Top 16 Most Iconic Cars In Movie History

From the Ford Mustang GT in Bullitt to the Pontiac Trans Am in Smokey and the Bandit, some of the most iconic cars in history have been immortalized on big screens. These cars are not just modes of transportation; they have become cultural icons and symbols of the era in which they were created.

The cars featured in movies and TV shows have a certain appeal that goes beyond their sleek designs, powerful engines, and advanced features. They represent something more significant, embodying the spirit of adventure, freedom, and rebellion. These cars have captured the hearts of car enthusiasts and movie lovers alike, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

From high-speed chases to supernatural powers, these cars have been featured in some of the most memorable and iconic scenes in movie and TV history. Their association with popular franchises has made them even more legendary, with replicas of these cars remaining highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.

So, buckle up as we explore some of the most iconic cars in movie history, their distinctive designs, powerful performances, and their association with popular franchises.

1. Mini Cooper - The Italian Job 

The Mini Cooper's appearance in The Italian Job cemented its place as one of the most iconic cars in movie history. Its compact size, unique design, and nimble handling made it the perfect car for Michael Caine's character to carry out the daring heist. Today, the Mini Cooper is still celebrated for its exceptional engineering and continues to be a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts.

2. Shelby GT500 – Gone in 60 Seconds

The Shelby GT500, better known as the "Eleanor" from the movie Gone in 60 Seconds, is a modified 1967 Ford Mustang that has become an iconic car. Its powerful supercharged V8 engine, custom exhaust system, high-performance suspension, and upgraded brakes make it a performance machine. Its distinctive gray with black racing stripes paint job, unique front grille, hood scoop, and spoiler make it a sleek and aggressive-looking car. Its high-speed chase through Los Angeles made it perfect for the movie's heist. Today, the Shelby GT500 remains a classic symbol of power and speed on the road.

3. BMW 735i E38 – Transporter

The BMW 735i E38 from the movie Transporter is an iconic luxury sedan. Driven by Frank Martin, played by Jason Statham, it was equipped with a 3.5-liter V8 engine, a sleek modern design, and high-tech gadgets. The car's nitrous oxide system, gun compartment, and GPS tracker made it a standout on the road. The car's role in the movie made it extremely famous and established it as one of the most stylish and memorable cars of all time. Today, the BMW 735i E38 remains a highly sought-after car among collectors and enthusiasts, admired for its powerful performance and sophisticated design.

4. Toyota Supra – The Fast and the Furious

The Toyota Supra, featured in The Fast and the Furious, is an iconic sports car known for its sleek design and powerful performance. Driven by Paul Walker's character Brian O'Conner, it was equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 320 horsepower. The Supra's appearance was modified with various aftermarket parts, including a nitrous oxide system, a custom body kit, and a unique paint job. The car's presence in the movie secured its position in history as one of the most impressive and recognizable cars to date. Even today, car enthusiasts highly desire the Toyota Supra for its exceptional speed and performance on the road.

5. The Audi A8 6.0 W12 Facelift – Transporter 3

The Audi A8 6.0 W12 Facelift, driven by Jason Statham's character in Transporter 3, is a luxury sedan known for its sleek design and powerful performance. Equipped with a 6.0-liter W12 engine, it delivered a smooth ride and had a distinctive single-frame grille. Modified with gadgets like a hidden gun compartment and GPS tracker, it became popular among car enthusiasts for its sophisticated look and powerful performance. The Audi A8 6.0 W12 Facelift is still a popular car among collectors today and has become a legendary car in movies, known for being one of the coolest and most iconic cars to ever appear on the big screen.

6. Ford Falcon XB GT - Mad Max 

The Ford Falcon XB GT, featured in the classic movie Mad Max, has become an icon in the world of muscle cars. Driven by the main character, Max Rockatansky, played by Mel Gibson, the car was equipped with a powerful 5.8-liter V8 engine that delivered an impressive top speed of 140 miles per hour. In the movie, the Ford Falcon XB GT was heavily modified with various aftermarket parts, including a supercharger and a nitrous oxide system, which made it a true standout on the road. Its appearance in the movie made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts, and it remains one of the most iconic cars in movie history to this day.

7. Aston Martin DB5 - James Bond 

The Aston Martin DB5 is an iconic car that has been a staple in the James Bond franchise since its debut in the 1964 movie Goldfinger. The luxurious grand tourer was designed and manufactured by British carmaker Aston Martin, and its distinctive design exudes classic British elegance. In the James Bond movies, the car was equipped with various gadgets and tools, making it a true standout on the road. It's a true classic that continues to captivate audiences and inspire car enthusiasts to this day.

8. Porsche 911 – Risky Business

The Porsche 911, driven by Tom Cruise's character in Risky Business, has become an iconic car in pop culture. Known for its sleek design and high-performance capabilities, the Porsche 911 is a popular sports car among enthusiasts around the world. The car symbolizes Joel Goodsen's newfound freedom and success in the movie, as he uses it to impress his friends and love interest. For fans of both movies and cars, the Porsche 911 from Risky Business is an iconic symbol of a bygone era when anything seemed possible, and the open road was an invitation to adventure.

9. Batmobile (Batman Franchise)

The Batmobile is a legendary movie car known for its association with the Batman franchise. The car has undergone several different versions over the years, each with its own unique design and features. The original Batmobile in the 1960s Batman TV series was a modified 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car with various gadgets. The 1989 movie Batman featured an armored and militarized sports car with guns and missiles. More recent Batman movies have seen a more streamlined and futuristic design. A symbol of justice and vigilante power, with its jet engine and advanced weaponry, the Batmobile is a force to be reckoned with.

10. DeLorean DMC-12 - Back to the Future 

The DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most iconic cars in movie history, thanks to its starring role as the time machine in the 1985 hit film, Back to the Future. Designed and manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company in the early 1980s, the DMC-12 was known for its unique features, such as gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body. The car was powered by a 2.85-liter V6 engine, capable of reaching a top speed of 130 miles per hour. In the movie, the DeLorean was modified as a time machine by Doc Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. Today, replicas of the DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future are highly sought-after by fans and collectors alike.

11. ECTO-1 (Ghostbusters)

The Ecto-1 is an iconic movie car that is forever associated with the Ghostbusters franchise. This primary mode of transportation for the ghostbusting team is a converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance that comes equipped with a variety of tools and gadgets, such as a proton pack storage rack, a ghost trap, and a siren. Driven by the character Ray Stantz (played by Dan Aykroyd), the car's distinctive design with a white paint job and a red light bar makes it instantly recognizable and iconic. The Ecto-1's association with ghostbusting, combined with the movie's enduring appeal, has cemented its place in movie history, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

12. FORD MUSTANG GT (Bullitt)

The Ford Mustang GT, driven by Steve McQueen's character in the movie Bullitt, became an iconic muscle car. The car was equipped with a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine and a distinctive design. Its appearance in the movie franchise made it popular among car enthusiasts, and the famous car chase scene in Bullitt became one of the most iconic in movie history. Today, the Ford Mustang GT from Bullitt remains highly sought-after among collectors and enthusiasts. Its powerful performance, distinctive design, and association with the popular action movie franchise make it a true standout among muscle cars.

13. FERRARI 250 GT California (Ferris Bueller's Day Off)

The Ferrari 250 GT California is a legendary sports car featured in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, driven by the main character Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick. Its sleek and elegant design, long low body, and powerful V12 engine make it one of the coolest and most iconic cars in movie history. The car's association with one of the most popular teen comedies of all time cemented its place in movie history. Today, the Ferrari 250 GT California from Ferris Bueller's Day Off is still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its high-end sports car features.

14. GENERAL LEE (Dukes Of Hazzard)

General Lee is an iconic car that will forever be associated with the TV show Dukes of Hazzard. It was driven by the show's main characters, Bo and Luke Duke, and was a modified 1969 Dodge Charger that boasted a variety of custom features, such as its bright orange paint job, the Confederate flag on the roof, and the number "01" on its doors. General Lee was popular for its high jumps, car chases, and thrilling stunts. The car's association with the Duke boys and their mission to thwart corruption made it an icon of the Southern culture and the muscle car scene. 

15. PONTIAC TRANS AM (Smokey And The Bandit)

The Pontiac Trans Am is a classic muscle car that gained popularity through the movie Smokey and the Bandit. Driven by the main character Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds, the car became synonymous with the film franchise. The Trans Am boasted a 6.6-liter V8 engine that provided a top speed of 130 miles per hour and featured a distinctive design with a sleek, sporty body and a bold "screaming chicken" hood decal. Its appearance in the movie cemented its status as a popular car choice among enthusiasts, appreciated for its rugged and aggressive appearance and powerful performance. The Pontiac Trans Am is still in high demand among collectors and enthusiasts of the movie franchise. 

16. Plymouth Fury (Christine)

The Plymouth Fury is an iconic car that gained fame in the horror movie Christine. The car was the main star of the movie, featuring supernatural powers and a killer instinct. The Fury had a distinctive design, a long sleek body, and a bold front grille with a powerful V8 engine. In the movie, it was possessed by an evil spirit that made it repair itself and attack anyone who threatened it or its owner. Fury's appearance in the movie made it popular among horror movie enthusiasts for its supernatural powers and killer instincts. Today, the Plymouth Fury from Christine is highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts for its unique design and association with one of the most popular horror movie franchises.

Conclusion

All of the above cars have left an indelible mark on popular culture and the automotive industry. They have become synonymous with the movies and TV shows they were featured in, and they remain highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

The distinct design and impressive performance of each of these legendary cars set them apart from others, making them truly remarkable. They are symbols of the time period in which they were originally crafted and have become iconic cultural symbols that will continue to be admired for many generations.

From muscle cars to classic sports cars and even supernatural killer cars, these renowned vehicles have become an integral part of popular culture and have made an enduring impact on the history of movies and television that cannot be erased. Their unique designs and association with some of the most beloved movies and TV shows have inspired car enthusiasts and fans alike, and their influence continues to captivate people even today.