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Looking for the best trucking movies to watch after a long haul? It doesn’t matter if you're a seasoned trucker with millions of miles under your belt, or just someone who loves that wanderlust aspect of driving: Good trucker movies offer a unique blend of adventure, drama, and sometimes even a little bit of horror. So grab your popcorn, park your rig, and get ready to enjoy some cinematic adventures.
Classic Trucking Movies From the 70s
The golden age of trucking movies 1970s gave us some true gems. These films often captured the spirit of the era, with its focus on individualism, rebellion, and the allure of the open road. Here are a few classic movies about truckers you shouldn't miss:
- White Line Fever (1975): This gritty drama offers a more realistic and sobering look at the trucking industry. Jan-Michael Vincent stars as Carrol Jo Hummer, a young Vietnam veteran who returns home and dreams of starting his own trucking business. He soon faces pressure from corrupt shippers who want him to haul illegal cargo, putting him in a dangerous position.
When Carrol won't give in to bad guys, they try to hurt him. This movie shows how tough it is to be a trucker, especially when you're on your own. The movie is a great showcase about doing the right thing, even when it feels like everyone's against you.This film is a powerful example of semi truck movies that tackled serious issues and showed the darker side of the industry.
- Smokey and the Bandit (1977): This action-comedy is a high-octane ride from start to finish. Burt Reynolds oozes charisma as the Bandit, a charming outlaw hired to transport a truckload of Coors beer from Texarkana to Atlanta in a ridiculously short 28 hours. With the blustery Sheriff Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) hot on his tail, the Bandit relies on his legendary driving skills and the help of his loyal friend Cledus (Jerry Reed) to outrun the law.
Sally Field adds to the fun as Carrie, a runaway bride who joins the Bandit on his wild adventure. Filled with incredible car chases, hilarious CB radio banter, and iconic scenes like the jump over the broken bridge, Smokey and the Bandit is considered one of the best trucking movies ever made. A true celebration of trucking culture and a must-see for any fan of classic cinema!
- Convoy (1978): Based on the song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall, this film tells the story of a group of truckers who band together to fight against corrupt law enforcement and unfair regulations. Similar to the upbeat trucking song, the film is full of fun adventure. Think of it as a working-class rebellion on wheels! Kris Kristofferson leads the "rubber duck" convoy as Martin "Rubber Duck" Penwald, a veteran driver who becomes a reluctant hero when he stands up to a small-town sheriff.
Ali MacGraw plays Melissa, a photographer who documents the truckers' protest as it grows into a nationwide movement. With its themes of cooperation, rebellion, and the power of the common man, Convoy is a classic among old trucker movies that captured the spirit of the times and gave a voice to the often-overlooked trucking community.
Trucking Movies 1980s
With the 1980s came big hair, neon colors and these hits:
- Big Trouble in Little China (1986): While not strictly a trucking movie, this action-comedy adventure features Kurt Russell as Jack Burton, a wisecracking truck driver who gets caught up in a mystical battle in San Francisco's Chinatown. When his friend's fiancée is kidnapped, Jack finds himself battling ancient Chinese sorcerers and demons.
With its blend of martial arts, fantasy, and humor, Big Trouble in Little China is a cult classic with some memorable trucking scenes and showcases Kurt Russell's comedic timing.
- Over the Top (1987): Sylvester Stallone plays Lincoln Hawk, a struggling truck driver who enters an arm wrestling competition to win back the respect of his estranged son and prove himself as a father.
This classic 80s movie combines heartwarming family drama with intense arm wrestling action, showcasing Stallone's signature blend of muscles and emotions. Over the Top is a fun and inspiring film with a memorable soundtrack and a classic underdog story.
Scary Trucker Movies for Thrill Seekers
If you're looking for a good scare and prefer your movies with a side of suspense, these scary trucker movies will deliver the chills:
- Duel (1971): This suspenseful thriller marked Steven Spielberg's feature film directorial debut and remains a classic of the genre. Dennis Weaver plays David Mann, a businessman driving through the desolate California desert who has a fateful encounter with a menacing tanker truck.
The truck driver, whose face is never fully seen, becomes obsessed with terrorizing Mann, engaging him in a deadly game of cat and mouse on the open highway. With its intense chase sequences, claustrophobic atmosphere, and psychological tension, Duel is a masterclass in suspense and a must-see for fans of old trucking movies and anyone who loves a good scare.
- Black Dog (1998): Patrick Swayze stars as Jack Crews, an ex-con who takes a trucking job to provide for his family and get his life back on track. However, he soon discovers that he's unknowingly hauling illegal weapons, and he's caught in a dangerous game with the FBI and a ruthless gang of criminals.
Randy Travis and Meat Loaf co-star in this action-packed thriller filled with high-speed chases, shootouts, and explosions. Black Dog is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat and showcases Swayze's action hero chops.
- Joy Ride (2001): This horror film takes the classic road trip scenario and turns it into a terrifying nightmare. Paul Walker and Steve Zahn play brothers who, while driving cross-country, decide to play a prank on a lonely trucker on their CB radio. Their seemingly harmless prank quickly backfires when they find themselves stalked by a terrifying and vengeful driver known only by his CB handle, "Rusty Nail."
With its chilling atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and a truly creepy villain, Joy Ride is a terrifying reminder that not everyone on the road is friendly and that some jokes can have deadly consequences.
Modern Trucking Movies and Documentaries
Sure, the 70s and 80s had tons of great trucking movies, but people are still making awesome films about truckers today! They show us what it's like to drive those big rigs and how these drivers keep our country going.
- Big Rig (2007): This documentary provides a fascinating and intimate look into the lives of long-haul truckers in America. Director Doug Pray embarked on a cross-country journey, interviewing truckers from all walks of life, capturing their stories, their struggles, and their unique perspectives on the world.
This movie shows how difficult it can be to drive a truck, but also how awesome it is to be your own boss. It also reminds us that truckers are super important – without them, stores would have no stuff to sell! Big Rig is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the real truck driving experience and the people behind the wheel.
More Trucking Movie Recommendations
Here are a few more 18 wheeler movies worth adding to your watch list:
- Breaker! Breaker! (1977): Chuck Norris stars in this action-packed film about a trucker who takes on a corrupt judge and his goons in a small town. When his brother disappears, J.D. Dawes (Norris) uses his martial arts skills and trucking know-how to deliver justice and uncover the truth.
Breaker! Breaker! is a classic Chuck Norris film with plenty of high-kicking action, car chases, and explosions.
- Every Which Way But Loose (1978): Philo Beddoe (Clint Eastwood) is a trucker and bare-knuckle brawler who lives in the San Fernando Valley with his best friend Orville and his pet orangutan, Clyde. Philo falls for Lynn Halsey-Taylor, a country singer, but she disappears suddenly.
Determined to find her, Philo, Orville, and Clyde embark on a cross-country road trip. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a biker gang that Philo manages to antagonize. The ensuing feud with the bikers leads to a series of comedic and action-packed encounters.
Why We Love Trucking Movies
Trucking movies capture the freedom, adventure, and challenges of life on the open road. They offer a glimpse into a world that many of us don't experience firsthand, a world of long hauls, truck stops, and the unique camaraderie of the trucking community. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, or horror, there's a trucking movie out there for you.
Conclusion
So the next time you're looking for a great movie to watch, remember these best trucking movies. They're sure to provide hours of entertainment and a deeper appreciation for the men and women who keep the wheels turning.
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FAQ’s
What are some of the best trucking movies?
This is a broad question, so we'll give you a few different options depending on what you're looking for:
- For action and laughs: Smokey and the Bandit (1977) is a classic choice. It's got Burt Reynolds, fast cars, and a whole lot of fun.
- For a bit of drama and a look at trucker solidarity: Convoy (1978) is a good pick. It's based on the C.W. McCall song and shows truckers uniting against unfair treatment.
- For a thriller with a touch of horror: Duel (1971) is a great option. It's a suspenseful movie about a man being chased by a mysterious truck driver.
What are the best truck driving movies right now?
One decent movie that came out recently is The Ice Road (2021). This action film stars Liam Neeson as an ice road trucker who has to transport essential equipment across dangerous terrain.
What are the best trucker movies on Netflix?
- Paradise Highway (2022): A movie about a truck driver who must protect a teenage girl while on the run from the FBI. She's trying to save her brother's life who is incarcerated.
- Buddy Thunderstruck (2017): A kids' movie about a truck-racing dog who brings fun to the town of Greasepit.
What are some best trucking movies of all time?
We’re going to have to go with Breaker! Breaker! because it features over-the-top, no-holds-barred action sequences with Chuck Norris. The movie is all wrapped up in a cheesy, fun, and campy trucker plot that doesn't take itself too seriously. This makes it a great guilty pleasure watch. Despite its flaws in acting and plot, it delivers on pure, unadulterated entertainment value.
Smokey and the Bandit deserves to be here as well. This movie may be the first one that comes to mind when thinking about trucker flicks. With its fun action, silly humor and loveable characters, it’s a solid choice for best of all time.
What are the best trucking movies on Netflix?
- Overhaul (2023): This action movie is quickly paced, and tells the story of a truck racer who becomes the driver for a gang of thieves.
- The Ice Road is also on Netflix and is fun to watch, with action-favorite Liam Neeson leading the charge to save some trapped miners.
