Hollywood blockbusters and cars go together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether they’re zooming through city streets, flying through the air (yes, looking at you, Fast & Furious), or coming to life (ahem, Transformers), these vehicles have left a lasting impact on movie-goers. Here are 9 legendary cars that have dominated Hollywood blockbusters.
The DeLorean – Back to the Future (1985)
Before Back to the Future, the DeLorean DMC-12 was more of an engineering oddity than a mainstream sensation. Designed by the famed John DeLorean, this car initially made headlines for its futuristic gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body but fell flat due to underwhelming performance. Enter Back to the Future in 1985, where Doc Brown modified the DeLorean into a time machine powered by plutonium (and later a Mr. Fusion garbage machine). Suddenly, this oddball vehicle wasn’t just a car—it was a time-traveling icon. The DeLorean wasn’t the fastest car on the block, with its 2.85-liter V6 engine producing a not-so-impressive 130 horsepower, but it didn’t need to be. Its ability to reach the legendary speed of 88 miles per hour while lighting up with flux capacitors made it one of the coolest cars in Hollywood history.
Aston Martin DB5 – Goldfinger (1964)
The Aston Martin DB5 was the quintessential Bond car, first appearing in Goldfinger(1964). At first, Aston Martin was hesitant about partnering with the production, but thank goodness they did! The DB5 wasn’t just a pretty face, either. It was equipped with machine guns, an ejector seat, tire slashers, and a radar tracking device. Bond’s DB5 has since appeared in several other 007 films, cementing its status as the ultimate secret agent ride. You can almost hear Sean Connery’s voice saying, “Now, pay attention, 007,” every time you see one.
Dodge Charger – The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Next up on this Hollywood journey, we have the Dodge Charger from The Fast and the Furious (2001). Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, is as synonymous with the Charger as he is with family. Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger R/T is the ultimate muscle car: black, aggressive, and fast. In fact, in the movie, it boasts 900 horsepower under the hood, thanks to a supercharged V8 engine. While the film franchise may have veered into increasingly ridiculous territory (cars jumping between skyscrapers, anyone?), the Charger has remained a symbol of old-school American muscle. Plus, its appearances in later installments of the franchise further solidified its place in the pantheon of Hollywood’s iconic cars.
Herbie the Love Bug – The Love Bug (1968)
Who knew a Volkswagen Beetle could have more personality than half the actors in Hollywood? Herbie, the adorable sentient Beetle from Disney’s The Love Bug series, is one of the most charming cars ever to grace the silver screen. First appearing in 1968’s The Love Bug, Herbie was no ordinary VW. He had a mind of his own, often taking control of situations and performing automotive stunts that left humans in the dust. With a top speed of 90 mph, he was hardly a drag-racing king, but Herbie had heart—which made all the difference. Not to mention that Herbie became a household name, with sequels and remakes spanning multiple decades, including Herbie: Fully Loaded in 2005. His number “53” and white body with racing stripes became iconic symbols of a car that had a life all its own. Plus, let’s face it: Herbie taught us all that you don’t have to be a Ferrari to win the race; sometimes, you only need spirit.
Batmobile – Batman Series (1989–present)
When you’re Batman, your ride has to be as intimidating as your alter ego—and the Batmobile never disappoints. From its first modern cinematic debut in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) to the tank-like version seen in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, the Batmobile is as much a character as Gotham’s dark knight himself. This savior, designed by Anton Furst, looked like something straight out of a comic book—a sleek, jet-black machine with a turbocharged engine that roared like a lion. This version was built on a Chevy Impala chassis and powered by a V8 engine, making it fast enough to pursue Gotham’s most dangerous criminals. But let’s not forget the Batmobile’s countless gadgets—grappling hooks, shields, and a bulletproof body, to name a few.
Bumblebee – Transformers (2007)
What’s better than a cool car? It’s a fantastic car that’s also an alien robot! Bumblebee, the yellow and black-striped Chevrolet Camaro from Transformers, is more than meets the eye (pun intended). First hitting the big screen in Michael Bay’s 2007 Transformers film, Bumblebee was originally a Volkswagen Beetle in the original cartoon but got a serious upgrade to a Camaro for the live-action series—because, of course, nothing screams “alien warrior” like American muscle. Bumblebee’s transformation scenes, where he switches from car to robot in seconds, are jaw-dropping. The 2006 Camaro Concept that plays Bumblebee in the first film is a sleek, aggressive-looking machine that oozes power.
Mini Cooper – The Italian Job (1969 and 2003)
The Mini Cooper, with its small frame and big heart, is the star of The Italian Job—both the 1969 original and the 2003 remake. In a world dominated by muscle cars and supercars, the Mini Cooper stood out as the underdog that could easily weave in and out of traffic. The climactic chase scenes in both films showcase the Mini’s agility as the cars race through crowded city streets, parking garages, and even the staircases of Italian buildings. The 1969 film featured the original Mini Cooper S, powered by a 1.3-liter engine with a modest 76 horsepower, while the 2003 remake showcased the modern BMW Mini, boasting more power and better handling. But in both films, the little cars’ ability to outrun the authorities and their nimbleness in tight spaces proved that sometimes it’s not about speed—it’s about smarts.
Eleanor – Gone in 60 Seconds (2000)
There are many cars in Gone in 60 Seconds, but none quite as famous as Eleanor, a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Nicolas Cage’s character, Memphis Raines, has to steal 50 cars in one night, but Eleanor is the crown jewel—the one car that’s always eluded him. With its silver paint job, black racing stripes, and throaty growl, Eleanor became the poster child for muscle cars in the new millennium. Eleanor was powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine that made 355 horsepower, though in the film, the car was portrayed as having upwards of 500 horses under the hood. Also, the chase scene where Memphis Raines takes Eleanor for a high-speed ride through Los Angeles is one of the most adrenaline-pumping car chases ever filmed. And thanks to Gone in 60 Seconds, Eleanor became a legend in her own right, inspiring countless replicas and even an official “Eleanor” trademark.
The Ecto-1 – Ghostbusters (1984)
You need many things when you’re busting ghosts: proton packs, a containment unit, and—most importantly—a sweet ride. The Ecto-1, the converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance from Ghostbusters (1984), is one of the most memorable cars in movie history. With its distinctive siren and an absurd number of gadgets mounted on the roof, the Ecto-1 was as quirky as the team that drove it. But underneath all those ghost-hunting modifications, the Ecto-1 was a serious car. The 1959 Cadillac featured a 6.3-liter V8 engine with 320 horsepower, more than enough to outrun any spectral baddies (or, you know, slow-moving traffic in New York City). The Ecto-1 became a cultural icon in its own right.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
