-fueled pursuits, White Lightning remains a classic in the "good ol' boy" action film subgenre.
- 19Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Victor Arnold
Inspired by the real-life exploits of the NYPD's elite crime-fighting unit, this gritty police thriller follows Detective Buddy Manucci as he relentlessly pursues a group of ruthless kidnappers targeting mobsters. Directed by Philip D'Antoni, the film boasts a breathtaking chase sequence through the crowded streets of New York City, rivaling that of The French Connection in terms of intensity and realism. With its potent mix of powerful performances, hard-hitting action, and compelling storytelling, The Seven-Ups is a gripping exploration of moral ambiguity in the pursuit of justice.
More The Seven-Ups- #71 of 90 onThe 80+ Best Movies About Police, Ranked
- #6 of 40 onThe Best Cop Movies of the 1970s
- #3 of 26 onThe Best PG Detective Movies
- 20Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas, Peter Brown
In this trailblazing blaxploitation film, the fearless Foxy Brown seeks vengeance against a drug-dealing operation responsible for her boyfriend's murder, while battling corrupt politicians, mobsters, and dirty cops along the way. Directed by Jack Hill and starring Pam Grier in her most iconic role, the movie features thrilling car chases and explosive shootouts amid its timely commentary on race, gender, and power dynamics. As a testament to the enduring appeal and cultural significance of Foxy Brown, the film continues to inspire and influence filmmakers and audiences alike.
More Foxy Brown- #205 of 472 onThe Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
- #81 of 137 onThe 100+ Best Movies With Black Female Leads
- #43 of 47 onGreat Movies About Furious Women Out for Revenge
