While auto chases usually get all the recognition, there's a long, storied tradition of standout cinematic scenes that take place in automobiles. Hectically breakneck, casually absurd, or touchingly poignant, these moments recognize car interiors as a confined setting ideally suited for humor, suspense, philosophical debate, action, and symbolism about its passengers advancing to or retreating from stations in life.
On the Waterfront (1954)
The finest scene ever set in a car, On the Waterfront's wrenching conversation between Marlon Brando's ex-fighter and his brother (Rod Steiger) is one for the ages. "You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody. Instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it. It was you, Charley."
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film boasts two great scenes between John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in a car, the first featuring Travolta's famous "Royale with Cheese" speech, and the even better second one — presented here — in which a debate about God is interrupted by an accidental gunshot.
Wayne's World (1992)
The defining scene of Mike Myers and Dana Carvey's SNL-inspired comedy, it's the most absurdly joyous car-ride sing-along in movie history.
The Shining (1980)
A family drive of portentous malevolence, this early scene from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining sets a suitably menacing mood via an ominous conversation about the Donner party.
Cool Hand Luke (1967)
The quietly melancholic end of Cool Hand Luke celebrates its "natural-born world-shaker" of a protagonist with a montage of smiles that's preceded by the unforgettable sight of Paul Newman's protagonist laying his head back on a car seat and happily succumbing to his fate.
Up in Smoke (1978)
Of Cheech and Chong's many amusing car rides, none is funnier than this classic from Up in Smoke that finds the duo shooting the breeze while sharing a joint of epic proportions.
I Saw the Devil (2010)
As in Texas Chainsaw, this NSFW scene from Korean director Kim Ji-woon's ultra-violent revenge saga illustrates why it's never a good idea to pick up a hitchhiker.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
If drivers should be wary of picking up hitchhikers, Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas proves — via the plight of Tobey Maguire's hitcher, stuck in a car with Johnny Depp and Benicio Del Toro's hallucinating drugged-out lunatics — that sometimes, it's the drivers themselves who should be most feared.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Trapped living the same day over and over again, Bill Murray decides to take a joy ride with Punxsutawney Phil — whom he lets drive, no less — in this loopy clip from the peerless Groundhog Day.
Se7en (1995)
The build-up to Se7en's climax finds Kevin Spacey's captured serial killer affecting an unsettlingly calm demeanor as he justifies his homicidal actions, and plays mind games with Brad Pitt's detective, on the drive out to their fateful final confrontation.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Steven Spielberg creates unbearable suspense in this Jurassic Park confrontation between kids and dinosaurs, in which a shaking cup of water spells imminent T-Rex terror.
Let Me In (2010)
As with Children of Men, a scene of vehicular mayhem made all the more nerve-wracking by the fact that the camera remains, for the entirety of its single take, situated within the car.
Crash (1996)
David Cronenberg's underappreciated auto-erotica saga — about a group of people turned on by car crashes — is overflowing with scenes of violent vehicular carnality, highlighted by this steamy backseat make-out session between Holly Hunter and Rosanna Arquette.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
A comedy full of outrageous car chases, The Blues Brothers also situates much of its humor inside the duo's Bluesmobile, including this fantastic bridge-jump, which is punctuated by John Belushi's droll one-liner.
National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
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Essentially, half the movie is in a car.
Say Anything... (1989)
Perhaps the most romantic car hook-up ever, scored to Peter Gabriel's beloved '80s ballad "In Your Eyes."
The Long Good Friday (1980)
The climax to John Mackenzie's superb 1980 crime saga The Long Good Friday is made memorably taut by the mixture of silent shock, fury, and resignation that passes across Bob Hoskins's face.
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
A road trip with Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks serves as the prologue of Twilight Zone: The Movie, providing a "Midnight Special" sing-along, a game of TV theme song trivia, and talk about the Rod Serling series upon which the film is based, all of it concluding with a pitch-perfect "Wanna see something really scary?" punchline.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
A brief moment of pent-up passion finally unleashed, this exhilarating scene from Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides makes perfect use of Heart's suitably hot-blooded "Crazy on You."
Gun Crazy (1950)
Joseph H. Lewis's seminal film noir about bank-robbing lovers on the run is highlighted by this amazing single take set in the back of the duo's car as they pull off a broad-daylight heist.
Any Which Way You Can (1980)
Don't mess with a man and his orangutan, especially if he's making a right turn.
Repo Man (1984)
Further confirmation that every movie is infinitely improved by Harry Dean Stanton.
