Buzz
Over the years, sci-fi films have offered audiences thrilling experiences, chilling scenes, and glimpses into advanced technologies, alongside cautionary tales about humanity's potential future. Among these elements, futuristic cars have always stood out. Films like Mad Max and Back to the Future have centered their narratives around these incredible vehicles. Writers and filmmakers have pushed creative boundaries, designing cars that can fly, time-travel, shoot flames, or reach supersonic speeds. Below is a curated list of 10 remarkable cars from beloved sci-fi movies.
10. Green Goblin Truck (Maximum Overdrive, 1986)
The 1986 film Maximum Overdrive is perhaps best remembered for its terrifying Green Goblin truck, featuring the villain's giant head on its grill. This “Happy Toyz” delivery truck is one of many vehicles that mysteriously come to life with murderous intent, targeting humans. Emilio Estevez leads a group of survivors in a battle against these killer machines. Directed by Stephen King and based on his short story, the movie is widely regarded as a flawed sci-fi entry. However, the Green Goblin truck remains an unforgettable symbol of the film's chaotic, vehicle-driven carnage.
9. Mach 5 (Speed Racer, 2008)
Speed Racer transcends its 2008 film adaptation, originating as a comic book series and a Japanese anime titled Mach Go! Go! Go!. The franchise boasts a global fanbase, captivated by the story of a young racer named Speed Racer who dreams of becoming a world champion. With the support of his family and his advanced car, the Mach 5, Speed navigates the high-stakes world of racing. The iconic red-and-white Mach 5, equipped with cutting-edge features like rotary saws, bulletproof glass, and a homing device, is instantly recognizable, even to those unfamiliar with the series. Futuristic racing, as depicted here, is anything but safe.
8. Eagle Five Winnebago (Spaceballs, 1987)
Spaceballs stands as the ultimate parody of
7. Light Runner (Tron: Legacy, 2010)
The 2010 sequel Tron: Legacy continues the original film’s legacy of showcasing futuristic vehicles, including the iconic Light Cycles, CyberDrones, and a sleek aircraft. Among these, the Light Runner stands out as a stunning race car with massive, monster-truck-like wheels. True to the Tron aesthetic, the Light Runner dazzles with glowing light effects and races at breathtaking speeds. While the film features many impressive vehicles, the Light Runner is undoubtedly one of the best, solidifying its place as the top car in the Tron universe. Fans eagerly hope to see it return in future installments.
6. M577 Armored Personnel Carrier (Aliens, 1986)
James Cameron’s 1986 film Aliens showcases an array of futuristic military vehicles and weapons, including the iconic M41A Pulse Rifles, which combine a grenade launcher, flamethrower, and machine gun into one formidable weapon. However, one of the most thrilling moments involves the M577 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), used by the Colonial Marines to evade a Xenomorph ambush. Sigourney Weaver’s character, Ripley, takes the wheel, driving the APC at high speed to save the team. The APC’s realistic design makes it believable as a futuristic military vehicle, and its influence reportedly extended to real-life U.S. military designs for lightweight APCs.
5. Ford Crown Victoria (Men In Black, 1997)
The 1997 film Men In Black, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as Agents Kay and Jay, is a perfect blend of humor and sci-fi. The duo’s unassuming 1987 Ford Crown Victoria becomes extraordinary with the press of a button, revealing rear-exhaust thrusters that propel the car at incredible speeds. This choice of vehicle perfectly matches the film’s tone, as nothing else would suit the covert, tongue-in-cheek nature of the Men In Black better than a sleek, black Crown Victoria.
4. Ecto-1 Hearse (Ghostbusters, 1984)
The Ecto-1 Hearse, driven by the Ghostbusters, is one of the most iconic symbols of the classic film, as recognizable as their Proton Packs. Originally a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Hearse, the vehicle was transformed with flashing lights, sirens, and an enhanced radio system for the movie. Dan Aykroyd, who co-wrote the script and starred in the film, suggested using a hearse, believing its history of transporting the dead aligned with the movie’s dark humor and ghostly themes. The Ecto-1’s modifications, combined with its unforgettable presence racing through New York City, have cemented it as a defining image in sci-fi cinema.
3. Pursuit Special (Mad Max, 1979)
The Mad Max franchise, spanning four films from 1979’s original to the 2015 reboot Mad Max: Fury Road, is renowned for its array of futuristic vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Among these, the Pursuit Special police car stands out, driven by Max in the 1979 film and its 1982 sequel, The Road Warrior. This rugged, relentless vehicle mirrors Max’s own toughness, aiding him in his battles against post-apocalyptic gangs. Whether chasing or fleeing, the Pursuit Special is as integral to the story as Max himself.
2. Police Spinner (Blade Runner, 1982)
Ridley Scott’s 1982 masterpiece Blade Runner presents a futuristic Los Angeles that remains visually stunning decades later. Central to its world-building are the flying cars, particularly the Police Spinner driven by Harrison Ford’s character, Rick Deckard. The Spinner, capable of driving on land, taking off vertically, hovering, and flying via jet propulsion, is arguably the greatest flying car in sci-fi history. Its design has inspired countless replicas in films like The Fifth Element and the Star Wars prequels, solidifying its legacy in cinematic history.
1. DeLorean DMC-12 (Back to the Future, 1985)
The DeLorean DMC-12 time machine from 1985’s Back to the Future and its sequels is undoubtedly the most iconic sci-fi car of all time. As integral to the story as Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), the DeLorean, powered by its Flux Capacitor, has become a global symbol of cinematic innovation. Today, it’s a star at comic and sci-fi conventions, where fans eagerly pay to take photos inside it. The car’s popularity has led to countless replicas, with enthusiasts restoring old DeLoreans to mimic the time machine. Despite the original car’s lukewarm reception due to its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, and the DeLorean Motor Company’s 1982 bankruptcy, Back to the Future immortalized both the car and the brand, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
