Car Movies That Will Leave You Wanting To Get Behind the Wheel

by Kevin Gardner

The shiny paint. That new car smell of the interior. The revving of the engine under the hood. If you're a car person, you know just what it feels like to fall in love with a lady on four wheels. You can't always be on the road, unfortunately, but what you can do is spend a weekend having a movie marathon. Of course, it will need to feature some of the best car movies of the last few decades to truly be enjoyable.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)

Although this movie is a remake of the original from the 1970s, 2000's "Gone in 60 Seconds" is still one of the best-rated car movies of all time. Starring Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, and Giovanni Ribisi, the movie follows a car thief who needs to steal 50 vehicles in a single night to maintain his reputation and his life. These aren't just any cars, either. You won't find an F150 rental on the list, but you will find some of the rarest makes and models out there on it. The feat in itself seems almost impossible, but when you throw a bunch of unexpected kinks in the plan, it's downright harrowing for everyone involved. Even so, Cage and his crew steal some of the hottest cars ever to hit the streets, so you'll be up to your eyeballs in automotive beauty (not to mention Angelina Jolie) when you watch this movie.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Ok, so it doesn't have the sex appeal of "Gone in 60 Seconds," but there's no denying that this comedy classic deserves a spot on the list of the best car movies to watch during your marathon. Starring Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby, the movie spoofs NASCAR racing in the best ways. It follows Ferrell's character as he rises to fame in the world of racing and then quickly falls due to his own smug actions. Also starring John C. Reilly and Sacha Baron Cohen (of "Borat" fame), "Talladega Nights" is the perfect car movie when you need a laugh that doesn't make you think too hard... or at all.

Death Proof (2007)

In a time where many car chases are just computer-generated, 2007's "Death Proof" took it all the way. The nearly two-hour-long movie, which stars Quentin Tarantino, Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Rose McGown, and a host of other big names, is just one long car chase featuring a blacked-out Chevy Nova SS. Mike (Russell) is known as a professional body double. What people don't know is that he loves to use his doctored car to create terrible car accidents. He gets in over his head, though, when he tries to take on a group of women who are not going to fall victim to one of his deadly drives. This movie is excellent if you love scenes that are nothing but wreckage. 

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Another excellent movie for those who love fast speeds and big crashes is 1977's "Smokey and the Bandit." This movie is unique in that it did not have a nationwide theatrical release the year it came out. Even so, it made its way across the country and was the number-two movie in the nation that year. Originally released only in Southern states, this movie follows Bandit (played by Burt Reynolds) as he drives his Trans-A to create decoys while his friend Snowman (Jerry Reed) drives a truck of illegal beer across state lines. Over time, he plays his journey across a CB radio and brings a range of people together, including a runaway bride (Sally Field) and her father-in-law-to-be, who just so happens to be a sheriff. 

Of course, an honorable mention is the entire "Fast and Furious" series, which is too aplenty to choose just one movie from. Whether you're marathoning the classics or sticking close to more modern movies during your marathon, one thing is certain: you'll end it itching to get behind the wheel and push the pedal to the metal.