When a director yells, “lights, camera, action,” sometimes the star of the scene is a car rather than an actor or actress.
Some vehicles have become cult classics because of their scene-stealing presence. Whether part of a car chase scene or parked in the background of a shot, some vehicles have made a name for themselves on the big screen.
That said, here are 15 vehicles that entered the public consciousness in movies and TV shows.
DeLorean DMC-12: Back to the Future (1985)
The famous Back to the Future franchise features Michael J. Fox, who plays Marty McFly. When fans discuss the franchise, they inevitably bring up the DeLorean DMC-12. In the cult classic, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a time-traveling machine. The famous gull-winged car may be the most famous car in motion picture history.
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am: Smokey and the Bandit (1977)
The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was popularized by Burt Reynolds in the movie Smokey and the Bandit. Featuring the screaming chicken hood decal, the car developed a cult following.
1970 Dodge Charger R/T: The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Another car that became famous because of a movie appearance is the 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, which appeared in 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. According to one source, Chrysler manufactured 10,337 Charger R/T cars for the 1970 model year. Of them, only 124 have the 426 Hemi engine.
If you’ve seen some of the films in the series, you might remember dramatic, edge-of-you-seat chase scenes featuring the R/T.
Aston Martin DB5: James Bond Series
Why isn’t there a specific date in the subheading for the Aston Martin DB5? The reason is that the Aston Martin DB5 appears in various films across the James Bond universe. It made its debut performance in 1964’s Goldfinger when 007 visited Q’s Goldfinger laboratory.
1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 – Bullitt (1968)
Another car immortalized through film is the 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, thanks to 1968’s Bullitt. The car was featured in what is considered “the first modern-day chase scene.” The film features a 10-minute chase where Steve McQueen, playing Frank Bullitt, drives his 1968 Ford Mustang in hot pursuit of a Dodge Charger. It’s the stuff that cult classics are made of.
Mini Cooper: The Italian Job (1969 and 2003)
The Mini Cooper is front and center in the original and remake of The Italian Job. You may recall the intense heist scene where the car speeds down narrow alleys, symbolizing its agility.
Although some Minis perished during stunt driving scenes, the fate of the surviving Minis is unknown.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle: Herbie the Love Bug (1968)
Herbie is a sentient VW Beetle that has captured the hearts of movie buffs the world over. The car’s quirky personality and unique racing skills won over countless fans. But it’s not just the car. Herbie the Love Bug is a pretty good movie.
1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee”: The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
Who doesn’t know the 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee” from The Dukes of Hazzard? The iconic American muscle car coated in bright orange paint stands out in a good way. Featured in the 2005 movie and the TV series, the car is well known for its high-speed chases and dramatic jumps.
1973 Ford Falcon XB GT: Mad Max (1979)
Another vehicle driven to fame because of the big screen is the 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT. Fandom states, “The V8 Interceptor, also known as a Pursuit Special, is driven by Max Rockatansky at the end of Mad Max and for the first half of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.” The car features rugged aesthetics and fits in with the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.
Chevrolet Camaro (Bumblebee): Transformers (2007)
When it comes to Transformers, there’s more than meets the eye. The Chevrolet Camaro, known as Bumblebee in the movie, is a fan favorite aligned with the Autobots. While the Camaro was famous before the Transformers tie-in, the movie upped its cool factor.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
Ferraris were a thing before Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. There’s no denying that. But the bright red Ferrari 250 GT in the movie gave even more shine to the Ferrari model. In the firm, Ferris cruises through the city in the famed sports car that has become an automotive and cultural icon.
1976 AMC Pacer: Wayne’s World (1992)
The 1976 AMC Pacer from Wayne’s World is another iconic car made famous by its appearance in a movie. Street Machine says, “The original Mirthmobile, driven by Dana Carvey, aka Garth Algar, in the 1992 comedy flick Wayne’s World, has sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona for $71,500.”
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (KITT): Knight Rider (1982)
While the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was popularized on television screens rather than the big screen, it developed a cult following on the level of cars with big screen cred. Featured in the Knight Rider series, the vehicle has a personality of its own and is decked out with tons of futuristic tech.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS: Jack Reacher (2012)
In this popular flick, Tom Cruise drives a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS in an action-packed chase scene, showing off the American muscle car’s aggressive aesthetics and raw power.
Audi R8: Iron Man (2008)
If you’re familiar with the Iron Man franchise, you know the Audi R8 driven by Tony Stark. It’s a German car with a futuristic aesthetic that meshes nicely with the high-tech environment showcased in the movie.
Cars That Shine Under the Brightest of Lights
These vehicles have grown in prominence because of movies and TV shows. While other vehicles could make this list, these 16 are among the most epic.
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