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Family watching movies about cars

There’s nothing quite like kicking back with the family on a Saturday night with a big bowl of popcorn and a great movie. Whether your family has a need for speed or enjoys the charm of classic cars, you’ll find the right film on our list of must-see car movies. (And don’t worry, they’re not about car insurance!)

Car Movies for Kids & Teens

“Cars” (2006) Rated G

A list about car movies for kids isn’t complete without this title. This Pixar flick imagines a world full of talking cars – featuring famous voices that parents will have fun recognizing!

“Herbie: Fully Loaded” (2006) Rated G

Main character Maggie comes from a family of racecar drivers but was forbidden to race after an accident. Maggie’s college graduation gift, Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie, has other plans.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968) Rated G

This film might be older than your whole family, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy this classic car movie. Written by Roald Dahl – yes, the same man who gave us “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda” – this film combines music, fantasy, and adventure. Plus, it was a contender for an Academy Award!

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006) Rated PG-13

Looking for a car movie with side-splitting humor? Here it is! Will Ferrell delivers a predictably hilarious performance as Ricky Bobby, a NASCAR driver whose spot at the top of the leaderboard is threatened by new racing talent. Parents beware! Due to suggestive language, this comedy is definitely intended for teens.

Best Car Chase Movies

“Gone in Sixty Seconds” (2000) Rated PG-13

In this action-packed film, Nicholas Cage’s character Memphis Raines has to finish a massive grand theft auto mission that his brother couldn’t. Because he’s tasked with stealing 50 exotic cars in a matter of days, it’s no wonder there’s a heart-pounding car chase or two.

“The Fast and the Furious” (2001) Rated PG-13

If you’re enamored with fast, sleek cars, this film is a must-see. It follows a street racing crew that is on the LAPD’s radar for racing exotic cars through the streets of Los Angeles. Between the action, romance, and crazy car chases, you might find yourself binge-watching all eight flicks in the franchise.

“Death Proof” (2007) Rated R

If you’re a fan of horror films, you’ll want to check out this car-centric thriller from Quentin Tarantino. Kurt Russell stars as a stuntman who uses his “death proof” car to stalk and kill his victims, framing their deaths as car accidents. As spooky as this car movie is, you’ll want to avoid watching it alone and or when the kiddos are around!

“Drive” (2011) Rated R

Like “Death Proof,” “Drive” follows a stuntman with a talent for driving fast. Outside of his 9 to 5, he works as a getaway driver – a side hustle that inevitably gets him into troubling situations. Save this movie for a date night when the kids are at a sleepover!

“The Italian Job” (2003) Rated PG-13

A remake of the 1969 film of the same name, “The Italian Job” is a fast-paced story of revenge. When a team of gold thieves is betrayed by one of their own, they plan a heist to get back their share of the loot.

Classic Car Movies 

“Vanishing Point” (1971) Rated R

This movie became a cult hit in the 1970’s, and you’ll still get a kick out of it today. After taking a bet that he can deliver a car from Denver to San Francisco in record time, car delivery driver Kowalski has to drive fast and – most importantly – evade the pursuing police.

“Smokey and the Bandit” (1977) Rated PG

This film is perfect for car-lovers, comedy-lovers, and Burt Reynolds-lovers alike. Bandit and Cledus are hired to deliver an 18-wheeler full of beer from Texas to Georgia. As you can imagine, it doesn’t take long for this illegal mission do go hilariously awry.

“Days of Thunder” (1990) Rated PG-13

What’s better than a classic Tom Cruise action flick? In this 1990 movie, Cruise’s volatile character embarks on a NASCAR career despite competing previously in open-wheel races. You’ll root for him as he finds his place in this competitive, high-speed world.

Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas for your next family movie night, but there are still a seemingly endless number of car movies to enjoy! What’s your favorite car movie? Let us know what you’ll be watching by leaving a comment below, then follow Direct Auto Insurance on Facebook and Twitter for more car fun!