Celebrating National Movie Day with Movies That Feature Great Stunt Car Driving and Getaway Scenes

Jan 19, 2022

We’re celebrating National Movie Day with some of our favourite movies about cars that you can stream or rent right now! So grab a big ol’ bowl of popcorn and add these exciting flicks to your queue.

But first, here’s some super fun facts about Stunt Car Drivers in Hollywood:

Salary for a stunt car driver ranges wildly from a mere $10,000 all the way to a whopping $250,000+, but the average salary usually falls somewhere between $45,000 and $115,000.
Most stunts are performed in a controlled environment, thanks to cooperation with location authorities. Professional filmmaking ventures will arrange with city officials to shut down roadways, bridges, or highways in order to film.
Nearly all vehicles used in motion picture stunts are modified with heavy reinforcements to the car’s frame to avoid crumpling or damage upon impact, and prevent death or injury to the stunt driver. Many of them include a roll cage as well as using heavier steel construction. Other modifications include overriding the car’s inherent safety features such as driver assist, traction control, and other computerized correction precautions. In addition, the drivers are outfitted with safety suits and helmets in case of collision or other mishaps.
Many stunt cars, such as the ones in the Fast and Furious Franchise have been modified to fit camera rigs in the rear or front of the vehicle to provide a birds-eye view of the action, and to help with in-cabin shots of the stars for added realism. Other cars, such as the ones used in Mad Max: Fury Road, are outfitted with crane rigs which hold a steady-cam that gives them a 360 degree view of all the action as the cars are in motion. Before technological advancements which allowed for this modification, camera crews and directors often followed the action by motorcycle or adjacent car riding alongside!

Check out our picks for great movies about the automotive industry and featuring some of the best stunt driving in Hollywood!

Getaway

Starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez

Streaming on: Hulu, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play and Youtube.

Retired race car driver Brent Magna is now racing against the clock to save his wife, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious, nefarious criminal. Brent is forced to drive all around the city by this faceless villain as the criminal directs him to each destination via phone. This movie features an impressive lack of CGI, relying entirely on practical effects and performance stunt driving skills. Although the plot leaves a little something to be desired, it’s filled to the brim with top tier action and escapism.

Watch the Trailer here:

The French Connection

Starring Gene Hackman

Streaming on Hulu, AppleTV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and GooglePlay

Considered to be a classic entry in cinematic history, this story follows New York City narcotics detective “Popeye” Doyle as he and his officer partner attempt to take down an international crime ring. Together they chase down a drug smuggler importing Heroin from overseas into the US.

Watch the trailer here:

American Factory

A Documentary

Streaming on Netflix.

This Oscar-winning documentary covers the day to day operations, successes, and setbacks of a new factory opened in the shell of a once-defunct General Motors Factory after its purchase by a Chinese billionaire and businessman. An in depth look at the growing technology industry and the working-class individuals who power the movement. Portions of this presentation are in English and Chinese with subtitles.

Watch the trailer here:

Gran Torino

Starring Clint Eastwood

Streaming on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, Google Play, Youtube, Vudu

Korean War Veteran and Retired Automotive Worker Walt Kowalski spends most of his days as a bigoted recluse, but things begin to change after he stands up to a street gang on behalf of a local teenager who attempts to steal his car. Kowalski is forced to examine his perspectives and begins to understand they may have more in common than he realizes in this heartfelt drama.

Watch The Trailer:

Drive

Starring Ryan Gosling

Streaming on: Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Youtube, AppleTV, Google Play

Gosling stars as a man who is a Hollywood stunt car driver by day, and a getaway driver for hire at night for some of the city’s most nefarious criminals. Although he has steadfast rules against participating in the activities of his clients, circumstances get the best of him and he gets a little in over his head in this intense drama/thriller.

Watch The Trailer: