4 Coolest Trucker Movies of All Time

Given the country’s fascination for big trucks, speed, and action, it is no wonder that the genre of truck movies has been well received over the past decades. From the early gangsters of the 1940’s to the renegades of the 70’s to the cool animation of the 21st century, truck movies have evolved with time.

Narrowing down the coolest truck movies of all time can be quite difficult. To do so, we have selected a set of parameters to round up only the best. Our criteria in choosing our top four include the film’s box office success, unique story plot, lasting appeal and the overall positive effect they have had over their audiences across different generations.

1.    Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

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Perhaps one of director John Carpenter’s most acclaimed and popular films of all time, Big Trouble in Little China is a certified box office hit that helped place Kurt Russell on the Hollywood radar. Big Trouble in Little China is a fast paced, action packed film that is imaginatively and brilliantly created. In the movie, Kurt Russell takes on the role of Jack Burton, a truck driver who gets involved in a series of conflicting events in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Trouble begins when a Chinese crime lord kidnaps the fiancée of Jack’s best friend and all hell breaks loose as Jack attempts to save the day. Filled with the mysticism of the Chinese culture and the thirst for high powered action scenes of American films, Big Trouble in Little China is one of the most unforgettable truck movies of all time.

2.    Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

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No list of cool truck movies could ever be complete without Smokey and the Bandit. By successfully combining the elements of high octane action and irreverent comedy, Smokey and the Bandit has inspired a rabid following as well as spurred a number of wanna-be’s including The Dukes of Hazzard and Cannonball Run. Smokey and the Bandit is regarded as one of the most successful truck movies in Hollywood as proven by the fact that the film alone helped General Motors increase awareness of their Firebird model with the film’s release and popularity.

The story centers on a truck driver named Bandit played by Burt Reynolds who, on a bet, agrees to transport a truckload of beer in 28 hours but ends up on the run from the law, in the form of the sheriff, Smoky, who attempts to thwart him.

3.    Cars (2006)

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Don’t let the title fool you as this movie is about trucks just as much as it is about cars. In fact, this animated film showcases a whole variety of trucks, from tractors to tow trucks and tons in between. Cars is also one of the most successful animated films of the recent generation, prompting Pixar and Disney to make a sequel, Cars 2, which was also well received by audiences all over the globe. Cars narrates the story of Lightning McQueen and his journey towards self-discovery.

4.    Over the Top (1987)

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Anyone who has lived through the 80’s has to have watched Over the Top. Not just because it stars Sylvester Stallone, but because it combines two of men’s great fascinations: trucks and arm wrestling.

In the story, Stallone plays a father who will stop at nothing to win back his son. A truck driver by profession, Stallone ventures into the world of arm wrestling in order to gain enough money to rebuild his life.

Man we love these movies, but, of course, we are a little biased at TruckertoTrucker.com. If you love the open road and are looking for trucks for sale in Florida, then stop on by and say hello. We know the best Arrow Tampa trucker dealers, and can help you get a great deal.