Discovering a great car movie is always fun, and there are tons of them out there most of us don't even know about. Here's ten to start with.
(In advance of the Jalopnik Film Festival we're doing a week of posts focused on cars and films. Remember, you can still buy tickets here.)
Personally, I would say go and watch Luc Besson's original Taxi. It only made $268,254 at the box office, which means it was a limited release. Problem is, while it's great in French or Hungarian, the English version just doesn't work. That's why you got a terrible reboot. The solution is to learn French, but before you do, watch these:
There was a time when Gumball Rally meant something other than rich guys speeding through Europe.
"The first rule of Italian Driving: What's behind me is not important."
Suggested By: Rickster3rd
For those of you who think Stephen Spielberg started his directing career with Jaws, here's something new.
Suggested By: lonestranger
Bean Bandit and his partner Rally Vincent are couriers for hire - transporting clients and delivering goods in his custom sports car "Roadbuster" for a hefty price. But when they are hired to escort a kidnapped girl named Chelsea to her home, they don't realize they're being framed for kidnapping as their former clients Semmerling and Carrie plan their escape with Chelsea's father and the ransom money.
If you like anime and cars, this is a must.
Suggested By: Mino
Bullitt417 says if you mix it with beer or wine, it sort of supercharges it:
I know we have all heard of it (and have probably seen it) but with a limited release across the U.S. I think there many who have never heard of it or seen it. I think that's a shame as I really enjoyed the movie. Admittedly, there are some who don't as well.
Hit and Run also has one of the greatest burnout scenes ever put on film, and that's worth the price of admission on its own.
Suggested By: Bullitt417 can comment again!
You might not be obsessed with desert racing, but you will be after watching this documentary. It's among the best motorsports docs ever made.
Suggested By: Automatch- the Avanthusiast
It is the classic moonshining movie. It stars the fantastic and under appreciated Robert Mitchum and some of America's coolest cars getting hooned through the South. Enjoy, it's all here!
Suggested By: justinleedy
reverberocket had this to say about it:
Starring a young James Caan, is a '65 Howard Hawks stock car flick that in it's day fell somewhere between a respectable feature and popcorn/drive-in movie fodder...
Suggested By: reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it's ear.
It's a Kurt Russel movie. You know you have to watch it.
Suggested By: $kaycog
A six pack of VBs, and this. LandofMinos agrees:
It doesn't get more Aussie hoon than this. Monaros, GT Falcons, a tidy Challenger, a blown 57 Chevy and 80's hairstyles. Oh and a PV or two.
Suggested By: LandofMinos: ...sent down to strike the unroadworthy!
Car guys like Jeremy Clarkson knows about this classic:
You should too.
Suggested By: DasWauto
Welcome back to Answers of the Day - our daily Jalopnik feature where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's Question of the Day and shine it up to show off. It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers. Enjoy!
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The Ten Best Car Movies You've Probably Never Seen