A Reel Opinion: The Top 10 Best Vehicles of Cinema

Vehicles have been an important element in cinema since day one; the title of the first true motion picture, THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1903), speaks for itself. In every film, characters have to get from one place to another, and covering that distance can be done in many ways; cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, spaceships, rocketships, horseback, dragonback, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, outboards, motorcycles and lightcycles…to name a few. A truly great film manages to take a vehicle and give it such a presence that it becomes a character itself; a character that is remembered long after the credits roll.

This list of the Top 10 Best Cinematic Vehicles was put together from factors ranging from screen-presence, cultural impact, longevity, and a careful balance of this Blogger’s objectivity and personal favorites. With so many to choose from and only 10 spots available, this list was a challenge, and honorable mention needs to be paid to the V8 Interceptor from MAD MAX (1979), the Truckster from NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION (1983), the Batmobile from BATMAN (1989), the X-Wing and TIE Fighters from STAR WARS, and the ballistic missile submarine Red October from THE HUNT FROM RED OCTOBER (1990).

Now let’s get this engine started, and please note; many of these vehicles appear in more than one film, so only their debut is referenced.

10.The Bandit’s Trans-Am from SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT (1977)

Hal Needham’s action-comedy of cross-country outlaw bootlegging demanded a cool character with a cool car. The Bandit’s black Trans-Am screamed outlaw with its T-tops and eagle on the hood, and the film would double Trans-Am sales for years. The car has such a presence in the film, it seems to appear more than the Bandit himself, played by Burt Reynolds.

9. Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang GT from BULLITT (1968)

When people purchase a Mustang today, most of them don’t realize they are doing so thanks to the legacy of this car. Perhaps the most iconic muscle car of all cinema, it is in the center of one of the best car-chases on film, and it would inspire decades of Mustang sales. It was a perfect matchup; the all-American movie star (McQueen) with the all-American vehicle. The only reason it doesn’t rank higher is because the car’s popularity has eclipsed the film, which has sadly faded over time.

8. RMS Titanic from TITANIC (1997)

Historians have written that even when considering the fate of the real-life doomed ship, ship-builders and designers of today still consider Titanic to be one of the finest achievements in ocean liners. With such a reputation, filmmaker James Cameron had a tall order to fill when he made his eventual Oscar-winner and historical money-maker. By using the original blueprints and suppliers from the actual ship, along with a combination of practical sets and CGI, Cameron’s re-creation of the ship was stunning with its attention to detail, and is the perfect example of a vehicle having a dominating presence on the screen.

7. Ecto-1 from GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)

The quirky and weird looking modified hearse that the one and only Ghostbusters got around NYC in may have been under-utilized in its two appearances, but to this day it is instantly recognized and replicas are a huge hit at conventions.

6. James Bond’s Aston Martin from GOLDFINGER (1964)

The best secret agent in the world needed a car that could get him around and fight off enemies. The tricked-out car with hidden guns, rocket launchers, and ejector seats are always a delight to see in action, and similar to its owner, it was elegant with hidden dangers.

5. The Orca from JAWS (1975)

The boat captained by Quint the shark-hunter was designed to reflect its owner’s larger-than-life personality. The Orca  beamed with character, and despite its eventual fate, was the right ship to hunt down a killer shark. It was a functional vehicle with a distinct outline on the horizon, and served as the set for the third and final act of the ultimate showdown between man and sea. 

4. The DeLorean Time Machine from BACK TO THE FUTURE (1985)

When Doc Brown decided to travel through time, he wanted to do so in style. The DeLorean’s sleek lines gave it a futuristic quality that matched the film’s themes perfectly, and it maintained that characteristic despite all the upgrades (and downgrades) that it would see during Doc and Marty’s voyages through time. When replicas of the DeLorean appear at conventions, the lines to sit at the wheel go forever.

3. The Death Star from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977)

The ultimate power in the universe with the ability to destroy a planet is by far one of the most iconic images in cinema and pop-culture; everyone recognizes it right away. Its name induces fear, its look is most impressive, and its interiors are a maze of dangers reminiscent of an old haunted house film.

2. USS Enterprise from STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979)

No spaceship or vehicle has ever looked more beautiful on film than the refurbished Enterprise in 1979. When Admiral Kirk does his breathtaking fly-by tour of the ship, he acts as an audience surrogate and kicks in all our emotions as we see her in her glory, with gorgeous lighting and graceful lines. It was a powerful moment that means all the more when she meets her demise two sequels later.

1. The Millennium Falcon from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977)

The most popular character in the entire STAR WARS saga deserved to have the fastest, and coolest ship in the galaxy. Han Solo’s ship thrilled audiences in every appearance as it gunned down enemies, swerved through asteroids, and played a major part in the destruction of two Death Stars. Its popularity made it an instant, long-lasting entry into pop culture, and was easily marketed in toys, models, and massive Lego kits. From the early days it was a top seller, and this Blogger still has his Falcon from 1979:

Much like the two Death Stars that it rebelled against, the Falcon is recognized by everyone ranging from diehards to non-fans. It’s longevity, screen-impact, and emotional resonance makes it the best way to go someplace on the screen.

THE TOP 10 MOVIE VEHICLES

1.       The Millennium Falcon

2.       USS Enterprise

3.       The Death Star

4.       The DeLorean Time Machine

5.       Orca

6.       James Bond’s Aston Martin

7.       Ecto-1

8.       RMS Titanic

9.       Steve McQueen’s ’68 Mustang

10.   The Bandit’s Trans-Am