Born essentially at the same time, cinema and cars are practically siblings that have grown together for over a century. Ever since the first on-screen car chase in 1903’s Runaway Match, they have complemented each other to create some of the greatest scenes, thrilling chases, and iconic moments in cinema history. Many vehicles have stolen the show that they have become the stars themselves, outshining their human counterparts.
Buckle up as we count down the Greatest 100 Movie and TV Vehicles of All Time in a high-octane ride through the best legends on wheels to ever burn rubber on film! No spaceships or yellow submarines here; this list will celebrate the vehicles that have left tire tracks through movie, TV, and pop culture history!
100. The Assortment of Cars | Wacky Races (1968-1969)
Even though they’ve made a ton from the Hanna-Barbera catalog, I still feel as though Warner Bros. is leaving money on the table not turning some of those older cartoons into live action movies. The Jetsons and Jonny Quest are obvious no brainers (fun fact: both came close to getting live action adaptations with Robert Rodriguez attached to both) and all of their action cartoons are overdue for the big screen (Space Ghost, Frankenstein Jr. and The Impossibles, Birdman and the Galaxy Trio and The Herculoids) but the one I think would be the most entertaining would be Wacky Races. Picture Mad Max: Fury Road but if every car had a fun racer and gimmick and they were all crashing into each other constantly and you just pictured the most fun movie of the last decade.
Especially if you pictured Jim Carrey in the lead as Dick Dastardly. The reason it has the potential to be a non-stop action comedy extravaganza is in the strength of the shows racers. Each have a distinct personality, which ties directly into their vehicle. Penelope Pitstop is a delicate beauty queen, so obviously she drives a pristine pink car. The Gruesome Twosome are two green ghouls that drive a haunted house on wheels. The Ant Hill Mob are seven tiny mobsters that all squeeze into a 1920s gangster style car and Dick Dasterdly drives a sleek, purple rocket-powered car filled with gadgets for cheating called The Mean Machine. It’s the most iconic one but the rest still hold their own as some of the most unique cars (with some of the most unique drivers) in any show.
–Sailor Monsoon
99. Catbus | My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Whether they’re flying brooms, biplanes flown by humanoid pigs, or castles with spider legs, Hayao Miyazaki loves any opportunity to throw a weird vehicle into one of his films. The most iconic of which is the Catbus—a fantastical, twelve-legged feline vehicle that is equal parts surreal, magical, and charming. Introduced midway through the film My Neighbor Totoro, the Catbus captures the imagination with its wide, grinning face, glowing eyes, and a body that functions as a living, breathing form of transportation.
Symbolically, the Catbus can be seen as a representation of the unbound imagination of children. It appears when Mei and Satsuki are most in need, whisking them away to find comfort, connection, or adventure. It can also be interpreted as the angel of death, since the two little girls are the only ones that can see him and there’s a popular theory that one or both may already be dead. However you interpret the character, there’s no denying he’s one of the most memorable and beloved creations in recent animation history.
–Sailor Monsoon
98. The #46 | Days of Thunder (1990)
The #46 is the iconic race car driven by Cole Trickle, portrayed by Tom Cruise. First sponsored by the fictional “City Chevrolet,” the car is a sleek, stock car emblazoned with bright green and yellow colors. The #46 embodies the high-octane spirit of NASCAR racing central to the movie’s plot. Under the guidance of veteran crew chief, played by Robert Duvall, the #46 becomes a symbol of Trickle’s journey from a cocky rookie to a seasoned driver. Later on, using the more mature red and white colors, Cole shows he has overcome personal and professional challenges. And we all learned “rubbing is racing.”
97. Cheech and Chong’s Van | Up in Smoke (1978)
Cheech and Chong were a big part of my upbringing as a child of the ’80s. I’ll never forget their beat-up green 1960s Chevy van, which is more than just a vehicle that was a rolling testament to their stoner antics and rebellious spirit. It was a symbol of their laid-back, counterculture lifestyle. Dubbed the “Sinse Mobile” by fans, the van plays a pivotal role in the film, transporting the duo (and a hefty stash of marijuana) across Los Angeles and into Mexico, all while evading the bumbling police. Its shaggy interior, complete with bean bags and a hazy cloud of smoke, perfectly encapsulates the film’s irreverent humor and carefree vibe, making it an enduring icon of stoner cinema.
96. The Duck | Batman Returns (1992)
A quirky and unforgettable vehicle that waddles its way into Tim Burton’s gothic superhero sequel was a perfect ride for the grotesque Oswald Cobblepot. Originally a cable cart boat from Gotham’s abandoned Old Zoo. This amphibious oddity was customized into a six-wheeled, all-terrain monster with a faded yellow paint job. Chipped and weathered, it somehow matched the Penguin’s warped psyche. Powered by an electric motor in reality (though dubbed with cartoonish engine sounds for the film), it features a scissor lift for dramatic entrances and a boat-like hull for sewer navigation, reflecting Cobblepot’s aquatic roots and bird obsession.
95. “The Monster” | Death Race 2000 (1975)
Simply known as “The Monster,” this 1975 custom-built creation on a modified Volkswagen Beetle chassis, designed by automotive artist Dean Jeffries, is a reptilian-inspired beast with a dark green, armored body, jagged teeth painted across its front grille, and a spiked tail. It perfectly reflects Frankenstein’s status as the race’s most feared and legendary champion in the cult classic Death Race 2000. The car’s low, aggressive stance and claw-like features amplify its predatory aura, fitting for a dystopian race where drivers earn points by running down pedestrians. As the centerpiece of the transcontinental Death Race, “The Monster” embodies Frankenstein’s larger-than-life persona.
94. #3 Cadillac Escalade | Zombieland (2009)
This black 2003 Cadillac Escalade, adorned with a bold white “3” painted on its doors, pays tribute to the late NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt and features a snowplow-style attachment on the front, making it a formidable tool for plowing through the undead. The Escalade serves as Tallahassee’s initial ride, reflecting his bold, no-nonsense attitude as he teams up with Columbus in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. It has a gritty charm, and the symbolic number cements it as an iconic part of the movie’s road-trip vibe.
93. Porsche 917 | Le Mans (1971)
The Porsche 917, driven by Steve McQueen’s character, is a breathtaking centerpiece of Le Mans that embodies the raw power and elegance of endurance racing. Painted in the iconic light blue with orange stripes, this sleek machine is a real-world racing legend, known for its aerodynamic curves and ferocious 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, capable of speeds exceeding 200 mph. In the film, the #20 Porsche 917K becomes Delaney’s steed as he competes in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans; its roaring presence on the track captures the intensity of the race.
92. Yellow 1978 Volkswagen Bus T2 | Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
In the 2006 indie comedy-drama Little Miss Sunshine, the van driven by the dysfunctional Hoover family is a weathered, mustard-yellow 1971 Volkswagen Bus T2 that serves as both a literal and metaphorical vehicle for their chaotic journey. Affectionately dubbed “The Bus” by fans, this creaky, breakdown-prone van—with its peeling paint, malfunctioning horn, and a clutch that gives out early in the film—mirrors the family’s own fragile and quirky state. Underneath its shabby exterior, the Volkswagen Microbus in Little Miss Sunshine carries a deeper significance, reflecting the film’s themes of resilience and unconventional beauty.
91. School Bus | The Magic School Bus (1994-1997)
As if Ms. Frizzle wasn’t eccentric enough as a teacher, her bus had to have the ability to transform, shrink, fly, and who knows what else it did over 52 episodes of children’s television. While on the titular Magic School Bus, field trips would be anything but normal, with the kids often getting transformed alongside the bus for journeys through time and space. With headlights that doubled as eyes, the Magic School Bus was just as much of a character in the show as Ms. Frizzle and her students, serving as the vessel of learning to those who boarded it.
–Marmaduke Karlston
90. Mongoose Californian BMX Bike | Rad (1986)
I had a chance this past March to see Rad at the theater. I had no idea it was coming back to the theater but my homeboy Kane tipped me off to the fact, and I was able to snag tickets and catch a showing. I’ve seen the movie a million times. Even when it was out of print, I had a VHS copy my sis had gotten me off of Ebay that I watched pretty much once a year at least. But seeing it in the theater was a totally different experience. It took me back to when I was 8, 9, 10 years old and wanted to be just like Eddie Fiola. So the first thing I did when I left the movie theater was google BMX bikes for adults. And guess what I found? Repros of the 1985 Mongoose Californian. And, man, they are sweeeeet. The lines, the chrome, the colors, the mag wheels. It’s so retro, and so damn cool. But did I pull the trigger and buy one? Wouldn’t you like to know.
–William Dhalgren
89. 1983 Dodge Ramcharger | Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)
When you have someone as ruggedly handsome and bad ass as Chuck F’n Norris in your film, you need a vehicle tthat matches him with the same energy. I give you the 1983 Dodge Ramcharger. This full-size SUV boasted a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine, with a fictional supercharger for extra macho flair. Even the paint job matched Chuck’s gritty nature with a tan hue while also being equipped with off-road tires, roll bars, and flashing cop lights. The Ramcharger perfectly embodied the lone-wolf persona of Texas Ranger J.J. McQuade.
After McQuade is beaten and left for dead, the bad guys dump his truck into a pit and bury it under a mountain of dirt with McQuade inside. In one of the greatest action sequences of all time, he calmly cracks open a Pearl beer, pours it over his face like a warrior’s ritual, and fires up the supercharger with a dramatic yell. The truck roars to life, exploding through the earth in a cloud of dust and defiance, tires spinning and engine screaming as Norris drives it straight out of the grave. Hot damn, I miss the 80s.
88. TVR Tuscan Speed Six | Swordfish (2001)
There are only two things that Swordfish is remembered for: Halle Berry’s magnificent breasts and the iridescent car. And since we haven’t made a list of the best set of boobs in movie history (yet), I guess we will have to talk about how cool bad guy John Travolta’s car was in an forgettable movie. But like most of these douche wagons, it wasn’t very practical as the production crew hated the car they used in the film for many reasons – it was stupidly unreliable, it was too noisy to film any dialogue in, and was too cramped for actors and cameras. It did look cool though….
87. 1981 Honda CM400 Hondamatic | Purple Rain (1984)
There are several memorable things from Prince’s 1984 rock opera. The soundtrack (of course), Apollonia jumping in a lake naked, and the purple motorcycle. The CM400A Hondamatic was transformed by adding a striking purple paint job, a Vetter Windjammer fairing, high handlebars, and a custom king-queen seat with pink velour inserts, reflecting Prince’s flamboyant style. The motorcycle would also grace the cover of the iconic album Purple Rain and would go on to be replicated by fans even to this day.
86. 6000 SUX | RoboCop (1987)
The 6000 SUX emerges as a satirical standout vehicle that perfectly captures the film’s darkly comedic take on consumerism and corporate excess. This oversized, gas-guzzling sedan, touted in the movie’s mock commercials with the tagline “An American Tradition,” is driven by the villainous Clarence Boddicker. The SUX serves as a symbol of the dystopian Detroit’s obsession with luxury. Built on a modified 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme chassis, the 6000 SUX was crafted with an exaggerated, boxy fiberglass body, garish chrome trim, and a deliberately tacky aesthetic that mocks the era’s automotive trends. It boasts an “8.2 miles per gallon,” making a mockery of the inefficiency and excess of American car culture. But hey, I’d buy that for a dollar.
85. “The Chariot” | Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
The Mad Max franchise is known for stand-out and unique vehicles. Some of which will appear higher on the list. However, one of the most eccentric vehicles is the three-motorcycle contraption. They pull a small platform with Dementus, simply known as “The Chariot”. It evokes the image of an ancient Roman war chariot reimagined for the post-apocalyptic Wasteland. The centerpiece is a custom-built bike powered by a Rotec R2800 seven-cylinder radial aircraft engine. It delivers 119 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Also, flanked by two modified BMW R18 motorcycles adorned with horsetails on their rear fenders. Dementus steers this beast using reins attached to the bikes. A simple nod to historical chariot racing, while its design reflects his flamboyant persona as he evolves from a roving biker gang leader to a would-be emperor of the Wasteland.
84. Lawmaster | Judge Dredd (1995) and Dredd (2012)
The Lawmaster is a futuristic motorcycle ridden by the Judges of Mega-City One. It not only provides a way for them to get from crime to crime but also embodies their authority and presence on the streets. In the Sly Stallone 1995 version, they went for a more comic book version. Featuring a bulky, angular frame with oversized tires, a sleek black finish, and mounted weaponry like machine guns.
In contrast, the 2012 film Dredd reimagined the Lawmaster with a more functional and grounded approach. It aligned with the movie’s more gritty, realistic aesthetic. Built on a modified Suzuki GSX 750 chassis, this Lawmaster featured an extended frame, a matte black finish, and a streamlined design. Prioritizing mobility over comic-book excess. Either way, justice was being served.
83. The “RV from Hell” | Tango and Cash (1989)
The custom-built 1988 Ford F-350 was transformed into a veritable tank-like vehicle for the film’s climactic fight scene. It was equipped with bulletproof glass, reinforced steel plating, and an array of gadgets. The damn thing even included a periscope and a remote-controlled machine gun. The “RV from Hell” embodied the era’s action-movie machismo and excess that was full-blown testosterone. It was a perfect fit for the buddy cop film starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell.
82. 2008 Audi R8 | Iron Man (2008)
As Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark cockily reminded us in Marvel’s The Avengers, he’s a “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist.” So, it makes sense that someone with those qualifications would exclusively drive badass cars like the Audi R8. Sleek and sexy like the Iron Man suits that Tony would build soon after, the Audi R8 is one of the first (and best) cars to grace the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
–Marmaduke Karlston
81. 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III | The Car (1977)
This iconic piece of automotive cinema history embodied a menacing and almost supernatural presence. This customized luxury coupe was transformed into a driverless, malevolent entity that terrorizes a small Utah town. The car itself was heavily modified for the film by legendary customizer George Barris. He is known for creating the Batmobile and other famous movie vehicles. The Lincoln Continental Mark III’s design and modifications with its sinister matte-black finish amplify its role as a symbol of unstoppable evil.
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What are your thoughts on this selection of fine-ass vehicles? Are any of your favorites, or do you think they should rank higher?
