Throughout the years, trucking has made an impact on all forms of media, from music to podcasts to movies. Here are our top ten favorite trucker movies.
Any trucker that has had an anger inducing CB Radio conversation with a “comedian” can at least sympathize with Rusty Nail’s plight for revenge, even if we have to disagree with his methods! This movie stars Paul Walker and Steve Zahn and was co-produced by JJ Abrams.
Few things are more American than trucking and Chuck Norris, and director Don Hulette decided to combine both of them into what can be considered one of the “manliest” films ever made. We would not go so far as to say it is a masterpiece in cinema that will change your worldview and question all you know, but it is certainly a fun watch despite being a 4.4/10 on IMDB.
If there were one person who could be considered more American than Chuck Norris, it would be a safe bet to put it on Clint Eastwood. After starring as western heroes and the anti-hero Dirty Harry, Eastwood decided to appear in a comedy film involving trucking across the southwestern United States with an unlikely crew that includes an orangutan.
As we said with Breaker! Breaker!, some films are not thought-provoking and instead are about living in the moment of the film. Maximum Overdrive is probably the epitome of this idea. Trucks come to life by way of a space comet! Just watch the trailer to get an understanding of why we like it so much.
This is the first full-length film directed by Steven Speilberg, who went to work on such obscure movie titles as Back to the Future, E.T., and Jurassic Park. It is the classic story of man versus machine, with the machine being a multi-ton tanker truck whose driver has an affinity for destruction. The villain is relatable in the same way as Joy Ride, in that while we do not condone the actions of the truck driver, we understand just how agitating four-wheel drivers can be.
Patrick Sawyze stars in this film about a trucker’s dilemma of hauling weapons illegally in order to save his family. It being a thriller, you can expect a lot of awesome stunt work as the professional drivers handle the Mack truck.
This movie speaks to us about the work ethic of being a trucker. In it, a truck driver tries to make things right by the company his father drove for when it becomes a shell of its former self. The film does show its age, however, as cabovers that are almost never seen on U.S. roads today are prevalent throughout the film.
Perhaps the best example of a “turn your mind off and watch” movie, Big Trouble in Little China is about a truck driver who has to deal Chinese warriors and wizards, when he really does not care and just wants to get back on the road in his truck. The movie is also home to a scene where a man’s head expands to massive proportions, which has become something of an internet meme.
Making a movie out of a book is one thing, but a song? The film stars Kris Kristofferson as Martin Penwald, also known as the notable “Rubber Duck”, as truckers form a convoy in protest of an abusive sheriff. You know how the song goes.
While Smokey and the Bandit is our favorite trucking movie of all time, it does not take a truck driver to appreciate the genius that is Smokey and the Bandit. The action comedy film is an adventure from start to finish and Burt Reynolds, Jackie Gleason, Sally Field, and Jerry Reed all work well together as a cast. Fun fact, this movie was the second highest grossing film of 1977, behind only the original Star Wars.
With dozens if not hundreds of trucker movies, there are sure to be some that we missed. Which films do you believe deserve a spot in every trucker’s collection? Let us know in the comments below.
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