Alright my long haulers and CB-radio callers, it’s time to get out the popcorn and soda and settle down for some stellar movies. As much as we hate to admit, trucking can get pretty monotonous on the road. That’s why popping in a DVD or tuning into Netflix at the next rest stop is a perfect way to pass the time. There’s no shortage of films starring big rigs, so we’ve picked out a few for your viewing pleasure. Here’s our list of some of the best trucking movies ever made!
8 Best Trucking Movies You Need to See
1. Joy Ride
The first up on the list is Joy Ride. This thriller features a young Paul Walker (R.I.P.) and Steve Zahn taking a cross-country road trip. Roger Ebert described it as “a first-rate pure thriller, an exercise that depends on believable characters and the director’s skill in putting the pieces together.” This movie is the perfect combination of buddy-joyride and white-knuckle thriller.
2. Big Rig
The second movie on our list is actually a documentary. This documentary follows the lives of various long haulers. Filmmaker Doug Pray joins a handful of truckers as they make their daily commute. His interviews with the truckers during their trips are candid and give a glimpse inside the trucker lifestyle. This is a perfect film that really helps those outside of the trucking industry to understand what life is like on the road.
3. Maximum Overdrive
As a huge Stephen King fan, this one is my personal favorite out of the best trucking movies. What’s more entertaining than watching lawn mowers, big rigs, and other motorized vehicles attempting to mow down every last earth inhabitant? Emilio Estevez plays a great protagonist and this is a great film not only for the absurd laughs, but for the action and adventure as well.
4. Smokey and the Bandit
This one is a classic! Two southern truckers stumble across a runaway bride and calamity ensues. This classic, featuring Burt Reynolds, became the second highest grossing film of the year at the time. In fact, it paved the way for numerous other trucking films.
5. Breaker! Breaker!
This is another classic. If round-house kicks and cheesy catchphrases are more your thing, this film is perfect for you. There’s nothing better than an in-his-prime Chuck Norris as a trucker handing out punishment as he searches for his trucker brother. If you actually haven’t seen this film yet, expect a lot of big rigs, beer, and beat downs.
6. Convoy
This movie was actually voted the number one trucking movie by many in the community. In fact, Convoy is still talked about as the most accurate portrayal of the trucking community. Starring Kris Kristofferson, the film follows a convoy of truckers that rebel against “The Man” and shows off loyalty that is prevalent throughout the big rig community. The film was inspired by the popular C.W. McCall tune with the same title.
7. Cars
Okay so maybe this one doesn’t have Chuck Norris or Burt Reynolds. Instead Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy star in a family-friendly movie perfect for spending time with the kiddos at home. There is also a sequel to this film, so why not have a double feature?
8. Black Dog
This late ’90s thriller features yet another great actor who was taken from us too soon. Patrick Swayze plays a trucker and ex-con that becomes blackmailed into smuggling illegal weapons. Guns blazing and rubber burning, Swayze carves a violent path down the east coast.
These are just a handful of the best trucking movies that you could watch to pass time on the road. However, we want to hear what else you’re watching! What’s your favorite movie to watch while on the road?
March 31, 2020
Smokey and the bandit has my vote! Classic!
March 31, 2020
Smokey and the bandit has my vote! Great movie for the ages.
February 21, 2021
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