Cars have played a major role in movies for decades. Often times, a car becomes just as iconic as the actors themselves. From James Bond’s Aston Martin to the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future, cars are an integral part of cinematic history.
Some of the most recognizable cars in film have transcended the big screen and become cultural phenomena. The cars themselves elicit memories of specific movies or characters. Seeing one of these iconic movie cars immediately conjures images of memorable scenes, daring chases, or quotable one-liners.
But what is definitively the most iconic car from a movie? There are certainly many contenders for this title. To determine which movie car stands above the rest, we need to look at numerous factors:
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Key Criteria for an Iconic Movie Car
– Appearance – Is the car visually distinctive? Does it have a unique design that makes it stand out?
– Character Association – Is the car strongly linked to a specific character or hero?
– Memorable Scenes – Does the car feature prominently in any classic, highly memorable scenes?
– Cultural Impact – Has the car made an lasting impact on broader culture beyond just the movie?
– Signature Features – Does the car have any trademark attributes like sounds, gadgets, or abilities?
By weighing all of these factors, we can single out the movie cars that rise to the top as the most iconic. Even among elite company, a few vehicles stand out for their tremendous cultural influence and indelible association with specific movie heroes and franchises.
The Most Iconic Movie Cars
After careful consideration, these are the 5 cars that have the strongest case for being called the most iconic car from a movie:
1. DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
The DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future is likely the most iconic movie car of all time. The uniquely designed DeLorean is integral to the Back to the Future franchise, appearing in all 3 films. With its trademark gull-wing doors and flux capacitor, the modified DeLorean transports Marty McFly both backwards and forwards through time. The car features in some of the most memorable scenes in the trilogy, highlighted by the climactic temporal drag race in Back to the Future Part III.
Beyond the films, the Back to the Future DeLorean has made an enormous cultural impact. The car is recognized globally as the quintessential time machine. Fans have even built functional replicas of the movie’s time travel-enabling version. The DeLorean is a key part of Back to the Future’s legacy as one of the greatest movie franchises in history. No other car is more identifiable with a specific movie character and universe than the DeLorean time machine is with Back to the Future.
2. Aston Martin DB5 – James Bond franchise
James Bond is inextricably linked with Aston Martin, specifically the vintage DB5 model featured in multiple 007 films. While other Bond cars like the Lotus Esprit (The Spy Who Loved Me) and BMW Z3 (GoldenEye) are certainly iconic, the DB5 clearly stands above them all.
The elegant-but-lethal silver DB5 first appeared in 1964’s Goldfinger, outfitted with machine guns, tire slashers, bullet shield, oil slick dispenser, smoke screen, and other gadgetry befitting Bond’s mission. The star power of the DB5 was so great that Aston Martin brought it back for a scene-stealing cameo in 2012’s Skyfall, cementing its status as 007’s most legendary ride. Beyond the movies, the DB5 has featured prominently in Bond video games, novels, and memorabilia for decades.
With its jet-set pedigree and array of spy gadgets, the DB5 embodies the essence of James Bond just as much as a shaken Martini and Walter PPK. Its enduring connection to the most famous film spy in history makes the Aston Martin DB5 an easy pick for 2nd most iconic movie car ever.
3. 1968 Ford Mustang GT – Bullitt
The Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in Bullitt arguably boasts the most famous car chase in cinema history. The 10-minute nail-biting pursuit through the streets of San Francisco represents the pinnacle of Hollywood car stunt work. Full of jaw-dropping maneuvers performed at high speed, the Bullitt chase scene forever cemented McQueen’s Mustang GT as the “King of Cool”.
Along with its unforgettable chase scene, the dark green Fastback also projects an effortlessly cool aesthetic that syncs perfectly with McQueen’s on-screen persona. The Mustang received minimal cosmetic modifications for the film, allowing its elegant body lines and aggressive stance to shine. The roar of the car’s 390-cubic inch V8 also stirs driver excitement.
Overall, the 1968 Mustang GT’s starring role in Bullitt makes it a top tier iconic movie car. No chase scene has ever matched Bullitt for pure tire-squealing splendor.
4. 1955 Chevrolet 150 – American Graffiti
The 1955 Chevy 150 convertible that Curt Henderson cruises around in during American Graffiti represents a more innocent time in American history. With its classic lines and flawless blue paint job, the ’55 Chevy epitomizes the cruiser culture of early 1960’s California car culture.
Serving as Curt’s ride as he and friends cruise the main drag of their hometown one final time before leaving for college, the Chevy 150 transports viewers back to a bygone era of rock n’ roll, drive-ins, and carefree weekends spent behind the wheel. The nostalgic magnetism of that era lives on through the beautiful ’55 Chevy.
Beyond the nostalgia, the car also features prominently during one of American Graffiti’s most memorable scenes – the drag race against Harrison Ford’s hot rod. In a film full of compelling cars, the ’55 Chevy 150 owned by Curt Henderson earns its reputation as an iconic movie car.
5. 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 – Back to the Future
Yes, the Back to the Future DeLorean shows up twice on this list – a testament to its supreme standing in movie car lore. While Doc Brown’s time machine version cranks the DeLorean’s iconic status to another level, the standard DMC-12 driven by Marty McFly throughout the trilogy is itself an all-time iconic movie car.
With its sleek, stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, the DeLorean provides Back to the Future with a uniquely futuristic look and feel. Though the DMC-12 was produced for only a couple of years in the early 80s, it remains forever timeless thanks to its starring role in such a beloved film trilogy. When movie fans see a DeLorean on the road today, it immediately conjures images of time traveling hijinks rather than thoughts of the short-lived automaker John DeLorean.
Beyond appearing throughout the Back to the Future movies, the unmodified DeLorean also enables crucial plot points due to its unique design. Its gull-wing doors and cramped interior limit Marty’s escapes and movements, ramping up the action. And Doc Brown first gains inspiration to make a time machine after falling over while hanging a clock in the DeLorean’s open door.
In many ways, the DeLorean was the perfect car for the Back to the Future movies. Its futuristic look aligns with the films’ underlying theme of time travel and advancing technology. And the DMC-12’s distinctive appearance and limited production run make it a memorable signature car for the franchise. Two different DeLoreans from the same trilogy reaching iconic movie car status is a feat unmatched by any other vehicle.
Other Notable Iconic Movie Cars
Along with the top 5, here are some other very famous movie cars that fall just short of full iconic status:
– 1984 Toyota SR5 Truck – Back to the Future
– 1977 Pontiac Trans Am – Smokey and the Bandit
– 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback – Bullitt
– 1981 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Futura Duplex Hearse – Ghostbusters
– 1975 Ford Gran Torino – Starsky and Hutch
– 1958 Plymouth Fury – Christine
– 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T – Vanishing Point
– 1969 Dodge Charger – The Fast and the Furious franchise
– 1981 Knight Industries Two Thousand (KITT) – Knight Rider
Qualities of an Iconic Movie Car
Reviewing the top iconic movie cars reveals many shared traits that elevate ordinary vehicles to elite iconic status:
Unique Styling
Cars like the DeLorean DMC-12 and Aston Martin DB5 pop off the screen due to their unique designs. A memorable paint job also provides distinction, like the Highland Green of the 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback from Bullitt.
Association with Character
The car becomes an extension of the main character’s identity. James Bond’s unflappable cool flows through his Aston Martin DB5. And Doc Brown’s wild scientific genius manifests itself in the DeLorean time machine.
Crucial Role in Famous Scenes
Iconic cars feature prominently during a film’s peak moments. The Bullitt Mustang’s 5 minute chase scene represents the pinnacle of car stunt work on film.
Impact Beyond the Movie
Cars like the Back to the Future DeLorean transcend cinema and bleed into broader pop culture. Their recognizability extends beyond just movie fans.
Memorable Sounds and Abilities
From the blaring horns of the the Ecto-1 siren to the rocket thruster and other spy gadgets loaded into 007’s DB5, signature sounds and functions boost a car’s iconic status.
Conclusion
Determining cinema’s most iconic car requires weighing numerous factors like appearance, cultural impact, and role in key scenes. By these measures, the DeLorean DMC-12 time machine from Back to the Future emerges as the overall winner due to its unparalleled place in movie history. The Aston Martin DB5 earns runner-up status as James Bond’s steadfast vehicle companion for decades.
Other worthy iconic cars like the 1968 Ford Mustang GT from Bullitt and 1955 Chevy 150 from American Graffiti provide their respective films with the perfect set of wheels to complement the storyline and characters. And who could imagine Ghostbusters without the Ecto-1 or Smokey and the Bandit minus the Pontiac Trans Am?
While many cars light up the silver screen, only a select few achieve true iconic movie status. These vehicles earn a permanent place in cinema lore and popular culture. Their recognition transcends generations and origins. Even casual movie fans can instantly spot these iconic cars and recall some of their greatest scenes. Through their immortal roles on screen, these iconic vehicles will forever be associated with the films that made them famous across the globe.
