20 Best Cars Used In Movies

From the silver screen to the open road, cars have played more than just a supporting role in the world of cinema. These four-wheeled co-stars have left an indelible mark on our imaginations, becoming iconic symbols of adventure, power, and even a touch of nostalgia.

As we settle into the plush seats of the theater or press play in the comfort of our homes, we often find ourselves captivated not only by the characters on screen but also by the awe-inspiring vehicles that command attention.

We explore an array of automobiles that have taken center stage, leaving a lasting impression and becoming stars in their own right. From classic muscle cars that roared through high-octane pursuits to futuristic vehicles that defied time and space, join us as we rev our engines and embark on a tour of some of the most unforgettable cars in movie history.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready for a cinematic joyride that celebrates the intersection of storytelling and horsepower.

1. Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made, and it has appeared in over 800 movies, according to IMDB. Some of the most famous examples are the 1968 Mustang GT 390 driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt, the 1973 Mustang Mach 1 used by James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever, and the 2000 Mustang GT customized by Eleanor in Gone in 60 Seconds.

2. Aston Martin DB5

The Aston Martin DB5 is synonymous with James Bond, as it was the first car that the British spy drove in his movies. The DB5 debuted in Goldfinger in 1964, and it was equipped with various gadgets and weapons, such as an ejector seat, machine guns, and a tracking device. The DB5 has since appeared in several other Bond films, such as Thunderball, GoldenEye, Casino Royale, and Skyfall.

3. DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 is a futuristic-looking sports car with gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body. It was the vehicle of choice for Doc Brown and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy, where it was modified into a time machine powered by plutonium or lightning. The DeLorean became a cult classic and a symbol of the 1980s pop culture.

4. Batmobile

The Batmobile is the ultimate superhero car, as it is the personal vehicle of Batman, the Dark Knight of Gotham City. The Batmobile has undergone many changes and variations throughout the years, depending on the comic book, TV show, or movie adaptation. Some of the most notable versions are the sleek black car with fins from the 1960s TV series, the armored tank-like vehicle from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, and the futuristic hybrid car from Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

5. Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle is a small and simple car that has a distinctive shape and a loyal fan base. It has also been featured in many movies, often with a humorous or sentimental tone. The most famous example is Herbie, the sentient and lovable Beetle that starred in several Disney films, such as The Love Bug, Herbie Rides Again, and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Other notable appearances include Footloose, Austin Powers, and Transformers.

6. Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper is a compact and agile car that originated in Britain and became popular worldwide. It has been used in many movies for thrilling chase scenes and heists, thanks to its speed and maneuverability. Some of the most memorable examples are The Italian Job (both the original and the remake), The Bourne Identity, and The Fast and the Furious.

7. Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala is a large and powerful car that has been produced by General Motors since 1958. It has been used in many movies for different purposes, such as cruising, racing, or escaping. Some of the most famous examples are the 1967 Impala that belongs to Dean Winchester in Supernatural, the 1973 Impala that was driven by John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, and the 1964 Impala that was featured in Boyz n the Hood.

8. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

The Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder is a rare and expensive sports car that was produced by Ferrari between 1957 and 1963. Only 106 units were made, and they are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. One of them was used in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, where it was borrowed by Ferris and his friends for a joyride around Chicago. The car was later destroyed by Ferris’ father’s friend, who accidentally drove it off a cliff.

9. Ecto-1

The Ecto-1 is a modified 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that was used by the Ghostbusters in their movies and TV shows. It was painted white with red accents and had various equipment and gadgets for detecting and capturing ghosts. The Ecto-1 also had a distinctive siren and a logo of a ghost with a slash through it.

10. Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger is another iconic American muscle car that has appeared in many movies, especially in the Fast and Furious franchise. The most famous example is the 1970 Charger R/T that belongs to Dominic Toretto, the leader of the street racing crew. The Charger is a powerful and intimidating car that can outrun almost any opponent. It has also been used for stunts and jumps, such as the one in Furious 7, where it was dropped out of an airplane.

11. Ford Crown Victoria

From 1992 through 2011, Ford manufactured the Ford Crown Victoria, a full-size automobile. It was mainly used as a police car, a taxi, or a fleet vehicle, thanks to its durability and reliability. It has appeared in hundreds of movies, often as a background or a supporting car. Some of the most notable examples are Taken, Superbad, Men in Black, and Die Hard.

12. Chevrolet Camaro

The Chevrolet Camaro is another popular American muscle car that has been produced by General Motors since 1966. It has been used in many movies for different genres and styles, such as action, comedy, or horror. Some of the most famous examples are the 1967 Camaro Z/28 that was driven by Tyrese Gibson in Furious 7, the 1977 Camaro that was transformed into Bumblebee in Transformers, and the 1969 Camaro SS that was featured in Better Off Dead.

13. Ford Econoline

The Ford Econoline is a series of vans and trucks that have been produced by Ford since 1961. They have been used for various purposes, such as cargo, passenger, or utility vehicles. They have also appeared in many movies, often with a quirky or humorous twist. Some of the most notable examples are the 1986 Econoline that was used as a surveillance van by the A-Team, the 1974 Econoline that was painted like a dog by Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber, and the 1978 Econoline that was converted into a camper by Robin Williams and his family in RV.

14. Rolls-Royce Phantom III

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III is a luxury car that was produced by Rolls-Royce from 1936 to 1939. It was one of the most expensive and sophisticated cars of its time, and it was favored by royalty, celebrities, and villains. One of them was used by Auric Goldfinger, the main antagonist of the James Bond film Goldfinger. The car had a body made of gold, a license plate that read AU 1, and a chauffeur named Oddjob.

15. Elva Mk.VI

The Elva Mk.VI is a rare and obscure sports car that was produced by Elva from 1958 to 1961. It was a lightweight and low-slung car that had a mid-engine layout and a fiberglass body. Only about 100 units were made, and one of them was used by Elvis Presley in his movie Viva Las Vegas. The car was painted red and had white stripes, and it was driven by Elvis in a destructive race across the city.

16. Volkswagen Bus

The Volkswagen Bus is a classic and iconic vehicle that was produced by Volkswagen from 1950 to 2019. It was also known as the Transporter, the Kombi, or the Microbus, depending on the market and the model. It was a versatile and spacious vehicle that could carry passengers or cargo, and it had a distinctive shape and style. It has appeared in many movies, often with a hippie or nostalgic vibe. Some of the most famous examples are the 1979 Bus that was used by the dysfunctional family in Little Miss Sunshine, the 1963 Bus that was driven by Scooby-Doo and his friends in Scooby-Doo, and the 1959 Bus that was featured in Cars.

17. Custom Ramp Car

The Custom Ramp Car is a unique and ingenious vehicle that was created for the movie Fast & Furious 6. It was built by Dennis McCarthy’s crew in California, using the front suspension of a Chevy pickup, a V-drive for the mid-mounted LS3 V8 engine, and a ramp-like design that could flip other cars over. The car was used by Owen Shaw’s crew to cause havoc and chaos on the streets of London.

18. Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a stunning and powerful sports car that was produced by Ferrari from 2009 to 2015. It had a mid-engine layout, a V8 engine, and a sleek design. It was also one of the first Ferraris to feature direct fuel injection, dual-clutch transmission, and active aerodynamics. It has appeared in several movies and TV series such as Bad Moms (2016), True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016), and Dukhless 2 (2015).

19. Ford Falcon XB GT (Pursuit Special)

One of the most sought-after film historical artifacts, and rightfully so, is a Ford Falcon XB GT from the Mad Max franchise. The vehicle is often referred to as the Last among the V8 Interceptors and was given the official designation Pursuit Special. The vehicle used in the first movie was a 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Hardtop produced in Australia that had undergone substantial modifications to match the post-apocalyptic setting. The Pursuit Special is among the best on our list if you’re truly into movies.

20. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The black and gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, driven by Burt Reynolds once again in Smokey and the Bandit II, captured the spirit of the ’70s. Its bold aesthetics and roaring V8 engine made it a standout.

In the film, Burt Reynolds reprises his role as the charismatic Bandit, who finds himself embarking on another high-speed adventure. This time, he’s tasked with transporting a pregnant elephant from Miami to the Republican National Convention in Dallas. The black and gold Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, featuring the iconic Firebird decal on its hood, serves as the Bandit’s trusty steed. 

Movies are a great source of entertainment and inspiration for many people. But sometimes, the cars that appear on the screen are more memorable than the actors or the plot. Whether they are sleek, fast, quirky, or iconic, some cars have become stars in their own right and have earned a place in cinematic history. 

We hope you loved this list!