There have been so many great movie cars that it’s a tough ask to whittle it down to ten. Some cars are automatic starters, like 007’s Aston Martin and McQueen’s ‘68 Mustang GT from Bullitt, but other choices invariably come down to subjective opinion. We’ve gone for a combination of personal and public favourites. What do the cars in our selection have in common? For starters, they’re a key part of the movie - they help drive the narrative, and in so doing, become a character in their own right. Being fast doesn’t hurt, and bonus points for great pursuit sequences. What else? Oh, it helps if the car has great looks, though a couple of cars in our top ten don’t necessarily fit that category (read on to find out which cars we’re referring to)

To make our job easier, we’re not including animated cars, or cars where cgi has been used - which means most films made this century. Besides - all the best road and/or chase movies were made in the 20th century. We make no apologies for that - Tunnel Ram is dedicated to the classic cars of the 20th century.

Oh, and we’ve cheated and made the list 11 cars. Why? We can’t include the Bullitt Mustang and not the ‘68 R/T Charger from the same movie! They’re so intertwined we’re including both. For the cars that didn’t make the cut, we have a list of honourable mentions at the bottom of the article.

Without further ado, shift your mind into high gear as we review ten of the best, most iconic movie cars of all time — those unforgettable vehicles that have captivated audiences, defined genres, and become as iconic as the stars who drove them.

Aston Martin DB5 - Goldfinger (1964)

The most iconic Bond vehicle of them all was introduced in Goldfinger - the legendary Aston Martin DB5. Released in 1964, the movie is named for gold-smuggler Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) whose dastardly plan is to increase the value of his bullion by setting off a nuclear device inside Fort Knox. Starring Sean Connery as Agent 007, the DB5 is presented to Bond by Q (Desmond Llewelyn) who informs 007 the car is equipped with the following special features:

• Revolving numberplates

• GPS screen

• Tire slashers

• Smoke screen

• Oil slick

• Rear bullet-proof screen

• Ejector seat & roof opening

• Machine guns

• Car phone

• Extendible bumperettes

As we’ve already covered the DB5 in depth, not to mention all the other iconic James Bond cars from 1962 to 2021, you can read more about the DB5 and other 007 vehicles here

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1973 Ford XB Falcon GT hardtop - Mad Max I & II

Released in 1973 as a facelift of the 1971 XA Falcon range, the Australian Ford XB Falcon became an iconic symbol of post-apocalyptic vehicular warfare through its role in the first two Mad Max films. Specifically, the variant used by Max Rockatansky, the film's protagonist, was the 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon Coupe, which underwent extensive modifications to become the Pursuit Special, referred to in both movies as the ‘Last of the V8 Interceptors.’ Decked out in menacing all-black paintwork, the vehicle was fitted with a (non functional) supercharger protruding from its hood, along with other modifications to suit its dystopian setting. The car's aggressive aesthetics, combined with high-speed pursuits and battles in a desolate wasteland, made the XB Falcon an enduring symbol of the Mad Max franchise. Its impact on pop culture was such that it set a benchmark for dystopian vehicular style and remains a sought-after model among film and car enthusiasts alike.

With a little under 10,000 XB Falcon hardtops manufactured from 1973 to 1976 - the few survivors are now worth a fortune, partly thanks to the international fame garnered in the Mad Max movies. In Australia, a good hardtop* is around $200,000 ($140k US), and even more for a genuine GT-351.

*The author bought a 1972 Falcon hardtop in the mid 1980s, paying a paltry $1,300. Due to an oil leak, the 302 Cleveland V8 died after only a few weeks.

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1968 Ford Mustang and 1968 Dodge Charger R/T - Bullitt (1968)

Bullitt not only has the greatest car chase ever filmed, it has two of the coolest movie cars to feature in a movie. Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen) drives a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 that features in the incredible, ground-breaking ten minute chase sequence through the streets of San Francisco. Chasing a ’68 Dodge Charger R/T (see below) the raw power of the Mustang, combined with McQueen's own driving stunts and the film's innovative cinematography, helped make the Mustang fastback a symbol of American muscle and coolness. The Bullitt Mustang's enduring appeal is not just its timeless design and V8 soundtrack, but its association with Steve McQueen, and that incredible car chase that has never been bettered.

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What’s it like to drive an original ‘67 Mustang GT fastback with a 390 and 4 speed? Read our article here

1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440

In Bullitt - the antagonist's vehicle is a suitably menacing black 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440. The 440 stands for cubic inches, or 7.4 liters and 375hp. The ‘68 Charger, with its beautiful, muscular styling and potent performance, plays a central role in cinema's most iconic car chase through San Francisco, helped in no small measure by having the Charger piloted by one of the best in the business, stunt driver and part time actor Bill Hickman. Hickman was the man who taught James Dean how to race, and was with Dean when he died in a car crash in 1955.

Read our article on the story of how the incredible Bullitt chase sequences were filmed

Pursued by Steve McQueen's character in the Mustang GT, Hickman lights up the Charger’s rear tires as he pours on the power in his efforts to escape. The Charger's throaty growl, aggressive maneuvers, and violent , tire-smoking acceleration made it the perfect foil to McQueen's Mustang, emphasizing the raw power and adrenaline of American muscle cars of the late 1960s. Its cinematic confrontation with the Mustang solidified the Dodge Charger's legacy as one of the great muscle cars not only in film history, but of all time. The Charger went on to further fame as the Dukes of Hazzard’s car - though theirs was a 1969 model.

Read our article on the ten best TV cars

Visit the Dodge Charger gallery

1932 Ford ‘Duece’ Coupe - American Graffiti (1973)

The 1932 Ford coupe, also known as a Deuce Coupe, plays a pivotal role in George Lucas's seminal 1973 coming-of-age film American Graffiti. Set in 1962, the film paints a nostalgic picture of American teen culture where cruising, drive-in burger joints and rock 'n' roll reigned supreme. The bright yellow '32 Ford ‘five window’ coupe, owned by John Milner, stands out as a symbol of hot rod culture and the rebellious spirit of youth. Powered by a Chevy small block V8 - with its chopped top, exposed engine, and distinctive appearance, Milner's Deuce Coupe becomes a central character in the narrative, representing a time of innocence before Vietnam, Watergate, high fuel prices and recession. American Graffiti was selling nostalgia for an era barely cold in its grave. By 1973 when the film was released, the early ‘60s already seemed like a long time ago.

Ever wonder why car guys put chevy engines in their Ford hot rods?

Filmed on a shoestring budget with a largely unknown cast, the movie made stars of Ron Howard who went on to tv fame in Happy Days, Cindy Williams who later starred in Laverne & Shirley, Richard Dreyfuss who featured in both Jaws and Close Encounters, and last but not least, Harrison Ford who went on to fame with Star Wars, the Raiders movies, and many other successful films. In American Graffiti, Harrison Ford’s character cruises around town in a ‘wicked looking 55 Chevy’ as he hunts down John Milner’s ‘32 Ford. The actual 1955 Chevy two-door seen in the movie is the same ‘55 Chev that starred in Two Lane Blacktop (see below).

Milner’s '32 Ford is more than just a vehicle — it's a testament to a bygone era when cars were not just means of transportation, but extensions of a driver’s identity. Throughout the film, the Deuce Coupe is involved in various adventures from drag races, to cruising main street, and flirtatious encounters with other female drivers. Its iconic status in the movie, combined with the film's popularity, cemented the 1932 Ford's place in American pop culture, making it one of the most recognizable and celebrated hot rods in cinematic history.

Fun fact: the THX-1138 license plate of the ‘32 Ford coupe is the name of director George Lucas’ first feature film released in 1971.

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1970 Dodge Challenger - Vanishing Point (1971)

‘Watch carefully because everything happens fast. The chase. The desert. The shack. The girl. The road block. The end’

Released in 1971, Vanishing Point is a 1971 cult classic road movie directed by Richard C. Sarafian. The film follows Kowalski, a hard nosed, enigmatic Vietnam War veteran and former race car driver, who is tasked with delivering a 1970 Dodge Challenger from Colorado to San Francisco in record time. As Kowalski (Barry Newman) speeds across the American Southwest, he becomes the target of an escalating police chase. On the journey he encounters a series of eccentric characters including Super Soul, a blind DJ named who champions Kowalski on the airwaves, portraying him as a countercultural hero, a symbol of freedom and defiance against authority.

The Dodge Challenger featured in Vanishing Point is a 1970 model, representative of Chrysler's late entry into the pony car market segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. With its distinctive wide body and low, muscular stance, the Challenger looked menacing even when parked. With as range of powerful engine options, the Challenger was emblematic of the American muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Equipped with a 440 Magnum V8, Kowalski’s white Challenger R/T becomes a central character in its own right, symbolizing freedom, rebellion and raw power as it blasts across the landscape.

While the narrative is primarily driven by the relentless high-speed pursuit, Vanishing Point explores themes of disillusionment, societal rebellion and the search for personal meaning. The expansive desert landscapes serve as a symbolic backdrop, reinforcing the isolation and vastness of Kowalski's journey. His enigmatic nature, combined with his resistance against pursuing authorities, resonates as a metaphor for the era's cynicism of the establishment. The film's climax, both tragic and ambiguous, encapsulates its overarching message, inviting viewers to reflect on the true nature of freedom and the costs associated with it.

Over half a century later, the 1970 Dodge Challenger remains one of the ultimate freedom machines and is forever associated with the movie in which it starred - Vanishing Point.

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1958 Plymouth Fury - Christine (1983)

Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, Christine is a 1983 horror film directed by John Carpenter. The star of the film is a malevolent 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. When the socially awkward teenager Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) purchases the dilapidated car, he becomes obsessed with restoring it. As Christine returns to her former glory, she reveals a sinister nature, influencing Arnie's personality and exacting revenge on those who cross her. The film delves into the dark side of obsession, blending the boundary between man and machine, Arnie’s rage manifested through a seemingly ordinary vehicle.

Plymouth’s 1958 Fury was the second year for the sensational body style known as ‘The Forward Look’. Available on all Chrysler Corporation cars for 1957, the look was so new it took the industry by surprise and had General Motors scurrying back to the drawing board to redesign it’s entire 1958 range. The Forward Look was conceived by Virgil Exner, Chrysler’s head of styling, and marked a significant shift in automotive design, featuring lower rooflines, sleeker profiles, and the prominent use of tail fins. If you strip the fins and excess chrome from a 1957-58 Plymouth - you’ve got the basis for American automobile design until well into the 1970s.

Famed novelist Stephen King chose the 1958 Plymouth Fury as the centerpiece for his novel Christine due to its distinctive appearance and relative obscurity at the time he was writing the book (early 1980s). With its outrageous tail fins, imposing grille and wedge profile, the Fury looked fast and aggressive even when parked. The Fury was not as widely recognized or as iconic as other cars of the era such as the Chevy Bel Air or Ford Thunderbird, adding an element of novelty and intrigue to his choice.

King's decision to use the 1958 Plymouth Fury allowed the author to imbue the car with a personality and presence central to the novel's plot. The Fury's aggressive styling and the name ‘Fury’ lent itself to the concept of a car with a malevolent life of its own. The choice of a less well known car gave Christine a unique identity that helped cement the ‘58 Fury's place in popular culture as a symbol of automotive malevolence.

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DeLorean DMC-12 - Back to the Future (1985)

The DMC-12, commonly known as the DeLorean, is a stainless steel, gull-winged car produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in the early 1980s. This unique vehicle was catapulted into pop culture stardom through its central role in the 1985 film Back to the Future and its subsequent sequels. In the movie, the DeLorean is modified by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) to function as a time machine, activated when it reaches the speed of 88 miles per hour - powered by a fictional flux capacitor. Starring Michael J Fox alongside Doc Brown, the two of them are accidentally sent back to 1955 and have to work out how to return to 1985 without altering the course of history. The sleek, futuristic design of the DeLorean combined with its cinematic time-traveling adventures, made the car one of the most recognizable and iconic cars in film history.

While the actual production car wasn't equipped with time-travel capabilities, its association with the beloved movie franchise made the DMC-12 a highly sought-after collectible and a lasting symbol of 1980s pop culture.

The story of the DeLorean Motor Car Company is almost as outrageous as the movie plot, minus the time travel aspect. John Z DeLorean had been the former wunderkind of General Motors, having been President of both the Pontiac and Chevrolet divisions, before leaving to form his own company. Despite so much promise, disaster loomed, and the amazing DMC-12, along with it’s founder John Z DeLorean, went down in flames.

Read our article about the background behind the sensational DMC-12, and it’s founder John DeLorean

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1955 Chevrolet 150 - Two Lane Blacktop (1972)

Surely the least attractive of all the cars in our top ten, the primer-gray ‘55 Chevy from Two Lane Blacktop is intentionally underwhelming to look at. If you’ve seen the film you’ll know why - it was to lure unsuspecting drag racers to put up money to race against what looked like a junkyard dump. We won’t say anymore in case you haven’t seen the film.

Often referred to as Ol’ 55, the 1955 Chevrolet holds a place of prominence in the iconic 1971 road movie Two-Lane Blacktop. Directed by Monte Hellman, the film centers around two nameless characters — the Driver, played by singer-songwriter James Taylor, and the Mechanic, played by Beachboys drummer Dennis Wilson. The two characters traverse the American Southwest in their ‘55 Chevy 150 two door sedan, engaging in illegal drag races for money, even baiting drivers at drive-in diners. The car, stripped down and modified for performance, becomes an extension of the protagonists' personalities: utilitarian, rugged, and with a singular focus on speed.

With a fiber-glass one-piece ‘flip front’ and no inner fender liners, the Chevy is stripped to improve power-to-weight ratio. It’s equipped with a four-speed gearbox and Chevrolet 454 big block V8 running headers and ‘dual quads’. Though road legal, it’s effectively a drag car, with two fat racing ‘slicks’ in the boot ready for competition.

For those of you who also love the orange 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge that features prominently in Two Lane Blacktop, we’ve included it at the end of this article in our ‘honourable mentions’ section.

The 55 Chevy in Two-Lane Blacktop isn't just a means of transportation, but a vessel of existential exploration. The car, devoid of any flashy aesthetics, emphasizes the film's themes of minimalism, transience, and the open road's vast uncertainty. The film's dialogue is sparse, and attention is often directed to the roar of engines, the changing landscapes, and the intricacies of the car itself. This places the 1955 Chevrolet at the heart of the narrative, making it as much a character as the human protagonists and highlighting its role as an iconic piece of American automotive culture.

There’s another great movie car in Two Lane Blacktop - the orange 1970 Pontiac GTO driven by a character titled ‘GTO’ played by Warren Oates. You’ll need to see the movie to find out more about the rivalry between the ‘55 Chev and the GTO, and we’ve included the Pontiac in our list of honourable mentions at the end of the article.

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1974 Dodge Monaco aka The Bluesmobile - The Blues Brothers (1981)

The 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan is indelibly associated with the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, where it was affectionately referred to as the ‘Bluesmobile.’ After being released from prison, Elwood Blues (Dan Ackroyd) picks up his brother Jake (John Belushi) in the former police car, revealing he'd traded their previous vehicle for a microphone. Like the ‘55 Chevy in Two Lane Blacktop, the ‘74 Dodge sedan aint no looker. Despite its dilapidated appearance, the Bluesmobile displays impressive - and often exaggerated - performance capabilities, befitting its past as a police cruiser, especially during the film's legendary car chases and stunts.

“It's got a cop motor, a 440 cubic inch plant, it's got cop tires, cop suspensions, cop shocks. It's a model made before catalytic converters so it'll run good on regular gas. What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?”

The vehicle's significance in the movie is twofold: it underscores the brothers' anti-establishment attitude and serves as a comedic counterpoint to the more traditional flashy cars seen in other films. Its resilience, speed, and ability to perform improbable maneuvers, combined with the claim that it's on "a mission from God," turn the 1974 Dodge Monaco into an iconic movie car. Throughout the film, the Bluesmobile evades law enforcement in a series of comic high-speed chases, showcasing the car's durability, and the brothers' sheer audacity.

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1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am - Smokey and the Bandit (1978)

The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, with its distinctive black and gold livery, rocketed to cinematic fame in the 1978 film Smokey and the Bandit, starring Burt Reynolds. Driving a 1977 Trans Am SE (Special Edition), truck driver Bo ‘Bandit’ Darville (Reynolds) and his unwilling passenger Carrie (Sally Field) get chased by the law as they attempt to deliver Coors beer from Texas to Georgia in 28 hours.

With its signature ‘screaming chicken’ decal on the hood, gold accent stripes, and T-top roof, the Trans-Am quickly became synonymous with high-speed chases, southern charm, and the outlaw ethos of the film's main characters. Burt Reynolds' charismatic portrayal of the Bandit, paired with the iconic look and big V8 of the Trans Am, etched both into pop culture memory. Following the film's release, sales of the Pontiac Trans Am surged, cementing its status as an automotive icon of the 1970s and one of the last of the old-school American muscle cars.

Visit the gallery for more images of the first three generations of Firebird

Fun fact: Pontiac supplied four black Trans Ams to the production team. Three were wrecked during filming, while the fourth was used for promotions and is the only car to survive. Amazingly, the movie’s director Hal Needham did all the stunt driving. Needham was an experienced stuntman, film director, actor, writer, and NASCAR team owner!

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Well, that’s our list of the top ten (actually 11) movie cars of all time. Even if you don’t agree with our choices, you can’t deny the cars we’ve selected aren’t deserving entries. There’s no right or wrong here and chances are, if you love the movie, you love the car - it comes down to personal choice. Maybe one of the cars in our honourable mentions is one you’d have in your top ten - see below.

Click on the car title to go to the related gallery to see an amazing collection of original print advertising and promotional material.

Honourable Mentions

We couldn’t leave it there and not at least include a few cars that didn’t quite make the cut. Click on the name of the car to visit the original print advertising image galleries for that particular make and model.

1970 Pontiac Judge - Two Lane Blacktop (1972)

Actor Warren Oates plays ‘GTO’ named for the car he drives, in one of the great supporting actor performances. Uttering such lines as “I could suck you up my tail pipe” - Oates and his GTO really make the movie.

1969 Dodge Charger - Dirty Larry, Crazy Mary (1974)

1974 action movie about a pair of robbers (Peter Fonda and Susan George) who, along with their mechanic, use a ‘69 Charger to evade the police in high-speed pursuits after a supermarket heist.

BMC Mini - The Italian Job (1969)

British heist movie that follows a charismatic thief (Michael Caine) and his crew as they execute a gold bullion robbery in Italy, using a traffic jam and a fleet of Mini Coopers to escape.

1949 Mercury coupe - Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

1955 drama centered on the troubled life of teenager Jim Stark (James Dean) as he struggles with the expectations of society and a dysfunctional family, finding conflict and camaraderie with fellow disillusioned youth. Watch for the game of chicken featuring the iconic ‘49 Merc.

VW Beetle - Herbie the Lovebug (1968)

1969 comedy about a down-on-his-luck race car driver (Dean Jones) who teams up with a sentient, autonomous Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie to win a series of races against all odds.

1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible - Thelma and Louise (1991)

Two best friends (Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon) embark on a road trip that turns into a flight from the law, transforming their lives and friendship forever in a tale of escape and self-discovery - driving a torquoise, soft top ‘66 Tbird

1972 Holden Monaro - Mad Max I - aka The Road Warrior (1979)

Dystopian action film that follows Max Rockatansky, a police officer in a decaying future Australia, seeking revenge against a violent biker gang that wreaks havoc. One of the gang leaders is the Nightrider (Vincent Gil), who drives a black HQ Monaro.

1958 Chevy Impala - American Graffiti (1973)

Coming-of-age film capturing the adventures of a group of teenagers over one night as they cruise and face pivotal life decisions before heading off to college. Steve Bolander (Ron Howard) drives a very cool ‘58 Impala coupe.

1955 Chevy two-door - American Graffiti (1973)

As above. The ‘55 Chevy is piloted by Bob Falfa (Harrison Ford)

1973 Ford Mustang aka ‘Eleanor’ - Gone in 60 Seconds - the original (1974)

Action film about a skilled car thief who attempts to steal 48 cars in a matter of days to fulfill a dangerous contract, leading to a high-speed chase resulting in a massive demolition derby.

1973 Corvette Stingray - Corvette Summer (1978)

Adventure comedy about a high school student (Mark Hamill) who goes on a quest to Las Vegas to recover his stolen custom Corvette, finding romance and danger along the way.

Last but not least: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - from the movie of the same name (1966)

Click here for our Top Ten TV Cars

About the author

Raph Tripp is a movie buff and passionate classic car enthusiast, writer, and founder of Tunnel Ram. If you wish to publish this article in part or in whole, please credit Raph Tripp and tunnelram.net . This is an original Tunnel Ram production ©2024 Tunnel Ram. All images remain the property of the original copyright holders.