What are the most iconic cars from film and television? We’ve compiled a list, trying to put aside our own preferences (for muscle cars of course!) and instead focusing on the cars that we think are absolutely the most famous and most recognizable to just about anyone.
DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future
The most recognized and distinctive car associated with a single film is quite obvious. It definitely goes to the DeLorean DMC-12. We probably don’t even need to mention Back to the Future and most people, even those who know nothing about cars, will know the type of car.
James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5
The epitome of cool, as seen in Goldfinger, Thunderball, The Cannonball Run, Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale. Definitely part of James Bond lore and a true film icon.
Milner’s 1932 Ford Deuce Coupe from American Graffiti
The most famous hot rod, and one of the most all around cool cars from a cool film.
The 1969 Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazzard
The good old "General Lee"!
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a customized Paragon Panther
A car worthy of its own film and its own catchy song. And just as a reminder, this is not a Disney film!
The Bluesmobile, aka the 1974 Dodge Monaco with police package
An iconic car in an iconic car chase.
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am from Knight Rider
Do you remember "Knight Rider"? Kitt is definitely a beloved car to anyone who watched television in the 80s.
Greased Lightning, a 1948 Ford De Luxe
Another car with its own memorable, dirty song.
Herbie, The Love Bug, a 1963 Model 117 Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle)
The 1968 popularity of Disney’s The Love Bug played a role in the Beetle craze in the 1960s.
The 2001 Jaguar XK8 convertible from Austin Powers in Goldmember
The image of Austin Powers in his Union Jack painted Jag is definitely etched in our minds.
Bumblebee, the 1977/2009 Chevrolet Camaro from Transformers
Previously, Bumble Bee was a a Volkswaken Beetle. We liked Bumble Bee as a 1977 Camaro. Here, we see him transform into a 2009 Camaro instead.
Louise’s 1966 Ford Thunderbird in Thelma & Louise
Who can forget the famous end scene of Thelma & Louise? Even if you haven’t seen the film, you probably know the ending.
The 1973 Ford Gran Torino from The Big Lebowski
Just as this has become a cult film, it’s a bit of a cult car.
There are so many other cars that we would have liked to include, but we really settled on the cars we felt are the very most famous and recognizable. What cars would you want to see added to a longer list?